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 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:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
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Send Feedback:
If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at thesobercurator@gmail.com. We’d love to hear from you!
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.
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
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