Join us as we light up the airwaves with a fresh, upbeat take on sobriety. Our infectious energy, paired with a tongue-in-cheek TMZ-style news delivery, hopefully offers our listeners an empowering glimpse into the ever-evolving world of sober living. This short episode is more than a roundup of alcohol-free products and sober-friendly events; it celebrates resilience, personal growth, and the vibrant community that supports and inspires a sober lifestyle.
Key Takeaways and Highlights
Sober Pop Culture & Wellness Trends
We dish on the hottest alcohol-free trends, introducing listeners to must-try products and empowering media depictions. This week’s buzz-free headlines include:
- Ripple Plant-Based Vapes: No nicotine, no THC—just caffeine, aromatherapy, and a “bougie air” alternative for those seeking a ritual without the substances. “A scented puff of superiority,” Justin jokes.
- Netflix’s Sirens & Megan Faye’s Devin: Alysse raves about a sober anti-hero shattering stereotypes and proving you don’t need booze to be a badass. “Sober, savage, and stealing hearts.”
- Alcohol-Free Perfumes: Why should your signature scent double as a cocktail? Explore luxury, hangover-free fragrances for sober sophistication.
- The Better Sister Miniseries: Family drama gets real with a sober twist, centering addiction and recovery in a relatable, binge-worthy format.
- Cameron Whitcomb’s Journey: From Canadian crooner to sober superstar, Cameron’s open dialogue about recovery and mental health resonates with listeners seeking vulnerability and hope.
Sober Slay of the Week: Frankie Grande
Frankie Grande, sober since 2017, is celebrated for ruling recovery with “Broadway flair and a glitter canyon of gratitude.” Alysse highlights Frankie’s role not just as Ariana’s brother, but as a sober icon who uses his platform to champion mental health, creativity, and self-love, showcasing that “sober really is the new fabulous.” The emotional resonance here is clear: sobriety doesn’t diminish sparkle; it amplifies authenticity and joy.
Sober Events Nourish Community and Fun
The episode spotlights a range of engaging, buzz-free events across the United States—from Phoenix’s “Sober Summer Rave” to drag queen pageants, zero-proof grand tastings, a stand-up show in LA, and a competitive basketball tournament in NYC. Each event is curated for connection, laughter, and celebration, with hydration stations. The excitement isn’t just about what’s missing (alcohol); it’s about what’s gained: belonging, shared experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Humor, Honesty, and Empowerment
Humor runs throughout—the fake sponsor “Spite Water,” playful product reviews, and pop culture references remind listeners that sobriety isn’t somber; it overflows with fun, sass, and style. Tamar and Alysse embrace their quirks, poking fun at themselves while exuding gratitude for second chances and personal growth. Their candidness models vulnerability and community for anyone, at any stage, seeking support in recovery.
Emotional Draw: Why They’re Excited to Live Sober
What truly sets this episode apart is its authentic passion for sober living. I recorded from Sin City, and with her sharp wit and warmth, Tamar embodies the realization that sobriety is abundance, not sacrifice. We love celebrating every sober milestone, invite you, our listeners, to step boldly into their own stories, and champion the idea that anyone can recover out loud.
Sobriety is about “keeping it real, keeping it fun, and keeping it sober.” It’s about exchanging regret for genuine experience, shame for pride, and loneliness for belonging. Whether it’s a glam squad pageant, a night of comedy, or just “a hit of calm without the chaos,” the excitement lies in shared empowerment and the promise that recovery brings possibility.
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
Follow & Subscribe:
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.
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.
SOBER POP CULTURE + CELEBS at The Sober Curator is where mainstream trends meet the vibrant world of sobriety. We serve up a mix of movie, podcast, fashion, and book recommendations alongside alcohol-free cocktails, celebrity features, and pop culture buzz—all with a sober twist.
We’re here to shatter the “sobriety is boring” myth with a mash-up of 80s neon, 90s hip-hop edge, early 2000s bling, and today’s hottest trends. From celebrity shoutouts to red-carpet style inspo, this is where sober is as chic as it is fun. To the celebs using their platform for good—our Sober Pop Trucker hats are off to you!
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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.
