In this episode: I reflect on my personal experience with addiction and how storytelling helped me after years of keeping my drinking a secret as a teacher. I share my viral op-ed article, which was published in the Louisville Courier-Journal, and got me on Red Table Talk. I touch on the fear and shame surrounding addiction, reminding you that if you ever feel alone, you're not. I also discuss some resources to learn more about addiction beyond the disease model, which is frequently presented in treatment facilities. Resources: Black Friday Discounts on Programs at Bottomless to Sober Recommended Reads: Unbroken by Maia Szalavitz The Biology of Desire by Marc Lewis Transcript

In this episode: Kiola Raines takes us beyond getting sober. As a Black woman, her recovery journey unfolds against a backdrop of unique challenges that fuel her mission to establish safe havens for individuals like herself. Join us as we explore the distinct hurdles Black women encounter when seeking support for addiction, from the glaring lack of representation to the enduring impact of the "war on drugs." Kiola not only sheds light on these issues but also takes proactive steps to rewrite the narrative and dismantle beliefs that could impede recovery. Check out this insightful conversation that goes beyond the surface, delving into the transformative work of reshaping the recovery landscape for Black women and other women of color. Resources: Kiola's Site - KiolaRaines.com Follow Kiola on Instagram Book Reference: Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction by Maia Szalavitz Podcast Reference: Stack ’n’ Days Podcast by Ray Donovan Transcript

In this episode: Listen in as I discuss the challenging and sometimes very uncomfortable decisions I've made that led me to recovery and, ultimately, saved my life. The journey to recovery has not been easy, as I share about selling my beloved house and moving into my sister's guest room in Tampa. I also recount how I had to quit my prestigious teaching job and switch to working an entry-level sales job, a decision that, although humbling, was crucial to my recovery. Oh, and dating? My recovery definitely made that interesting. Tune in as I continue to shed light on the other critical aspects of my recovery journey, including the use of medication and the idea that no matter when and where we start on this path, we are exactly where we need to be. Resources: Feeling's Aren't Facts: A New Year's Eve Self-Forgiveness Workshop Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: Content Warning: Discussion of pregnancy loss and abortion As I sat down with Kenneth Watson, known as 12 Faces of Sober, a rush of raw emotions filled the room. His story of struggle, transformation, and the joy of fatherhood took me on a journey that deeply resonated with me. From his past experiences with abortion and miscarriage fueling his addiction, to finding strength and hope in fatherhood and sobriety, Kenneth's candid revelations served as a powerful testament to human resilience and the invaluable role of a supportive community. Walking us through the dark alleys of his life, Kenneth was open about his mental health struggles and the impact of his father's alcoholism. His transition from casual drinking to addiction, taking him through the military, a tumultuous marriage, and multiple rehab stints, was a stark reminder of the havoc addictions can wreak. But it was equally inspiring to see how he found light at the end of this dark tunnel, breaking free from addiction and embracing the joy of fatherhood. However, our conversation did not stop at his personal journey. We also delved into the larger implications of addiction, highlighting that it knows no racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic boundaries. Kenneth brought forth the necessity for mainstream recovery to be inclusive of people of color, and how sobriety can serve as a rebellion against historical alcohol-induced control mechanisms. Join us on this enlightening journey as Kenneth shares his path to sobriety, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and the empowering lessons he's picked up along the way. Resources: 12 Faces of Sober Site Follow 12 Faces of Sober on Instagram Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: Join me as I tackle the challenges of navigating the holidays while maintaining sobriety. This episode takes a hard look at our programmed thoughts, particularly those we've clung onto since childhood, and how they might not truly resonate with us. To help you combat these, I introduce a simple, yet profound question to ask yourself: "So what?" This question is a handy tool to challenge your thoughts throughout the holiday season. The second half of this episode discusses the concept of safety in recovery and how to establish it within ourselves. We explore how alcohol can make us feel like we need it for survival when in fact we don't. Resources: Sober Summit Holiday Edition - Get A Free Ticket! New Year's Eve Self Forgiveness Workshop Addiction and The Brain Video Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: How do you transform your life from a crippling addiction to a beacon of inspiration? What if you could redefine your future, regardless of your past? Join me for an incredibly raw and inspiring conversation with Nico Morales as we explore his tumultuous journey from addiction to recovery. Nico bravely shares his experiences growing up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and takes us through his struggles with the opioid epidemic and his battle with drug use, which escalated to the point of heroin addiction. As we move further into Nico's story, we learn about his decision to quit drugs and the process of self-work he had to undertake to overcome his addiction. We also touch on his struggle with avascular necrosis and how the motivation to be a good uncle led him to finally work to healing his body. Nico shares his ongoing journey to maintain a healthy, substance-free life and how he has replaced his dependency on substances with healthier habits. Listen in as Nico inspires us all with his resilience, determination, and journey to personal development. Resources: Nico's Site - NoHaloNM Nico on Instagram Nico on YouTube Nico on TikTok Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: In this episode, I explore the intricate journey of letting go, which looks different depending on where you are at in your life journey. I dive into a personal story of letting go of a romantic connection, who, after waiting for a year of sobriety to get serious with them, their response - a suggestion to "focus on your recovery" - prompted a deeper examination of what it means to work on recovery and the fear of being alone. Ultimately, today's episode focuses on finding peace and self-worth throughout life's transitions. Resources: Free Support Group Meeting for Educators New Year's Eve Self Forgiveness Workshop Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: In this emotionally powerful episode of Bottomless to Sober, I delve into the inspiring and heart-wrenching story of Ana, a young woman whose life was deeply impacted by addiction and mental health challenges. Ana's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of shedding light on the hidden struggles that many individuals face. At the end I also reveal what Ana does for a living, which may leave listeners surprised because of the assumptions we so frequently make about people struggling with addiction. Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Sara's Story Podcast Episode that I reference Transcript

In this episode: Ever been on the receiving end of a hateful glare from your partner's ex? We're uncovering empowering ways to navigate such awkward encounters, emphasizing the power of stepping back to weigh our options and potential consequences, reshaping our mindset to construct a more positive narrative, and taking action without shouldering the responsibility for others' emotions and responses.  Then, I also share a part of my rehab journey from the brink of despair to belting out tunes at a karaoke session in rehab. I share the magic of "snapshot moments" - those randomly profound instances of hope and inspiration that encapsulate the resilience of the human spirit. Join me as I reminisce about Danielle, the staff member who illuminated the possibility of joy sans alcohol, and young Elly, whose bold performance became my unforgettable snapshot moment.  Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops My Full Rehab Story - Where I first meet Danielle Jessica Doing Sober Karaoke Transcript

In this episode: I discuss maturity as presented in the context of a poem by Diego Perez, aka Yung Pueblo, how it's different from "adulting," and when to choose to use one's word based on possible outcomes. Resources Yung Pueblo's Poetry Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: Link to Spotify Do your loved ones make decisions you don't feel are best for them? This episode is for you. to help you manage your frustrations. Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: I share some insights about feeling jealous and how to shift the experience of jealousy into something either practical or into an opportunity to practice acceptance. Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: Content Warning - drug use and death September is National Recovery Month. I always tell the story of meeting and falling in love with Ian so that his story lives on through me. Ian isn’t here anymore, but every person I have touched by sharing my story is someone he has touched, too. He always wanted to help others, but his life ended on April 28, 2020, due to an overdose from using again after being sober. I’ll continue telling his story as part of mine, and this recovery month will be no different. I’ll continue to share his story and lessons learned from this experience for anyone considering dating while in early recovery. Resources: More About Ian Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops

In this episode: I review the top three things I say to myself in the middle of a crisis/natural disaster to protect my sobriety as I prepare to go into a hurricane shelter with my students for Hurricane Idalia. Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: I reflect on 1,000+ days of sobriety and two lessons learned. One, it's a lot easier to "just" be myself. Two, quitting can be great, and I don't mean just alcohol. Resources: Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: Content Warning: Discussion of sexual assault. Sara, a survivor of sexual assault, struggled with substance abuse to escape her pain. But realizing its temporary relief and the dark path she was on, she eventually embarked on her recovery journey. (Sara shared her story anonymously with me and asked that I change her name to protect her privacy.) Resources: Ian's Dedication Original Blog Piece Cited Old Printer Sounds Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops Transcript

In this episode: I discuss my experience of having alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and answer common questions. How did I know that I had it? What was the treatment? What were the signs of ALD? Resources: TikTok on ALD NPR - Sharp, 'Off The Charts' Rise In Alcoholic Liver Disease Among Young Women Bottomless to Sober – Workshops, Writing Classes, and Coaching Transcript

In this episode: In this episode, I discuss the power of looking at your past as full of learning experiences rather than letting shame and guilt overpower you. You're the best source of knowledge for how to navigate decision-making moving forward. It's a matter of tapping into yourself to be able to do so. Resources: Poem - I have been a thousand different women Bottomless to Sober – Workshops, Writing Classes, and Coaching Transcript

In this episode: You don't have to be a sober person in recovery to have a history of making poor choices. In this episode, I discuss coping with the highs and lows of dealing with other humans being flawed individuals and how you can extract information from your experiences to keep you mindful and not jaded. People only show us what they choose to reveal, so how can we be kind to ourselves when we miss red flags? Resources: Jessica's Instagram Bottomless to Sober – Workshops, Writing Classes, and Coaching Transcript

In this episode: In this episode, I sit down with Brian, a school administrator with a remarkable journey to share. Brian opens up about his past as one of the few Black male elementary school teachers he knew. On top of that, he shares how he battled alcohol addiction and navigated the challenging road to sobriety. Listen to learn about educators' struggles as they balance teaching responsibilities with personal demons and what tools you can take for your journey. Resources: Sign Up for the Free Sober Educator Pop Up Support Group Meeting Follow Brian: @teacherhootnhowl on TikTok, Threads, B-R-I-A-N Linktree Explore Brian's Support Groups: Sober Together Facebook Group and Sober Together Marco Polo Bottomless to Sober - Workshops, Writing Classes, and Coaching Transcript