Sharing Without Shame

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.

In this episode, Donna Marston sits down with Dr. Janelle Martin—licensed counselor, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of The Mind Connection—to unpack the raw reality of parenting a child through addiction.

Janelle bravely shares her story of navigating divorce, parental alienation, and the devastating discovery of her daughter’s drug use. From denial and desperation to treatment and transformation, this episode offers hope to parents walking a similar path.You’ll also learn about innovative healing approaches like microcurrent neurofeedback and brain spotting, and how they’re helping individuals recover from trauma, addiction, anxiety, and more.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

💠The early warning signs of teen substance use

💠How trauma, divorce, and family dynamics impact addiction

💠What to do when your child refuses help

💠The truth about treatment centers (and what actually works)

💠Why traditional medication approaches may not always be the answer

💠How microcurrent neurofeedback supports brain healing

💠The role of trauma therapy like brain spotting in recovery

💠Why support groups are essential for parents

About the Guest:

Dr. Janelle Martin is a licensed counselor, certified microcurrent neurofeedback provider, and doctor of functional medicine. She is the founder of The Mind Connection in Houston, Texas, where she helps clients heal from trauma, addiction, and emotional dysregulation using a mind-body approach.She is also the co-author of Losing Her, Finding Us, a powerful dual-perspective book written with her daughter about their journey through addiction and recovery.

Resources and Links:

The Mind Connection: ⁠https://mindconnection.org/⁠

Book (Losing Her, Finding Us): ⁠https://www.ourbeautifulrecovery.com/services-1⁠

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 sits down with Jacqueline Williams to explore the realities of healing, resilience, and the emotional journey that comes with navigating addiction and its ripple effects.

Jacqueline shares her personal story with vulnerability and strength, offering listeners insight into what it truly means to face pain, process trauma, and choose healing, even when it’s uncomfortable.

This conversation is a reminder that healing is not linear, not easy, and not always pretty—but it is possible.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

💠The emotional toll addiction takes on individuals and families

💠Why healing requires honesty, courage, and deep inner work

💠The role of trauma in shaping behaviors and coping mechanisms

💠Letting go of shame and reclaiming your story

💠The importance of self-awareness and emotional healing

💠How pain can become a pathway to purpose

💠Breaking cycles and creating a new legacy

About the Guest:

Jacqueline Williams is a passionate advocate for women and children affected by childhood trauma. Jacqueline shares her personal journey of surviving childhood abuse and the long path toward healing. Her story is not shared to relive pain, but to offer understanding, hope, and practical guidance to others who are walking a similar road.

Resources and Links:

Website: https://somethingabouthisgrace.com/

Book (By His Grace): https://www.amazon.com/His-Grace-surviving-childhood-domestice/

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 a mental health expert has lived the very pain they now help others overcome?

In this deeply honest episode of Sharing Without Shame, Donna Marston sits down with Jamie Hughes—author, trauma specialist, and mental health advocate—who shares his powerful journey through childhood trauma, depression, and a suicide attempt at 18. Jamie opens up about what it really feels like to live with depression, the stigma men face when asking for help, and why healing is never a straight line.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward—this conversation will meet you where you are.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

💠Why healing from trauma is messy, nonlinear, and often feels like failure

💠 The real reason behind suicidal thoughts (it’s not what you think)

💠 How childhood trauma shapes emotional suppression—especially in men

💠 The connection between ADHD, dopamine, and addictive behaviors

💠Why “just get help” isn’t practical advice—and what actually works

💠The role of compassion, listening, and trust in healing

💠Simple, practical steps to start improving mental health today

💠How journaling can become one of the most powerful healing tools

💠What it means to “become a student of yourself”

About the Guest:

Jamie Hughes is an author and passionate advocate for mental well-being, with a master’s degree in psychology specializing in trauma and resilience. Blending academic expertise with real-life experience in victim advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and forensic psychology, Jamie provides compassionate, evidence-based strategies to help individuals heal and grow.

Resources & Links

🌐 Website: managingmentalhealth.net

📚 Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@managingmentalhealth-net

He is the creator of the Managing Mental Health book series, covering Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and Adult ADHD. Along with a guided journal designed for deep self-reflection and personal growth.

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 dives into the raw realities families face when addiction enters the home. This conversation explores the emotional toll, the misconceptions that keep families stuck, and the critical shift from waiting for “rock bottom” to recognizing when enough is enough.

Through honest storytelling and lived experience, this episode challenges stigma, breaks down denial, and offers hope for parents who feel overwhelmed, angry, afraid, or exhausted.

If you’ve ever felt helpless watching someone you love struggle, this conversation will remind you that addiction has no boundaries — and neither does healing.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

- Why addiction does not discriminate based on status, income, or background

- The danger of waiting for “rock bottom”

- Why “functioning alcoholic” can be a harmful myth

- The emotional shift from anger to humility

- The difference between hitting bottom and reaching “enough”

- How denial and stigma keep families stuck

- Why family healing must happen alongside individual recovery

About the Guest:

Bambi Lynn is an author, speaker, and proud mother of six with thirteen grandchildren. After years of embracing her story, she now shares it with courage and purpose. With two published books and more on the way, Bambi is passionate about listening to people’s stories and offering hope through her own. She believes storms don’t last, purpose changes everything, and when you find yours, you run with it. Through her words and conversations, she hopes to change lives one heart and one door at a time.

Learn more about Bambi Lynn here: https://healingthroughstories.com/

👉 Learn more about Donna’s work and resources at ⁠sharingwithoutshame.com⁠

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

Sponsors:

Experience Inner Peace with Calming Therapy Bracelets

Website: ⁠⁠https://snappbandz.com/⁠

Use SWOS or SharingWithoutShame code

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

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

In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Donna sits down with Kerry Norton, co-founder and Executive Director of Hope on Haven Hill, a recovery residence program serving pregnant and parenting women.

Kerry shares her personal journey as a mother navigating her son’s heroin addiction, the heartbreak of trying to access treatment, and the hard lessons learned about boundaries, family unity, and hope. What began as a mother fighting for her child’s life became a mission to ensure other women and babies would not be left without support.

Together, Donna and Kerry talk about recovery, generational healing, healthcare barriers, and the power of community.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

- The “punch in the stomach” moment of discovering a child’s heroin addiction

- The struggle to access treatment—even with insurance and resources

- Why families must get on the same page when setting boundaries

- The importance of support systems for parents (Al-Anon, therapy, community)

- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and breaking stigma

- How trauma impacts women in addiction

- The founding and growth of Hope on Haven Hill

- Why safe housing is critical for long-term recovery

- Celebrating milestones and honoring recovery journeys

- Holding onto hope—even when it feels impossible

About the Guest: Kerry Norton

Kerry Norton is a maternal-child nurse and the passionate co-founder and Executive Director of Hope on Haven Hill in Rochester, NH. After navigating her own sons’ journeys through addiction and recovery, Kerry turned her pain into purpose by creating a recovery residence dedicated to pregnant and parenting women.

Today, Hope on Haven Hill offers residential treatment, recovery housing, outpatient services, MAT, childcare, healthcare, and affordable housing—supporting over 1,000 women on their path to healing.

Learn more:

Website 🌐: www.hopeonhavenhill.org

👉 Learn more about Donna’s work and resources at ⁠sharingwithoutshame.com⁠

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

Sponsors:

Experience Inner Peace with Calming Therapy Bracelets

Website: ⁠⁠https://snappbandz.com/⁠

Use SWOS or SharingWithoutShame code

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

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

Shame, guilt, and addiction don’t have to define your story.

In this episode, Donna Marston welcomes Dr. Tom Horvath, a board-certified clinical psychologist, co-founder of SMART Recovery, and pioneer in science-based addiction support. Together, they explore the role of shame and guilt, why recovery is not one-size-fits-all, and how families can support a loved one without losing themselves in the process.

Dr. Horvath shares decades of insight on self-empowered recovery, alternatives to the traditional “rock bottom” narrative, and practical tools families can use to create healthier dynamics. This conversation offers hope, clarity, and reassurance for anyone navigating addiction, whether personally or through someone they love.

Topics Covered:

- The difference between shame and guilt and how each impacts recovery

- Why there are many valid pathways to recovery

- SMART Recovery vs. 12-step programs

- The importance of choice and self-empowerment in healing

- How families can support recovery without controlling it

- Common myths about addiction and “rock bottom”

- Practical ways to communicate with a loved one in treatment

- Building a meaningful life beyond addiction

About the Guest

Dr. Tom Horvath is a board-certified clinical psychologist, Navy veteran, and internationally recognized expert in addiction recovery. He is the co-founder and former president of SMART Recovery, a science-based, self-empowering recovery network, and the founder of Practical Recovery in San Diego. Dr. Horvath is also the author of Sex, Drugs, Gambling, and Chocolate, a practical workbook for overcoming addictive behaviors.

Quotes:

“A little guilt can help us change, but too much shame keeps us stuck.”

“Recovery works best when people have a choice.”

“There isn’t one right way to recover, only the way that works for you.”

🔗 Guest Resources:

Website: https://smartrecovery.org/

👉 Learn more about Donna’s work and resources at ⁠sharingwithoutshame.com⁠

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

Sponsors:

Experience Inner Peace with Calming Therapy Bracelets

Website: ⁠⁠https://snappbandz.com/⁠

Use SWOS or SharingWithoutShame code

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 Anne Peshka to explore how trauma, shame, addiction, and grief can be transformed into healing, purpose, and gratitude.

Anne shares her powerful life story, including childhood trauma, addiction, recovery, motherhood, grief, and the moment she realized she was worth fighting for. Together, Donna and Anne have a compassionate, real conversation about letting go of labels, releasing shame, and learning how to truly hold space for ourselves and the people we love.

✨ Topics Covered:

- How childhood trauma fuels shame and addiction

- Why substances are a Band-Aid—and healing starts with the “why”

- Releasing labels like “addict,” “victim,” and “survivor”

- Grieving the living and loving without control

- The importance of boundaries vs. unhealthy helping

- What it really means to “hit your enough”

- Turning pain into purpose and trauma into wisdom

- Learning to believe you are worthy of a good life

💛 Key Takeaway:

Healing begins when shame is brought into the light—and when you start believing you are worth the fight.

🔗 Guest Resources:

Book: Trauma, Recycled (available in print and audiobook) https://annepeshka.com/book/

Website: https://annepeshka.com/

👉 Learn more about Donna’s work and resources at ⁠sharingwithoutshame.com⁠

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

Sponsors:

Experience Inner Peace with Calming Therapy Bracelets

Website: ⁠⁠https://snappbandz.com/⁠

Use SWOS or SharingWithoutShame code

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

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