Journals of a Love Addict Podcast

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

Do you struggle with consistency? Does your desire to do All The Things --and do them perfectly-- get in the way of actually DOING anything at all?

In this episode, Jodi explores the connection between codependence, love addiction and the tendency to over-function; how shame feeds our dysfunctional behavior; and how sometimes, even when we think we're just wasting time, we might actually be learning our most valuable lessons.

Music by JD Pendley

What do seduction, fantasy, obsession, self-medicating and withdrawal have in common? They're all parts of the cycle of love addiction.

In this episode, Jodi continues her conversation with Sarah Bridge, LCSW; listen as they discuss the love addiction cycle, as well as what happens in co-addicted relationships between Love Addicts and Love Avoidants.

Music by JD Pendley

What is codependence? Pia Mellody, author of the book "Facing Codependence", says it's a disease of immaturity caused by childhood relational trauma...and it causes lots of issues in our adult relationships.

In this episode (part one of a two part series), Jodi talks with Sarah Bridge, LCSW, about the core symptoms of codependence, assigned family roles and post-induction therapy. Sarah is a therapist in private practice who works closely with Pia Mellody and trains other therapists in Pia's model at The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ.

Music by JD Pendley