
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.
🎬 This Just In – Broadcasting from the land of the Goonies in Astoria, OR!
This week’s sober pop culture round-up includes:
✨ 3 Big Stories:
SoberScopes kick off Sober October 🌌
Ripple’s plant-based vapes 🌿
Alcohol-free perfumes 💐
⚡ 2 Quick Hits:
DIY Zero-Proof Mocktail: The Wednesday 🍸
2025 Sober October Gift Guide 🎁
🍫 Fake Sponsor of the Week: Trigger Treats Chocolate – “Therapy you can eat.”
🌟 Celeb Spotlight: Denzel Washington — nearly 10 years sober.
🐻 Breaking Weird: A porch-pirate bear in Washington State steals a package.
📆 Sober Events Stopwatch Challenge: Five events in 30 seconds, from San Francisco to Boulder.
👕 Put That On a T-Shirt: “One-Eyed Willy’s treasure map is less confusing than Ripple vapes trending on TSC.”
🎤 Outro Reminder: Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
📲 Links & Resources
Watch the porch pirate bear: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=786442787701285
Full list of sober events & retreats: [link to TSC calendar]
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and tag us @TheSoberCurator.


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.

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