This week on The Sober Curator, host Alysse Bryson, co-host Tamar Routly, and guests Dr. Sarah Michaud and Amy Liz Harrison dive into Amazon Prime’s moody adaptation of "We Were Liars" — a YA mystery wrapped in family secrets, generational trauma and Cape Cod privilege. The crew (with a strict “no spoiler” policy!) unpacks themes of addiction, control, family dysfunction and recovery, all through a sober lens. Plus: sober snacks, coveted pearls and how growing up Sinclair isn’t as glamorous as it seems.
Timestamps:
[00:00] – The No-Spoiler Creed
[01:24] – This episode: "We Were Liars"
[04:42] – Summing Up the Sinclair Family Drama (and Sobriety Themes!)
[07:00] – Family Control, Generational Patterns and the Weight of Wealth
[10:11] – Parenting, Competition and Those Matching Outfits
[12:56] – Cousin Bonding: When Dysfunction Meets Loyalty
[14:16] – Sobriety on Screen: Zoom AA Meetings, Cravings and Relapse Anxiety
[16:10] – Race, Privilege & The Hidden Costs of Wealth
[18:10] – Loneliness, Secrets and the Mirage of Connection
[22:07] – Heartbreak, Parent-Child Trauma & The Scene That Stings
[27:45] – Binge-Watching Confessions: How Fast Did YOU Finish?
[30:51] – Escapism, Addiction and the Summer Trauma Factor
[35:24] – Sober Snacks: Crunch, Nostalgia and Skinny Pop
[36:56] – Tchotchke of the Week: The TV & Film Journal (Alysse’s New Obsession)
[39:30] – Final Thoughts on Long-Term Recovery, Family Triggers and the Real Perks of Sobriety
Resources & Links:
-The Sober Curator reviews "We Were Liars"
-The Mindful Binge on The Sober Curator
-"We Were Liars": Amazon Prime show and book
-Alcohol + Substance Use Disorder Guide
-Recovery Nonprofit Resource Guide
-LBGTQ+ Recovery Resource Guide
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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.