The Unruffled Podcast

In this episode, Tammi and Sondra talk to Ashley Nickels. If you are in the quilting world at all, then you probably know Ashley’s work. She is also a writer, artist and teacher, but she specifically came on the show impassioned to talk about sobriety (she’s been alcohol-free for eight months!). She talks about how changing that aspect of her life has given her so much clarity and energy around her business and creativity, and while it’s uncomfortable and hard at times, the empowerment and epiphanies gained far outweigh the struggle. We think you will leave this interview feeling ready to connect your own creative dots. You can find all of Ashley’s work and links to her online classes and workshops at www.ashleynickels.co

This week Ashley shares three items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Podcasts; (2) Tarot Cards; and (3) Yoga.

Today, the ladies dive deep into what it’s like to get sober in your forties. Tammi and Sondra both describe pivotal moments that made them reframe this whole getting older thing, changed their stories and have been evolving ever since. Whether you are approaching your 40s, in it and thinking life has passed you by, wondering if sobriety will really be a catalyst to help you achieve your creative goals, or if you are right there with them, they want you to know that it’s not a crisis, it is the #midlifesolution (let’s hashtag the hell out of this)! They really hope there are many takeaways in this episode that you’ll latch on to…”It’s not a moment, it’s a movement.”---Hamiliton

The ladies share their top three tools in their Unruffled Toolbox for the week:

Sondra: (1) Live Theatre; (2) Girlfriend Time; and (3) New Creative Project #sheslikearainbow.

Tammi: (1) Vitamin supplements; (2) Monthly facials/massages; and (3) Color in my life.

Today, Tammi and Sondra are excited to talk to Cristina Ferri. Cristina is the founder of www.soberunicorn.com, a non-profit based in Rhode Island that is focused on helping people transition into a new life in recovery with bags of necessities that Cristina calls “blessing bags”. They also talk about Cristina’s deep faith, what that means to her and her recovery and how that has helped her hone her multiple passions into one purpose: giving back. Cristina’s heart is so big, you will feel it through your earbuds. They hope this episode will inspire you to find your own opportunities to give back.

This week Cristina shares three items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Prayer + Meditation; (2) Blogging + Blessing Bags; and (3) Going outside of her comfort zone!

In this episode, Tammi and Sondra talk to the multi-talented Megan Peters. Megan is a self-proclaimed Dinosaur Blogger, having started her site www.crazybananas.com in 2004. She is also a brilliant photographer, studio owner www.augustlightstudio.com, Kansas City TV personality, Mom and social-activist and she credits this amazing résumeé to her recovery. The ladies also touch on the difficulties one can encounter in getting and staying sober when a spouse or partner still drinks. Megan has lots of great insight to share. This is an episode jam-packed with ideas and actionable steps that is sure to leave you inspired.

This week Megan shares three items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Writing; (2) Exercise + Meditation (The Alison Show Podcast Ep. 24: I’m Freaking Grateful!); and (3) Sleep.

Today, the ladies talk to another Texan, Amy Lanier. Amy is a web designer by day, painter by night. If she sounds like a sober superhero, she is, and even has hair inspired by Marvel Superhero Rogue! Amy talks about how she came to painting and scuba diving, both within the last ten years, but getting sobriety to stick is the accomplishment in which she’s most proud. They also discuss coming back to art after sobriety and how those can be tricky waters to navigate at first. It’s never too late to do the things you really want to do and this interview will spark your spirit. You can find Amy’s work at www.iamamy.com.

This week Amy shares three items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Bubble baths; (2) Journaling; and (3) Creativity.

In this episode, Tammi and Sondra hash out some ideas around balance and flow, what each feel like when you’re in it (spoiler: balance can feel a little MEH and sometimes MEH is a good thing), and how they relate to creativity and recovery. They also talk about the ‘all or nothing’ concept, the “mental anguish of moderation” (a quote from Annie Grace), and the intensity and jazzed feelings that result from being in a flow. Is it sustainable? Can you have flow without a little bit of balance, especially as a person in recovery? The girls do their best to come to some helpful conclusions.

The ladies share their top three tools in their Unruffled Toolbox for the week:

Sondra: (1) Writing again; (2) Back in writing class; (3) Much less social media. Tammi: (1) Morning routine; (2) Service work; and (3) Menu planning.

Today, the girls are excited to talk to Liv Pennelle. Liv has made a career out of living well, and she shares how she got to this sweet spot in her own sober life. She talks about how she came to start www.livsrecoverykitchen.com, her site that provides resources, recipes and interviews to inspire others on their journey to wellness and the huge piece nutrition plays in recovery. With her recent move from the UK to Portland and the launching of a new health coaching program, they hope this conversation sparks your next big leap.

This week Liv shares three items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) She cooks something new every week; (2) Writing + Journaling; and (3) Meditation.

Today, the girls get to talk to the brilliant and talented Caitlin Schumacher : NMMD. Caitlin is a musician, artist, writer and sober Australian Mama living and thriving in Berlin, and they had the pleasure of recording this conversation on Caitlin’s one year sobriety birthday. This conversation focuses on all the many ways we must heal in recovery, addiction to alcohol being only one symptom. Caitlin’s life is steeped in creativity and we think you will leave this conversation feeling beautifully inspired. PS. Caitlin is behind our incredible intro/outro music, which you can purchase your very own copy of Freaks and Misfits in its entirety www.nmmdever.com.

This week Caitlin shares four items from her Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Learning! Reading + doing e-courses has been key; (2) Our Gratitude Circle practice; (3) Daily meditation practice; and (4) Nutrition.

In this episode, Tammi and Sondra reflect on their respective summers. They talk about what summers used to look like before sobriety and what they look like now. They talk about sobriety milestones, creative productivity, travels, family time and how it all felt a bit of a juggle. It’s a real-life look into what it takes to keep recovery the priority despite the challenges of summer.

The ladies share their top three tools in their Unruffled Toolbox for the week:

Sondra: (1) Go see some art!; (2) Prayer; and (3) Hand-crafted Ginger Beer Soda.

Tammi: (1) Moleskine 18 Month Weekly Planner; (2) #31daystoflow class with Tiffany Han; and (3) The Crossroads of Should and Must by Elle Luna.

Today, Tammi and Sondra catch up with Chris Aguirre. Chris is the co-host of the Since Right Now podcast, curates the recovery site Klēn&Sōber and this year will celebrate his twentieth year of sobriety. They talk about what it’s like to work in the online recovery space while finding time to address mental health, his own creative projects, and what it’s like to be a stay-at-home, sober Dad. Chris is candid and funny and we really appreciate the platform he has built and the creative recovery community he has helped to foster.

This week Chris shares three items from his Unruffled Toolbox: (1) Exercise; (2) Meditation; and (3) Making creatively fulfilling work.