
Can a handful of silver massage balls, a lively menopausal posse, and a sober approach to wellness change how we talk about aging women’s health? After listening to the latest bonus episode of the Sober Curator Podcast—“Bonus Buzz – The Menopause Revolution Full”—the answer is a resounding YES.
A Laugh-Packed, Truth-Bombed Roundtable
This special episode, hosted by Alysse Bryson with co-host Tamar Routly and guests Anne Marie Cribbin, Amy Liz Harrison, and Lane Kennedy, dives deep into the menopause conversation that should be happening everywhere. If you thought menopause was just hot flashes and hormone jokes, buckle up—these ladies are here to disrupt the silence with vulnerability and a ton of humor.
From the opening banter about “cold silver balls” (trust us, just listen) to honest admissions about hormone therapy, brain fog, and surviving teenage children while perimenopausal, the group sets the uniquely inclusive and irreverent tone we love from The Sober Curator. They’re frank about fluctuating symptoms, emotional rollercoasters, and the unique challenges (and gifts) that sobriety brings to navigating menopause.
Why Oprah’s Menopause Special Matters
Much of this episode pivots around Oprah’s recent ABC special, “The Menopause Revolution,” which did what Oprah does best: elevated a secretive, often-ignored women’s health topic to main-stage pop culture status. The hosts and guests gush over the importance of seeing powerhouses like Oprah, Halle Berry, and Naomi Watts speak honestly about menopause—destigmatizing symptoms, misdiagnoses (heart disease, anyone?), and busting old myths (no, your journey isn’t exactly like your mother’s).
They draw a compelling parallel: menopause is to sobriety as an awkward, uninvited cousin is to a family reunion—both bring discomfort, mood swings, and (if handled right) a sense of wildly overdue relief and freedom.
Sobriety, Symptoms & That Sober Sixth Sense
What sets this discussion apart is how the panel ties menopause to sobriety. All the women share that being sober made them far more in tune with their bodies—no more masking symptoms with alcohol or chalking up night sweats to a hangover. “Sober living gives you tools and the ability to accept outside help,” Amy notes. Anne Marie adds how she drank at her perimenopause symptoms without realizing it; now, she finds the whole experience more manageable (and even something to celebrate).
Lane Kennedy brings her wellness expertise, pointing out that alcohol is a hormone disruptor—it doesn’t delay menopause, it just makes everything worse. Hot flashes and hangovers? Hard pass.
Hot Flashes or Hot Takes?
There’s real power—and comfort—in recognizing the diversity of menopause experiences. Some have years of emotional turbulence and irregular cycles, while others, like Alysse, seem to “sail through” with minimal symptoms (other than a memorable breakdown year or two). The group validates that menopause does not come with a one-size-fits-all script—and, crucially, if doctors or society aren’t talking about it, we should be.
Also? The show is hilarious. From dreams of menopause-themed t-shirts (“I’m Sober & Periwinkle” anyone?) to reclaiming “the crone” as a wise, celebratory phase, these comments make clear: the story of aging is ready for a major rewrite.
Embracing the Revolution—And Each Other
Perhaps most poignant is the idea that menopause, like sobriety, is more than just a thing to “get through.” It’s a revolution—one that’s about reclaiming agency, building community, and saying the things our mothers and grandmothers never could. These women talk about shrinking friend groups, clearer priorities, and the gift of dreaming into their futures with clarity and purpose—minus the booze.
They wrap up with rapid-fire “sober shots” (fave mocktails, playlist anthems), menopause Netflix pitches (“The Menopausse!”), and a nod to the Golden Girls as ultimate icons of aging fabulously on their own terms.
Want More?
If you want honest, hilarious talk about menopause, sobriety, and smashing taboos, this episode is essential. Tune in and, as Alysse says, “Keep it real, keep it fun, and keep it sober.”
Find more curated magic at The Sober Curator.
And don’t forget your silver balls. #ADDTOCART ON AMAZON


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 fiery debut of Hot Takes, Alysse Bryson, Tamar Routly (AKA T-Boog), and new co-host Lane Kennedy unpack SNL’s controversial “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” sketch. Was it harmless satire or tone-deaf comedy at the expense of sober folks? The trio digs into stigma, humor, and timing — with personal stories, laughter, and a few very real emotions along the way.
Takeaways:
Why the SNL sketch sparked such mixed reactions in sober circles.
The fine line between dark humor and damaging stereotypes.
How comedy can both start conversations and reinforce stigma.
The reality of “non-alcoholic” drinking for those in recovery.
- Why open dialogue matters more than outrage.
Key Timestamps:
[00:02:00] The SNL sketch setup — and why it hit a nerve.
[00:05:00] Humor vs. harm: where’s the line?
[00:10:00] The non-alcoholic beer debate — harmless or high-risk?
[00:14:00] Cultural obsession with alcohol as identity.
- [00:18:00] What we wish SNL had done differently.
Notable Links:
Watch the original SNL “Non-Non-Alcoholic Beer” sketch on YouTube.
Read Alysse’s full editorial on The Sober Curator.
CTA:
Join the conversation: Was SNL’s take funny or foul? Comment on Instagram @thesobercurator or tag us with your own #HotTake.
Connect with Us:
Website: www.thesobercurator.com
Facebook / Instagram / X / YouTube / Pinterest: @thesobercurator
Follow & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — the first 50 reviewers could snag a limited-edition Sober Curator fanny pack!
Sobriety isn’t the end of the party—it’s just the start of a better one.


Want More? Read Anne Marie’s What Pop Culture Gets Right (and Still Misses) About Menopause

Want more? Read Megan Swan’s Unlock a Peaceful Menopause Journey: How Cutting Out Alcohol Helps

RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.

Sometimes life gets really shitty. Resources are available. Please use them if you need them.
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.
If your life or someone else’s is in imminent danger, please call 911. If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please call: 988.
