Breaking Barriers: The Empowerment Journey of a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry

This episode explores the transformative journey of a woman who left her conventional life in her mid-thirties to pursue her dreams of entrepreneurship while balancing a mortgage and three kids. She talks about breaking into the male-dominated world of sports management, becoming the first woman on an executive committee of a 30-year-old league, and partnering with a black head coach to create a unique leadership team. The script also delves into personal struggles with alcohol, achieving sobriety, and using these experiences to inspire middle-aged women to find courage and embrace change. Emphasis is placed on inclusivity, authentic living, and an abundance mindset.

Katey Distefano on Self Honesty and Facing Your Inner Demons

Grab your favorite cup of tea and settle in, because this episode of Peripeteia is like a heart-to-heart with your bestie. Heather Lowe sits down with the amazing Katey DiStefano to chat about the twists and turns of life—divorce, ditching alcohol, and finding true love when she least expected it. They get real about breaking free from old stories we tell ourselves, the wild ride of parenting, and what it really means to show up as your authentic self. Katey also shares how writing became her lifeline and how she found joy in the most unexpected places. Trust me, you don’t want to miss this one—it’s all about resilience, self-discovery, and keeping it real. Tune in! 💛

Learn about and connect with Katey Distefano:
Website: https://themotheroctopus.com/
IG: @themotheroctopus

Connect with Heather:

Website: www.ditchedthedrink.com
IG: @ditchedthedrink

Fawna Asfaw on Grief, Self-Recovery, and the Power of Community Join us for the latest episode of the Peripeteia podcast, where host Heather Lowe sits down with Fawna Asfaw, author of Sober Daughter, substance use counselor, and mental health advocate. In this heartfelt and genuine conversation, Fawna shares her journey of navigating grief and substance use disorder after the loss of her parents. She talks about the power of authenticity, embracing new coping mechanisms, and building a supportive community that helped her redefine her purpose. This inspiring episode explores the importance of being true to yourself, connecting with others, and creating a meaningful life in recovery. You won’t want to miss it. Learn about and connect with Fawna Asfaw: https://www.fawnaasfaw.com IG: @fawnaasfaw Connect with Heather: www.ditchedthedrink.com IG: @ditchedthedrink Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation. Connect with Laura on IG: @wearesober / @zeroproofnation

Dr. Brooke Scheller on Nutrition, Sobriety, and Holistic Health Hi friend! We’re back with another can’t-miss episode of the Peripeteia podcast, perfect for those #DryJanuary vibes. Host Heather Lowe sits down with Dr. Brooke Scheller— doctor of nutrition, founder of Functional Sobriety, and author of How to Eat to Change How You Drink. Together, they dive into Dr. Brooke’s personal journey with wellness and sobriety, sharing how nutrition became a cornerstone of her holistic health approach. You'll hear about the fascinating connections between what we eat, how we feel, and the impact alcohol can have on our overall well-being. Plus, Dr. Brooke gets that health isn’t one-size-fits-all and offers practical, down-to-earth tips for using nutrition to support your sobriety, boost mental clarity, and embrace a healthier lifestyle. You’ll definitely walk away from this conversation feeling inspired and maybe even ready to tweak a thing or two in your own routine! Learn about and connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller: https://www.functionalsobriety.com IG: @drbrookescheller Connect with Heather: www.ditchedthedrink.com IG: @ditchedthedrink Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation. Connect with Laura on IG: @wearesober / @zeroproofnation

Jamie Varon on Self-Belief, Writing, and Embracing Failure Welcome back to Season 2 of the Peripeteia podcast! Today’s episode is a real treat as host Heather Lowe sits down for a heartfelt chat with Jamie Varon, author of Radically Content. The two women dive deep into topics like self-doubt, resilience, and rediscovering purpose in life. Jamie gets real about her journey—from a burnt-out student to a thriving author with three books under her belt. She opens up about battling self-worth struggles, learning to untangle work from personal value, and how staying connected to her goals has been her secret to moving forward. It’s an honest, uplifting conversation as Heather and Jamie talk about the messy beauty of creative careers, embracing failure, and the incredible power of self-belief. Grab a cozy spot and join us for this inspiring episode on growth, creativity, and living life on your terms! Learn about and connect with Jamie: https://www.jamievaron.com IG: @jamievaron Connect with Heather: www.ditchedthedrink.com IG: @ditchedthedrink Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation. Connect with Laura on IG: @wearesober / @zeroproofnation

Get ready for an inspiring and uplifting episode of the Peripeteia podcast! This week, host Heather Lowe sits down with her cousin Christi, a breast cancer survivor and genetic counselor, for a heartwarming—and hilarious—conversation. Christi opens up about her incredible journey from diagnosis to recovery, sharing how humor, resilience, and the support of her community helped her through the toughest times. You’ll hear all about Christi’s career evolution, the importance of genetic testing in cancer treatment, and her passion for raising awareness and funds through her ever-growing ‘Hakuna Matatas’ team of cancer fighters. Plus, she talks about her close bond with her breast surgeon Anna and how they turned Christi’s personal struggles into a mission of hope and advocacy. This episode is full of laughs, real talk, and the power of friendship and community. You won’t want to miss Christi’s moving story and the lessons it brings. Tune in for a conversation that will leave you inspired and ready to face life’s challenges, because Hakuna Matata “...means no worries, for the rest of your days!” Join (or donate to) Christi’s Team! 

https://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2024/SanDiegoEvent2024?px=8176980&pg=personal&fr_id=2286

Connect with Heather: www.ditchedthedrink.com

IG: @ditchedthedrink

Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation.

Dedee Pfeiffer on Going From Identified Problem to Identified Possibility

Hey babe! Welcome back to Peripeteia. Join us today as host Heather Lowe engages Dedee Pfeiffer, award-winning actor and producer (and Michelle Pfeiffer’s younger sister), in an engaging conversation all about Dedee’s path to recovery, personal growth, and finding purpose beyond her acting career. From her roles on ‘Cybil’ and 'Big Sky' to earning a master's in social work, Dedee talks openly about her struggles with addiction, her journey towards sobriety, and the impact of sharing her story publicly. Explore her experiences in rehab, her quest for spirituality, the importance of curiosity over resistance, and how sobriety has deepened her connection to herself and Mother Earth. Dedee's story is a testament to the transformative power of owning one's truth and the significance of living authentically.

Learn about and connect with Dedee:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dedee_Pfeiffer
IG: @dedeepfeifferofficial

Connect with Heather:

www.ditchedthedrink.com
IG: @ditchedthedrink

Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation.
Connect with Laura: @wearesober / @zeroproofnation

Celeste Yvonne on Raising Kids with Special Needs

Hey, babe! Welcome back to Peripeteia. In today’s episode, host Heather Lowe sits down with Celeste Yvonne, author of It’s Not About the Wine: The Loaded Truth About Mommy Wine Culture, in a candid and powerful conversation about the ups and downs of parenting neurodivergent children. Celeste dives deep into her sobriety journey, the heavy mental load of motherhood, and her fierce advocacy for her kids. Heather and Celeste, both mothers in their own right, explore early signs of neurodivergence, the twists and turns of the school system, and why structure, consistency, and routine are game-changers. Celeste also opens up about how these issues impact her marriage and how she juggles it all while still carving out authentic time for self-care. Tune in for a raw and inspiring chat on motherhood, resilience, and personal growth! We’re so glad you’re here.

Quick glossary:

ABA - applied behavior analysis
IEP - individualized education program (e.g. specialized instruction and services)
504 plan - a document outlining reasonable accommodations for a child with a disability as identified under the law

Connect with Celeste
https://www.celesteyvonne.com
IG: @theultimatemomchallenge

Connect with Heather
https://www.ditchedthedrink.com
IG: @ditchedthedrink
Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation™️

Hey babe! Welcome back to Peripeteia. In today’s episode, Christie O. Tate, author, mother, and advocate, joins host Heather Lowe in conversation about the journey of recovering from perfectionism. Christie brings up the impact of societal and cultural expectations, the beauty of embracing vulnerability, and the significance of prioritizing relationships over rigid perfectionistic standards. She shares personal stories, including her battle with an eating disorder and her path to sobriety, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and the challenges of self-care in a world that constantly demands more. Tune in to explore the transformative power of letting go and the profound impact of living authentically. We’re so glad you’re here. Connect with Christie https://www.christietate.com IG: @christieotate Connect with Heather www.ditchedthedrink.com IG: @ditchedthedrink Peripeteia is produced by Laura Silverman of Zero Proof Nation™️

Laurie “Gootch” Bylsma on Leaving an Emotionally Abusive Marriage Content / trigger warning: this episode discusses emotional abuse, domestic violence, and suicide. Please take care of your own needs without judgment and feel free to skip if it’s too much for you. ___________ In this heartfelt episode of Peripeteia, host Heather Lowe welcomes her dear friend Laurie, affectionately known as “Gootch,” to share her harrowing yet empowering journey of leaving an emotionally abusive marriage. They recount their initial meeting and career beginnings as young twenty-somethings in Chicago, delve into Gootch’s tumultuous marriage filled with control tactics and manipulation, and discuss her courageous escape and growth. Gootch reflects on the profound impact of her experiences, the challenges of co-parenting her daughters with a narcissist, and the ultimate tragedy of her ex-husband’s death by suicide. Tune in to hear a story of resilience, the importance of self-belief, and the strength of lasting friendships. ___________ Do you or someone you know need help? Here are some resources to guide you: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 How to Deal with Emotional Abuse via Crisis Text Line American Foundation for Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org 988 - national suicide and crisis lifeline