Bottomless to Sober

Bottomless to Sober

By Jessica DueñasEducationSelf-Improvement
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Bottomless to Sober episodes

  • 46. Chris’s Journey Through Addiction and Adoption

    In this episode:

    I share Chris's story, one of the first people I interviewed for Bottomless to Sober. Chris's early beginnings, marked by being born into addiction and later adopted, set the stage for a life of searching and self-discovery. His challenges with substance use, identity, and the moments of connecting with his biological parents, offer a raw glimpse into the complexities of healing. His unique approach to sobriety, diverging from the traditional AA path and embracing personal rituals, serves as a powerful reminder that the journey to recovery is deeply personal and distinctly individual.

    Resources:

    New Book Study for It Didn't Start With You Coming June 1st

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    16 min
  • 45. The Role of Storytelling in Recovery

    In this episode:

    Listen in as I share a personal narrative, starting with my mom’s unwavering lunch routine that travels from Brooklyn to Costa Rica, and how it serves as a launchpad for a larger conversation on inherited beliefs. I tackle the importance of questioning the doctrines passed down by our mothers and consider the influence of societal structures like patriarchy on these generational patterns. The discussion expands to embrace insights from Kelly McDaniel’s “Mother Hunger,” providing a framework for adult daughters to understand and heal from the absence of nurturance, protection, and guidance.

    Resources:

    Free Worksheet

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    13 min
  • 44. Breaking Down What Our Mothers Taught Us About Looks, Behavior, and Love

    In this episode:

    Listen in as I share a personal narrative, starting with my mom's unwavering lunch routine that travels from Brooklyn to Costa Rica, and how it serves as a launchpad for a larger conversation on inherited beliefs. I tackle the importance of questioning the doctrines passed down by our mothers and consider the influence of societal structures like patriarchy on these generational patterns. The discussion expands to embrace insights from Kelly McDaniel's "Mother Hunger," providing a framework for adult daughters to understand and heal from the absence of nurturance, protection, and guidance.

    Resources:

    Free Worksheet

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    19 min
  • 43. What else can be true? A deeper look at people-pleasing.

    In this episode:

    In this introspective episode, I dive deep into the core of our desire to please others. Is this drive a subtle quest for control, or is it rooted in age-old survival tactics? I challenge you to consider the possibility of deeper truths lying beneath the surface of people-pleasing behaviors. Before you cast judgment on yourself for seeking approval, pause and reflect with me: "What else could be true?"

    This exploration isn't just about understanding why we act the way we do; it's an invitation to view ourselves through a lens of compassion and curiosity. Welcome to a space where self-discovery and empathy converge.

    Resources:

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    17 min
  • 42. The Lessons I Didn't Learn From Marriage

    Please note there was a weird audio issue with this episode, so if you don't like it, please skip it because I was not going to re-record.

    In this episode:

    I'm minding my own business when suddenly, my sister sends a bombshell text reminder – apparently, I got married 11 years ago. I forget I have lived what feels like 100 years in less than 40 years. So, in this episode, I reflect on the lessons I didn't learn from the time I was married and how it took me getting sober to understand what I needed and how to seek it in love and relationships.

    Resources:

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Six-Week Writing for Healing Program – Reduced Registration Through March 31st!

    Transcript

    23 min
  • 41. Beyond the First Sip: Healing Through Writing About My Childhood

    In this episode:

    This episode isn't just about recounting childhood memories of me stealing money for food; it's an exploration of how writing can serve as a potent tool for healing. I discuss the cathartic experience of writing about one of my childhood stories and how it helps untangle the deep-rooted issues that often lead to substance abuse. By embracing the lessons of our past, much like the Sankofa tattoo on my arm symbolizes, we can pave a way for genuine recovery and a brighter future.

    Resources:

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Six-Week Writing for Healing Program - Reduced Registration Through March 31st!

    Mother Hunger Book Study - Starts March 30th

    Study: Greater self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism in severe alcohol use disorder

    Study: Children’s Proneness to Shame and Guilt Predict Risky and Illegal Behaviors in Young Adulthood

    Study: Drinking Too Much and Feeling Bad About It? How Group Identification Moderates Experiences of Guilt and Shame Following Norm Transgression

    Transcript

    16 min
  • 40. From Liquid Courage to Authentic Connection: A Conversation with Relationship and Sex Therapist, Eliza Boquin

    In this episode:

    Recognizing that engaging romantically can be a massive trigger for those on a healing journey, I sought the guidance of Eliza Boquin, a licensed psychotherapist, couples therapist, and certified sex therapist for this episode. With notable features on platforms like Bustle and Cosmo, Eliza brings a wealth of expertise to the table. We dive into the delicate intersection of healing and romance, mainly focusing on the challenges faced by women in recovery. Join us as we navigate the complexities of dating for our single listeners and share insights on managing relationships for those already partnered while undergoing a healing journey, such as recovering from addiction. In this empowering episode, Eliza Boquin shares her expert advice, including touching on creating intimacy while sober, creating a supportive space for all listeners to navigate the often tumultuous landscape of love, intimacy, and recovery.

    Resources:

    Recommended Reading: Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski

    Follow Eliza on Instagram

    Now, find her on TikTok!

    Learn More About Eliza's Houston Based Practice - Flow and Ease Healing

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    51 min
  • 38. Navigating Recovery Using The Four Agreements

    In this episode:

    Navigating the complex emotions of recovery is no small feat, yet understanding the principles of Don Miguel Ruiz's The Four Agreements gives us tools to foster peace, self-compassion and clarity. This episode is a testament to the healing potential of these agreements, especially within the framework of sobriety. 

    Resources:

    The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    23 min
  • 37. Pregnancy Loss: What It Moved Me To Unlearn About Recovery

    In this episode:
    CW: pregnancy loss and death by overdose

    This episode touches on the unlearning that happens when "doing the next right thing" is overshadowed by life's cruelest twists. I discuss how recovery has taught me to handle the hard things, including navigating a miscarriage—a topic often kept silent yet desperately needing a voice.

    Resources:

    Bottomless to Sober – Coaching, Writing Classes, and Workshops

    Transcript

    17 min

About Bottomless to Sober

From the publisher's feed

Bottomless to Sober is an 85-episode podcast archive for anyone navigating sobriety, recovery, or life after alcohol. Host Jessica Dueñas, mom, writer, life coach, and former Kentucky State Teacher of the Year, shares raw and honest stories about addiction, healing, relapse, grief, motherhood, and rebuilding your life with compassion and clarity.