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.
Alysse Bryson, co-host Tamar Routly, and The Sober Curator crew dive into Apple TV+’s ”Your Friends & Neighbors” — a glossy, suburban caper that doubles as a case study in dopamine, status, secrets and the kind of “more, more, more” thinking recovery warns us about — through a sober pop-culture lens that’s equal parts smart, spicy and fun. This episode's contributors: Sarah Alaimo, Carolyn Bunn Lane Kennedy, Dr. Sarah Michaud and Megan Swan.
Takeaways:
-Addiction isn’t just substances—status, wealth, control, and adrenaline can be addictive too.
-Loss of job = loss of identity: the show nails how quickly “high-high-high” becomes the spiral down.
-Repressed anger and detachment fuel bad decisions (and some very expensive chaos).
-Dopamine-chasing shows up as bingeing—on shopping, sex, TV, and even risk.
-Beneath the glamour, real connection beats gold toilets and glass trophy shelves every time.
Key Timestamps:
[29:57] — Decompress & don’t overthink: Accept what was, then rest.
[01:10] — “Hangovers canceled, fun mandatory”—show intro & premise.
[02:23] — Why ”Your Friends & Neighbors?” The setup + panel roll call.
[12:36] — Wealth, identity, and the slippery slope after losing it all.
[21:57] — ”Big Little Lies” × ”Succession” vibes; addiction beyond booze.
[34:39] — Star ratings + lightning-round snacks & sober sips.
Resources & Links:
-The Sober Curator Review: ”Your Friends & Neighbors”
-Watch on Apple TV+: ”Your Friends & Neighbors”
–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 intro and outro music for this episode is proudly featured with permission from Avatari. All rights reserved to the original creators. For more of their work, check out his website: https://www.avatariworld.com/music.
*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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