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 

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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