A Journey of Sobriety, Self-Discovery, and Transformative Parenting

Imagine a trip to New Orleans that was meant for fun but ended up being the cornerstone of a life-changing journey. My good friend Amanda and I reminisce about our chaotic days back in 2016, when my excessive drinking reached a boiling point, forcing me to confront the need for sobriety. Together, we reflect on the power of friendship and authenticity as we navigated the turbulent waters leading to my decision to enter rehab. Amanda’s support was invaluable, helping me grasp the growth that followed such a pivotal moment.

Our conversation doesn’t shy away from the messiness of healing and self-discovery. We talk about the societal urge to be "fixed" and how embracing one’s traumas can be a catalyst for personal evolution. By sharing our experiences with disassociation and delving into the protective mechanisms of memory, we encourage listeners to face uncomfortable truths. The journey of self-healing is continuous, and, through reflections, we emphasize the importance of pausing, confronting memories, and using these as opportunities to heal and grow.

The episode takes a turn towards family dynamics, where we explore parenting with accountability and vulnerability. I open up about my early life in Oklahoma, the challenges faced, and how they shaped my parenting approach. By setting healthy boundaries and maintaining open communication, we strive to improve our relationships with our children. We even consider innovative strategies like "exit interviews" with kids to better cater to their needs. By embracing radical acceptance and accountability, we aim for stronger, more trusting family connections, underscoring the transformative power of vulnerability in parent-child relationships.

This podcast dives deep into real, raw topics—think vulnerability, triggers, and childhood trauma. But just so we're super clear: I’m not a licensed therapist, mental health professional, or anything close. I’m just a human sharing stories, lessons, and life hacks based on personal experience and a whole lot of curiosity.

So, while you might find some golden nuggets here, this is not therapy and should never replace professional mental health care. If you or someone you love is going through it, please—seriously—reach out to a licensed therapist or healthcare provider. You deserve the real deal.

Need Help Now?
Here are a few amazing resources:

· 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.): Call or text 988
· NAMI HelpLine: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or nami.org/help
· Therapy Directory: psychologytoday.com
· Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

The opinions expressed on this show are ours and ours alone—no official organizations are responsible for what we say (or how much we overshare).