What happens when alcohol becomes more than something you drink—and starts becoming the way you cope, connect, escape, and survive?

In this conversation, Donna Marston sits down with Lisa Van Slyke, speaker, veteran, author, and creator of the Three Moves Rule, to talk openly about addiction, sobriety, shame, relationships, identity, and the difficult but transformative journey of healing.

Lisa shares that she is six years sober and opens up about a time when alcohol had become her “best friend.” Despite continuing to function as a parent and participating actively in her children's lives, she describes the physical, emotional, and mental toll that drinking was taking on her.

In This Episode, Donna and Lisa Discuss:

💠What it felt like to be “crying for help” while believing nobody was listening

💠How normalized alcohol use can make recognizing a drinking problem more difficult

💠Her experience with alcohol culture in and around the military

💠How childhood expectations and societal pressure contributed to her struggle to discover who she really was

💠What finally helped her move away from alcohol and toward sobriety

💠Why recovery requires more than simply stopping a substance—it requires healing and changing behaviors

💠How alcohol affected her relationships and her sense of self

💠The importance of recognizing when a relationship or situation is “complete”

💠How shame, guilt, and the desire to avoid failure can keep people stuck

💠Why parents and loved ones can become addicted to rescuing, fixing, or controlling outcomes

💠The concept of the “messy middle”—the uncertain space between who you were and who you're becoming

💠Lisa's Three Moves Rule, a practical framework for moving forward when you're overwhelmed

💠Why taking one small action can be more powerful than overthinking the entire future

💠How Lisa continues to intentionally train her mindset around being alcohol-free

💠Her powerful realization that she had been waiting for herself all along

About Lisa Van Slyke:

Lisa Van Slyke is a speaker, transformation coach, Army veteran, and creator of the Three Moves Rule™, a practical framework designed to help people stop spiraling, manage overwhelm, and take their next clear step forward.

Links:

Website: https://stan.store/thelisav

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

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

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

"Never give up. It's never too late. And no one's ever too far gone.”

In this episode of the Sharing Without Shame Podcast, Donna Marston welcomes author, interventionist, life coach, and recovery coach Jamie McKibben-Reese for an honest conversation about addiction, recovery, family dynamics, codependency, and the healing that happens when we learn to use our voices.

Jamie openly shares that she is in recovery from alcoholism and has been sober since 2017. Rather than presenting recovery as a destination, she describes it as a continually evolving lifestyle that requires self-awareness, accountability, support, and a willingness to keep growing.

In This Episode, Donna and Jamie Discuss:

💠Jamie's personal journey of recovery from alcoholism and what sobriety has taught her

💠Why recovery is a lifestyle rather than simply abstaining from alcohol or substances

💠Jamie's experience with SMART Recovery, cognitive behavioral approaches, mindfulness, yoga, Bible study, and other tools

💠How anxiety contributed to Jamie's drinking and why changing thought patterns became an important part of her recovery

💠The importance of surrounding yourself with safe people who will provide honest accountability

💠Why people in the helping professions also need permission to struggle and give themselves grace

About Jamie McKibben-Reese

Jamie McKibben-Reese is an author, interventionist, life coach, recovery coach, and motivational speaker. She draws from her own experience with alcoholism and recovery to help individuals and families navigate difficult seasons and move toward healing and restoration.

Jamie has been in recovery since 2017 and incorporates a variety of approaches into her own recovery journey, including 12-step principles, SMART Recovery concepts, mindfulness, yoga, Bible study, and community support.

She is also the author of I Never Left You, I've Been Here the Whole Time and God, This Is Your Story Workbook.

Links:

Website: https://authorjmreese.com/

Books: https://books.by/jm-reesebookstore

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

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

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

What does it take to rebuild your life after decades of addiction, mental illness, and unimaginable loss?

In this episode of the Sharing Without Shame podcast, host Donna Marston sits down with author Robert Rickelman to discuss his deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, severe anxiety, alcoholism, psychiatric hospitalization, and ultimately, lasting recovery.

Robert shares how growing up with an alcoholic mother shaped his early life, why alcohol became his way of coping, and how addiction nearly cost him everything—including his health, relationships, and future. After years of detox programs, suicide attempts, hospitalizations, and searching for answers, Robert was diagnosed with serious mental health conditions that finally helped explain the struggles he had faced for most of his life.

Together, Donna and Robert also explore:

💠How childhood trauma and anxiety can contribute to addiction

💠The connection between mental illness and substance use disorders

💠What alcohol cravings really feel like

💠The challenges within today's mental health and recovery systems

💠The impact addiction has on families and loved ones

💠The importance of compassion, persistence, and never giving up on recovery

💠Finding purpose by sharing your story with others

Whether you're struggling with addiction, supporting a loved one, or searching for hope after years of setbacks, this conversation offers encouragement, honesty, and the reminder that it's never too late to change your life.

About Our Guest

Robert Rickelman is the author of Jumping to the End, a memoir chronicling his lifelong battle with alcoholism, mental illness, and recovery. Through candid storytelling, he offers readers hope, resilience, and proof that healing is possible—even after decades of struggle.

Website: https://robertrickelman.com/

Book: https://robertrickelman.com/books/jumping-to-the-end

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

Many people believe recovery is simply about quitting alcohol or drugs. But true healing goes much deeper.

In this powerful episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston sits down with therapist, life coach, recovery support worker, and motivational speaker Kimberly Deziree to discuss how childhood trauma, unresolved emotional wounds, and unhealthy relationship patterns shape our lives—and how doing the inner work can lead to lasting freedom.

Kimberly shares her deeply personal recovery journey, from addiction and destructive relationships to becoming a therapist who now helps others reclaim their lives. Together, she and Donna explore why boundaries are essential, how childhood experiences influence adult behavior, and why healing yourself is one of the greatest gifts you can give both yourself and your family.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

💠 Why addiction is often rooted in unresolved childhood trauma

💠How unhealthy relationships mirror unhealed emotional wounds

💠The importance of boundaries in recovery and emotional health

💠Why healing begins with taking responsibility—not blame

💠How faith, therapy, self-reflection, and inner child work can transform your life

💠Breaking generational cycles of addiction and dysfunction

💠Why recovery is about treating the nervous system—not just stopping substance use

💠The difference between awareness and acceptance

💠How forgiveness creates freedom

💠Why showing up for yourself is the foundation of healing

About the Guest:

Kimberly Deziree is a New Hampshire-based licensed therapist, Certified Life Coach, Certified Recovery Support Worker (CRSW), motivational speaker, and retreat facilitator. With more than a decade of experience helping individuals recover from addiction and trauma, Kimberly combines lived experience with professional expertise to guide others toward healing, personal transformation, and self-actualization. She is currently writing a book focused on reclaiming your life and becoming who you were meant to be.

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/kimberly.naya/⁠

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

Family addiction doesn't only affect the person using drugs or alcohol—it impacts every person who loves them.

In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston welcomes Dr. Rita Renee, TEDx speaker, author, coach, and founder of Ultimate Powerhouse. While Dr. Rita never struggled with addiction herself, she grew up surrounded by it. Her mother battled alcoholism, her brother struggled with drug addiction, and she carried the silent burden that so many family members know all too well.

Together, Donna and Dr. Rita explore the hidden trauma loved ones experience, why boundaries are an act of love—not punishment—and how healing yourself is just as important as supporting someone else's recovery.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

💠Why addiction affects the entire family—not just the person using

💠The hidden shame carried by parents, siblings, and loved ones

💠How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships

💠Why boundaries are an act of love and self-respect

💠The difference between rescuing someone and supporting them

💠How to stop carrying responsibility for someone else's choices

💠Turning your pain into purpose through healing

💠Why finding your voice is an essential part of recovery

💠Helping teenagers develop resilience and emotional intelligence

💠The importance of breaking generational cycles

About Our Guest

Dr. Rita Renee is a TEDx speaker, international keynote speaker, author, coach, and founder of Ultimate Powerhouse. Having experienced the impact of addiction within her own family and overcoming childhood trauma, she now empowers women to transform adversity into leadership, purpose, and influence.

Through coaching, books, speaking, and mentorship, Dr. Rita helps women discover their authentic voice, heal from past wounds, and confidently step into their calling.

Connect with Dr. Rita Renee

🌐 Website: https://drritarenee.com

🎙️Podcast: https://drritarenee.com/unmute-the-mic/

📚 Powerhouse Speaker: Unmute Book: https://www.amazon.com/power-house-speaker-unmute-shadows/dp/b0fcc9qntv

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

What happens when addiction, mental illness, and unresolved trauma collide within a family?

In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston welcomes Burton Fischler, a trauma survivor, Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, life coach, and author of The Gift: From Trauma to Triumph.

Burton shares the unimaginable losses that reshaped his life—including the murder of his wife by her son who struggled with severe mental illness and addiction, and the suicide of his second stepson just one year later. Together, Donna and Burton explore the devastating impact addiction has on families, why shame keeps so many people suffering in silence, and how healing begins when we learn to set boundaries, practice self-compassion, and reconnect with our authentic selves.

Burton also explains the role trauma plays in addiction, the science of neuroplasticity, and why recovery is less about punishment and more about love, connection, and taking small actions toward change. If you've ever wondered whether healing is possible after profound loss, this conversation offers hope, wisdom, and practical tools for moving forward.

In This Episode You'll Learn:

💠Why addiction is a biopsychosocial-spiritual disease rather than a moral failing

💠How shame influences enabling behaviors in families

💠 The difference between supporting and enabling a loved one

💠 How neuroplasticity allows the brain to heal and rewire itself

💠 Why changing actions often leads to healthier thinking

💠 The connection between childhood wounds, trauma, and substance use

💠 How self-love and re-parenting practices can support recovery

💠 Why connection, purpose, and compassion are essential components of healing

💠 Burton's journey from surviving tragedy to helping others overcome trauma and addiction

About The Guest:

Burton Fischler holds a Master's degree in Psychology and is a Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and life coach.

After enduring the tragic loss of his wife and stepsons, Burton transformed his pain into purpose. Today, he works at a medically supervised outpatient treatment center in New York City, helping individuals navigate substance use disorders, trauma, and mental health challenges. He also facilitates trauma recovery and self-love workshops and is the author of The Gift: From Trauma to Triumph.

Resources and Links:

(Book) The Gift: From Trauma to Triumph: https://www.amazon.com/GIFT-TRIUMPH-Survivors-Suicide-Addiction-ebook/dp/B0DZK87JFJ

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

In this episode, Donna Marston sits down with Bonnie Tisdale, mother, business owner, recovery advocate, and author of Messy in the Middle: Love, Addiction, and All the Rest.

Bonnie shares the heartbreaking story of losing her son, Frankie, to addiction in 2021 and the lessons she learned navigating years of uncertainty, hope, recovery attempts, relapse, and grief.

Together, Donna and Bonnie discuss the realities of addiction, the stigma families face, and why parents must stop carrying blame for a disease they cannot control. This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction impacts entire families—and that healing begins with compassion, understanding, and connection.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

💠Bonnie's journey as a mother supporting a son struggling with addiction

💠Why addiction is far more complex than simply making bad choices

💠The emotional impact addiction has on siblings, children, and grandparents

💠How shame and stigma prevent families from seeking support

💠Why parents often blame themselves—and why they shouldn't

💠The challenges of relapse after periods of sobriety

💠How Bonnie found healing after losing her son

💠The inspiration behind her upcoming book, Messy in the Middle

💠The importance of loving people for who they are, not who we want them to be

💠Why compassion is one of the most powerful tools in recovery

About the Guest:

Bonnie Tisdale is a mother, entrepreneur, recovery advocate, and author of the upcoming book Messy in the Middle: Love, Addiction, and All the Rest. After losing her son Frankie to addiction in 2021, Bonnie became passionate about helping families understand addiction, navigate grief, and find hope in the midst of life's most difficult challenges.

Through her story, Bonnie offers parents and loved ones reassurance that they are not alone and that healing is possible, even after unimaginable loss.

Resources and Links:

The Messy Middle: Love, Loss & Addiction: https://a.co/d/0aWgiJgH

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

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston sits down with author, speaker, and recovery advocate Ashley Jo for an honest conversation about addiction, grief, recovery, and resilience.Ashley shares her unique experience of living on both sides of addiction — first as the wife of someone battling opioid addiction and later as someone navigating her own substance use disorder and recovery journey. From becoming a young mother while supporting a newly sober husband, to losing her infant son to spinal muscular atrophy, to rebuilding her life after devastating loss, Ashley opens up about the heartbreak, chaos, healing, and hope that shaped her story.She also shares the inspiration behind her memoir, Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace, and the powerful lessons she’s learned about grief, sobriety, family, and finding purpose through pain.In This Episode, We Discuss:💠Ashley’s experience supporting a spouse through opioid addiction💠Becoming a mother at a young age while facing addiction in the home💠Losing her infant son to spinal muscular atrophy💠The emotional toll of grief and caregiving💠Ashley’s own struggle with substance use disorder💠What recovery and sobriety really look like💠The difference between shame and healing💠Writing as a tool for processing pain💠The inspiration behind Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace💠How grief comes in waves — and how healing is possibleAbout Ashley JoAshley Jo is an author, speaker, mom, podcaster, and recovery advocate who writes with raw honesty about addiction, grief, heartbreak, and healing. Through her memoir, Tides of Grief, Waves of Grace, she shares her journey through unimaginable loss, recovery, and rebuilding a life filled with purpose and grace.Resources & Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thisisashleyjo/Website: https://www.thisisashleyjo.com/Book: https://www.thisisashleyjo.com/bookGrab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundariesLearn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

In this episode of the Sharing Without Shame podcast, Donna Marston sits down with recovery coach and author Jeannie Miller to discuss addiction, grief, mindfulness, and the lifelong journey of healing.

Jeannie shares her powerful story of becoming alcohol-free after years of functioning alcoholism, unresolved grief, and emotional pain following the loss of her first husband to cancer. Together, Donna and Jeannie explore how recovery is about far more than putting down the drink — it’s about uncovering your authentic self, healing old wounds, creating boundaries, and learning to live mindfully. This conversation is filled with hope, wisdom, and practical tools for anyone struggling with addiction, grief, emotional overwhelm, or feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns.

In this episode, we discuss:

💠 Jeannie’s journey to becoming over 850 days alcohol-free

💠Why “functional drinking” can still hide deep pain

💠 The impact of grief and loss on addiction

💠 How the 12 Steps helped Jeannie rediscover herself

💠The importance of mindfulness and meditation in recovery

💠Why recovery is a lifelong process of growth

💠Learning to identify your authentic self

💠How gratitude can transform your mindset

💠Creating healthy boundaries without guilt

💠Why self-discipline matters in healing

💠The power of slowing down and living intentionally

💠How Jeannie now helps others through coaching and meditation

About the Guest

Jeannie Miller is the founder of Path to Progress Healing Center in Connecticut, where she helps individuals move from chaos to clarity through mindful life coaching, meditation, grief support, and personal growth work. Drawing from her own experiences with addiction recovery, grief, and transformation, Jeannie is passionate about helping others cultivate self-awareness, emotional healing, and inner peace.

Resources & Links

Website: https://www.pathtoprogresscoaching.com/

Books: https://www.pathtoprogresscoaching.com/shop

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.

In this episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston sits down with psychotherapist and global movement founder Cătălina Popoveniuc to explore the deep impact of shame, toxic relationships, and the silence that keeps so many people stuck. Drawing from both personal experience and years of professional work, Cătălina shares how shame is often rooted in childhood and reinforced by culture—leaving individuals feeling isolated, blamed, and afraid to speak up. Together, they unpack how this silence can keep people trapped in harmful environments, especially when addiction and emotional abuse are involved.

The conversation dives into the realities of narcissistic relationships, gaslighting, and control, highlighting the subtle red flags many people overlook in the beginning. Cătălina explains how these dynamics can distort a person’s sense of reality, making it difficult to trust themselves or seek help. She also sheds light on why leaving isn’t always simple—especially when fear, lack of support, and societal stigma come into play. Through it all, Donna and Cătălina emphasize one critical truth: healing begins when we are willing to see our situation clearly and speak about it honestly.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

💠The generational roots of shame and how it shapes our identity

💠The harsh reality of domestic violence and lack of support systems in some countries

💠How narcissistic abuse and addiction intersect and intensify trauma

💠Why women stay in toxic relationships—and how to begin breaking free

💠The importance of community, storytelling, and shared healing

💠Her global movement Alive in Her, designed to create a safe space for connection and support

About the Guest:

Cătălina Popoveniuc is a psychotherapist, speaker, and founder of the global movement Alive in Her. With over 23 years of experience in law and psychology, she helps women break free from toxic relationships, heal from narcissistic abuse, and rediscover what it means to truly live—not just survive.

Resources and Links:

Website: https://catalinapopoveniuc.com/

Alive in Her Movement: https://aliveinhermovement.com/

Grab my free "5 Boundaries and Breakthrough" Guide here: ⁠ https://swos.sharingwithoutshame.com/5-boundaries

Learn more: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/Sharingwithoutshame⁠⁠

Thank you for tuning in! May your faith and strength heal your heart.