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What if the key to overcoming addiction lies not in conventional methods, but in the depths of spiritual and holistic practices?

Join us as Veronica Barragan, a remarkable holistic therapist and wellness counselor, recounts her challenging journey from a traditional Catholic upbringing in Mexico to battling and ultimately overcoming alcoholism. Veronica's story takes us through her experiences as an immigrant child facing emotional neglect and depression, the pressures of early marriage, and the dual life she led as a successful real estate broker struggling with high-functioning alcoholism. Discover the turning point that transformed her life and ignited her passion for helping other women achieve sobriety and emotional well-being.

Veronica eloquently discusses the generational patterns of alcoholism in her family and how recognizing these behaviors led her to seek healing through spiritual modalities rather than conventional methods like Alcoholics Anonymous. Despite her career burnout, she found solace and a path to recovery in holistic practices, significantly influenced by the wisdom of her son. Veronica’s reflections underscore the importance of compassion and understanding in the nuanced journey of addiction recovery, highlighting the individualized nature of healing.

Embark on an extraordinary exploration of self-discovery and healing as Veronica details her transformational experiences with psychedelic therapies and Kundalini Yoga. A high school presentation on indigenous plant medicines led her family to the Amazon jungle, where they worked with shamans using sacred plants like Ayahuasca and San Pedro. Yet it was Kundalini Yoga that provided her the lasting tools to regulate her nervous system and achieve emotional healing. Through her virtual group coaching academy, Veronica now guides women on a transformative journey of holistic and generational healing, emphasizing the power of daily meditation and forgiveness in overcoming addiction. Tune in to hear her powerful story and the holistic approaches that have changed her life and the lives of many others.

To connect with Veronica Barragan:
Social Media Links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/veronicabarraganiam
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@veronicabarragan
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/veronicabarraganiam/
TikTok: @veronicabarraganiam

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Real Women LIVE was formerly Sober Living Stories.

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In this episode of the Sober Living Stories podcast, we're joined by Tina Sasso, a nurse practitioner, holistic wellness health coach, and survivor of relationship trauma who is passionate about empowering Women Survivors of Relationship Trauma. Her mission is to help them take charge of their health, boost their energy and confidence, and achieve their optimal health and life goals.

Today, Tina bravely shares her story for the first time of growing up in an alcoholic household. Tina reflects on her experiences cleaning up after her parents' late-night parties and the overdeveloped sense of responsibility she felt as the eldest child trying to maintain order at a young age. Her upbringing led to patterns of codependency and perfectionism that shaped her life choices, relationships, and even her achievements in academics and dance.

Through our conversation, Tina reveals how she transformed those early struggles into a positive, successful life as an entrepreneur dedicated to helping others. She opens up about the transition from high school to college, the recent realization that sobriety offered unmatched benefits, and the challenges of balancing a social life with academics while avoiding following in her family's footsteps. Now celebrating nearly a year of sobriety, Tina shares how this journey has led to personal and professional growth, including launching her own business and coaching other women to reach their potential.

This episode highlights the powerful impact of therapy, EMDR, and making positive choices.  As Tina’s entrepreneurial journey continues, she’s committed to guiding others through their transformations and towards a healthier, happier AF life. 

She supports women in a private Facebook community called "Tina Sasso-Love Your Health," a 90-minute Health Audit session, a 10-day natural detox challenge called “Shred10 Challenge”(grab yours free below!), a 12-week personalized 1:1 Health Coaching program, and a customized Small Group Health Coaching program.

Grab your Shred 10: 10-Day Natural Detox Challenge normally $27 yet FREE for listeners! (click below):

https://tina-sasso-np-holistic-wellness-health-coach.ck.page/products/shred-10-na?promo=JOY

Connect with Tina Sasso here:
EMAIL: [email protected]
LINKEDIN: (8) Tina Sasso, FNP-C and HWHC | LinkedIn
IG: https://www.instagram.com/t_sasso?igsh=MXg3bnE1cmxpb2R0bg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

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Join us for an empowering episode with Lisann Valentin, a lawyer turned actor and New York Times bestselling author, who shares her compelling journey from a childhood immersed in drinking culture to an adulthood filled with success. 

Having walked away from a law career and into the entertainment industry, Lisann followed her passion landing hit shows like Manifest and The Blacklist, to the New York Times best-selling anthology Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It.  Today, the lawyer-turned-actor gives listeners insights on how to honor their own authenticity and live out their true calling. 

Lisann offers a glimpse into her early life, growing up with an alcoholic father, and how these experiences shaped her empathetic nature and self-soothing strategies, such as journaling and introspection. Through her eyes, we gain insight into the normalization of alcohol in professional settings and how her initial pursuit of acting for litigation skills evolved into a career that aligns with her core values and passions.

Lisann emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's "why" and integrating diverse talents into a fulfilling practice. Lisann's story is a testament to breaking free from societal pressures and hustle culture, underlining the necessity of honoring one's true self in both work and life.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that challenges conventional notions of success and encourages a balanced, meaningful approach to personal and professional growth.

Free for Listening: Top Journal Prompts for Self Reflection:
https://www.lgvalentin.com/journal-prompt-sign-up

To connect with Lisann Valentin:
Website: LISANN G. VALENTIN (lgvalentin.com)
Instagram: @LisannValentin  LISANN VALENTIN (@lisannvalentin) • Instagram photos and videos

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Can love survive the storm of addiction?

Join us as we uncover the powerful story of Anna Kingsley, a psychotherapist from London, who opens up about the ups and downs of being married to an active alcoholic who turned 20 months alcohol-free. Discover how the COVID-19 lockdown intensified her husband's alcohol dependence and strained their marriage, and how Anna's expertise in addiction therapy guided her through this challenging time. Anna shares the emotional rollercoaster of constant vigilance over a loved one's behavior and the liberating peace in letting go of control.

We explore the importance of staying connected, featuring Anna's supportive community,  Anna's Recovery Village at https://annakingsley.substack.com/ on Substack.  Her Recovery Village is packed with helpful resources and connections.  If you need support, you must check this out! 

This episode is a heartfelt testament to the enduring strength of community support and the compassionate journey of family recovery. Tune in for an insightful conversation filled with personal anecdotes, professional wisdom, and a message of hope for all those affected by addiction.

Couples in Recovery Course 50% OFF by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WSUE9OgJIUlWijCHmr9dZ__IWGVlTyUcKw9tRneXtxQ/edit#heading=h.rrrb3wp9sive

Connect with Anna here:
Substack: Anna's recovery village | Anna Kingsley | Substack
LinkedIn: (28) Anna Kingsley | LinkedIn

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Join Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Sarah Smith, a Canadian roots rock songwriter, who shares her sobriety story and how she lives it out on the road enjoying a 26-year music career.   

Sarah returns to her high school days in a party-loving, farm community and recounts the pivotal moment she left the Royal Military College to chase her musical dreams. Learn about the profound impact a bandmate in recovery had on her, guiding her through the early days of her sobriety, and how she uses her gifts of singing and songwriting with that world today.     

Through heartfelt conversation, Sarah reveals how her recovery journey spurred personal and professional growth, allowing her to make music that truly resonates with her audience.  She refers to the Third Step Prayer in a 12-step recovery program that refers to the importance of living a life of service to others, and today she does just that.

Divinely inspiring others is her mission; she accomplishes this by using music to let her fans' stories be heard.  Discover her unique approach to songwriting, where she collaborates with others to turn their life stories into powerful songs. Sarah’s performances, described as fierce and rockstar-like, capture the essence of her newfound balance and authenticity.

She is the first singer on the Sober Living Stories podcast to relay her message through the beauty of her voice on stages worldwide. 

Visit her website to explore her music, tour schedule, and singer/songwriter collaborative opportunities at sarahsmithmusic.com.

To connect with Sarah Smith: 
Website: Sarah Smith - A Canadian Roots Rock Singer/Songwriter (sarahsmithmusic.com)

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Real Women LIVE was formerly Sober Living Stories.

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Have you ever wondered how a single day can change your life forever?  Meet Courtney Andersen, a sober life coach, podcast host, and author. She is the founder of Sober Vibes and National Sober Day and helps women quit drinking alcohol and thrive in sobriety.

Through Courtney's story, you'll learn the incredible power of community support in those early days of recovery and discover the valuable resources she offers through her online community and her book, "Sober Vibes: A Guide to Thriving in Your First Three Months Without Alcohol."

Courtney Andersen stresses the importance of meeting people where they are. Whether it’s 12-step programs, therapy, or sober coaching, she shares how finding what resonates with each person is key to long-term recovery. Courtney’s insights will leave you rethinking the conventional methods and eager to explore new ways to support your journey toward the best version of you.

Finally, get the inside scoop on how National Sober Day came to be and why it's a role in promoting sobriety.   Courtney offers a peek into her book that guides individuals toward life transformation.  Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with practical advice, humor, and a celebration of living an alcohol-free life.

Grab Courtney's FREE Resource:

Click Here: Sober Not Boing Calendar, https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/opt-in
Website- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com
IG-  https://www.instagram.com/sober.vibes
Podcast- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/podcast
Book- https://www.courtneyrecovered.com/sober-vibes-pre-order

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Welcome to another episode of the Sober Living Stories Podcast.  Meet Stephanie McAuliffe, author of two international best-sellers, as she shares her personal story.  From surviving sexual abuse and growing up in a family overwrought with alcoholism, to navigating a high-powered Wall Street career and marriage to an alcoholic, Stephanie's story is nothing short of transformative. Stephanie offers an honest perspective on the challenges of healing from deep-seated trauma...and solutions.   

We explore the importance of rebuilding internal safety and trust, and the vital role of therapy, 12-step programs, and energy work in healing. Stephanie sheds light on the toxic culture of alcohol on Wall Street and how it impacts personal lives. She also opens up about the therapeutic power of writing, discussing her book "Message in the Bottle: Finding Hope and Peace Amidst the Chaos of Living with an Alcoholic," which aims to provide peace and possibility to those in similar situations. 

Join us as we uncover the path to overcoming trauma and addiction with Stephanie McAuliffe. She brings awareness to and helps people heal from the impact of their internalized trauma. She’s found incredible transformation in her journey through healing sexual abuse, and multi-generational addiction.

https://wayofthediamondwarrior.com
https://www.facebook.com/stephaniebmcauliffe/
https://www.instagram.com/stephaniebmcauliffe/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniebmcauliffe/

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Meet Leigh of @macrosnmocktails, a first-class female on a mission to normalize sobriety by bravely sharing her life as a sober mom one post at a time.

Join host Jessica Stipanovic as she sits down with Leigh to listen to her sobriety story and wildfire connection with a community that helps her remain accountable and inspires others to believe in the promise of sobriety. From her father's sudden passing to her decision in 2017 to pursue an alcohol-free life, Leigh discussed using alcohol as a coping mechanism for her grief, the red flags she ignored, and the moment she knew a change was necessary.

Leigh launched @macrosnmocktails in June 2023 and her desire to be alcohol-free turned into a passion to normalize sobriety by helping followers believe in the possibility of a sober life. She vulnerably shares her past struggles and newfound solutions about alcoholism with heartfelt compassion and a touch of humor.  Leigh became sober curious in 2017, and it took her 6 years for sobriety to finally stick. She claims she didn't have a rock bottom, but plenty of rocky moments that served as red flags that led her to the belief that drinking was no longer an option.  Her transparent storytelling on social media has helped her shed shame and has encouraged others to begin their sobriety journeys.

Finally, we challenge the stigma surrounding sobriety, highlighting the misconception that alcohol addiction is a personal failing. Leigh’s mantra, "drinking is not an option," resonates throughout our conversation, illustrating the profound impact of her commitment to an alcohol-free life. We discuss how sobriety has enriched her parenting, enhanced self-trust, and improved family dynamics, all while providing a blueprint for others to follow.

Tune in to be inspired by Leigh’s story and discover the power and promise of living an alcohol-free life.

To connect with Leigh during the week: Leigh | Alcohol-Free Living | Sober Mom (@macrosnmocktails) • Instagram photos and videos

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Have you ever witnessed a friend or family member suffer from alcoholism or addiction and wondered how you could help?

Join us as we share Lisa Dare's powerful journey of witnessing a friend's descent into alcoholism and supporting her path to recovery. Lisa's experiences at a work event sparked a realization that led to her friend's crucial decision to seek help. Through her touching narrative, Lisa and I discuss the stigma and workplace gossip surrounding addiction, and the pivotal role of understanding it as a disease.

In our conversation, we explore the importance of a non-judgmental support system in battling alcoholism/addiction. We dive into the emotional toll addiction takes on families, particularly the harsh realities faced by mothers at risk of losing their children. Lisa's story is an example of the importance of open communication about addiction and celebrates the recovery that is possible from dedicated support and love.

As we talk about the transformative journey of her friend's sobriety, Lisa shares insights on building a resilient life through therapy, coaching, and a strong support foundation. We highlight the importance of personal leadership and the courage to ask for help. Lisa discusses the roles of therapy for healing past wounds and coaching for personal growth.

Listen to understand how trauma-informed coaching can empower individuals to live healthier, happier lives.

To connect with Lisa Dare:
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/telus.net/subscription-sign-up

FB: https://www.facebook.com/lisa.dare.exec.coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionsparkplug/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ldare

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadare/

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Sobriety isn't about being boring, it's about embracing life to the fullest.  Nobody knows that better than my next guest, Mick Resendez of @queerrecovery where he kicks shame to the curb and wins over alcohol.  He invites you to forget everything you thought you knew about sobriety and join us as he rewrites the rules.  He is saying goodbye to outdated recovery methods and is recreating the recovery scene one fabulous step at a time.

Join host Jessica Stipanovic for a vibrant and insightful conversation with Mick Resendez on the Sober Living Stories podcast, as he shares his sobriety story.

From the exhilarating highs and camaraderie of West Hollywood's nightlife to the sobering realization of a worsening dependence on alcohol, Mick's story is one of resilience and reinvention. The turning point came during a whirlwind weekend at a friend's wedding in Florida, where a final drink marked the end of an era and the beginning of a rigorous 18-month outpatient program.

Explore the creation of @QueerRecovery, Mick's online community that evolved from Instagram live sessions during the pandemic. He delves into the need for inclusive support systems within the LGBTQ+ community, the problematic marketing of addictive substances, and the higher risk of addiction among LGBTQ+ youth. As we dive into Mick's professional vision of @queerrecovery, lean in as he discusses his ambitions to expand the initiative through coaching, group sessions, meet-ups, retreats, and a possible podcast. Mick's inspiring vision makes sobriety achievable, vibrant, and fun.

Mick's launching his first ongoing coaching group, packed with support, empowerment, and positive vibes. But that's not all—if you're in the Los Angeles area, mark your calendars for Mick's exclusive pop-up Queer, Sober Meet-up! It's all about creating a safe, welcoming space for LGBTQIA+ folks to connect, heal, and thrive together.

Stay in the loop with Mick and the @QueerRecovery community—follow him on Instagram and Threads for all the juicy details and updates. This summer's about to get a whole lot brighter!

To connect with Mick:
Instagram: @queerrecovery Mick Resendez (@queerrecovery) • Instagram

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Real Women LIVE was formerly Sober Living Stories.

If one of these conversations makes you think of a woman in your life, send it to her...