If you were hoping for a sober podcast that whispers about withdrawal in hushed tones, you haven’t met The Sober Curator. In Episode 20, the crew donned banana costumes, sipped on slushies with comically oversized straws, and tackled the very unpeeled (pun heavily intended) realities of sharing sober lives online. In a world where one viral banana-chomping Instagram story can change your digital trajectory, it’s clear sobriety today is about much more than staying away from happy hour.
So, why get silly to talk about something as serious as recovery? As Dr. Sarah Michaud shared, “It is a balance… you can own and identify pain and tough times and still have fun and be light.” For many, humor and creativity are the ultimate tools for smashing stigma and showing that sober life is about presence, connection, and, yes, big laughs.
When the Algorithm Goes Bananas: Sober Content and Attention Addiction
A recurring theme throughout the episode was the tricky relationship between sobriety, social media, and attention. The crew—Alysse, Tamar, Kate, Megan, Jason, and Dr. Sarah—opened up about the tension between creating authentic content and being swept up by likes, follows, and, sometimes, internet creeps.
Kate’s tale is a cautionary (and hilarious) one. What started as posting daily “banana reels” to keep up with Instagram trends led to unexpected attention and a sobering realization: “I’ve actually done like four or five reels with a banana before I even realized it was becoming a bit… but I got lost in the sauce.” Her account soon drew the wrong audience, with messages bordering on harassment. For Kate, the reset meant starting a new, intentionally sober-themed page: “I put the word ‘sober’ in there for a reason. It’s like, follow me if you want this content.”
The reality? The dopamine hit of social media engagement can be addicting—something every recovering addict knows. Tamar put it bluntly, “I have a dopamine deficiency. I will do anything, even drink a slushie and wear a monkey costume.” Social media metrics easily fill the void once occupied by substances, but the episode’s message was clear: posting with intention and boundaries is the way forward.
Navigating Sober Advocacy in a Performative World
The episode wasn’t all jokes—there was real reckoning over what responsible advocacy looks like. As Alysse noted, “It’s so easy to get caught up in the quantity that we can lose sight of the quality… if we save the life of a couple of people, that will have made it worth it.” The group agreed: the temptation to chase viral moments or “influencer” status is strong, but the goal is genuine connection and hope.
Jason, reflecting on his own experiences, said, “My motives are in a much better place… I’m putting it out there for a specific reason… now I’m helping people in recovery.” Social media can highlight the best and worst parts of our nature—comparison, codependency, and craving for validation—but it can also be an unparalleled tool for service and solidarity.
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
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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.
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.
HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA BEERs + 90s: Do Blondes Have More Fun? Bravus Blonde Offers Up Hints of Banana & Sweet Malt
SOBER LIFESTYLE: Laughing Without Liquor: 11 Hilarious Inventions to Tickle Your Sober Fancy – INCLUDING A BANANA SLICER!
Help is Available
Addressing the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and substance use requires a multifaceted approach that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by this community. By advocating for inclusivity and expanding resources, we can create recovery environments where all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can find support and healing. Click Here for a list of LGBTQ+ Recovery Resources.
