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 sobriety often collide in messy but meaningful ways. The panelists, all Gen Xers and The Sober Curator contributors, share personal stories about mood swings, hot flashes and the everyday chaos of menopause and recovery. The tone is empowering and authentic — none of the challenges are sugarcoated. There’s ample laughter, pop culture references and an abundance of support.
The driving reason behind this episode is to break the silence and stigma that has long surrounded both menopause and sobriety. “We created the Menoposse Ballers because, let’s be honest, midlife is already a ride. And navigating it without alcohol, that’s a whole new level of realness,” Alysse says. The group’s excitement comes from knowing that being honest about these experiences isn’t just freeing for themselves; it also gives hope and belonging to thousands of women.
The Surprising Intersection: Menopause and Sobriety
A key insight from this discussion is the real link between menopause and a higher risk of alcohol relapse among women. Tamar shares candidly about her emotional roller coaster and the importance of staying connected to community support and wellness tools. “If we’re not aware of what’s about to hit us and we don’t talk about it and realize, you know, we’re actually quite normal, I can definitely see why people would relapse,” she says.
The candid discussion demystifies why many women turn to old coping mechanisms during hormonal upheaval. Without alcohol to numb emotions, everything from anxiety to exhaustion can feel overwhelming. Megan, a wellness coach, notes, “What most of us don’t appreciate is just how our hormones affect every single system in our body, not just the reproductive parts.” The group’s collective wisdom: Knowledge, laughter and connection are vital for thriving.
Humor as a Sober Superpower
A standout strength of the Menoposse Ballers is their comedic, approachable style. They gleefully count how many times they say the word “balls,” swap travel stories about “balls” (including airport security hijinks) and even toss around business ideas such as “crotch coolers” and perimenopausal travel kits. These light moments offer more than comic relief — they powerfully remind us that humor can be a form of self-care.
Pop culture, like the famous “Sex and the City” scene in which Samantha Jones rips off her wig during a hot flash, provides both inspiration and validation. “Balls up for Samantha Jones!” becomes a lighthearted rallying cry for women supporting each other.
Lessons Learned: Sober Tools for Hot Flashes and Hormones
Listeners will finish this episode with survivor-tested advice:
- Know your triggers: No menopause experience is identical, but being emotionally and physically prepared helps. From hot flashes to memory lapses to dry eyes, it’s all on the table.
- Stay connected: Consistent communication with sober friends or professionals can be the difference during hard times.
- Educate yourself and others: Recommended resources include Oprah’s “The Menopause Revolution” special and books such as “The New Menopause” and “The Menopause Brain” by Dr. Lisa Mosconi. Proactivity matters.
- Laugh together: Community that can joke about cooling towels, fans and menopausal mishaps is resilient community.
The Why: Sober Living Is a Game-Changer
Amy, a mother of eight and the group’s “unofficial scientist/snack guru,” shares her personal why: “If I didn’t stay plugged in and talking about it, I think I would be a candidate for relapse.” Sober living gives these women clarity, resilience and self-compassion — all essential for navigating menopause. For this crew, sobriety is the ultimate life hack and the foundation of authentic joy.
Megan reflects: “When I was drinking, everything was over-exaggerated. Now, in perimenopause, I get glimpses of that — but I have the tools to cope, and I don’t need to escape.” For these women, sober living means not just survival, but true connection and enjoyment of life’s moments.
The Bigger Why: Community Matters
What makes this episode stand out is its warmth and solidarity. The laughter, confessions and honesty invite listeners to embrace their own journeys — no matter how imperfect.
Alysse’s rallying reminder: “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more. Keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it sober.”
Key Takeaways
- You are not alone: Menopause and sobriety can both be isolating, but there’s a supportive community here.
- Talk about it: Transparency about symptoms and struggles is powerful—start conversations with friends, family and your doctor.
- Find joy in the mess: Humor and humility are your allies for life’s most chaotic moments.
- Stay sober, stay empowered: Alcohol-free living through midlife is not only possible, but it’s powerful. And you’ll remember every dance floor moment.
For more, visit The Sober Curator at thesobercurator.com. Whether you’re surviving hot flashes or sobriety’s challenges — or both — know you’re in great company. Balls up!
Speaking of BALLS – are you having FOMO and want to join the MENOPOSSE BALLERS CLUB and get your pair of SILVER BALLS? UNDER $10 #ADDTOCART on Amazon. Make sure to send us a pic or a DM and let us know how you’re using them.
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins.
This show is for you if you’ve ever wondered:
– Where can I find inspiring sober podcasts, apps, and creators?
– How do I give back or stay plugged into the sober community
– What are the best sober-friendly drinks and travel tips?
– Where do I find the good NA drinks that don’t taste like regret?
The Sober Curator is your go-to for sober pop culture, booze-free travel, apps, creators, and community.
We’re not here to help you get sober.
We’re here to help you live sober—and love it.
In this gripping episode, Alysse sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty for a powerful conversation about the business behind addiction recovery — and why too many families are left carrying shame, confusion, and financial devastation while trying to save their loved ones. Benjamin’s documentary exposes the economics, ethics, and emotional fallout inside the modern treatment industry, while also honoring the parents, advocates, and survivors who continue fighting for change.
From medically assisted treatment debates to the insurance inequalities that shape who gets quality care, this episode goes deeper than most sober conversations dare to go. It’s raw, urgent, and grounded in truth — the kind of discussion that can only happen in a space built for honesty.
Takeaways:
Families aren’t alone. Many parents attend screenings thinking their child’s exploitation or treatment experience was “their fault” — Benjamin’s film shows the systemic patterns behind the pain.
Recovery has an economic engine. Benjamin describes the shocking moment he realized how profitability shapes care, access, and outcomes in the treatment world.
Insurance determines who gets humane care. Both Benjamin and Alysse reflect on how “good insurance” gave them safe recovery environments — an advantage many don’t have.
Pop culture shapes our understanding. Films like Dopesick, Painkiller, Pain Hustlers, Body Brokers help raise awareness but flatten nuance; documentaries add back the complexity.
Conversations spark courage. When parents meet each other at screenings, shame lifts and the real healing begins.
Key Timestamps:
00:06:40 — Benjamin’s turning point: quitting alcohol & cocaine in high-pressure advertising
00:07:45 — The myth of “the next milestone” that will magically fix everything
00:08:20 — Why treatment is the only major health process most people don’t understand
00:26:26 — Parents finding relief and validation through the film
00:27:00 — The economics of recovery: what families aren’t told
00:28:00 — Alysse shares her own insurance-based experience and privilege in treatment access
00:28:20 — Pop culture portrayals of recovery & exploitation (Body Brokers, Painkiller, Dopesick)
00:41:56 — The media Benjamin loves — and what representations resonate most
Resources & Links:
Website / Film https://www.stoptheshuffle.com/
Instagram: @benjaminflaherty
YouTube Trailer: OFFICIAL TRAILER | SHUFFLE
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
Connect with Us:
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Send Feedback:
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About:
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson, media powerhouse and sobriety’s ultimate hype woman, and joined by Sober Curator contributors, The Sober Curator Podcast* delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Whether you're sober, sober-curious, or just looking for good vibes without the hangover, we’ve got you covered. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more.
*The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open and honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. While we celebrate all paths to a sober lifestyle, some topics discussed may be sensitive or triggering for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in recovery or exploring sobriety, please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
Other Menopause Reads on The Sober Curator:
- What Pop Culture Gets Right (and Still Misses) About Menopause
- Unlock a Peaceful Menopause Journey: How Cutting Out Alcohol Helps
- Unpacking Menopause, Sobriety, and Silver Balls—Inside “The Menopause Revolution” on The Sober Curator Podcast
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If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties surrounding alcoholism, addiction, or mental illness, please reach out and ask for help. People everywhere can and want to help; you just have to know where to look. And continue to look until you find what works for you. Click here for a list of regional and national resources.
