Cali Sober Mom

Welcome to the Cali Sober Mom Podcast! In today's episode, Monica Olano and Britney Brown dive into the unfiltered realities of motherhood, cannabis, and mental health. They kick off with personal, relatable stories that highlight the chaos and comedy of everyday parenting, including Monica's whirlwind morning with her toddlers and Britney's hilarious encounter with her son's safety concerns during her trip to Colorado.

The episode explores the concept of being "Cali Sober," a lifestyle that emphasizes using cannabis while avoiding other substances like alcohol, and digs deep into the evolving public perception of cannabis, particularly in conservative areas like the Midwest. Both hosts share their personal journeys with cannabis, discussing how it helps them manage mental health challenges and maintain balance in their busy lives. They also touch on the broader implications of the growing cannabis industry and the importance of making informed choices about what we put into our bodies.

Whether you're a parent, a cannabis user, or someone curious about alternative approaches to mental health, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of laughs along the way. Tune in for an engaging and informative conversation that aims to empower and destigmatize the use of cannabis. Welcome to the journey with your hosts, the Cali Sober Moms!

Time Stamped Overview:

00:00 Cheese accident, rushed doctor, son's ear infection.

06:21 California sober: 50/50 mix, drinking less, cannabis accepted.

07:35 Conservative state with liberal pockets advocating change.

12:02 Empowering women through cannabis business ownership.

14:50 Policies made secretly during trivial public debates.

18:51 Replaced alcohol with healthy, pesticide-free products.

22:03 Adopting personal mental health strategies using cannabis.

25:06 Cali Sober encourages personalized healing techniques.

27:03 Share Cali Sober Mom podcast with friends.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Welcome to the kickoff of Season 2 of the Cali Sober Mom Podcast! In this inaugural episode, hosts Monica Olano and Britney Brown introduce listeners to the expanded format and exciting changes coming this season. Monica shares the story behind the rebrand from "Mommy's New Medicine" to "Cali Sober Mom" and emphasizes the podcast’s mission to explore the intersection of motherhood, mental health, technology, and cannabis.

Want more of Monica and Britney - here's where to find us!

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

00:00 Final episode Mom's journey: from alcohol to hemp.

03:08 Sharing my journey to make an impact.

08:36 Challenging stigmas, free speech, and social media.

12:41 Defend free speech, question TikTok ban's motives.

14:58 Censorship laws, community discussions, and political corruption.

19:25 Concerns about cannabis and hemp's impact on industries.

22:31 Processed chemicals lead to unhealthy eating cycles.

24:31 Season two explores diverse perspectives and awakenings.

29:15 States push to deregulate harmful product ingredients.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Notes and Links as promised

Lippy Podcast

Kaylee Browning Info

Educational Links

Alcohol is the Gateway Drug

Alcohol and Sexual Abuse

Sexual Assault and Alcohol: What the research tells us

2018 Farm Bill 

LinkedIn Article: Free Speech, the Cold War and Today

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Articles/Research as promised:

John  Ehrlichman, Assistant to the President for Domestic Affairs under President Richeard Nixon

https://www.cnn.com/2016/03/23/politics/john-ehrlichman-richard-nixon-drug-war-blacks-hippie/index.html

Cannabis Regulation/Origins

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/marijuanas-racist-history-shows-the-need-for-comprehensive-drug-reform/

https://law.lclark.edu/live/files/28624-lcb233article1vitiellowebsitepdf

Harry Anslinger 

https://publicorthodoxy.org/2020/09/03/war-on-drugs-racism/

Alcohol vs Cannabis - health FACTS

https://www.mpp.org/special/marijuana-is-safer/

https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-related-deaths/

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/04/02/americans-finally-understand-that-marijuana-is-less-harmful-than-alcohol/

Georgia State Economics Study on Alcohol Sales DROPS in Cannabis Friendly Locals

https://news.gsu.edu/2017/12/12/medical-marijuana-laws-associated-decreased-alcohol-consumption-study-finds/

Incarceration Rates for Cannabis Offenses

https://www.ussc.gov/research/research-reports/weighing-impact-simple-possession-marijuana#:~:text=Key%20Findings&text=a%20similar%20pattern.-,Federal%20offenders%20sentenced%20for%20marijuana%20possession%20in%20the%20last%20five,sentence%20imposed%20was%20five%20months.

https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/cannabis-prisoner-scale

Alcohol Deaths and Stats

https://drugabusestatistics.org/alcohol-related-deaths/

Federal Drug Scheduling Info

https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling

https://www.dea.gov/fentanylawareness

DEA White Paper on Cannabis/Marijuana stating no overdoses related

https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/Marijuana-Cannabis%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Republican Party Climate Change Example

https://apnews.com/article/republican-debate-climate-change-election-2024-6d8ff0b9fd9a57cf0659a6f973a107ab

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Rethinking Drinking Link 

Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth

Dr. Austin Baeth for Iowa

In Episode 5 of "Mommy's New Medicine," we dive deep into the sobering realities of alcohol's effects on our health and society, joined by Dr. Austin Baeth and Jon. We examine the direct link between the age at which individuals start drinking and the increased risk of developing alcohol use disorders, highlighting the concerning trend of alcohol marketing targeting youth, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. Our discussion also covers the significant role genetics play in addiction, emphasizing the need for early education and awareness among our children.

Dr. Baeth brings critical insights into how substance use is closely connected to mental health, with a special focus on the rising alcohol consumption among women, its health implications, and the societal pressures driving this trend. We open up about personal struggles, including Monica's journey with ADHD and alcohol as a coping mechanism, to underline the importance of confronting our drinking habits and the benefits of seeking healthier alternatives.

This episode also challenges the credibility of government alcohol consumption guidelines and sheds light on alcohol's carcinogenic properties. Our goal is to foster a community of informed listeners ready to question the status quo, rethink their alcohol intake, and explore the potential of alternatives like cannabis in upcoming discussions.

Join us as we tackle these crucial topics, urging listeners to reflect on their health and the contents of their glasses. We invite you to engage with us, share your experiences, and contribute to this vital conversation. Let's uncover the hard truths together on "Mommy's New Medicine."

00:00 "Building a community based on health."

05:58 Doctor stresses importance of honest alcohol use disclosure.

07:59 Admission of alcohol abuse masking undiagnosed ADHD.

11:49 Alcohol linked to seven types of cancer.

15:50 Cutting back on alcohol reduces health risks.

17:17 Educational message about alcohol for females.

21:26 Estrogen affects alcohol metabolism in women.

25:22 Alcohol companies marketing to kids is concerning.

29:08 Substance use linked to mental health disorders.

31:57 Alcohol, cancer, health benefits, and life choices.

33:29 Avoid excessive drinking; prioritize health and time.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Join the Vibe Tribe! 

Instagram

Youtube

Tiktok

Facebook

Welcome back to the "Mommy's New Medicine Podcast," where we unravel the threads of motherhood, mental health, and self-improvement. I'm your host, Monica, and today in Episode 4, we're joined by a very special guest, Hillary. Together, we're peeling back the curtain on a topic that's often glamorized in media but hides a less shiny reality — the journey to sobriety from alcohol.

In this heart-to-heart conversation, Hillary opens up about her pivotal moment of clarity and the negative impact her drinking had on her loved ones. From strained relationships to facing the discomfort with traditional recovery programs, we dive into what sobriety really looks like and the tools that have kept us on track. We tackle the common misconceptions of functional alcoholism and challenge the societal norms that make us reach for that next drink.

As two women who have navigated the murky waters of alcohol dependency, we share the sincere advice that you shouldn’t wait for a catastrophic rock bottom to seek help. Instead, embrace sobriety as an act of self-care and discover the underlying reasons behind excessive drinking. Whether it’s through journaling, sipping on mocktails, or finding personal solace in THC seltzers, we're here to show that life can be even more fulfilling without the crutch of alcohol.

So, pour yourself a cup of tea, or perhaps a fizzy seltzer, and join us on this deeply personal and transformative episode as we dissect the highs and lows of our sobriety journeys. From emotional breakthroughs to the challenge of social expectations, this conversation is an open invitation to anyone looking to understand or embrace a sober lifestyle. Let's get started.

00:00 Envious of social life, feeling shame, jealousy.

03:58 Expressing gratitude for sharing personal experiences openly.

09:03 Brave decision to set boundaries after overdrinking.

11:30 Sobriety benefits mental and physical well-being.

15:13 Struggling to hide alcohol problem, recommended AA.

18:08 Seeking connection and relief through alcohol struggles.

22:08 Alcohol companies target teens with trendy topics.

24:57 Struggle with religion, but used Alcoholics Anonymous.

27:17 Meetings were interesting, but lacked lasting impact.

29:12 Being sober can be a personal trigger.

34:21 Rediscover life after alcohol in a new world.

38:35 Therapy helped reframe negative thoughts and alcohol.

41:06 ADHD and substance abuse link needs attention.

45:07 Different forms of sobriety, THC seltzers compared.

47:51 Supportive message to Hillary, offer and gratitude.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Useful Links:

Imperfect Inspiration: Website, TikTok, Instagram

Mommy's New Medicine: Website, Youtube, Instagram

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:36 Invitation to Potential Guests

01:41 Community Corner: Sharing Messages and Questions

02:56 Introducing Guest: Britney Brown

04:44 Britney's Journey: From Photography to Mental Health Advocacy

06:37 The Impact of ADHD and Autism on Britney's Life

10:42 Britney's Adoption Story

14:37 The Struggles of Parenting with ADHD

18:55 The Struggles of Adoption and Emotional Complexity

20:05 The Importance of Therapy and Mental Health

21:02 Parenting Neurodivergent Children

21:36 The Impact of ADHD on Family Dynamics

23:02 The Power of Structure and Routine in Neurodivergent Households

26:55 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Advocacy

27:39 The Imperfect Inspiration Business Journey

32:08 The Power of Encouragement and Self-Belief

33:43 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

Links mentioned in episode:

Hemp Guitar Giveaway Link: https://www.lamkinguitars.com/registration

The Canna Mom Show: https://www.thecannamomshow.com/

Josh Lamkin Guitars: https://www.lamkinguitars.com/

We dive into episode two of Mommy's New Medicine, focusing on breaking cannabis stigmas with Joyce from The Canna Mom Show. 

Joyce,  a pioneer in cannabis podcasting, shares her journey into the world of cannabis and podcasting, which began with a visit to Colorado. This trip opened her eyes to the professional and regulated side of the cannabis industry, challenging her preconceived notions. Joyce's revelation about cannabis to her children, particularly her son Josh, who joins the conversation, marks a turning point in her family's approach to cannabis.

Josh's highlights the normalization of cannabis in their household and its impact on his upbringing. He contrasts this with the typical stigmatization surrounding cannabis use, suggesting that a more open and educated approach can lead to a healthier relationship with the plant.

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of cannabis legalization and its potential benefits, especially for women and mothers. Joyce emphasizes the importance of crushing the cannabis stigma and advocates for a more informed and compassionate approach to cannabis use, both medically and recreationally.

Monica and Joyce explore the challenges and opportunities within the cannabis industry, particularly for women. They discuss the potential of cannabis to offer alternative solutions to traditional pharmaceuticals and alcohol, advocating for a shift in perception towards viewing cannabis as a viable and beneficial option.

The conversation about cannabis is encouraging a shift towards more open and informed discussions about its use and benefits. Advocacy can be done by bringing elected officials into the conversation as well.

In our next episode, we will delve into the intersection of cannabis use and managing ADHD, further expanding the podcast's exploration of the multifaceted relationship between motherhood, mental health, technology, and cannabis.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram

We kick off our first episode of "Mommy's New Medicine" with a deep dive into Monica Olano's story, guided by her producer, Jon Gay. Monica opens up about her struggles with imposter syndrome, a common thread among podcasters, and sets the stage for what this podcast aims to achieve. She's candid about her insecurities and her mission to transform stigmas into strengths, offering a platform for open discussions on topics often shrouded in silence.

Monica shares her tumultuous journey through infertility, a battle that led her to experimental treatments and ultimately, the birth of her miracle baby amidst the onset of COVID-19. This personal story transitions into a broader conversation about the challenges of motherhood, postpartum depression, and the unexpected hurdles of raising twins with medical issues. Monica's narrative is a testament to the complexities of life and the resilience required to navigate them.

The conversation takes a turn towards Monica's battle with alcoholism, a coping mechanism for the overwhelming stress and anxiety of her circumstances. She discusses her transition to using cannabis as a healthier alternative, emphasizing the stigma surrounding its use and advocating for a more open dialogue about its benefits compared to alcohol. Monica's journey is not just about switching vices but finding a path to healing and understanding herself better, including a diagnosis of ADHD that explained years of internal turmoil.

Jon and Monica delve into the importance of community and the role of technology in Monica's life. Monica highlights her passion for digital marketing and AI, leveraging her skills to support family businesses and launch her consultancy. This blend of personal growth and professional ambition underscores the podcast's theme of turning challenges into opportunities.

"Mommy's New Medicine" is more than a podcast; it's a movement towards breaking down barriers and creating a supportive community. Monica's openness about her life's struggles and triumphs invites listeners to share their stories, fostering a space where vulnerability is strength, and every voice matters.

This Naked Mind - Annie Grace

This is the book I mentioned in the episode.  I would listen to 15-30 minutes each morning when I took the kids for a stroll.  I was still drinking at the time and I really like how she broke everything down.  Again, I'm not pushing for everyone to go sober, just a strong learning tool for anyone that might be sober curious.

Where to find Monica -

Cali Sober Mom Youtube

Cali Sober Mom Website

Cali Sober Mom - Instagram

Monica Olano - LinkedIn

Where to find Britney: 

Imperfect Inspiration Website

Imperfect Inspiration - Tiktok

Imperfect Inspiration - Instagram

Britney Brown - Instagram