Live from the land of lukewarm coffee and hotter-than-your-sponsor’s-new-boyfriend gossip, Alysse Bryson and sober sidekick/producer Tamar “T-Boog” Routly are serving up your weekly buffet of buzz-free culture. Today’s plate: a law-drama letdown, two must-save binge lists, a heavyweight HBO gut-check, IG sobriety all-stars, Fergie’s recovery arc, a man racing backward in heels, and five sober events from your couch to coast to coast.
Fake Sponsor of the Week: The Gratitude Gavel
Brought to you by The Gratitude Gavel™ — for smashing pity parties into perspective. Ages 4 and up. Powered by petty, perfected by perspective.
Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Review: A Recovery Disappointment — TV & Film
Turns out Season 3 parked the Lincoln and left recovery on the curb. Instead of exploring the real tension of sobriety inside a slick legal universe, the show reduces it to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it subplot. If you’re going to ghost recovery, at least send a “u up?” text, Netflix. READ HERE.
The 50+ Best TV Shows Featuring Addiction + Recovery — Pop Culture
Your sober streaming bible, now gearing up for a 2025 refresh. From gritty dramas to comfort-sitcoms with heart, this list is where recovery becomes the new true crime—everyone’s watching, nobody’s admitting it. Tell us what we missed. READ HERE.
The Crime of the Century (HBO) — Film & Docs
A two-part reality check that rips the lid off Big Pharma’s role in the opioid crisis. Less popcorn night, more rage-text-your-senator. Hard-hitting, brutal, essential: READ HERE.
Top 75 Sober Instagram Accounts to Follow — Community
Sobriety has gone full influencer, and we’re not mad about it. Coaches, creators, meme queens—your algorithm just found its higher power. Updates coming; send us your faves. READ HERE.
Top 95+ Movies Featuring Addiction & Recovery — Pop Culture
A mega-list longer than the extended LOTR cut. Spirals, rock bottoms, redemption arcs—cinema’s been working its steps. Updating soon; send recommendations our way! READ HERE.
Sober Sip Celebrity Spotlight: Fergie
Stacy Ann Ferguson’s late ’90s/early ’00s descent into meth addiction led to chemically induced psychosis—then a hard climb back. Faith, accountability, and a career rebuild later, Fergie’s decades-long freedom from hard drugs stands as a Gen-X masterclass in survival. She’s been open that she still drinks wine, but her recovery story still slaps (almost as hard as “Fergalicious”). From “Glamorous” to glorious.
Buzz-Free Breaking Weird
A Spanish record-breaker sprinted 100 meters backward in stilettos in 16.55 seconds—beating his own mark. We call this: things you should never, ever do drunk. Witness the chaos.
SOBER EVENTS at The Sober Curator keeps you in the loop on alcohol-free gatherings happening nationwide. From sober comedy shows and non-alcoholic tastings to festivals, retreats, and sporting events, we highlight vibrant, community-driven experiences from coast to coast. Our goal? To keep you entertained, inspired, and connected—no matter where you live. Need more sober time than one event? We’ve got your back with our Sober Retreat Calendar.
5 Sober Events You’ll Love
- Wed, Sept 17 – Virtual: Still Here: A Recovery Roundtable (Workit Health) — panel vibes, pajama-friendly
- Fri, Sept 19 – NYC: Sober and Socializing: LGBTQ Game Night & Mixer — Cards Against Humanity, but humane.
- Sun, Sept 21 – CA: 28th Sober Musicians Picnic Fundraiser — bring a lawn chair and three tambourines.
- Sun, Sept 21 – Virtual: KEEP COMING BACK Film Livestream — popcorn optional, tissues mandatory.
- Thu, Sept 25 – Seattle: Standing in the Gap 2025 (Recovery Café) — deep feels, deeper community.
P.S. Check our Sober Events and Sober Retreats calendars often. Don’t see one near you? This might be your sign to start one. Have one you want us to feature? Fill out the form HERE. Remember, the opposite of addiction is connection.
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 week, Alysse sits down with cocktail queen, educator, and entrepreneur April Wachtel, founder & CEO of Cheeky Cocktails—the bold, minimalist, flavor-forward mixer brand changing how we drink (with or without booze). From 20 years behind the bar to launching a brand designed to make everyone feel included, April shares stories of creativity, visibility, Saved By the Bell aesthetics, brand-building in a sober-curious era, and that time she heroically saved an event from serving mojitos made with actual oil (yes, really) . Whether you love a zero-proof marg or just want better options at the bar, this convo is deliciously inspiring.
Takeaways:
Inclusion drives innovation. Cheeky was created after April repeatedly felt excluded in bar environments while not drinking—so she built mixers that work for everyone .
Cocktails = connection. For April, flavor, hospitality, and celebration matter more than alcohol content.
Constraints spark creativity. When COVID hit, she DIY’d her brand design in hours, then later refined it via agency work—scrappiness meets strategy.
Pop culture always shows up. Cheeky’s bright vibe? Think Saved by the Bell meets premium minimalism.
Taste everything first. Her wildest mishap? Discovering a kitchen had prepped oil instead of simple syrup at a major event—right before 400 guests were served. Hero status unlocked.
Key Timestamps:
[00:01:34] — Meet April Wachtel: founder, educator, and flavor-obsessed mixer magician
[00:04:27] — April’s entrepreneurial spark + early beverage industry days
[00:07:18] — Teaching 12,000+ students to craft balanced, beautiful drinks
[00:08:00] — Being sober/NA in bar culture + why inclusivity matters
[00:17:14] — The Cheeky brand aesthetic: color, culture, and DIY hustle
[00:22:00] — The 818 Tequila partnership + surprising professionalism
[00:27:08] — Cocktail catastrophes: the “oil mojito” close call
Resources & Links:
Cheeky Cocktails – https://cheekycocktails.co
Follow Cheeky on Instagram: @cheekycocktails
Alysse’s reference: BEATS WORKING podcast
Pop culture mentions: Saved by the Bell, Gucci “The Tiger” short film
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-X: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
Follow & Subscribe:
If you enjoyed this episode, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners. Plus, the first 50 reviews on Apple Podcasts can win a sleek, limited edition Sober Curator fanny pack!
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.
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Welcome to The Sober Curator’s ultimate hub for SOBER ENTERTAINMENT & EVENTS —a vibrant space where living alcohol-free is anything but boring.
In the TSC Library, explore book reviews across three standout genres: #QUITLIT, Addiction Fiction, Self-Help, and even NA Recipe Book reviews.
On-screen? The Mindful Binge TV series reviews, Movie Night movie reviews, and Recovery Podcastland + Network podcast roundups all use our signature Sobees Scoring System, so you know exactly what’s worth your time.
More ways to get inspired:
- 🎵 Music: Discover tunes to motivate your sober lifestyle
- 🏅 Sober Sports: Stay in the loop on active, exciting events
- 📅 Sober Events: Find alcohol-free happenings in your community
- 🌟 Sober Pop Culture & Celebrities: Get the latest buzz on sober stars and trends
From binge-worthy shows to can’t-miss events, this is your go-to destination for entertainment that fits your alcohol-free life.
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Resources Are Available
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.
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