Episode 25

Talking Triggers with Amy Dresner 

This episode is FANTASTIC and REAL!  We talk to Amy Dresner about what life is like for her in recovery, her debut book, My Fair Junkie, and what feelings trigger her and how she handles those triggers today.

Amy Dresner is a former professional stand-up comic, having appeared at The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and The Improv. Since 2012, she has been a contributing editor of the online addiction and recovery magazine TheFix.com. She's also written for the Good Men Project, The Frisky, Refinery 29, and has been a regular contributor to Addiction.com and PsychologyToday.com, where she has her own addiction blog entitled "Coming Clean." "My Fair Junkie" is her debut book.

Some of the topics discussed: 

• What led Amy to jail 
• The epiphany she had one day that turned her life around
• AA and how it has changed for her throughout the years
• Which feelings trigger her and what she does when it happens
• Amy's belief's on there is not one way to get sober. 
• Which tools she used in her recovery 

 

To order My Fair Junkie

 

To find Amy: 

 

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook 

 

To enroll in The Sober Sessions 

Real Aligned Women Instagram

Reach out to us 

 

 

 

Episode 24 

When Perimenopause and Alcohol Collide 

In this episode, we are talking about the change of life and how Lori experienced perimenopause while still in her addiction.  Lori also talks about how perimenopause was one of the top factors for getting sober. 

It is a very REAL and open conversation that explains what perimenopause and menopause is, and gives you some facts that may surprise you, including the difference between the two. 

Topics discussed:

• The first signs of perimenopause
• The biggest misconceptions of menopause
• How alcohol affects the change of life
• Becoming a health advocate for your body
• How to track your cycles, mood, and experience
• Food Matters - stop eating crap 
• Exercise for perimenopause
• Intermittent Fasting (our take) 
• Serving sizes of alcohol for women 

Lori reads facts from: 

Mokita, by Shirley Weir, the Founder of The Menopause Chicks. 

The North American Menopause Study that Lori reads from 

**This is not medical advice.  Please consult your physician if you have concerns or questions regarding perimenopause and drinking.

Read more on the website.

JOIN Pre-Enrollment for The Sober Sessions. 

 

 

 

Episode 23: Faith, Family, and Fitness with Doug Bopst

In this episode, the ladies chat with the very motivating Doug Bopst!

Doug talks with the ladies about overcoming addiction in jail and the lessons he learned and took with him from that shallow point in his life. From rock bottom to now helping others with fitness and being an author!

We do Recover.

Doug Bopst is a personal trainer and author of "Faith Family Fitness," "From Felony to Fitness to Free" and "The Heart of Recovery." He is a former felon and drug addict, who chose to use his time locked up to beat his demons and reinvent himself. He is now on a mission to help others integrate the lessons he learned. He has been featured nationally in media outlets such as the Today Show, Men's Health, Goalcast, Cheddar, Dr. Drew, Thrive Global, One37pm, Brobible, and others. He was recognized as one of the 12 Fitness Heroes by the Baltimore Sun in 2015. Bopst currently lives in the Greater Baltimore area.

Topics Discussed...

What took you to jail?

Had you been before?

Was this your final rock bottom?

How did your transformation take place in jail??

Lessons learned in jail?

Do you believe in rehabilitation??

Number one tool you use in your recovery??

We discuss Doug's new book.

What does being aligned mean to you?

 

To connect with Doug and say hello, 

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Heart of Recovery is his new book, which you can find on Amazon!

 

We hope you enjoyed this week's episode, make sure to subscribe to Real Aligned Women podcast! 

Have any questions, please email us HERE.

To sign up for Sober Sessions, click HERE

To connect and follow the ladies on INSTAGRAM!

We love you and thank you so much for listening to our podcast!

Episode 22: How to get out of an Abusive Relationship with Leanne Townsend

In this episode of The Real Aligned Women podcast, the ladies chat with Leanne Townsend! The gals dive deep into the conversation of being in emotional and physically abusive relationships. Along with how to get out of one.

Leanne is a family law attorney in Toronto. She also offers relationship and divorce coaching using a holistic perspective.

Leanne is regularly interviewed in the global media and has been featured in Lawyer's Daily, Divorce Magazine, Daring Woman Magazine and she has been a guest expert on several international radio stations and podcasts on topics including abusive relationships, divorcing a narcissist and divorce recovery. Also, she has spoken at a variety of events focused on women empowerment and juggling motherhood with a career. She also has her blog where she writes about dating, relationships, and family law issues.

Leanne has degrees in political science, education, and law. Her biggest pride and joy is her two teenage children who she lives within Toronto, Canada. In addition to her business, Leanne is passionate about fitness, travel and lifelong education.

Topics discussed on this week's podcast

~How would you suggest to women to leave abusive relationships?

~Do women/men need an escape plan, should they be documenting every abusive encounter they endure with partner

~Warning signs that women/men often tend to ignore because they think it will get better?

~How to regain self-esteem after?

~How can women empower themselves after?

~Where can women/men find help?

~Tips for leaving.

~Leanne's recovery story and How she overcome addiction?

 

Here are the links to her social media and websites:

Web: https://leannetownsend.ca/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leannetownsendlife/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leannetownsendlife/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/leanne_townsend?lang=en

LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/leannetownsendlife

 

*IF YOU ARE SUFFERING AND IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP PLEASE REACH OUT.  HERE IS THE HOTLINE NUMBER FOR NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE  1-800-799-7233 AND WEBSITE*

 

We hope you enjoyed this week's episode!

Want to hear a topic on the podcast? Email us and ask. We always enjoy hearing from you. Make sure to subscribe to the Real Aligned Women podcast and join our weekly emails to get all the scoop along with your freebies!!

Grateful for all you listeners, XOXO!

Episode 21: Social Dynamics in Sobriety 

In this episode, the ladies discuss social dynamics in Sobriety.

Lori and Courtney read and answer a listeners email!

Here is what the listener asked, we wanted to show you what was said in case you are going through the same issue. No one's identity is revealed in us sharing this information.

"I realize that I was continuing to drink because it fueled my social life, was a band-aid to anxiety, and people actually would tell me they like me when I drink! I usually feel detached, to begin with, and I guess alcohol helped me feel more attached because I could engage in small talk. But I was hiding hangovers, and 4 am wake ups of nausea and shivers. So needless to say I did not like MYSELF when I drank. I've already had to mourn the social life that I will be saying right by too and diving back into the mechanisms which I know work for me to stay sober

I have a question for ya'll. I told my doctor how hard it is to not drink in my age group and demographic; she didn't believe me at all. I'm a white suburban, college educated, mother. I feel like 99% of the women around med me drink and social gatherings usually revolve around drinking. Let's face it when you're not drinking, and there's nothing else to do its not fun at all. And I heard stories about game groups in my neighborhood where they can't finish games because they get so drunk. Recently, I had to say a firm no to neighborhood friends who were day drinking a $300 bottle of Dom Perignon champagne on a Saturday afternoon. Have you ever covered the "mom" drinking scene on your podcast? I knew when people realized I wasn't drinking again that I wouldn't get invited to certain things and it happened this past weekend. My husband would probably tell me I'm over thinking it, but I do think there is some truth to that if I compare drinking me to sober me. People don't want to drink alone, so why invite me if I'm going to sit there drinking diet coke and sparkling water?"

Topics discussed...

~What is going to happen to your social life after you stop drinking?!? Yes, people will not invite you to things. It will happen.

~Examining your friendships sober.

~If they are real friends they will want you to stop drinking if it is hurting you.

~Who do you surround yourself with? Top 5 people in your social circle, are they helping or hurting you?

~Friendships will change. When you close the door on one chapter in your life, you are making room for a new one.

~Why are you letting people dictate your life when it is hurting you.

~You may have to withdraw for a bit to get solid foundation until you can hang with certain people.

~Join communities like RAW to meet new people, support groups, join an art class, etc. to start socializing with people who are doing more things than just drinking.

 

We hope you enjoy this episode! IF you have a question, please email us and will read and respond on our podcast. 

NEW Real Aligned Mocktails over Cocktails menu is ready and available HERE!

We love you and thank you so much for listening to our podcast! Make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

 

Episode 20: REAL SOBER Talk with Courtney & Lori

In this episode, the ladies discuss what their mission is for RAW and have an open discussion about Sobriety! They get real about their sober journey and how they feel about this topic.

Some of you may wonder what exactly are they talking about when they say RAW?? The RAW part of it is our 30 Day club! It's a Sober lifestyle plan or community for women of all ages. Each month we share one lifestyle topic and discuss that, give tips and continue to help you along the way in your sober and recovery journey. We do two coach meetings a month along with one video from Courtney and one video from Lori!

We understand we all are recovering from something and the most potent help of all is from women who walk the same path as you.

A community is essential with finding your balance and holding yourself accountable.

What Courtney and Lori believe in, Judgment free. We believe in owning and speaking our truth. Working through shame and not avoiding it. You are supporting one another. We are empowering one another. We are helping one another. You are keeping it real, always. You are laughing along the way. There is no one way to recover.

Exciting campaign coming out in April called "Wear your Shame." What is this, it will be a series of shirts you can represent that has your shame on it from emotional eating to being divorced we have you covered in something that may be eating you alive because you are ashamed of it. Stress kills, yall!! Be open and release it; this is what helps us heal and grow.

The HUGE announcement the girls drop on you for this episode. Be ready to cry; both girls did! Continue awareness for the Sober community is very important to both ladies and future generations to come.

 

Snag your Real Aligned Women Mocktail guide, starting on April 2nd here!

Connect with us on INSTAGRAM!

We love you and thank you so much for listening to our chat If you ever need any help reach out and email us.

Episode 19: Resurrection from Trauma and Addiction with Jen Elizabeth

Jen Elizabeth is a 42 year old devoted wife and mother to two amazing children. She has dedicated her second chance at life to addiction recovery and healing from childhood traumas.

She shares her story, the wreckage and the reckoning, as a way to keep the light on for anyone who is suffering under the darkness of silence.

She is a recovery speaker, writer and blogger living in Southern California.

Topics Discussed~

~Growing up in a cult starting at the age of two. Cult's name was called The Shepherding Movement back int the 70's and 80's

~Child molestation(DISCLAIMER this is heavy and could be triggering to you)

~Being a target for predators, why she was one.

~How the predator groomed Jen and her parents.

~Jen's relationship with her family.

~Detaching with love from her family and how she is moving past the trauma.

~Her rock bottom that finally came to her in prison, listen to her divine moment.

~Mother and Daughter's relationships, How relationships are when you are the daughter of a mother who is mentally ill.

*This is one of the most powerful stories we have shared and again just want to put in a disclaimer, this could be triggering for you and it is a graphic interview about child/sexual molestation*

 

GO show our friend some LOVE. You can contact her and follow her empowering journey on Instagram @resurrektion_of_me

 

WE LOVE hearing from you, send us your feedback, questions or any suggestions for future podcasts. EMAIL US.

Tons of amazing things coming at you in April, please get on our newsletter so you never miss out.  Make sure to grab your free Personal Development and Friendship in Recovery guide!

 

Thank you for tuning in and getting Real and Raw with us, we love you guys!

Episode 17: Emotional Eating Part Two with Courtney and Lori!

 

The ladies continue to talk about Emotional Eating in this two part series.

Major component of emotional eating is STRESS! Both gals believe this is the one that can trigger that rabbit hole of eating your feelings.  Are you a type of person when stressed, you eat or don't eat?? 

It's important to recognize those feelings  and know that it is OK to feel this!

You must take this journey one day at a time and working on that balance.

Courtney and Lori share more tips of things to do instead of grabbing for the comfort food. 

 

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT COMING ON THE 28th! Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you get to hear first what this exciting news is.

 

For all things RAW, make sure you sign up for our weekly newsletter. Never miss whats happening in our community and all announcements. We provide tips, tricks and awesome motivation each week.

 

Thank you so much for listening, we appreciate YOU!!

Episode 16: Empower Your Reality with Dr. Vic Manzo Dr. Vic is a Pediatric/Family Wellness Chiropractor, Transformational Mindset Catalyst, Inspirational Speaker and Influential Author.  Dr. Vic is the founder/co-owner of The Wellness Path, founder/owner of Empower Your Reality - an online consciousness school and coaching program, creator/host of The Mindful Experiment Podcast which has been rated top 10 in business podcasts in UK, Australia, and Canada while top 20 in United States.  Dr. Vic has a background in Energy Medicine, Quantum Physics, Universal Laws and being a Chiropractor, he has a deep knowledge of neurology and how the brain functions.  He is passionate about shifting the consciousness of anyone he works with so they can remember the greatness they have within.  He does this in all his work through Chiropractic, coaching, classes, workshops, speaking, writing ,etc.     Topics Discussed~     ~The Law of the Body. ~What you abuse you lose. ~Dopamine Responses- how addiction becomes in your brain. ~Moderation is key. ~How alcohol effects the body in many negative ways.  One being an ounce of alcohol kills about 10,000 neurons in the brain.  Lowers energy.  Heart, Liver, Brain, Hormone Imbalance, Stomach are all effected negatively by alcohol.   ~Social Anxiety and the neurotransmitter Gaba. ~Mindset tips and benefits of Meditation and Chiropractic care ~CBD oil ~Neuro Hacking and Bio Hacking.     You do not want to miss out on this episode, the nuggets that Dr. Vic brings is Amazing and very informative.      To connect to Dr. Vic, see links below. Social Media and Website Links Facebook: @DrVicManzo (www.Facebook.com/drvicmanzo) Instagram: @DrVicManzo (www.instagram.com/drvicmanzo) SnapChat: @DrVic21  LinkedIn: DrManzo (www.linkedin.com/in/drmanzo)     Website: www.EmpowerYourReality.com   Podcast on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindful-experiment/id1362111439?mt=2   Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0JtGXNEJQE0GnKPLTQW5AW     Private FB Group - Empowered Living with Dr. Vic - https://www.facebook.com/groups/857224427815726/   My New Book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Tbs2sU       Don't forget to subscribe to the Real Aligned Women podcast so you never miss an episode!     To sign up for our Real Aligned community please visit RAW and don't forget to join our email list! Grab your Personal Development guide and Friendships in Recovery freebie.     Email us with any feedback you have or any topics you want us to discuss on the podcast! We truly love hearing from you so keep the emails coming.  

 

 

 

Episode 15:

Emotinal Eating- Part 1

In this episode, Courtney and Lori talk all about a subject they know all to well..Emotional Eating. Both ladies, dive into what their realationship with food is like.  Going back to childhood, early days of recovery and now.  

The ladies discuss identifying triggers, some tips of how to stop yourself from over eating and at the end of the day if it happens, to own it and move on! Which is all we can do.

Lots of mindfulness and giving yourself grace even if you are in early recovery.  Both ladies have the motto of "whatever it takes" to keep yourself sober and both ladies ate their feelings those first few years of recovery.

To chat with Lori and Courtney more about emotional eating, please EMAIL them, contact them on Instagram @realalignedwomen or visit them at www.realalignedwomen.com