Sober Curator Podcast

That's a Wrap: The Season One Finale

It started because people kept pitching to be on a podcast that didn't exist — so Alysse and Tamar built one. Now, 50+ episodes later, they're closing out Season One with a look back at the wildest moments, the biggest lessons, and a tease of what's coming in Season Two that's going to change the game.

Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly (aka T Booj) celebrate turning 50, recap their favorite Season One moments — from the Tchotchke Showdown to dressing up as aliens — and get real about the behind-the-scenes hustle of running a podcast with a global team of 38 contributors. Plus: the Sober Curator Rolodex, the Amplify Sober Voices event, a secret Spring launch, and why sobriety means you actually DO the things you dream about.

Episode Highlights

• Alysse and Tamar both hit 50 and have officially run out of shits to give

• The origin story: launching a podcast because people kept pitching to one that didn't exist

• Favorite Season One moments: Tchotchke Showdown, alien costumes, Adam Nemoy interview

• The Sober Curator Rolodex — a free directory for sober business owners

• Amplify Sober Voices recap and collaborating with sober content creators

• Season Two teasers: YouTube Lives, listener participation, and a mystery Spring launch

Sober Shot 

"That's what happens when you live a sober lifestyle. You don't just talk about doing shit. You actually end up going and doing the things you've dreamed about." — Alysse Bryson

SC Resources & Links: 

• -Meet the Contributors 

• -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.  

Send Feedback: 

If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

In this heartfelt episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson is joined by a full lineup of Sober Curator contributors—Amy Liz Harrison, Alexandra Nyman, Megan Swan, Kim Parsley, and Dr. Sarah Michaud—to explore the life and legacy of Matthew Perry through a newly released documentary. The conversation delves into the documentary's focus on Perry's addiction battles, his recovery efforts, and his lasting impact. The episode also touches upon how Hollywood treats addiction and the role of documentaries in shaping these narratives. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] - Introduction & Alysse Bryson's connection to Matthew Perry 

[02:01] - Overview: Matthew Perry and the documentary 

[03:16] - Key highlights of the documentary: addiction and recovery themes 

[15:04] - The financial aspect of rehabilitation and its exploitation 

[21:13] - Conversations about Big Pharma and harm reduction 

[31:00] - Codependency within the circle of celebrities 

[34:44] - The documentary's mixed narrative and impact on the community 

[38:06] - Remembering Matthew Perry's legacy and the humor amidst tragedy 

Resources & Links: 

-Documentary: ⁠Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy⁠ 

-Organization: ⁠Matthew Perry Foundation⁠ 

-Review: ⁠"Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" by Alysse Bryson⁠ 

-Review: ⁠"Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing" by Amy Liz Harrison⁠ 

-⁠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 [email protected]. 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.   

Ready to hear this one again?

In this lively roundtable, The Sober Curator crew dives deep into Mel Robbins’ viral book "The Let Them Theory " — and the controversy swirling around it. Hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly welcome guests Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, Tony Harte, Carolyn Bunn and Amy Liz Harrison for a spirited discussion on whether "Let Them" is really a theory, how it fits into codependency work, and what it misses for people in recovery. Expect strong opinions, a healthy dose of sass and more than a few laughs as the group rates the book and explores what boundary-setting means in sober life. 

Timestamps: 

[00:00] – Dr. Sarah Michaud opens with a critical question: Can people actually "let them"? 

[01:13] – Show intros: Meet The Sober Curator Podcast hosts and this week's panel of sober experts. 

[02:56] – What is Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" all about? Pop culture, controversy and viral moments. 

[05:06] – Meet the guests! Panelists weigh in on their first impressions. 

[08:56] – Dr. Sarah and Tony Harte debate: is this really a theory, or just marketing? 

[11:05] – Copyright, tattoos and the story behind "Let Them": Is it original? 

[15:17] – Can everyday people really apply "The Let Them Theory" in real life — or in recovery? 

[18:37] – Amy Liz Harrison shares a personal story about friendships, boundaries and people-pleasing. 

[20:19] – Apologize, back off, celebrate progress? The panel critiques Mel's proposed solution. 

[24:00] – Megan Swan: "This book isn't for people with deep trauma" — who is the real audience? 

[33:24] – Alysse Bryson on how sober circles are NOT the norm for most people. 

[34:53] – Indie publishing, bestsellers and grandiosity: Should we trademark "Let Me"? 

[44:12] – Put a Sobee on it! The panel gives their Sobee Scores for Mel Robbins' "The Let Them Theory" 

Resources & Links: 

-⁠The Sober Curator: Rethinking Codependency and “The Let Them Theory” | Leaving CrazyTown⁠ 

-⁠Book: "The Let Them Theory"⁠ 

-⁠Meet the Contributors⁠ 

-⁠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 [email protected]. 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.   

What happens when a musician trades liquid courage for clarity? In this episode of The Sober Curator Podcast, Alysse Bryson sits down with singer-songwriter Meredith Moon to talk about creativity without booze, overcoming stage fright, and why sobriety didn’t kill her art—it sharpened it. From hitchhiking across Canada to releasing her first fully sober album, Meredith shares an honest, grounded look at what it means to be fully present in your creative life. 

Takeaways 

• Sobriety can enhance creativity—not erase it 

• Stage fright doesn’t disappear with alcohol, it just gets postponed 

• Inspiration requires answering the call when it shows up 

• Balance in sobriety means knowing when to step away 

• Reading, movement, and snacks are underrated recovery tools 

Key Timestamps 

[00:01:01] — Welcome to The Sober Curator Podcast + host intro 

[00:01:22] — Meet Meredith Moon + her unconventional musical journey 

[00:02:28] — Fear of losing creativity after quitting drinking 

[00:03:47] — Sobriety as a creative “superpower” 

[00:05:32] — Obsession, balance, and boundaries in sober creativity 

[00:11:10] — Movement, anxiety relief, and baseline calm 

[00:11:30] — Letting food be medicine in early sobriety 

[00:12:00] — Reading again: sobriety and cognitive clarity 

Notable Resources & Mentions 

• Meredith Moon — From Here to the Sea (Album) 

• Compass Records 

• Warner Music Canada 

If this episode inspired you, share it with a sober friend who still thinks creativity requires cocktails. 

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 [email protected]. 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. 

What happens when creativity meets curiosity—and alcohol no longer gets a free pass? In this vibrant and honest conversation, Alysse Bryson sits down with writer and editor Niesha Davis to talk sober curiosity, creative rituals, body wisdom, and her colorful new project, The Sober Curious Activity Book. From journaling and art as tools for reflection to navigating social life without booze, this episode proves sobriety doesn’t have to be rigid to be powerful—it can be playful, personal, and deeply freeing. 

Takeaways 

• Sober curiosity is about asking better questions—not labels 

• Creativity (journaling, art, reflection) can replace alcohol as a coping tool 

• Listening to your body is often the first wake-up call 

• Non-alcoholic options are personal—there’s no one “right” way 

• You can evolve without losing your identity, joy, or social life 

Key Timestamps 

[00:03:41] Margaret shares how her relationship with alcohol inspired Soirée. 

[00:07:00] The Palm Springs “Slim Aarons” photoshoot magic. 

[00:10:13] Flipping the mocktail narrative—why “nothing is missing.” 

[00:18:00] New flavor drop: Café Spritz for Dry January ☕ 

[00:23:00] Building confidence for young women and redefining college culture. 

[00:35:00] Soirée joins Caesar’s in Vegas just in time for BravoCon. 

[00:47:30] Margaret’s self-care confession: Heath Bar Blizzards + binge-watching. 

Guest Links 

• The Sober Curious Activity Book — Niesha Davis 

• Health, Women’s Health, HuffPost, Bust Magazine 

• Brown and Abroad (Niesha’s travel platform) 

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.   

Send Feedback: 

If you have a story, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at [email protected]. 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.   

What happens when sobriety finally clicks — not just in the body, but in the soul? In this powerful episode, Alysse Bryson sits down with recovery advocate and community leader Jonathan Gildart to talk about incarceration, identity, and finding true belonging in LGBTQ+ recovery spaces. With over 11 years of continuous sobriety, Jonathan shares how service, accountability, and queer community didn’t just help him stay sober — they helped him build a life worth staying for. 

Key Takeaways 

• Why sobriety without community often isn’t enough 

• How LGBTQ+ recovery spaces create safety, accountability, and joy 

• The myth of “I don’t have a drinking problem” — and how it unravels 

• Why service is one of the most powerful relapse-prevention tools 

• How recovery housing builds responsibility, dignity, and connection 

Key Timestamps 

[01:26] Meet Jonathan Gildart & his sober origin story 

[03:00] Incarceration as the unexpected turning point 

[05:10] “I thought I could just drink” — relapse myths 

[08:00] Acceptance, identity, and the search for belonging 

[12:00] Recovery housing & rebuilding adult life skills 

[15:00] Service, leadership, and the Gay & Sober Conference 

Notable Resources & Mentions 

• Oxford House recovery housing 

• Gay & Sober Conference – “The Year of Love” (2026) 

Love this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to know they’re not alone in sobriety. 

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: 
Email us at [email protected] — 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, The Sober Curator Podcast delivers bold convos, pop culture deep dives, and zero-proof living that doesn’t suck. Subscribe now—because getting sober matters, staying sober matters more. 

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  

-Meet the Contributors 

-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 [email protected]. 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.   

This week on The Sober Curator, Alysse sits down with rising pop powerhouse Ella Collier—singer, songwriter, producer, and sober Gen Z glitter bomb of honesty. From Atlanta rap influences to emotional sobriety, heartbreak breakthroughs, and the pop-star fantasy she both lives and parodies, Ella shares how sobriety amplifies—not restricts—her creativity. They talk anxiety, artistry, community, Muppet Recovery memes (yes, really), bedazzling disasters, and the real-life glow-up that happens when you ditch alcohol and reclaim your energy. 

This episode is hilarious, heartfelt, hyperpop-coded, and filled with quotable moments that prove—once again—sobriety is the start of a way better party. 

Takeaways: 

• Emotional sobriety changed Ella’s creative process. She channels heartbreak, internal tension, and joy directly into her lyrics and content with radical honesty.  

• Sobriety = glow-up. Better skin, more money, more libido, more energy. Ella calls it “the ultimate anti-aging hack.”  

• Pop-star fantasy meets real life. Ella loves the glam—but also pulls back the curtain on crying between takes, breakups, and imperfect reality.  

• Connection is part of the work. She hosts Zoom sessions with fans for each new release to build authentic community.  

• Creativity thrives in sobriety. Both Alysse and Ella bond over being "painfully self-aware," driven, and joyfully obsessive about their creative platforms.  

• Recovery memes are culture. Muppet Recovery = required viewing. Ella immediately writes it down.  

Key Timestamps: 

00:00:24 — Ella opens up about anxiety, “addiction to problems,” and survival-mode energy from childhood  

00:01:53 — Alysse introduces Ella’s music career: Love Island, NBA2K, X Games, and Spotify’s SALT playlist 

00:10–00:20 — Sobriety, self-expression & Ella’s relationship to emotional growth 

00:29:00 — Social awkwardness in sobriety + finding community anywhere you go  

00:38:00 — Bedazzled books, Barbie mishaps & the joy of crafting sober art  

00:41:00 — Pop-star fantasy vs. real life: humor, heartbreak & honesty online  

00:49:00 — Ella’s single-release strategy & the “I Don’t Do Drugs” moment  

Resources & Links: 

• Ella Collier Music — https://ellacolliermusic.com 

• Instagram: @ellacollier 

• Spotify: Ella Collier 

• TikTok: @ellacollier 

• Muppet Recovery article: https://thesobercurator.com/nostalgia-memes-and-sobriety-how-muppet-recovery-on-instagram-became-a-beloved-gem/ 

-Meet the Contributors 

-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 [email protected]. 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.   

This week, Alysse sits down with cocktail queen, educator, and entrepreneur April Wachtel, founder & CEO of Cheeky Cocktails—the bold, minimalist, flavor-forward mixer brand changing how we drink (with or without booze). From 20 years behind the bar to launching a brand designed to make everyone feel included, April shares stories of creativity, visibility, Saved By the Bell aesthetics, brand-building in a sober-curious era, and that time she heroically saved an event from serving mojitos made with actual oil (yes, really) . Whether you love a zero-proof marg or just want better options at the bar, this convo is deliciously inspiring. 

Takeaways: 

• Inclusion drives innovation. Cheeky was created after April repeatedly felt excluded in bar environments while not drinking—so she built mixers that work for everyone . 

• Cocktails = connection. For April, flavor, hospitality, and celebration matter more than alcohol content. 

• Constraints spark creativity. When COVID hit, she DIY’d her brand design in hours, then later refined it via agency work—scrappiness meets strategy. 

• Pop culture always shows up. Cheeky’s bright vibe? Think Saved by the Bell meets premium minimalism. 

• Taste everything first. Her wildest mishap? Discovering a kitchen had prepped oil instead of simple syrup at a major event—right before 400 guests were served. Hero status unlocked. 

Key Timestamps: 

[00:01:34] — Meet April Wachtel: founder, educator, and flavor-obsessed mixer magician 

[00:04:27] — April’s entrepreneurial spark + early beverage industry days 

[00:07:18] — Teaching 12,000+ students to craft balanced, beautiful drinks 

[00:08:00] — Being sober/NA in bar culture + why inclusivity matters 

[00:17:14] — The Cheeky brand aesthetic: color, culture, and DIY hustle 

[00:22:00] — The 818 Tequila partnership + surprising professionalism 

[00:27:08] — Cocktail catastrophes: the “oil mojito” close call 

Resources & Links: 

• Cheeky Cocktails – https://cheekycocktails.co 

• Follow Cheeky on Instagram: @cheekycocktails 

• Alysse’s reference: BEATS WORKING podcast 

• Pop culture mentions: Saved by the Bell, Gucci “The Tiger” short film 

-Meet the Contributors 

-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 [email protected]. 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.   

It’s been 30 years since Trainspotting splashed into our lives with all the grit, grime, dark humor, and cultural punch that made it an instant classic. In this episode, Alysse, Tamar, and Sober Curator contributor Tony Harte take a wild, witty, and brutally honest deep dive into the most iconic addiction film ever made. From the infamous baby scene to the “Choose Life” manifesto to the worst toilet in Scotland, we unpack why Trainspotting still hits differently—especially when you watch it sober. Buckle up: this is pop culture autopsy meets sober storytelling at its finest.  

Takeaways: 

• Trainspotting remains one of the most accurate depictions of addiction—messy, funny, tragic, and painfully human. 

• Irvine Welsh’s books are even darker than the film (yes, it’s possible). 

• Renton’s detox sequence is still one of the most iconic portrayals of withdrawal on screen. 

• The film’s religious symbolism is subtle but rich—from “Mother Superior” to the baptism-like toilet dive. 

• The soundtrack (Iggy Pop! Lou Reed! Underworld!) is a cultural time capsule of 90s grit and rebellion. 

Key Timestamps: 

[00:02:00] — Meet Tony Harte and his legendary Trainspotting bucket hat 

[00:03:00] — Why no one watches Trainspotting sober and feels nothing 

[00:07:00] — Ewan McGregor on-set: very much not sober 

[00:14:00] — The brutal reality of Tommy’s storyline 

[00:17:00] — The baby scene: the rawest depiction of addiction’s cost 

[00:23:00] — Fun fact: Trainspotting won Seattle’s Golden Space Needle Award 

[00:28:00] — Hidden religious symbolism throughout the film 

Resources & Links: 

• Tony Harte — Sober Curator Contributor & Stoic Sobriety writer 

• Trainspotting book review on The Sober Curator (by Tony) 

• “Lust for Life” – The Ultimate Recovery Anthem on a Soundtrack to One of the Druggiest Films Ever Made?  

-Meet the Contributors 

-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 [email protected]. 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.