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.
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
-Facebook: @The Sober Curator
-Instagram: @thesobercurator
-X: @thesobercurator
-YouTube: @thesobercurator
-Pinterest: @thesobercurator
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.
SOBERSCRIBE NOW!
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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