Eternally Amy

Sobriety teaches us a lot about boundaries—how to set them, how to honor them, and how to recognize when they’re being crossed. But sometimes, even with the best intentions, we find ourselves stuck in old patterns—especially in places where we’re just trying to help.

In this week’s episode of Eternally Amy, I dig into what I call “Volunteering Voodoo”—that strange space where service, faith, guilt, and the desire to belong get all tangled up. If you’ve ever felt burned out, manipulated, or just plain exhausted by your volunteer work, especially in a church, nonprofit, or school, you’re not alone.

And if you’re doing all that while in recovery? It can get even trickier.

When Overgiving Becomes Overwhelming

For many of us in recovery, service is sacred. It’s part of how we stay sober. But what happens when that service starts to mirror the unhealthy patterns we’re working to leave behind?

In this episode, I share some personal and raw reflections on:

• Volunteer burnout and the pressure to be “always available”

• People-pleasing dressed up as “being of service”

• Manipulation and guilt in faith-based communities

• The need to belong, and how it can cloud our judgment

• Saying “no” as an act of self-care and empowerment

What 12-Step Programs Get Right

One of the biggest takeaways for me has been the contrast between unhealthy volunteer environments and the non-hierarchical, mutual respect found in 12-step programs. Nobody’s above anyone else. There are no medals for martyrdom. And there’s no shame in stepping back when you need to.

That’s the kind of structure I now seek out—and hope to help others recognize, too.

Permission to Walk Away

If volunteering is making you feel drained, resentful, or like you’re not enough unless you’re overextending yourself—pause. Ask yourself: Is this actually helping me grow, or am I shrinking to fit in?

Here’s the truth I’m still learning in recovery: You’re allowed to walk away. You’re allowed to protect your peace. And you don’t owe anyone access to your time, your energy, or your emotional labor.

Tune In

Give the episode a listen if you’ve ever struggled with the tension between faith, recovery, and wanting to do good—but not at the expense of your own wellbeing. (Episode airs May 26th) 

🎧 Listen to “Volunteering Voodoo” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify

📚 Grab my books on sobriety and healing here

🌐 More from me at amylizharrison.com

Amy Liz Harrison is a bestselling author, podcast host, and proud sober mom of eight. She’s passionate about recovery, mental health, and creating honest conversations about life after alcohol. Find her on Instagram @amylizharrison.

What does it mean to get sober—not just from alcohol, but from denial, from ego, from deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior?

That’s the question author and activist Ted Neill wrestles with in one of the most powerful episodes of Eternally Amy to date. In this interview with host Amy Liz Harrison, a sober mom of eight and longtime 12-step devotee, Ted gets radically honest about his recovery, his mental health struggles, and his decision to write the 600+ page personal reckoning titled: My Name Is Ted and I’m a Racist:  How a Bunch of Sober Alcoholics Gave Me Tools to Confront My Racial Biases

(Yes, that’s really the title.)

But this isn’t just a story about race. It’s a story about sobriety as a spiritual practice. About owning your s**t. About the life-changing power of humility, and how a room full of sober alcoholics gave one man the tools to confront his deepest blind spots.

If you’re in recovery and wrestling with how to navigate hard conversations without losing your serenity, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

Listen Now

🎧 Eternally Amy: Spirituality, Social Justice, Love & Connection – Featuring Ted Neill Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you tune in. (link - waiting for episode to air) 

Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—your feedback helps connect more sober seekers to life-changing conversations.

More about Ted:

My Name Is Ted and I’m a Racist — available on Amazon: https://a.co/d/c1gWZl0

tedneillauthor.com

@therealauthortedneill

Ted Neill – Author: facebook.com/therealauthortedneill

In this episode, Amy delves into the intricate dynamics of friendship through the lens of personal growth, recovery, and spirituality. Vulnerably sharing her experiences, Amy reflects on the ebb and flow of relationships over time, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-awareness in recovery.

Key Points:

• The Complexity of Friendships: Amy opens up about her personal journey with friendships, exploring the nuances of relationships that evolve and change over time.

• Authentic Reflection: Through tales of two distinct friendships, Amy examines the raw and real aspects of maintaining relationships amidst personal growth and life changes.

• The Power of Acceptance: Learning to appreciate the natural cycles of friendships, Amy discusses the importance of detachment with love and allowing relationships to evolve naturally.

• Spiritual Growth: Emphasizing the role of spirituality in navigating life's transitions, Amy shares how her relationship with a higher power supports her through emotional challenges.

• Emotional Resilience: Through humor and candidness, Amy illustrates the balance between acknowledging emotions and embracing personal growth, showcasing the power of transformation in sobriety.

• Practical Wisdom: Sharing insights from her journey, Amy offers actionable steps for processing emotions and embracing change with grace and strength.

• Closing Thoughts: Amy encourages listeners to trust the process and embrace the journey of transformation, reminding them that they are not alone and that each experience contributes to their resilience and authenticity.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #Friendship #PersonalGrowth #Sobriety #Spirituality #Transformation #RecoveryJourney #Authenticity #EmotionalResilience #DetachmentWithLove #EternallyAmy #SelfDiscovery

In this episode Amy candidly delves into the nuances of experiencing life when "it's okay to not be okay." With raw vulnerability, Amy explores her personal transformation, touching upon her recovery journey, spirituality, and the complexities of navigating life with ADHD.

Key Points:

• Embracing the messiness of Life: Amy shares the reality of life's unpredictable nature, reflecting on how personal experiences can be both unique and universal.

• The Deconstruction of Faith: Amy discusses her journey from certainty in her faith to embracing the unknown, highlighting how spirituality has evolved for her over the years.

• Motherhood and Change: Amy reflects on the impact of global events and natural disasters on her family, particularly examining the experiences of her children during these pivotal moments.

• Judgment and Empathy: Through personal anecdotes, Amy explores the importance of withholding judgment and fostering empathy, even when it's challenging.

• Life's Lessons in Motion: Amy emphasizes the transient nature of emotions and circumstances, reinforcing the idea that change is constant.

• The Duality of Existence: Balancing humor and seriousness, Amy captures the essence of life's beauty amidst its challenges, encouraging listeners to find resilience in authenticity.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #Transformation #Spirituality #Recovery #Authenticity #Empathy #Faith #Motherhood #LifeWithADHD #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #Compassion

In this heartfelt episode, Amy Liz Harrison welcomes special guests Kristin Graham and Alysse Bryson as they all share powerful stories of resilience and heart health journeys. The episode dives into personal accounts of navigating cardiac events, emphasizing the need for awareness and support in heart health, particularly for women.

Key Points:

• Startling Statistics: The episode kicks off by highlighting the prevalence of heart disease in women, urging listeners to understand that cardiac events are not just a concern for older men but affect one in three women.

• Amy's Heart Journey: Amy shares her harrowing experience with viral non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy, exploring the emotional and physical challenges faced after her heart failure diagnosis and subsequent recovery journey.

• Elise’s Unexpected Battle: Alysse recounts her sudden heart scare at age 40, emphasizing the need for prioritizing self-care amidst a busy life. Her story underlines the importance of recognizing early symptoms and seeking timely medical attention.

• Kristen’s Wake-Up Call: Kristin discusses her experience with deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms, sharing the critical role that acknowledging symptoms and educating oneself on heart health played in her journey.

• Importance of Education and Advocacy: The conversation underscores the need for increased awareness and resources, especially for women who may overlook early warning signs. The guests discuss their involvement with the American Heart Association and its role in raising awareness.

• Lessons Learned and Shared Support: The episode highlights the therapeutic nature of sharing stories and receiving support from communities. The hosts and guests encourage listeners to become proactive about their heart health.

• Closing Reflections: Amy, Kristin, and Alysse reflect on their collective experiences, reminding listeners of the power of resilience, self-advocacy, and the vital importance of heart health education.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

Check out Kristin’s Podcast “Fewer Things Better”

#EternallyAmy #HeartHealth #WomenHeartHealth #Resilience #SelfAdvocacy #AmericanHeartAssociation #HeartHealthAwareness #Recovery #HealingJourney #Empowerment #SelfCare

In this episode of "Eternally Amy," Amy Liz Harrison reflects on her journey in indie publishing versus traditional publishing, tied deeply with her personal journey through grad school and beyond. Amy dives into her experiences with both self-publishing and traditional publishing, offering listeners an honest and heartfelt exploration of the choices and challenges she encountered along the way.

Key Points:

• Exploring Indie vs. Traditional Publishing: Amy articulates the distinctions between self-publishing and traditional publishing, sharing insights from her personal experiences and grad school learnings.

• The Journey of Self-Discovery: Delving into her background, Amy talks about her transformation from focusing on motherhood to rediscovering her passion for writing, emphasizing the liberating experience of creative control.

• Navigating the Publishing Landscape: Discusses attending author conferences and the wealth of information available to those looking to publish their work, emphasizing empowerment through education.

• Balancing Act: Amy captures the dynamics of maintaining creative authenticity while exploring business-driven aspects of publishing.

• Personal Growth and ADHD: Touches on how ADHD shapes her creative process and learning journey, advocating for embracing one's unique strengths and interests.

• The Power of Community: Highlights the significance of connecting with other authors and leveraging shared knowledge to move forward in self-publishing.

• Making Informed Decisions: Encourages listeners to consider their priorities and goals in publishing, understanding that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

• Closing Thoughts: Amy concludes with the notion of self-publishing as a form of self-expression and empowerment, urging authors to trust their instincts and adapt along their unique journeys.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books:https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #IndiePublishing #TraditionalPublishing #AuthorJourney #CreativeControl #PersonalGrowth #ADHD #Community #SelfDiscovery #WritingJourney #Empowerment #BeKindRewind

Get ready for a deep (and maybe slightly boy-band-inspired) dive into "Getting NSync with Sober Manifestation." In this episode, Amy Liz Harrison unpacks the magic of manifestation through the lens of sobriety, spirituality, and transformation. With her signature mix of humor and heartfelt honesty, she shares her personal journey—navigating life with ADHD, deconstructing faith, and embracing the chaos of motherhood. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and insights on aligning your energy with your purpose.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Manifestation: Amy discusses her understanding of manifestation and how she has applied it to her life in the context of sobriety and personal growth.

• The 12-Step Influence: Emphasizing the importance of 12-step programs in her recovery journey, Amy explores the phrase "act as if" and its role in manifesting a better life.

• Shifting Mindsets: She highlights the impact of shifting from a mentality of scarcity and ego-driven desires to one of abundance, altruism, and open-heartedness.

• Practical Techniques: Amy shares insight into practical manifestation practices, such as intentional journaling, mindfulness, and open-hearted living, to cultivate a generous mindset.

• Neuroscience and Manifestation: The episode touches lightly on the neuroscience behind manifestation, emphasizing the balance between conscious and unconscious mind states.

• Personal Stories of Transformation: Amy provides examples from her own life, illustrating how she has used manifestation to overcome fears, particularly related to public speaking, and old institutional triggers.

• A Call to Action: Encouraging listeners to explore their own paths of manifestation, Amy inspires a journey of resilience and authenticity in their recovery and personal growth pursuits.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books:https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify:https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #SoberManifestation #RecoveryJourney #ADHD #Transformation #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #Spirituality #12StepProgram #SelfCare #EternallyAmy #Resilience

In Part 2, Amy continues the discussion on Virginia Woolf’sMrs. Dalloway, delving deeper into its rich themes and contemporary relevance. She explores how the novel’s portrayal of mental health, independence, and societal roles still resonates today. This episode highlights films that complementMrs. Dalloway—perfect for the movie lovers in our community!

Tune in for an insightful conversation bridging classic literature and modern perspectives.

Key Points:

• Introduction to Mrs. Dalloway: Amy shares her journey of choosing "Mrs. Dalloway" for her grad school thesis project, underlining its timeless insights into mental health and identity.

• Symbolism of Flowers: The significance of Clarissa Dalloway's choice to buy flowers herself is discussed, symbolizing independence, personal identity, and class dynamics.

• The Relevance of Themes: Themes from "Mrs. Dalloway" such as societal roles, life and death, class, and routine are examined in depth, showcasing their enduring relevance.

• The "The Hours" Connection: The episode draws parallels between "Mrs. Dalloway" and the film "The Hours," enhancing the understanding of Woolf's complex themes through modern storytelling.

• Spotlight on Modern Characters: Amy highlights the intertwined storylines of "The Hours," involving Virginia Woolf, Laura Brown, and Clarissa Vaughan, emphasizing the continuity of struggles with identity and societal roles.

• Mental Health Narratives: Virginia Woolf's own mental health struggles are explored, connecting her reality to her fictional creations and their significance in contemporary discussions about mental health.

• Encouragement for Exploration: Amy invites listeners to delve into both the novel and the film, offering a richer comprehension of the enduring challenges related to identity and society.

• Personal Growth Reflection: The episode blends the discussion of literature with Amy's own experiences, drawing on themes of recovery, spirituality, and personal transformation.

• Hosted by Amy Liz-Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #MrsDalloway #VirginiaWoolf #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #Independence #Identity #Society #ClassDynamics #TheHours #ExploringLiterature #PersonalTransformation #RecoveryJourney

In this Boozeless Bookclub episode, Amy delves into Virginia Woolf’s "Mrs. Dalloway" through the lens of personal growth, societal pressures, and mental health. As part of her "Boozeless Book Club," Amy ties timeless themes from the novel to today’s marginalized individuals and reflects on her own life experiences with recovery and transformation.

Key Points:

• Literary Exploration: Amy introduces "Mrs. Dalloway" by Virginia Woolf, emphasizing the novel’s relevance to those facing societal pressures and mental health challenges.

• Character Analysis: Discussion on central characters like Clarissa Dalloway, Richard Dalloway, Peter Walsh, Sally Seaton, and Septimus Warren Smith, highlighting their societal roles and internal struggles.

• Major Themes: Examination of the novel’s key themes—time, death, mental illness, societal pressures, and sexuality—and how these resonate with modern readers.

• Virginia Woolf’s Personal Influence: Woolf’s experiences with loss, mental illness, and significant relationships as pivotal factors in her writing.

• Stream-of-Consciousness Writing: Amy explains Woolf’s narrative technique, which immerses readers in the characters’ emotions and thought processes.

• Adaptations: Recommendations to watch the film adaptations "Mrs. Dalloway" (1997) and "The Hours" (2002) for a deeper understanding of Woolf’s work.

• Purpose & Relevance: Exploring how "Mrs. Dalloway" offers relatable experiences and insights into life’s unpredictability, particularly for those in recovery.

Hosted by Amy Liz Harrison

Buy Amy’s Books: https://amzn.to/3ys8nuv

http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #MrsDalloway #VirginiaWoolf #BoozelessBookClub #MentalHealth #RecoveryJourney #PersonalGrowth #SocietalPressures #StreamOfConsciousness #CharacterAnalysis #TimelessThemes #EternallyAmy #LiteraryExploration

In this episode, Amy Liz-Harrison welcomes back Lane Kennedy and Tamar Medford, co-hosts of the podcast "You’re Sober, Now What?" and co-authors of "Sobriety for Dummies." The episode dives into their journey of creating a supportive community for those in sobriety, exploring creative endeavors, and finding joy and purpose in a life free from addiction.

Key Points:

Hosted by Amy Liz-Harrison

Buy Lane and Tamar's Book: "Sobriety for Dummies" on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or order at your local bookstore.

Access Lane and Tamar's Resources: "You're Sober Now What?" website

Learn more about Amy Liz-Harrison’s journey and resources: http://amylizharrison.com/

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Lgxy8F

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vHHHoi

#EternallyAmy #SobrietyForDummies #RecoveryJourney #PersonalGrowth #Alcoholism #Sobriety #CommunityBuilding #Mindfulness #HolisticHealth #Creativity #SelfDiscovery #EternallyAmy #Recover