Author: Alysse Bryson

In this episode, host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly join Sober Curator contributors Amy Liz Harrison and Dr. Sarah Michaud for a thoughtful, spoiler-free review of the Amazon Prime adaptation of the young adult novel “We Were Liars.”  But this conversation is more than a show breakdown. It’s an insightful discussion about addiction, family patterns, the illusions of wealth and the excitement and meaning behind living a sober lifestyle. Whether you’re considering recovery, searching for community or looking for perspectives on intergenerational healing, you’ll find valuable takeaways here. Why “We Were Liars”? Why Now? “We wanted to talk about…

A Spiritual Toolkit for Recovery When I got sober, I wasn’t looking for religion—I was looking for relief. You see, I grew up in a religious home. Both of my grandfathers were Nazarene pastors. I spent my elementary and junior high years in private Christian school. I had a belief system deep in my DNA, but once I started drinking alcoholically and introduced drugs into my system, I could no longer access the spiritual connections that I had with my higher power, whom I choose to call God, the big Guy, or the Boss. The strong connections I experienced as…

Drew Barrymore isn’t just Hollywood royalty — she’s also one of the most relatable sober voices in the spotlight. She’s been open about her recovery for years, and on her daytime talk show, she’s made it her mission to create conversations that are equal parts candid, heartfelt and sometimes laugh-out-loud awkward (in the best way). What makes The Drew Barrymore Show stand out is how often Drew welcomes celebrities who are willing to talk about sobriety, resilience and everything in between. For those of us who live alcohol-free — or are just sober curious — seeing these stories play out…

Put down the clickbait and pick up your non-alcoholic bevie of choice—this is TJI: your weekly dose of sober pop culture. Like Entertainment Tonight, but with fewer scandals and way more sparkling water. And fueled this week by our fake sponsor: Fomo Be Gone—scented with lavender and pure self-worth. Finally, a fragrance that says, “I don’t need your party, Karen.” ???? Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Shuffle: Behind the Curtain on Addiction Treatment – Movie Night with The Sober Curator An unflinching look at the darker corners of the addiction treatment industry. Less Hollywood glam, more raw truth bombs. Think…

All the party, none of the hangover — and honey, the vibes are immaculate. SOBER AF Zero Proof Bottle Shop has officially landed in Tacoma, WA, and it’s not just a store—it’s a whole mood. Tucked away on South Tacoma Way, this gem is redefining what it means to go out without the booze. Whether you’re deep in your sober era or just flirtin’ with a little less alcohol in your life, this place is where fun and flavor collide—with zero judgment and zero proof. ✨ Meet the Maven Behind the Magic: Stephanie Stephanie, the powerhouse founder of SOBER AF,…

The Sober Curator podcast welcomes Sean Daniels — an internationally acclaimed theater director, playwright and executive director of the Recovery Arts Project — who is on a mission to reframe addiction recovery through the transformative power of the arts. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about modern sobriety, the evolution of recovery narratives and how honest storytelling can save lives. Why Sean Daniels? Why the Sober Lifestyle? Sean Daniels isn’t just a theater powerhouse — he’s a living testament to the life-changing force of recovery. As the creative mind behind the off-Broadway and now London play “The White…

Breaking news from the land of lime wedges and mocktails—it’s TJI: serving the headlines straight up, no chaser. Coming up: Depeche Mode detox diaries, a teen songwriter who makes Billie Eilish look like a Girl Scout, and enough sassy one-liners to get you through your next awkward family barbecue. Brought to you by our fake sponsor of the week: Coffee & Resentments Co. — Brewing Bold Flavor since Step 4. We’re serving up headlines, hot takes, and the energy of someone who’s already had three oat milk lattes. ???? Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines 1. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode’s Inspiring…

When filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty set out to document the world of addiction recovery, he didn’t expect to uncover a billion-dollar system built on exploitation. His new award-winning documentary, SHUFFLE, is already being hailed by critics as “inherently shattering and enraging” (Variety), “almost biblical” in its portrayal of corrupted good intentions (IndieWire), and “81 damning minutes of tight filmmaking, great storytelling, and riveting investigation” (AV Club). Premiering at SXSW earlier this year and taking home the Grand Jury Prize for Best Documentary Feature, SHUFFLE is as gripping as it is disturbing—an intimate, unflinching look inside a for-profit addiction treatment model where…

The movie kicks off with Mark Twain’s sly observation: “I’ve suffered a great deal of pain in my life, most of which never happened.” It’s a wink to the audience—and a jab at James Frey’s infamously “embellished” memoir—that sets the tone for what could’ve been a self-aware, gritty recovery drama. Instead, it’s more like buying sham weed: you’re waiting for the hit… but it never comes. The Setup: Balconies, Benders, and Broken Teeth Sam and Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation opens strong: a hypnotic, naked-on-crack dance to Smashing Pumpkins, a cigarette, and a swan dive off a balcony. At the Minnesota rehab…

Welcome to “Sober and Hot Flashing: How Gen X Women Are Owning Menopause,” a standout edition of The Sober Curator podcast that boldly intertwines the themes of sober living and menopause. This unique conversation, guided by host Alysse Bryson and co-host Tamar Routly, along with guests Megan Swan and Amy Liz Harrison, is a hilarious, honest and insightful exploration of what it means to navigate midlife — while living alcohol-free — as your hormones and real life clash. Midlife, Mischief and the Courage to Be Sober At its core, this episode addresses a reality many women face: how menopause and…

Bodhi (noun) /ˈbō-dē/ — Awakening. Enlightenment. Bliss.Also, apparently, the sound you make after your first sip of this stuff. Bodhi Bubbles® isn’t just another “better-for-you” beverage trying to sneak into your drink fridge—it’s a fruit-forward, plant-powered portal to presence. Inside each can, adaptogens, empathogens, and nootropics mingle like the most enlightened cocktail party guests you’ve ever met (minus the drama, plus actual mental clarity). It’s sparkling, refreshing, and feels like it’s been handcrafted by a very chill alchemist who wants nothing more than for you to take a deep breath and be here now, right where your feet are. The…

This week’s THIS JUST IN mini-episode of The Sober Curator podcast features Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly serving up a mixed cocktail of nostalgia, fandom, and sober culture—hold the booze, of course. With a little sass and snark, here are the Top 5 Articles you won’t want to miss: Brought to you by our Fake Sponsor of the Week: ????Celebrity Sober Spotlight: Sir Elton John Sir Elton John just hit a staggering 35 years sober, proving once again why he’s the ultimate sober GOAT. From surviving the chaos of rock ’n’ roll excess to becoming one of the most celebrated…

If you’ve ever wondered what it would look like if trauma, codependency, and sex addiction threw a party in a pet cemetery while raiding a Bar Mitzvah — Addicted to Fresno is your answer. Is it good? No. Is it funny? Actually… kinda. Is it the perfect movie to throw on in the background while you bead bracelets or decoupage your emotional baggage onto a thrifted coffee table? 100%. Let’s break it down. ???? The Cast: Comedy Royalty in a Low-Budget Crime Caper We’ve got Natasha Lyonne, who we love not just because she oozes dry-witted charisma, but because she’s…

Released in 2000, Eminem’s “Stan” became more than a hit — it became an integral part of the cultural lexicon. Literally, the Oxford English Dictionary added stan in 2017 to describe a devoted (and sometimes obsessive) fan. In the song, the character Stan handwrites emotional letters to Em, repeating the line: “I’m just like you.” That refrain is the beating heart of STANS, the new documentary that’s equal parts love letter, cultural study, and front-row pass to one of rap’s most guarded artists. Produced by Shady Films, directed by Steven Leckart, and featuring rare archival footage plus an exclusive Eminem…

Think the party ends when the booze does? Think again. The KillJoy Afterparty Podcast is proof that alcohol-free doesn’t mean fun-free—and Season 2 just dropped a playlist that’s as catchy, quirky, and bold as the guests themselves. Hosted by the unstoppable duo Rude and Goody, The KillJoy Afterparty is the podcast love child of Nashville storytelling and sober sass. Each episode showcases a new AF (alcohol-free) guest who shares their story, spills some truth, and usually gets a little weird—and it’s all wrapped up with a musical bow. That’s right: at the end of every episode, Rude and Goody co-create…

At The Sober Curator, we’re always on the hunt for people and events breaking down the stigma around sobriety, and today, we’re thrilled to share a little more from our interview with Chris Rice, co-founder of Soberfest Ohio. What started as a simple idea inside a treatment center—a grassroots gathering in a park with music, food, and community—has now blossomed into a full-blown, family-friendly festival that’s celebrating its 13th year! Soberfest Ohio is proof that living sober not only doesn’t limit your fun—it can open up an entire new world of connection, music, laughter, and support. Chris joined our host,…

Let’s talk about the ultimate sober lifestyle power couple: coffee and connection. Now enter: Pink Cloud Coffee — a brand that serves up both with unapologetic intention, soul-soothing aesthetics, and a mission that’s got me floating like a pastel-hued balloon straight into the fourth dimension. (Yes, that fourth dimension—the same name as my home group. Synchronicity much?) ???? First Impressions: Branding That Had Me at Pink ☕ Okay, listen. I haven’t even sipped this coffee yet, but I’m already emotionally attached. Why? Because branding matters—and this branding is giving everything it needs to give. With dreamy visuals and a name…

From underwhelming O’Doul’s to award-winning craft brews, Tate Huffard and his team are carving out room for flavor, fun, and belonging in the non-alcoholic beer scene. Sparking a Sober Revolution—One Sip at a Time If you’d told anyone a decade ago that non-alcoholic craft beer would be the “it” drink on a Friday night, you’d be met with raised eyebrows and maybe a polite chuckle. But as Tate Huffard, founder and CEO of Best Day Brewing, explains in his lively chat with Alysse Bryson and Justin Lamb on The Sober Curator Podcast, times—and tastes—have changed dramatically. The NA beer market is…

We interrupt your regularly scheduled mocktail to bring you the latest edition of TJI, our weekly roundup of trending headlines, pop culture breakdowns, and sober events that deserve a spot on your calendar. Think The View, but sober—and way less interrupting. ???? The Buzz-Free 5 ???? Ripple Vapes: Plant-Based Puffs or Sober Gimmick?Ripple’s nicotine-free, plant-powered vapes are everywhere again. Whether you’re into lavender, peppermint, or existential crisis, these flavor-forward clouds are becoming part of the sober starter pack. ⛳️ Adam Sandler’s Hidden Flasks & Sobriety Winks in Happy Gilmore 2Sandler returns to the green—and to his weird habit of hiding…

Here’s the deal. I recently strutted into the sparkling, slightly-sassy, and delightfully unapologetic chapter of my life called: 50 and Fabulous. That’s right, I hit the big 5-0, and I have never felt more in tune with who I am. My vibe? Magnetic. My mood? Mostly grateful. My style? Evolving faster than a pre-teen at a Taylor Swift concert. And you better believe that this curvy queen walks her talk. The Sober Style Evolution Let’s rewind the closet for a sec. The pre-sober me? She had her fashion moments, sure. But the looks were often geared toward fitting in, standing…

At The Sober Curator, we’re always on the lookout for content that dares to tell the messy, awkward, soul-crushing and soul-redeeming truth about addiction—and recovery. So when we came across the SEED + SPARK campaign for “Turn Off,” an indie short film born from lived experience, fueled by heart, and wrapped in grit and laughter, we knew this one wasn’t just worthy of our attention—it deserves yours too. What Is “Turn Off”? A Story With Teeth, Heart, and Humor “Turn Off” is a drama-comedy short set in Atlanta, Georgia, created by writer/director Brent Ogburn, who is not just telling a…

Some memoirs are polished and carefully curated, offering up sanitized trauma for easy consumption. Rabbit is not that book. Patricia Williams, better known today as comedian Ms. Pat, tells her story with a level of raw honesty that will knock the wind out of you—and then, somehow, make you laugh while you’re gasping for air. When Survival Isn’t a Choice—It’s the Only Option I’ll be honest—I didn’t know much about Ms. Pat before picking this up. But sometimes, not knowing a public figure’s backstory makes their memoir even more powerful. I wasn’t hearing the voice of a TV personality or…

Whew. If you’ve made it to Season 4 of “The Bear”, then congratulations—you’ve survived Carmy’s emotional hostage situation, Sydney’s patience of a saint, Richie’s mouth (bless it), and enough trauma-loop flashbacks to make your therapist throw a shoe at your TV. But let’s get one thing straight: Jamie Lee Curtis in Episode 9? That woman didn’t just act—she excavated. Her portrayal of Donna Berzatto making heartfelt, harrowing, earned amends in the penultimate episode is hands-down the best representation of an amends scene I have ever seen on the silver screen. And I say that as someone who has written, received,…

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…