Author: Alysse Bryson

Five years ago, in the thick of a global pandemic and armed with a lifestyle-focused media background, long-term sobriety, and a vision for something I couldn’t quite find anywhere else online, I launched The Sober Curator. It wasn’t a business plan — it was a calling. I was looking for a digital space that could show me (and others) where the joy was in sober living. Something smart. Something stylish. Something curated. A media hub for the sober lifestyle. And when I couldn’t find it, I decided to create it. Today, five years and over 2,200 articles later, I am…

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (July 28, 2025) — Musikfest just got a little more inclusive. For the first time in its 41-year history, the iconic 10-day celebration in Bethlehem will feature SoberPlatz, a brand-new alcohol-free zone designed for connection, community and pure music-loving joy—no buzz required. Presented by Sync Recovery and supported by ArtsQuest and the Northampton County Council, SoberPlatz provides a safe, welcoming oasis for anyone who wants to enjoy the music, the people and the energy—without the alcohol. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, in recovery, or simply looking for a judgment-free zone to catch your breath, you’re invited to drop in…

Welcome to East Texas, y’all — where the bullets fly faster than the gossip, and martinis are practically a love language. The Hunting Wives serves up a Southern-fried mess of obsession, seduction, and murder, all garnished with enough red-state absurdity to make even the most seasoned Real Housewife blush. If Big Little Lies and Desperate Housewives got blackout drunk on White Claw and stumbled into a shooting range, this would be their love child. Let’s get one thing straight: Sophie O’Neill (played by Brittany Snow, bless her heart) is NOT okay. She’s traded in her city-slicker PR life in Boston…

From white dresses to recovery porn, The Sober Curator podcast team unpacks Amazon’s “The Better Sister”—and the many layers of addiction, family dysfunction, and (not-so-glamorous) Hamptons living behind the perfect façade. Binge-Worthy Drama with a Sobriety Spin In the dynamic, laughter-filled episode 23 of The Sober Curator podcast, co-hosted by Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly (“T Bouj”), the panel dives headfirst into a no-holds-barred review of Amazon Prime’s latest drama thriller, “The Better Sister.” With guests Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, and Amy Liz Harrison, the episode goes far beyond a traditional TV critique, offering a candid look at dysfunctional…

Welcome to your latest dose of sparkle, sass, and sobriety! If you tuned into the July 29th episode of The Sober Curator’s “TJI,” you know Tamar Routly and Alysse Bryson delivered the Buzz Free Bulletin with all the wit and wisdom we’ve come to expect. But if you missed it or just want to relive the magic, grab your fanciest mocktail and let’s dive into the sober scoop! The Headlines—Hot, Sober, and Trending Our intrepid hosts interrupt Dry July to serve up news “like TMZ, but make it sober,” and honestly, this episode might be their snarkiest and most supportive yet!…

Grab your dad, your cousin Ricky, and definitely alert your big brother who still quotes Billy Madison every Thanksgiving—because Happy Gilmore 2 has arrived, and it’s got more baggage than your Aunt Patty at a Vegas bachelorette weekend. After nearly 30 years (yes, THIRTY), Adam Sandler dusts off the hockey skates and oversized temper tantrums to bring back the beloved-but-chaotic Happy Gilmore. But this time, instead of saving grandma’s house, he’s…accidentally murdering his wife with a golf ball? Yeah. That escalated quickly. Happy’s Still Mad—But Now He’s Sad The film opens with a plot twist darker than Shooter McGavin’s spray…

Let’s Get Dialed – But Not Too Late in the Day Okay, friends, gather ‘round the sober bar cart because I just took Dialed Moods for a spin—and I’ve got some thoughts. If you’re the type who lives for a fizzy little moment of focus and a side of productivity sparkle, this one’s going to pique your interest. But word to the wise? Time your sip wisely—or risk turning into a #nightowlonsteroids. The Vibe: Sharp, Tart, and Zero Funky Aftertaste Let’s start with the basics: taste. Overall, Dialed Moods has a tart tang and a little bite—not offensive, but definitely…

This summer, the heart of Manhattan will once again pulse with music, laughter, and raw vulnerability as Sober Songs makes its long-anticipated return to the stage. The original musical—written, composed, and lyrically penned by New York Times bestselling author Michael Levin—begins previews on August 30, with an official opening on September 6 at Theatre Row’s Theatre Three, running through September 28th. 🎶 A Story Told in Melody and Truth At its core, Sober Songs is more than a musical—it’s a mirror held up to the messiness of recovery and the unexpected beauty of connection. Set within the intimate, confessional walls…

I recently turned 50 on a cruise ship off the coast of Alaska, staring down a glacier like the Ice Queen I’ve always known I am. This wasn’t just any cruise. This was the Hooked on Travel Alaskan Cruise setting sail out of Vancouver, BC aboard the Grand Princess Cruises — a floating city of soft-serve, sequins, and sober serenity. So in honor of hitting the Big Five-Oh with glaciers and Golden Girls, here are 50 things I experienced — in no particular order — while sailing north, patch-covered sweatshirt and all. Fun fact: at the end of this list,…

If you love your crime thrillers with a side of recovery realness and a main character who walks the razor’s edge of obsession and redemption, Before She Disappeared is your next must-read. Lisa Gardner introduces us to Frankie Elkin—a flawed, fiercely independent, recovering alcoholic who doesn’t wear a cape but might as well. She’s not a cop, a PI, or a trained investigator. She’s simply a woman in long-term recovery who’s made it her life’s mission to search for the missing people the world has given up on. In this first book of the Frankie Elkin series, she lands in…

Let’s get real for a minute. Sobriety isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a full-contact sport. Whether you’ve got 24 hours or 24 years, there are days when white-knuckling it feels like the only option. And when life starts lifey-ing (as it inevitably does), sometimes what we really need isn’t another lecture, book, or quote—it’s a quirky little sidekick on our desk, a comfort object that says, “Hey, I see you. You’re doing the damn thing.” Because Getting Sober Is Hard. Staying Sober Is Harder. That’s where Emotional Support Crafts + Gifts come in—part practical, part playful, and all heart. Think…

Are you searching for honest, entertaining and thought-provoking sober lifestyle content? Welcome to the Sober Curator Podcast, where each episode offers fresh takes on sobriety as an empowering lifestyle, not just abstaining from alcohol. In episode 22, hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, alongside contributors Dr. Sarah Michaud, Tony Harte, Megan Swan, Amy Liz Harrison and Carolyn Bunn, take a deep dive into Mel Robbins’ widely-discussed book, “The Let Them Theory.” But this isn’t just another book review — it’s an exploration into the philosophies, challenges and realities of setting boundaries in sobriety and life. Why Are We So Drawn…

We interrupt your regularly scheduled Dry July to bring you THIS JUST IN (TJI) on The Sober Curator Podcast: It’s like TMZ, but sober. 🚨 Running on iced lattes, strong boundaries, and zero hangovers, we’re dishing out the freshest headlines, events, and celeb shoutouts from the world of sober pop culture. Brought to you by our fake sponsor of the week: Whine-Free Wine Club™ – where the only thing we pour is our feelings. 🍷🫠 🔥 Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Margo Has Money Troubles: Addiction Fiction at Its FinestRufi Thorpe’s latest literary masterpiece is a chaotic swirl of debt,…

What happens when a groundbreaking play about addiction and recovery closes its curtain in London? If you’re The White Chip, you don’t just fade to black—you build a legacy. Thanks to a powerful collaboration between the production team, the University of Oxford, and the visionary minds behind Performing Recovery, a brand-new website now lives on as a lasting, interactive resource for the sober community (and anyone curious about what life on the other side of alcohol really looks like) long after the last curtain falls. (Which won’t be happening for the London production until mid-August 2025.) 🧠 Explore the Mind…

Let me start by saying: If Ozark and Dawson’s Creek got drunk on expired rosé and decided to raise a lovechild in rehab, The Waterfront would be that baby. And trust me—it’s got all the messy DNA: generational trauma, morally compromised dads, broody daughters with custody issues, and enough alcohol-fueled decisions to fill the bay of Havenport, North Carolina. Inspired by “true events” (aren’t we all?), The Waterfront plops us into the fishy underbelly of a North Carolina empire that’s rotting faster than last week’s catch. The Buckley family is clinging to power like it’s the last box of wine…

From decoding recovery lingo to alcohol-free scent-sations and sober celebrity inspiration, catch up on the week’s top sober headlines, products, and upcoming events—plus how you can join the party (no hangover necessary). Decoding Recovery: The Language of Sobriety If you’ve ever sat in a 12-step meeting and wondered if everyone was speaking a different language, you’re not alone. As Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly joke in their latest episode of The Sober Curator, terms like “dry drunk” and “pink cloud” can sound like inside jokes or cryptic code. Luckily, The Sober Curator team has your back with a newly published Ultimate…

Are you curious about the week ahead? In less than a minute, Daniel G Garza, aka The Card Divo, will tell you what’s in store for the week ahead, according to your Zodiac sign.  Sober Tarot Card Readings for the Week of July 14th 🔮 These are the Horoscopes for the week of July 14, 2025 Please follow, share, comment, and like. See you next week for more horoscopes. I’m Daniel G Garza, The Card Divo #thecarddivo For private sessions, email carddivo@lilmesicanproductions.com

Let’s be honest—few drinks scream “elevated indulgence” like an espresso martini. But for those of us navigating life beyond the booze, recreating that rich, bold, and slightly luxurious vibe can be… tricky. Enter the Spiritless Espresso Martini Pour + Share—a ready-to-pour, zero-proof cocktail that absolutely deserves a permanent spot on your bar cart. ☕️ First Impressions: Bold Meets Balanced This beauty pours like a dream—no shaker, no stirrer, no mixologist skills required. But don’t let the simplicity fool you. From the moment it hits the glass, you’re greeted with a deep coffee aroma that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The flavor…

Your favorite sober scoop is back! THIS JUST IN (TJI), hosted by The Sober Curator’s Alysse Bryson and Tamar “T-Boog” Medford, is the weekly mini-broadcast bringing you the latest in recovery culture, sober entertainment, and clean-living events. Think of it as TMZ’s cooler, calmer cousin—hydrated, hangover-free, and hilarious. 📰 Segment 1: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. 25 Reasons Not to Miss the 2025 A.A. International Convention The streets of Vancouver were filled with over 40,000 sober folks in coral t-shirts trading buttons, flair, and inspiration. This wasn’t just an A.A. convention—it was a massive, joy-filled celebration of recovery that turned…

Do you ever feel like life is just a lot? Like you’re running on a treadmill that only gets faster? If you’ve ever found yourself feeling stuck in your sobriety, or maybe even forgotten why you got sober in the first place, you’re definitely not alone. These moments are part of the journey, and guess what? We have something just for you. In the very promo video we’re sharing with you—we (Alysse and Tamar) opened up about that feeling of overwhelm and inertia. It’s so easy to lose track of your “why” when life keeps speeding up. That’s exactly why we’re…

At The Sober Curator, we’re passionate about curating excellence in sober living—and today, we’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own whose excellence has been recognized on a national stage. Please join us in showering Teresa Bergen with love, applause, and (obviously) confetti-stuffed gratitude! 🎉 Teresa just brought home the Gold Medal for her What a Trip travel column in the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) Western Chapter’s annual writing contest! SATW is the leading organization for travel media in North America, and this honor is a big, sober-friendly deal. ✨ What the Judges Said In awarding Teresa’s column…

From Brad Pitt’s soulful sobriety to the healing chaos of The Bear, and a round-up of the week’s hottest alcohol-free events, here’s your recap of what’s trending in the soberverse. Making Sobriety the Star: TJI’s Buzz-Free Headlines The Sober Curator’s latest episode is a masterclass in what’s cool, clever, and downright exciting about living alcohol-free. Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, our dynamic co-host duo, kicked off Dry July with the kind of sharp wit and sparkling energy that makes sobriety look not just sensible—but truly enviable. Forget tired mainstream gossip: TJI (That Just In) offers “TMZ but with no budget… and…

It’s been 15 years since Eminem dropped Recovery, the raw, soul-baring album that marked a turning point not only in his musical legacy but in his real-life journey toward sobriety. And now, to celebrate the anniversary of this iconic record, Marshall Mathers has launched an exclusive limited-edition merch collection—and trust us, sober stans and streetwear savants alike are going to want to pre-order this one. 💥 The Comeback That Changed Everything Released in 2010, Recovery wasn’t just a commercial hit—it was a personal resurrection. After nearly losing his life to a drug overdose in 2007, Eminem got sober on April…

We’re thrilled to announce that The White Chip, an autobiographical recovery comedy by Sean Daniels—a Sober Curator Contributor—is making its UK premiere this summer in London’s Southwark Playhouse Borough from July 9 to August 16, 2025. This compelling and witty production has taken audiences by storm off-Broadway, and now it’s ready to do the same across the Atlantic. As our UK readership continues to grow, this news couldn’t be more timely. For those navigating sobriety or curious about the complexities of addiction, The White Chip offers a profoundly moving—and surprisingly funny—portrayal of one man’s struggle to get sober and the…

Let’s be real: finding the perfect vacation spot when you’re living that sober life can feel like trying to find a unicorn in a sea of bottomless mimosas. Whether you’re sober-curious, a seasoned traveler in recovery, or simply craving a wellness escape without the pressure of alcohol at every turn—I’ve got you. Recently, The Sober Curator became an affiliate with Tripaneer, a global marketplace that curates retreats focused on yoga, detox, spirituality, and personal growth. I’ve spent some serious screen time combing through their listings to find the ones that align with our sober lifestyle vibes here at The Sober…

Who says coloring books are just for kids? Grab your colored pencils, glitter pens, or those squeaky-clean markers you’ve been saving for a rainy day—because it’s time to unleash your inner child and your inner Zen master. Let’s be real. Adulting is hard. Bills to pay, emails to write, random group texts to ignore (or not!). Sometimes we need a break that doesn’t involve screens or scrolling. Enter: the humble coloring book, a ticket to a stress-free mental vacation, no passport required. And if you’re anything like me, keeping my hands still is a challenge. Why Coloring Isn’t Just Child’s…

Laughter, Recovery, and Sober Shenanigans: Highlights from The Sober Curator’s June 24th weekly episode of THIS JUST IN. From tchotchke showdowns to sober cruises, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly deliver a dose of much-needed lightness and insight for the recovery community. Introduction: Finding Light in Recovery Sobriety is serious business—but, as Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly show in the latest episode of THIS JUST IN on The Sober Curator podcast, that doesn’t mean it has to be somber. With their trademark wit, a sprinkle of pettiness, and a heaping helping of heart, these two hosts invite listeners into a world where…

In recent years, the conversation surrounding sobriety, addiction, and mental health has become more open and essential than ever before. The popular podcast Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard is one platform with many sober celebrity interviews. Known for his candid and empathic interviewing style, Shepard dives deep into the personal lives of his guests, many of whom are public figures who have bravely shared their journeys with sobriety and mental health challenges publicly. If you are part of the sober community, a fan of Armchair Expert, or a mental health advocate, this curated list of episodes is for you. We’ve gathered some…

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy Welcome to Beechwood Island: pristine beaches, champagne brunches, coordinated family outfits, and a thick cloud of generational trauma disguised as New England perfection. Amazon Prime’s YA thriller We Were Liars serves up an intoxicating cocktail of memory, privilege, and the deep wounds we carry—some self-inflicted, others inherited. As I watched this dreamy, yet disorienting tale unfold, I found myself spellbound by the sheer aesthetic of it all. Sun-drenched sailboats, lemon hunts, white linen, and ocean views as far as the eye can see.…

From plant-based vapes to Depeche Mode’s decades-long sobriety, The Sober Curator’s latest episode dishes out the top stories, events, and celebrities redefining recovery with wit, style, and plenty of zero-proof bubbles. The Rise of Plant-Based Vapes: More Placebo than Puff Daddy? This week, The Sober Curator crew, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, dive straight into the world of Ripple Vapes—plant-based, buzz-free alternatives claiming to offer all the spa-like relaxation with none of the substance-based consequences. They describe these vapes as “spa day in your mouth,” but with “zero actual effects, like vibes only. No buzz.” It’s a gentle reminder that…