Sober Curator Podcast

Sober Curator Podcast

By Alysse BrysonNewsEntertainment News
Download on the App Store

Sober Curator Podcast episodes

  • From Rock Bottom to Broadway: Sean Daniels on Addiction, Arts, and Living Sober

    Host Alysse Bryson and contributor Alexandra Nyman sit down with acclaimed theater director, playwright, and executive director of the Recovery Arts Project, Sean Daniels. Together, they dive into the power of storytelling in addiction recovery, discuss how pop culture shapes public perceptions around sobriety, and explore Sean’s celebrated play, The White Chip. You’ll hear why “showing, not telling” changes the narrative, what’s next for recovery representation in the arts, and how lived experience and humor can open doors for deeper conversations about addiction, relapse, and long-term recovery. 

    Timestamps: 

    [00:00] – What never gets people sober (hint: Nancy Reagan) 

    [03:37] – Meet Sean Daniels: acclaimed theater director and recovery advocate 

    [05:18] – The inspiration behind The White Chip and Sean’s journey to sobriety 

    [10:05] – Science vs. shame: How sober conversations could and should change 

    [14:18] – Flipping the script: Destigmatizing recovery and lessons from the LGBTQ+ community 

    [17:26] – How pop culture is (finally) shifting its portrayal of sobriety 

    [21:36] – Why comedy and authenticity matter in recovery storytelling 

    [26:47] – What mainstream messages get wrong — no more teaching, just demonstrating 

    [31:37] – The White Chip in London: Going global, community partnerships & cultural tweaks 

    [39:22] – Licensing the play, big cities, and the hope for wide impact 

    [44:18] – Sober Shots: Diet Coke devotion, musical vibes, and sober celebrity shoutouts 

    [49:17] – New ways to keep recovery real 

    Resources & Links: 

    -Recovery Arts Project 

    -Sean Daniels: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

    -The White Chip  

    -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.   

    51 min
  • THIS JUST IN: Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines (August 19, 2025)

    Breaking news from the land of lime wedges and mocktails—it’s THIS JUST IN, serving headlines straight up, no chaser!

    This week, Alysse and T-Boog are coming at you with sober scoops hotter than a jalapeño mocktail:

    Top 5 Buzz-Free Headlines

    1. Dave Gahan of Depeche Mode’s Inspiring Journey to Sobriety Since 1996

    2. Füm Essential Oil Aromatherapy Inhaler Review

    3. 15-Year-Old Jonas Conner Writes Haunting Lyrics Beyond His Years

    4. A Curated List of 33 Sober Guests on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

    5. 24 Sassy One-Liners to Use at Parties When You’re Privately Sober

    Sober Sip Spotlight: Supermodel Elle Macpherson, celebrating 20 years alcohol-free and living her best radiant, aligned life.

    Top 5 Sober Events:

    · Sip & Paint – NYC

    · The Future of Alternative Beverages – Minneapolis/St. Paul

    · Kickback & Kayak – Pittsburgh

    · DIY Charm Bracelets – Tacoma (Alysse will be there with TSC merch!)

    · Happier Hour Zero Alcohol Launch – Omaha

    All this, plus our fake sponsor of the week: Coffee & Resentments Co.—Brewing Bold Flavor Since Step 4. ☕️

    Featured Links

    · Dave Gahan: Read More

    · Füm Inhaler Review: Read More

    · Jonas Conner: Read More

    · Armchair Expert Guests: Read More

    · Sassy One-Liners: Read More

    Explore even more sober events + retreats here: The Sober Curator Events Calendar

    Stay Connected

    · Subscribe to The Sober Curator newsletter for weekly sober headlines + curated lifestyle content.

    · Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook & Threads: @thesobercurator

    · Podcast available on Apple, Spotify, Google & everywhere you stream.

    About THIS JUST IN

    THIS JUST IN (aka TJI) is your sober-friendly pop culture news update—kind of like E! News, but with more kombucha. Hosted by Alysse Bryson (Founder of The Sober Curator) and T-Boog (resident sober pop culture sidekick), each week we drop the hottest buzz-free headlines, highlight inspiring sober celebs, and spotlight events happening across the globe.

    Because sobriety isn’t boring—it’s badass.

    10 min
  • Sober and Hot Flashing: How Gen X Women Are Owning Menopause

    Welcome to the debut episode of the Menoposse Ballers, the newest segment from The Sober Curator where midlife meets mischief — no apologies for the hot flashes, mood swings or hilarity! Host Alysse Bryson is joined by co-host Tamar Routly, wellness coach Megan Swan, and snack guru Amy Liz Harrison as they dive into the intersection of sobriety and menopause with honesty, humor and “balls up” energy. From relapse warnings to travel hacks to the power of talking openly, this episode proves you are not alone — whether you're sweating it out or just searching for your keys. 

    Timestamps: 

    [00:00] - Welcome to Menoposse Ballers  

    [03:20] - Meet the all-star panel & the inspiration behind this new segment 

    [06:09] - Menopause, sobriety, and relapse: Why it’s so real 

    [08:14] - Mood swings, hormones, emotional wellness & toolkit talk 

    [13:01] - Travel tales: “Can you fly with your balls?” and TSA mishaps 

    [17:33] - Dry eyes, crotch coolers & the ultimate perimenopausal travel kit 

    [20:16] - Why we HAVE to talk about menopause: Generational shifts 

    [22:34] - Hot flash pop culture shoutouts: Samantha Jones & "Sex and the City" 

    [24:02] - What your mom’s menopause can (and can’t) predict about yours 

    [29:05] - The gifts of sobriety and managing menopause symptoms 

    [32:19] - Including men in the menopause conversation 

    [33:07] - Sober Shots: Rapid-fire fun questions 

    [36:11] - Tchotchke Showdown 

    Resources & Links: 

    -Book: "The New Menopause" by Dr. Mary Claire Haver 

    -Book: "The Menopause Brain" by Dr. Lisa Mosconi 

    -Watch: "An Oprah Winfrey Special: The Menopause Revolution" 

    -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.   

    39 min
  • THIS JUST IN – Sober Curator Podcast Weekly Roundup August 12, 2025

    Welcome to another episode of The Sober Curator! This week’s “This Just In” (TJI) segment is bringing you the hottest sober headlines, quirky pop culture moments, and a rundown of the best upcoming alcohol-free events.

    In This Episode:

    • Adam Sandler’s Latest Antics:
      Happy Gilmore 2 is here, and apparently, he’s hiding booze in all the wrong places. The sequel is now Netflix’s biggest blockbuster, even knocking Titanic from its streaming throne.
    • Eminem Stans Spill the Tea:
      Dive into “Stans,” a new documentary featuring ride-or-die Eminem fans—rap skills, sobering journeys, and mental health all collide in this fandom-fueled love letter.
    • Party Drug Goes Nuclear:
      “20 Witch Land” takes addiction fiction to a radioactive level. It’s sci-fi, it’s weird, and yes—people are chasing highs from nuclear waste. It’s satire, it’s a cautionary tale, and it’s got us talking.
    • SoberPlatz at Music Fest:
      The biggest free music festival in America has a new sober zone: Sober Platts. Swap booze for coffee, good vibes, and live tunes—no hangovers, just harmony.
    • Pink Cloud Coffee:
      Meet your new favorite morning ritual—caffeine therapy with an Instagrammable edge. Pink Cloud Coffee proves clarity can come in a cup, not a cocktail.


    Celebrity Sober Sip Spotlight

    • Elton John’s 35 Years Sober: Sir Elton John celebrates 35 years without a drink—outlasting even some of his most fabulous wigs. A true icon of recovery (and feathered capes).


    Top 5 Sober Events Coming Up

    1. The Fam X Third Place Bar (NYC, Aug 14):
      A panel, a party, a playlist—discussing sobriety and mental health in music.
    2. Sober Sisters DIY Workshops (Rock Hill, SC, Aug 17):
      Craft your way to serenity. Glitter optional, bad puns mandatory.
    3. The Sober Show Comedy (LA, Aug 17):
      Proof that sober people are hilarious. No drunk heckler energy here!
    4. The Future of Alternative Beverages (St. Paul, Aug 21):
      Sip the latest in ABV-free drinks. Bonus: Appearance from curator Ashley Sunderland!
    5. DIY Charm Bracelet Pop-Up (Tacoma, Aug 23):Build a bracelet and an afternoon to remember.


    For the full list of sober events nationwide, check out The Sober Curator’s event calendar round-up online!

    Fake Sponsor of the Week:
    Dry Fly Airlines – “We’ll get you high above sea level.” (Not a real airline, but it should be.)

    Final Thoughts:
    Remember, getting sober is important—staying sober matters even more. Keep it smart, keep it funny, and for the love of mocktails, keep it sober!

    Thank you for listening to The Sober Curator’s THIS JUST IN!


    7 min
  • Redefining Happy Hour with Tate Huffard of Best Day Brewing

    In this episode of The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson and contributor Justin Lamb sit down with Tate Huffard, founder and CEO of Best Day Brewing. Tate shares his personal journey from East Coast finance to West Coast wellness, the inspiration behind building a tasty, craft non-alcoholic beer company, and how Best Day is brewing up a new narrative for sober, social living. Whether you're a dedicated NA beer fan or simply "sober curious," you’ll get insights on the current NA beer landscape, branding that breaks barriers, and what’s next for Best Day Brewing. 

    Timestamps: 

    [00:00] – The serendipitous spark for Best Day Brewing 

    [01:52] – Meet Tate Huffard 

    [04:46] – Justin’s favorite Best Day brew & the return of Galaxy Ripple 

    [07:07] – Tate’s motivation to launch Best Day + the early NA beverage scene 

    [13:06] – Craft beer community & why NA options matter 

    [17:06] – The secret sauce: How Best Day gets its real beer flavor 

    [20:05] – Branding, marketing, and the famous “Sober Sex” Super Bowl spot 

    [24:39] – Small-batch innovation, flavor experiments & what’s next for NA brews 

    [32:16] – Where Best Day sells the most, national expansion & brand ethos 

    [34:38] – Tate’s background: From New York finance to West Coast startups 

    [39:49] – Where to find Best Day: Events, collabs, and community pop-ups 

    [41:21] – Tchotchke Corner  

    Resources & Links: 

    -Best Day Brewing: Website, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook 

    -Justin Lamb's review of Best Day's Galaxy Ripple 

    -Happy Every Hour on The Sober Curator 

    -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.   

    46 min
  • THIS JUST IN – Weekly Mini Drop from The Sober Curator

    Welcome to THIS JUST IN — your sober spin on the week’s trending headlines, celeb moments, and coast-to-coast sober events. It’s like The View got sober… and finally stopped talking over each other. 😉

    💥 This week, Alysse Bryson and T-Boog serve up:

    ⛅️ TOP 5 BUZZ-FREE HEADLINES
    • 💨 Ripple Vapes: Plant-based puff power or just glittery nonsense?
    • ⛳️ Happy Gilmore 2: Sandler’s back—and stashing flasks in golf holes
    • 🔪 The Bear Season 4: Step 9 meets gourmet redemption
    • ☢️ Twitchland: Nuclear sludge addiction fiction—yes, really
    • 🛣️ All Gas, No Brake: A recovery story that doesn’t slow down

    🌟 CELEBRITY SOBER SPOTLIGHT
    Shoutout to Eminem for 17+ years clean and a surprise cameo that had us yelling "JACKASS!" in solidarity. Still sober. Still savage.

    📅 TOP 5 SOBER EVENTS
    🕺 Drag fundraisers, comedy nights, candle crafting, cuddle clubs, and toga parties?! From Colorado to Texas, we’ve got the buzz-free events that prove sober doesn’t mean boring.

    👀 WATCH IT.
    🎧 LISTEN IN.
    ✨ LIVE CRISPY.

    💌 Subscribe to The Sober Sip for your weekly dose of recovery culture:
    https://www.thesobercurator.com/newsletter

    🧠 More from The Sober Curator:
    Website: https://www.thesobercurator.com
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesobercurator
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesobercurator
    Podcast: The Sober Curator wherever you get your pods.

    📣 Got a sober event or recovery story? Drop us a line or slide into our DMs. We just might feature you in an upcoming episode!

    #ThisJustIn #TheSoberCurator #SoberEvents #RecoveryIsRad #PopCultureSober #SoberNews #EminemSober #RippleVape #TheBearFX #SoberLiving #SoberEntertainment #SoberAndProud #TogaPartyButMakeItDry

     


    8 min
  • Secrets, Sobriety, and Sibling Drama: Breaking Down The Better Sister with The Sober Curator

    Hosts Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly are joined on this episode of The Sober Curator by Dr. Sarah Michaud, Megan Swan, and Amy Liz Harrison to deep-dive (and spoil) Amazon Prime’s “The Better Sister.” Packed with unfiltered opinions, passionate TV fandom, and expert takes on codependency, sisterhood, and substance use representation in the media, the crew unpacks family dysfunction and recovery tropes with their signature humor and honesty. Key takeaway: There’s a lot more to addiction and sobriety on TV than coffee cups in a circle — layers of trauma, secrets, and healing drive this binge-worthy drama. 

    Timestamps: 

    [00:00] – Alysse’s spoiler warning & reality TV energy 

    [01:00] – Introducing the panel: Dr. Sarah, Megan, and Amy 

    [02:10] – Summary and setup of “The Better Sister” 

    [07:55] – Fashion moments: the infamous white dress 

    [12:00] – Family dysfunction & codependency, Dr. Sarah’s take 

    [14:28] – Who's the real “better sister”? Exploring character depth 

    [16:58] – Recovery “porn,” AA tropes, and honesty in addiction depictions 

    [20:51] – Romance and “13th-stepping” in recovery settings 

    [24:46] – Dysfunction, secrets, and lived experience on screen 

    [31:47] – The stepson’s storyline and family secrets 

    [33:31] – Most shocking moments & final thoughts 

    [33:58] – Sobees scores: panel ratings 

    [38:19] – The Sober Curator's future TV picks & the ‘chotchke’ showdown 

    Resources & Links: 

    -"The Better Sister" review on The Sober Curator 

    -More TV show recs from The Sober Curator 

    -Book: "The Better Sister" by Alafair Burke 

    -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.   

    42 min
  • This Just In: Sober Celebs, Viral Trends & Booze-Free Bash Alerts! July 29 | Sober Curator Podcast

    Welcome to another headline-packed episode of The Sober Curator! Your favorite hosts, Alysse Bryson and Tamar Routly, are back with a Buzz-Free Bulletin you can’t miss. This week, we interrupt your regularly scheduled Dry July to bring you “TJI – It’s like TMZ, but make it sober.”

    In This Episode:

    • The Top Five Sober News Stories 📰
      • Mel Robbins’ “Let Them Theory” goes viral—and sparks a sober internet debate.
      • Meet Champagne: a queer, Black, sober artist from Rochester, NY turning heads with her unapologetically bold Pop Shop earrings.
      • Is Tampa, Florida the next sober travel hotspot? Murals, mocktails, and a zero-proof menu guide.
      • Alysse’s “50 and Fab” Booze-Free Alaskan cruise: 50 pearls of wisdom from the land of glaciers and mocktail dance floors.
      • Adam Sandler’s flask-stashing antics in “Happy Gilmore 2”—and a cheeky nod to 12 step communities.

    • Celebrity Sober Sip Spotlight 🥂
      • Anne Hathaway celebrates over six years sober: still serving looks and starring in “The Devil Wears Prada 2” on the streets of NYC.

    • Top 5 Sober Events Across the Country 🎉
      • Tulsa, OK: Mocktails & Art Crawl (Aug 1)
      • Minnesota: Summer Sound Bath Float (Aug 2)
      • NYC: Central Park Yard Games & Crafts (Aug 2)
      • Nashville: Bingo Night at Gramps Garage (Aug 5, hosted by Killjoy)
      • Chicago: No Booze Cruise during Air & Water Show (Aug 16)
      • Plus—don’t miss mention of a Sober Toga Party and more fun across the nation! Find all sober events on The Sober Curator’s event calendar.


    This Week’s Family “Fake Sponsor”:
    Boundaries R  Us – “We say no for you, so you don’t have to.”

    Powered by:
    Petty comebacks, sparkling water, and zero regrets.

    Memorable Quotes:

    • “Just let them spiral, sis. We’ve got mocktails and popcorn ready.”
    • “These earrings are declarations. Wear them if you dare, or step aside and admire the drip.”
    • “Who needs Merlot when you’re stomping through Manhattan in couture and clarity?”
    • “Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more.”

    Connect With Us:

    • Explore all events, news, and spotlight stories at The Sober Curator’s website
    • Don’t forget to check out our Sober Event Calendar, Travel, and Entertainment sections for more details.

    Join the Conversation:
    Which headline hit home for you? Got a sober event to share or celeb to spotlight? Drop it in the comments!

    Subscribe for more buzz-free updates, and remember:
    Keep it real. Keep it fun. Keep it sober. 

    #SoberCurator #BuzzFree #SoberNews #DryJuly #SoberEvents #MelRobbins #AnneHathaway #AdamSandler #PopShop #SoberTravel

    8 min
  • Can You Really Let Them? The Sober Curator Breaks Down Mel Robbins’ Boundary Advice

    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.   

    52 min
  • THIS JUST IN: Dry July Edition | The Sober Curator Podcast

    💥 It’s like TMZ, but sober. Welcome to your weekly round-up of buzz-free headlines, NA bevs, and sober pop culture moments that actually matter.

    🚫 Powered by fake sponsor Whine-Free Wine Club™ – where the only thing we pour is our feelings.

    ☕ Running on iced lattes, strong boundaries, and zero hangovers.

    👇 Scroll down for links to everything we mention in the episode!

    📰 TOP 5 BUZZ-FREE HEADLINES

    📚 Addiction Fiction Review: Margo Has Money Troubles
    💸 A messy, beautifully broken story about debt, desire, and disaster by Rufi Thorpe.
    🔗 https://thesobercurator.com/margos-got-money-troubles-by-rufi-thorpe/

    🛋️ From Luxury to Loss: Mason McCulley’s Interior Design & Sobriety
    🎨 NYT featured the glam, we got the grit.
    🗞️ NYT Article: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/07/realestate/luxury/birmingham-mason-mcculley-condo-interior-design.html
    🧠 TSC Deep Dive: https://thesobercurator.com/from-darkness-to-light-mason-mcculleys-journey-through-loss-and-sobriety/

    🎬 The Sober Curator ENTERTAINMENT Channel
    Pop culture without the blackout.
    🔗 https://thesobercurator.com/sober-entertainment-and-events/

    ❄️ #MINNYSOBER Movement
    Ashley Sunderland brings sober swagger to the Midwest.
    🔗 https://thesobercurator.com/sober-in-minneapolis/

    🥂 HAPPY EVERY HOUR – NA Drink Reviews That Slap
    From beers to bubbles, explore the best in zero-proof sipping.
    🔗 https://thesobercurator.com/happy-every-hour/

    🌟 SOBER SIP SPOTLIGHT
    👑 Sober King of the Week: Hank Azaria
    Sober since 2006 and still crushing voiceovers. Class of '06, baby!

    📅 TOP 5 SOBER EVENTS

    🎉 [July 23] Pop Culture Trivia Night – Tacoma, WA
    https://thesobercurator.com/event/pop-culture-trivia-night-sober-af-bottle-shop-in-tacoma/2025-07-23/

    🕺 [July 27] Daybreaker NYC: Have Fun Be Nice Tour
    https://thesobercurator.com/event/daybreaker-nyc-have-fun-be-nice/

    🎨 [July 27] Denver Open Art Studio
    https://thesobercurator.com/event/denver-open-art-studio-art-community-and-recovery/

    🍸 [July 28] Teetotal Initiative: The Mocktail Mixer – Pittsburgh
    https://thesobercurator.com/event/teetotal-initiative-pittsburgh-the-mocktail-mixer/2025-07-28/3/

    🍹 [July 31] NA Cocktail Making Class – Minneapolis
    https://thesobercurator.com/event/na-cocktail-making-class

    📢 SUBSCRIBE for more buzz-free pop culture
    👍 Like, 🔔 Subscribe, and 💬 Comment with your favorite NA drink or event this week!

    💻 Visit us at: https://thesobercurator.com
    📸 Follow @thesobercurator on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads
    📧 Sign up for our newsletters – The Sober Sip & The Friday Pour

    🎧 Available wherever you stream your favorite pods. Because getting sober matters—and staying sober matters more.

     


    7 min

About Sober Curator Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Getting sober matters. Staying sober matters more. That’s the whole premise.