Jackie and Denise are back after a brief hiatus with a fresh perspective and a new name for the podcast: 12 Steps for Everyone. In this episode, they catch up on their recent travels and personal growth journeys. Jackie discusses the "humble pie" of navigating her first year of grad school, adjusting to new medication, and the beauty of a wedding in Mexico City. Denise shares her restorative solo weekend in Santa Barbara, featuring an inspiring talk by Esther Perel, a playful encounter with an octopus, and the transformative power of "savoring the moment". They also explore the principles of Step 6, vulnerability in recovery, and Denise’s new commitment to financial clarity.

• The Rebrand: Transitioning from Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for Everyone to better reflect their mission.
• Step 6: Recognizing thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve the greater good.
• Academic Pressure: Jackie’s experience with grad school finals and managing productivity.
• Mental Health & Medication: Navigating the side effects of Lexapro and finding a functional routine.
• Solo Exploration: Denise’s Santa Barbara itinerary, including a stay in a Montecito casita.
• Connection & AI: Insights from Esther Perel’s talk at Godmother's bookstore regarding relationships in the digital age.
• Vulnerability in Community: The emotional safety of 12-step meetings and seeing men express emotion.
• The Science of Happiness: Savoring moments of joy as a tool for rewiring the brain, inspired by Laurie Santos.
• Financial Frontier: Denise’s new 12-week course to bring "grown-up" clarity to her unexamined finances.
• Women's Sports: The excitement of supporting Angel City FC and the rise of women’s athletics.

• 00:00:03: Welcome to the newly renamed podcast, 12 Steps for Everyone.
• 00:02:12: Introduction to Step 6 and behaviors that no longer serve us.
• 00:03:45: Jackie on finals, brain fog, and the "urgency" of productivity.
• 00:08:42: Reflecting on the first year of grad school in the Midwest.
• 00:10:04: Denise’s trip to Santa Barbara and Esther Perel at Godmother's bookstore.
• 00:16:30: A fascinating look at intimacy and the beginnings of AI relationships.
• 00:19:30: Shared vulnerability at a Saturday morning meeting in Montecito.
• 00:20:50: Visiting the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and playing with an octopus.
• 00:24:21: Thrifting a jacket at a resale store on State Street.
• 00:25:25: Restoring the spirit in a Himalayan salt cave and sound bath.
• 00:26:36: Lunch at La Super-Rica and a sweet encounter with the owner.
• 00:29:20: The importance of "savoring the moment" for nervous system health.
• 00:36:40: Denise’s new financial coach and the resistance to doing inventory.
• 00:43:00: Celebrating the joy of Angel City FC and women’s sports.

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