Forget happy hour—this week it’s headline o’clock, and sobriety is stealing the spotlight. Here’s what’s making waves in sober pop culture:
Drew Barrymore’s Sober Squad
Daytime TV queen Drew Barrymore is using her platform to amplify stories of sober celebrities. With guests like Demi Lovato and Rob Lowe, her show is quickly becoming the Sober Oprah couch—where clarity is mandatory and vulnerability is celebrated. This visibility helps normalize sober living in mainstream media and gives fans real, relatable role models.
Armchair Expert’s 33 Sober Guests
On the podcast front, Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert has featured 33 sober guests, including Jason Bateman and 50 Cent. It’s proof that being sober and successful in Hollywood is not only possible—it’s inspiring. The show is helping reshape what it means to be part of the sober community in pop culture.
The Sober Revolution: Genes, Gen Z, and Pop Culture
While science says genetics can predispose people to alcohol use, Gen Z is choosing kombucha, therapy, and TikTok over hangovers. This generational shift is redefining what social life looks like in America. From pop culture to biology, the sober revolution is happening faster than you can say “mocktail.”
Do’Mo: Brain Fuel in a Can
Move over energy drinks—Do’Mo is a sober lifestyle brand that promises brain fuel without the jitters. Think of it as Red Bull with a mindfulness practice. For sober curious and sober living advocates, beverages like Do’Mo are expanding the options for what to drink when you’re not drinking.
Sober Pride Parties Hard
Who needs vodka shots when you’ve got glitter, music, and sober pride? From blurry photos to sweaty dance floors, sober parties are proving you can have the same energy without the hangover. It’s the same drama, less puke—and a major win for the sober community.
Fake Sponsor of the Week:
Pairs great with Bitterness Breath Mints—guaranteed to last longer than the grudge. Warning: May cause jaw clenching and silent treatment. Side effects include late-night Facebook stalking.
Sober Sip Spotlight: Gary Oldman at 28 Years Sober
Gary Oldman—67 years old, 28 years sober, and still commanding every room. From Shakespearean blackout nights to legendary Hollywood roles, he proves sobriety is the ultimate anti-aging serum.
Sober Events to Check Out
- Sober Songs: The Musical (NYC, all September) – Broadway energy, minus the spilled wine.
- Wisconsin Voices for Recovery Rally (Sept 6) – Cheese, bratwursts, and chants louder than Packers fans.
- Recovery Days at the Mariners (Sept 14) – Baseball without the beer goggles.
- Rally Caps for Recovery Month at the Twins (Sept 16) – More rally caps than your grandma’s basement.
- Antigua 12 Sober Travel Retreat (Oct 25–Nov 1) – Sun, sand, and sober fun.
Check The Sober Curator’s Sober Events and Sober Retreats Calendars for even more coast-to-coast buzz-free adventures.
Getting sober is one thing—but staying sober? That’s where the real adventure begins. The Sober Curator Podcast, hosted by Alysse Bryson and featuring the many voices of Sober Curator Contributors, proves that ditching booze doesn’t mean ditching fun, pop culture, or your social life.
Each episode serves up bold conversations, celeb interviews, zero-proof cocktail inspiration, and pop culture deep dives—all with laughs, honesty, and zero preachy vibes. Whether you’re sober or sober-curious, you’ll find insider tips, real-life stories, and endless reasons to love the alcohol-free life. Pull up a seat—this party’s just getting started!
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
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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.
RECOVERY PODCASTLAND & NETWORK at The Sober Curator is your audio haven for all things sobriety and recovery. We’re your bee-zy sober podcast enthusiasts, curating the best shows that educate, inspire, and entertain in the alcohol-free space.
Our archives are neatly organized so you can easily explore Recovery Podcastland—featuring our favorite recovery-based podcasts from across the globe—and the TSC Podcast Network, where we share our own original shows on sober lifestyle, pop culture, travel, entertainment, and more.
Whether you’re seeking practical recovery tips, personal stories, or uplifting inspiration, this is your go-to listening guide.
Welcome to HAPPY EVERY HOUR, your go-to hub for all things NA (non-alcoholic). We review alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines, spirits, RTDs (ready-to-drink), and share NA cocktail recipes that taste just as good—if not better—than the boozy originals. Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just taking a break, this is where great taste meets zero proof.
TRIGGER WARNING: People in early sobriety may want to proceed with caution. Always read labels. Please hydrate responsibly … #becausedrunkneverlooksgood.
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.
