Sobriety is wonderful but, like lots of things in life, it's not always a pocketful of rainbows. And Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar in Austin--with nearly 15 years of sobriety--really gets this.

In this episode, Jodi and Chris talk about embracing uncertainty in recovery; the importance of accepting that there are different paths to sobriety versus a one-size-fits-all approach; that it's okay to reconsider labels that may no longer serve you. And much more.

Music by JD Pendley

Do you love your work? And, equally as important, does it love you back? This is a question that business therapist Nicole Lewis-Keeber asks readers in her book, "How to Love Your Business: Stop recreating trauma and have a business you love-and that loves you back".

In this episode Jodi talks with Nicole about a time when she considered closing her business, but instead--thanks an early morning aha moment--she rebuilt it. This pivotal moment ultimately led Nicole to a loving relationship with her work, as well as writing a book about how our history with trauma can sabotage us in business and what we can do about it.

Music by JD Pendley

Sometimes a breakup is The End, but sometimes we go back and try it again--especially when we're talking about love addiction and codependence. As Jerry Seinfeld said, "Everybody knows the first breakup never takes".

In this episode, Jodi follows-up with her friend Brooke as they reconnect regarding what's transpired since her breakup last year (covered in Episode 2). Listen as they discuss how Part Two of Brooke's breakup got started, why it ended, and how going back again--with the right tools--can actually provide a lot of useful information for our recovery.

Music by JD Pendley

In the previous two episodes, author and therapist Kelly McDaniel has explained Mother Hunger, how it happens, and provided some well-known cases of Mother Hunger from her forthcoming book for reference.

In Part Three, Jodi and Kelly continue their conversation with the definition of Third-Degree Mother Hunger, as well as the steps involved in the healing process.

Music by JD Pendley

Nurturance, guidance and protection are three developmental needs for appropriate brain development in childhood; but what happens if any (or all) of these are inconsistently provided?

In this episode, Jodi continues the Mother Hunger discussion with author and therapist, Kelly McDaniel; listen as they talk about the importance of protection, how daughters look to their mothers for guidance, and how carried shame messes everything up.

Music by JD Pendley

Mothers are valuable: they're our first love and the source of everything we need to survive. But what happens when a mother doesn't get the support she needs, or is struggling with her own unresolved trauma?

In this episode (part one of a three-part series), Jodi talks with Kelly McDaniel (author or "Ready to Heal") about her upcoming book, "Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance". The conversation includes a definition of Mother Hunger, how it happens, and how it can affect us.

Music by JD Pendley

Why do we stay in co-addicted relationships, believing 'that one' person's validation is the key to our fulfillment? What drives us to pursue a fantasy, only to be disappointed when confronted by reality?

In this episode, Jodi talks about books, Zen meditation, the role of dopamine in love addiction, and how finding our own 'nothing special' is actually really awesome.

What is healthy sex? And intimate sex? And how about healthy sex in recovery? Jodi has so many questions for her guest, Alex Katehakis, healthy sexuality expert and author of the book, Erotic Intelligence.

In this episode, Alex and Jodi discuss the four cornerstones of intimacy, how stress interferes with desire, sex as a spiritual practice, and so much more.

Music by JD Pendley

Love addiction is rooted in codependence; it comes with boundary issues, dependency issues and self-esteem issues, which leads us to look externally (often to our partners) for a sense of worthiness.

In this episode, Jodi discusses her history of trying to prove her value in relationships, and how that led to resentment and more dysfunctional behavior. She also discusses what happens when attachment wounds are triggered and what we can do in those painful moments.

Music by JD Pendley

What's it like to grow up as The Hero of the family? Hint: It's not as awesome as it sounds.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Rev. Daniel Gowan, LPC-S, regarding his upbringing as a Hero and his personal experience with love addiction, avoidance, and codependence. We'll also discuss his recovery journey, how this led him to Pia Mellody's work, and how all of it has influenced him as a therapist.

Music by JD Pendley