Laughter, Recovery, and Sober Shenanigans: Highlights from The Sober Curator’s June 24th weekly episode of THIS JUST IN. From tchotchke showdowns to sober cruises, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly deliver a dose of much-needed lightness and insight for the recovery community.
Introduction: Finding Light in Recovery
Sobriety is serious business—but, as Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly show in the latest episode of THIS JUST IN on The Sober Curator podcast, that doesn’t mean it has to be somber. With their trademark wit, a sprinkle of pettiness, and a heaping helping of heart, these two hosts invite listeners into a world where healing thrives on humor, connection, and, yes, even a healthy appreciation for fabulous tchotchkes.
This week, the duo serves a (non-alcoholic) cocktail of recovery gossip, sober event highlights, questionable yet lovable life choices, and a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best way to cope is with laughter.
Humor as Medicine: Running Toward Lightness
Right from the start, Alysse and Tamar acknowledge the heaviness of the world—the “heavy stuff, scary stuff” we all feel. Addiction, chaos or substances were once the escape route; now, the hosts run to jokes, memes, and playful showdowns. “We’re not ignoring what’s going on… We’re just trying to offer a little light when and where we can. If this makes your day even a fraction brighter, then, hey, we’re doing our jobs.”
Their approach is clear: offer solace and community through a blend of real talk and comic relief, because recovery doesn’t have to be dour.
Hot Topics: This Week’s Top Five Articles
In classic Sober Curator style, Alysse and Tamar countdown the week’s standout articles—a blend of insight, confession, and humor:
- Tchotchke Showdown: Two sober women clean their desks and turn it into content, battling for the title of “Inclusive Tchotchke Glory.” The prize? Bragging rights and a Sober Curator fanny pack—because, of course.
- “Seat 11A, The Addict That Walks Away”: A personal essay that hits home for many—think “Eat, Pray, Cry,” but at 30,000 feet, capturing the vulnerability and transformation often sparked in unexpected moments.
- Drunk on Stealing – Sticky Fingers, Shaky Self-Worth: Hannah Sward’s candid confessions about shoplifting reveal that sometimes, what’s stolen isn’t merchandise but pieces of our identity. Raw, hilarious, and ultimately healing.
- The “Let Them” Theory: Is “just let them” solid advice or avoidance wrapped in meme culture? The Sober Curator squad of contributors is in a hot debate, arguing that “let them” is not a theory. (Episode on that coming soon!) Dr. Sarah joins the conversation, bringing receipts and healthy skepticism to the conversation in her review on Leaving CrazyTown with Finn Allen.
- Serenity Prayer Alternatives: If the Serenity Prayer feels like “a voicemail from God you don’t want to check,” this classic post offers 10 new, spicy (and some soothing) mantras to support recovery.
This lively rundown showcases The Sober Curator crew’s commitment to exploring recovery from every angle—witty, wise, and always real.
Sober Celeb Spotlight: Lexi Love
Every episode needs a role model, and this week’s “Sober Celeb Spotlight” shines on Lexi Love. Described as “the radiant, unstoppable Lexi Love,” she embodies the fierceness and heart at the core of the recovery community. Sobriety, as the hosts remind us, can be “a Beyoncé halftime show with therapy”—vibrant, bold, and unapologetically authentic. Sober Curator Pro Tip: Check out our Sober Pride Gift Guide.
Conclusion: Stay Cute, Stay Sober
With warmth, levity, and an uncanny sense for what the recovery community craves, Alysse and Tamar close the show by inviting listeners back for more: “Getting sober is cute, but staying sober with us, that’s hot.” In a world that can feel overwhelming, The Sober Curator continues to be a bright, glittery, and deeply supportive space for anyone walking the path of recovery—one laugh, event invite, and questionable tchotchke at a time.
Hosted by Alysse Bryson & Tamar Routly, and produced by Podcast Impact Studio, The Sober Curator Podcast brings sober lifestyle, pop culture, & recovery to the mic. Alongside Alysse & Tamar, rotating global contributors join as co-hosts to explore zero-proof drinks, sober travel, quit lit, entertainment, & mental health. This is sober media with personality, perspective, & a glitter bomb of honesty. Sober-curious or living alcohol-free, we’ve got you! We’re not here to help you get sober. We’re here to help you live sober: and love it.
Are you ready to build something that truly reflects who you are?
Monica Madrid shares her incredible journey from losing a record deal to Tupac to creating a women’s football media empire. Her story is one of transformation, resilience, and the power of sobriety to fuel true passion and success.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sobriety can be a foundation for building your dreams.
Gratitude can transform your perspective and life.
Embracing your identity leads to personal and professional growth.
GUEST BIO
MonicaMadrid is the CEO and founder of Football Is Sexy, a women-led football media brand and podcast where women talk and teach football, giving women a place to feel seen and heard. Where they are appreciated for their fandom, passion and knowledge. She’s also the author of The Next Quiet Voice, a memoir about addiction, recovery, reinvention, and finding purpose after hitting rock bottom. Monica has been sober since February 26, 2008, and is passionate about helping others realize it’s never too late to rebuild your life. From sports, entrepreneurship, and recovery, resilience, and starting over at 50+, Monica brings honesty, humor, vulnerability and real-raw life conversations.
Website URL: www.footballissexy.com (Being updated this week)
Instagram URL: @footballissexy
LinkedIn URL: Linkedin/monicamadrid and linkedin/footballissexy
Facebook URL: @footballissexy
Season 2 Merch
– We’ve got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
Mentioned in This Episode
– This episode was also brought to you by Aura House, Save 10% by using code: TSC10 and #ADDTOCART using link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
SC Resources & Links:
–Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
–Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
–LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
– We’ve got MERCH for Season Two: https://shopthesobercurator.com/
– This episode was also brought to you by Aura House, Save 10% by using code: TSC10 and #ADDTOCART using link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-64140200
Connect with Us:
-Website: www.thesobercurator.com
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Rate & Review
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About the Show: Sobriety isn’t the end of the party — it’s just the start of a better one. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (media executive, 20 years sober, sobriety’s ultimate hype woman) and co-host + producer Tamar Routly, 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 — you’re in the right place. Subscribe now. Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.
The Sober Curator Podcast is a space for open, honest conversations about sobriety, recovery, and alcohol-free living. Some topics may be sensitive for certain listeners. This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please take care while listening and seek support from trusted professionals as needed.
The Tchotchke Showdown brought to you by The Sober Curator | Alysse Bryson vs. Travis Sackett
SOBER POP CULTURE 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!
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.
