"We Were Liars" Through a Sober Lens: Family, Trauma and TV Drama

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 

-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 

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-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. 

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