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In this eye-opening episode of The Confident Sober Women podcast, host Shelby John sits down with award-winning investigative journalist Shoshana Walter, author of Rehab: An American Scandal. Together, they uncover the shocking realities of America’s addiction treatment industry—where compassion and healing sometimes collide with corruption, exploitation, and profit. Shoshana shares the powerful stories behind her groundbreaking reporting for The Marshall Project and Reveal, which exposed how some court-ordered rehab programs forced people struggling with addiction into unpaid labor—working in factories, warehouses, and even processing plants under the guise of “treatment.” Her work sheds light on the systemic failures in the U.S. recovery landscape and the human cost of unregulated programs that prey on the most vulnerable. Shelby and Shoshana explore: How the opioid epidemic reshaped America’s rehab industry—and where it went wrongThe dark history of “tough love” recovery programs rooted in Synanon and behavioral modificationWhy unregulated and for-profit treatment centers continue to thrive todayThe legal and ethical gray zones surrounding work-based rehab programsThe critical role of “recovery capital”—the internal and external supports that make lasting sobriety possibleThe devastating gap in treatment options for mothers and families, and what real reform could look likeThis conversation is a must-listen for anyone in recovery, professionals in the mental health and addiction fields, and families seeking treatment for a loved one. It’s a raw, informed, and deeply compassionate discussion about what’s broken—and what hope still exists for creating an addiction recovery system that truly heals. 📘 Learn more about Shoshana Walter and her book on her website https://www.shoshanawalter.com/ 🌿 Want to take control of your anxiety and build emotional resilience in recovery? Download Shelby’s free guide, Is Neurofeedback Right for You? at www.shelbyjohn.com Discover how remote neurofeedback can help you regulate your emotions, sleep better, and feel confident in your sober l Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Today, I sit down with Renae Van Roekel, founder of Connecting to Cope, to explore the journey from childhood trauma and people-pleasing to accountability, healing, and helping others. If you’ve ever felt stuck under shame, guilt, or perfectionism, you’re not alone. What You’ll Learn  How early trauma and being told “you’re bad” became Renae’s internal narrative The cost of people-pleasing addiction, perfectionism, and hiding shameHer pivotal moment: why she chose to turn herself in rather than stay silentWhat happens when unhealed trauma collides with family, career, and relationship demandsTools she uses now to rewrite her brain: EMDR therapy, Rational Evaluations, journaling, self-care routinesHow negative thinking patterns show up & how to rewrite them with new core beliefsRebuilding difficult family relationships, and how honesty, patience & courage can mend the pastSpotlight on Tools & Modalities EMDR therapy – how it helped Renae release trauma beyond talk therapy and regain mental focusRational Evaluations (RSA) & cognitive-behavioral work she learned in prison’s RDAP programDaily practices: journaling, self-check-ins, inner dialogue shifts, patience with selfVisit her at www.connectingtocope.com https://www.facebook.com/connectingtocope/ https://www.instagram.com/connectingtocope/ If you've struggled with addiction, people-pleasing, perfectionism, or inherited shame, Renae’s story shows you can transform your life by facing truth, doing the healing work, and choosing purpose. You can reclaim your identity, your integrity, and your power to choose. Ready to do the next work on healing your past & reclaiming your voice? Learn more at www.wholisticlivingtherapy.com Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Join host Shelby John as she sits down with Meg Gluth, a confident sober woman, successful business owner, and advocate for long-term recovery. In this inspiring episode, Meg shares her transformative journey from struggling with alcohol as a coping mechanism to building a thriving life rooted in sobriety, purpose, and authentic living. Episode Highlights: Meg discusses her recovery story, from her Midwest upbringing and challenges with early sobriety to finding her path through AA and personal growth work. She opens up about losing her first wife to cancer while in law school and how functional alcoholism masked deeper pain for years. Learn about the four essential pillars Meg built in her first five years of sobriety: building community through sober social activities, establishing spiritual practices like yoga and meditation, working with a therapist on emotional baggage, and prioritizing physical health through exercise and mindful consumption. Meg shares practical strategies for maintaining confidence and emotional sobriety, including the power of personal accountability, keeping promises to yourself, and understanding that small, consistent habits create lasting transformation. She emphasizes humility as central to her approach, recognizing that your best thinking got you into trouble, and that there's always more to learn. About Meg Gluth: Meg is the owner and operator of a manufacturing company headquartered in Seattle with locations nationwide. Her business does approximately $100 million in annual revenue, supplying raw materials and components to industries ranging from home improvement to oil and gas. Meg is also a yoga instructor and passionate advocate for women in recovery. Connect with Meg: Visit www.megangluth.com for more information. Resources Mentioned: Laura McKowan's "We Are the Luckiest," personal therapy, yoga practice, AA fellowships, and remote neurofeedback therapy for anxiety and sleep support. Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Join host Shelby John as she shares powerful strategies for navigating transition times in sobriety. Whether you're dealing with back-to-school stress, seasonal changes, or major life shifts, this episode provides actionable tools to help you thrive instead of just survive. What You'll Learn: 5 Essential Transition Tools for Women in Recovery:  Transition Rituals - How to intentionally mark changes and set intentions The STOP Technique - A proven method to rewire your brain's stress response Support Check-ins - Building proactive connection points before you're struggling Energy Audits - Protecting your energy during overwhelming times Nervous System Reset - Revolutionary approach using remote neurofeedback therapyKey Topics Covered: Why transitions trigger women in recovery more intenselyHow substance use rewires our brain's response to uncertaintyCreating new neural pathways for conscious choice vs reactive behaviorBack-to-basics approach during high-stress periodsRemote neurofeedback therapy as brain training for regulationFeatured Resource: Learn about Shelby's remote neurofeedback therapy program - a non-invasive, at-home brain training solution that helps retrain your nervous system's response to stress, anxiety, and triggers. Perfect for women ready to take their recovery to the next level. Shelby's Website: www.shelbyjohn.com  Free Consultation: Available for remote neurofeedback therapy. Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

In this episode of the Confident Sober Women Podcast, host Shelby sits down with Emily Sayre Smith, author of "Smartass Memoir of a Mouthy Girl," for an honest conversation about hitting rock bottom and finding redemption through sobriety. The Breaking Point That Changed Everything Emily shares the moment that saved her life, sitting on her bedroom floor in West Hollywood at 42, with a gun in her mouth. What happened next was a spiritual awakening that would transform her entire existence: "If I don't kill myself, anything is possible." This realization led her to her first AA meeting. Why Traditional Recovery Works (Even When You Fight It) From classical ballerina to gym owner to construction manager to published author, Emily's career path has been anything but linear. But it's her 27-year sobriety journey that reveals the real transformation. She discusses: Fighting the concept of powerlessness as a "Type A, go-getter"Finding God in rooms full of other recovering addictsThe slow burn of emotional growth and why "peeling the onion" takes decadesSurviving major life upheavals sober, including divorce after 22 yearsThe Truth About Long-Term Sobriety This isn't your typical "pink cloud" recovery story. Emily and Shelby dive deep into the reality that recovery work never truly ends. Even with decades of sobriety, life can still knock you down - but the tools you develop make all the difference. Key takeaways from this episode: Why hitting your personal "bottom" is often necessary for lasting changeHow community and connection become lifelines in recoveryThe importance of continuing to tell your truthWhy self-love isn't just a buzzword, it's the foundation of healthy relationshipsEmily's recent divorce led to another suicidal crisis, but this time she chose treatment over alcohol. Her journey to self-discovery at 65 offers hope for anyone struggling with codependency and the need for external validation. Resources Mentioned Emily's book: "Smartass Memoir of a Mouthy Girl" (available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble)Connect with Emily on Facebook: Emily Sayre-SmithAA meetings and 12-stepSupport the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

You’ve been sober for a while now, maybe a year, maybe several, but emotionally, mentally, even physically, you still don’t quite feel like yourself. You’ve done the therapy. You’ve worked the steps. You know all the tools. And yet…   You still feel anxious or overwhelmed   You can’t sleep or wake up exhausted   You overthink everything or spiral into negative thought loops   You wonder why you’re sober but still don’t feel freeIf that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. In today’s solo episode of the Confident Sober Women podcast, I’m diving into why your brain can still feel stuck—even years into recovery—and what you can do about it. As a licensed therapist specializing in trauma and addiction, and a woman with over 20 years in sobriety myself, I’ve seen this pattern again and again in the women I work with. Here’s the truth: Emotional sobriety requires brain-based healing. We talk about:  🔹 What’s really going on in your brain and nervous system after long-term substance use  🔹 Why talk therapy isn’t always enough to heal trauma or negative patterns  🔹 How unresolved brain imprints from stress, trauma, and addiction affect you years later  🔹 Why you might still struggle with anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, or reactivity I also introduce a powerful tool I use in my practice, remote neurofeedback, that helps retrain the brain to function in healthier, more balanced ways. Neurofeedback is a practical, science-backed, non-invasive solution that works from the comfort of your own home. It supports healing from the inside out, especially for sober women struggling with: 💡 Persistent anxiety or perfectionism 💤 Sleep and focus issues 💔 Emotional reactivity or burnout 💪 High-functioning but still not feeling well Plus, I share 3 things you can start doing today to begin regulating your nervous system and supporting your emotional sobriety—whether you’re ready for neurofeedback or not. If you're ready to go deeper in your recovery, this episode will offer insight, hope, and practical support to help you move forward.✨  Learn more about remote neurofeedback therapy: www.shelbyjohn.com/neurofeedback Ready to schedule a consultation or learn if neurofeedback is right for you? Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Dr. Vanessa Klugman shares her powerful 10-year recovery story, revealing how perfectionism and people-pleasing led to prescription drug addiction that cost her medical license. Discover the evidence-based tools she used to transform her inner critic into self-compassion and build a thriving life coaching practice. What You'll Learn • Why perfectionism can be a dangerous form of self-sabotage  • The connection between achievement-based love and addiction  • Three powerful tools to quiet your inner critic: CBT, meditation, and self-compassion  • How to practice the life-changing "self-compassion break" technique  • Why struggling is part of the human experience (and how to embrace it)  • The difference between mindfulness meditation and other types  • How to rebuild your identity after losing everything Key Takeaways "Addiction is the solution, not the problem" - Vanessa explains how substances become coping mechanisms for deeper issues like perfectionism, poor boundaries, and people-pleasing. The self-compassion break has three parts: Mindfulness - Notice you're strugglingSelf-kindness - Offer yourself compassionCommon humanity - Remember you're not aloneGuest Bio Dr. Vanessa Klugman is a physician turned recovery coach who specializes in helping people overcome self-sabotaging habits, including perfectionism, procrastination, and addiction. After losing her medical license due to prescription drug addiction, she rebuilt her life using evidence-based practices and now coaches clients nationwide. Resources Mentioned • Tara Brach - Radical Acceptance podcast and books • Kristin Neff - Self-Compassion research and practices • RAIN meditation technique  • 12-step recovery programs  • Mindfulness-based self-compassion courses Connect with Dr. Vanessa Klugman Website: resiliencerecoverycoaching.com Instagram: @resiliencerecoverycoaching Facebook: Resilience Recovery Coaching Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Episode Highlights: Paulette Kengg, 67, shares her powerful transformation from a "take it or leave it" drinker to alcohol addiction in her mid-50s, and her ultimate freedom through faith-based recovery. After battling chronic insomnia for 8.5 years and following and old friend's advice to drink wine as a sleep aid, Paulette found herself addicted to alcohol—keeping a wine bottle by her bedside instead of sleeping pills. Key Topics Discussed: How chronic insomnia led to alcohol dependencyWhy AA and traditional recovery programs didn't work for PaulaThe role of trauma in addiction (Paulette's father was murdered when she was 14)Combining neuroscience with biblical principles for lasting sobrietyThe Heart of Addiction Bible study by Mark ShawOvercoming shame around addiction in Christian communitiesEMDR therapy and trauma healingNeuroplasticity and brain recovery in sobrietyDaily spiritual practices for maintaining sobrietyPaula's Sobriety Tools: Daily Bible study, prayer, and meditationJournaling (she's kept journals since age 14)Exercise and proper nutritionSelf-compassion and reparenting workServing others in recovery communityNear-Death Experience: Paulette shares her harrowing story of nearly bleeding to death after mixing Jack Daniels with Ambien, emphasizing how addiction progressed despite life-threatening consequences. Resources Mentioned: Spirit-Led Sobriety book by Paulette KenggThis Naked Mind by Annie GraceAndrew Huberman Podcast Episode 86Heart of Addiction Bible studyEMDR therapyCognitive Behavioral TherapyConnect with Paulette: Newsletter: spiritledsobriety.comInstagram: @spiritledsobriety2Facebook: Spirit-Led Sobriety (private group)Email: [email protected] Takeaways: Recovery isn't one-size-fits-all. Paulette's journey shows that combining scientific understanding of addiction with spiritual transformation can create lasting change. Her story demonstrates the importance of not giving up on yourself, even after years of failed attempts. Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Feeling Drained Even in Sobriety? Here's Why (And What to Do About It) You got sober. You did the hard work. So why do you still feel completely emotionally exhausted? In this powerful episode of Confident Sober Women, host Shelby John dives deep into the silent struggle many sober women face—emotional dysregulation and nervous system burnout. If you're walking through life in a fog of overwhelm or feeling like you’re doing everything “right” but still running on empty, this one’s for you. Sobriety gets you out of the chaos, but it doesn’t automatically heal trauma or reset your nervous system. That’s the work of emotional sobriety—and it’s what this episode is all about. 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn today: ✅ Why emotional exhaustion in sobriety is not a sign of failure ✅ The difference between sobriety and emotional sobriety ✅ How to regulate your nervous system before trying to “solve” anything ✅ A 3-step roadmap to rebuild your emotional energy from the inside out ✅ Practical tools to ground your body and process emotions without judgment Shelby also shares the proven healing tools she uses in her practice like EMDR therapy, EMDR intensives, and remote neurofeedback—and how they can support deeper emotional healing, even years into sobriety. 🛠️ Three Steps to Begin Rebuilding Today Regulate First, Reflect Later – Calm your nervous system before diving into “why.” Use grounding tools like deep nasal breathing, 5-4-3-2-1, or a quick barefoot walk.Name the Emotion Without Judgment – Practice saying, “Right now, I’m noticing…” to acknowledge and release your feelings safely.Rebuild from the Root – Go deeper than symptoms. Address unresolved trauma and dysregulation with effective tools like EMDR or neurofeedback.If you're ready to stop white-knuckling your emotions and start truly healing, this episode offers compassionate insight and doable steps to start feeling better now. 🎧 Don’t forget to hit subscribe and share this episode with a sober sister or any woman you know who’s navigating emotional overwhelm—even if she’s not in recovery. 📍 Want deeper support? 👉 Learn about EMDR Intensives 👉 Explore Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

In this transformative episode of the Confident Sober Women podcast, Dr. Ginny Trierweiler unveils a deeply personal and scientifically-backed journey of health transformation that will challenge everything you thought you knew about dieting, nutrition, and wellness. Dr. Trierweiler shares her powerful personal story of hitting rock bottom at 55 - struggling with chronic pain, pre-diabetes, and feeling trapped in a body that was rapidly deteriorating. Her pivotal moment came while working in nursing homes, witnessing individuals in their 60s and 70s losing their independence. Breaking the Dieting Cycle Why traditional calorie-cutting approaches are actually making metabolic health WORSEHow 70% of food in our environment is processed and destructive to our healthThe critical difference between calories and nutrientsWhy intuitive eating can be dangerous for those struggling with health challengesEmotional and Physical Transformation Dr. Trierweiler candidly discusses: Overcoming alcohol dependencyDealing with chronic pain through nutritionReconnecting with her body's true needsThe emotional journey of healing beyond just physical symptomsRevolutionary Nutrition Principles Dr. Trierweiler breaks down her evidence-based approach to nutrition, revealing: Abundant Nutritious Eating: Contrary to restrictive diets, she advocates eating MORE of the right foodsNutrient Density Over Calorie Counting: Understanding how what you eat matters more than how muchHolistic Healing: Addressing gut health, hormones, and cellular nutritionSustainable Lifestyle Changes: Creating a approach that feels liberating, not restrictiveMindset Shifts for Lasting Change Breaking free from food and alcohol addictionUnderstanding the dopamine vs. serotonin response to foodCreating positive emotions around healthy habitsTreating nutrition as self-care, not punishmentConnect: Book Waitlist: Slender for Good Book WaitlistWebsite: Slender for GoodFacebook: Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

In this powerful episode of Confident Sober Women, host Shelby welcomes Julie Bloom, a recovery coach and mental health trainer who shares her inspiring 7-year sobriety journey that began with an unexpected "gift of illness." Episode Highlights: Julie reveals how severe burnout, PTSD, and vertigo became catalysts for her sobriety journey after 20 years as a college Spanish teacher. As a former "well-caffeinated and chardonnay working mom," Julie describes how her alcohol dependence developed while balancing career demands with raising a young daughter. The conversation explores how serious health challenges—including debilitating vertigo—forced Julie to stop drinking and began her recovery, initially through audiobooks and podcasts like The Bubble Hour while isolated "in the corner of her sectional." Key Insights on Recovery: Identity Transformation: Julie discusses how sobriety required creating a new identity after leaving her tenured teaching position, leading to certification as both a professional and recovery coach.Emotional Regulation: Learn practical techniques for managing emotions, including mindfulness, journaling, and "adaptive thinking"—giving the appropriate amount of time, space, and energy to situations.Creativity in Recovery: Discover how breaking free from addiction cycles unleashes creative potential, providing the "clarity, bandwidth, and energy" needed to envision and build a fulfilling life.Midlife Challenges: The episode addresses how perimenopause, career dissatisfaction, and relationship issues often intersect with recovery journeys, creating what Julie calls a "s****y planet alignment."Julie shares her journey of professional reinvention, becoming a mental health trainer and speaker who helps others develop resilience and adaptability. She emphasizes the importance of community and altruism in recovery, including her work with SheRecovers. Shelby and Julie discuss how ADHD symptoms can intensify during perimenopause due to decreasing estrogen levels, highlighting the need for neurological approaches to healing beyond traditional talk therapy. This episode provides valuable insights for women seeking sobriety and emotional well-being, particularly during significant life transitions.  For more information, follow Julie at Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Why You're Always Anxious (And How To Regulate Your Nervous System)  Welcome back to The Confident Sober Women Podcast! I’m your host, Shelby John, sober therapist, EMDR therapist, and fellow woman in recovery. In today’s solo episode, we’re diving into a topic that comes up constantly with my clients, friends, and even in my own life: nervous system regulation. You might say, “Why am I always anxious?” or “Why do I feel overwhelmed when nothing’s even wrong?” If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. We’ll explore why your anxiety often seems to appear out of nowhere, what’s really happening in your body, and the powerful science-backed tools you can use to feel calm, clear, and in control—especially in sobriety. Here’s what you’ll learn:  ✔️ What your nervous system actually does (think of it like your body’s operating system) ✔️ How trauma, stress, and addiction keep your system in fight-or-flight—even when you’re safe ✔️ Why nervous system regulation is crucial to sustainable sobriety ✔️ Three simple tools to use TODAY to reduce anxiety and regain calm: The Physiological Sigh (a proven breath technique straight from neuroscience)Orienting to Safety (a quick somatic practice to ground your body)Name It to Tame It (a powerful brain hack to reduce emotional reactivity by 50%)Plus, I share how EMDR therapy and remote neurofeedback go beyond talk therapy to retrain your brain and heal anxiety and trauma at the root. These tools are especially helpful for women who’ve been sober a year or more and are craving deeper healing and emotional freedom. If you’re ready to stop white-knuckling your day and finally feel peace in your body—this episode will show you exactly how to start. 🔗 Want to try remote neurofeedback from home? Learn more about my program and see if it’s right for you at shelbyjohn.com 💥 It’s available to women worldwide—no license limitations! ✨ Share this with a sober sister who needs to hear it, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast so we can reach more incredible women just like you. You are not alone. You are not broken. And you don’t have to stay stu Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

In this insightful conversation, Shelby welcomes Amanda Kuda, author of "Unbottled Potential," to discuss different pathways to sobriety and the importance of finding what resonates with you personally. Amanda shares her journey to sobriety, which began when she realized her weekend drinking habits were counteracting her weekday personal development work. Despite not hitting "rock bottom" or fitting traditional addiction narratives, she recognized alcohol was preventing her from becoming her most authentic self. Key Takeaways: Amanda's approach to sobriety came from a spiritual angle, studying influencers like Wayne Dyer, Marianne Williamson, and Gabby BernsteinBoth women discuss how there are multiple valid paths to recovery beyond the 12-step modelThe skills of emotional regulation and sitting with discomfort are essential for long-term sobrietyJournaling prompt: "Wait, what am I thinking?" can help process emotions that might trigger drinkingLearning to name your emotions and accept all feelings as valid helps reduce emotional volatilityAmanda emphasizes that you don't need to have a "drinking problem" for alcohol to be a problem in your life. If it's preventing you from being your most authentic self, that's reason enough to question your relationship with it. Shelby highlights how recent research, including the 2025 Surgeon General's report, confirms that no amount of alcohol is safe for consumption, supporting the decision to live alcohol-free regardless of where you fall on the spectrum of use. This conversation powerfully illustrates that recovery doesn't always fit into prescribed models - what matters most is finding an approach that resonates with you and leads to a better life. Connect with Amanda Kuda: Website: amandakuda.comInstagram: @amandakudaTikTok: @amanda.kudaFacebook: amandakudaLinkedIn: amandakudaBook - Unbottled Potential: AmazonAre you ready to explore your relationship with alcohol from a fresh perspective? Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Rebuilding What Addiction Broke: A Conversation with Janice Johnson Dowd In this powerful episode of the Confident Sober Women podcast, we're joined by Janice Johnson Dowd, author of "Rebuilding Relationships in Recovery." As a retired social worker with 12 years of sobriety and a mother of four, Janice shares her journey from functioning alcoholic to recovery advocate with remarkable candor. Episode Highlights: Janice's background working in addiction treatment centers before her own alcoholism developed in her 40sThe complex dynamics of balancing motherhood, career, and self-care that contributed to her drinkingHer experience with inpatient treatment and how focusing exclusively on recovery actually damaged family relationshipsThe challenging path of repairing relationships with her four children (ages 13-21 at the time of her treatment)Why validation, accountability, and persistent communication are crucial for family healingThe importance of finding balance between recovery work and family reconnectionHow to effectively listen to and validate different family members' experiencesWhy staying sober is the foundation for rebuilding trust, but isn't enough on its own Practical Takeaways: Take accountability for your actions and validate others' perspectives, even when they differ from yoursPractice deep listening without immediate reactions, especially with adolescents and young adultsPersist in healing efforts even when family therapy or initial conversations feel uncomfortable or unsuccessfulRecognize developmental differences in how children process a parent's addiction and recoveryFind balance between recovery work and family engagementTake advantage of small moments for connection and organic healing conversationsGet support from sponsors, therapists, and recovery peers when navigating challenging family situationsJanice emphasizes that repair is possible even after significant damage to relationships. Her story offers hope to those struggling with similar challenges and provides practical guidance for rebuilding what addiction has broken. Connect with Janice: Book: "Rebuilding Relationships in ReSupport the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.

Maura Casey opens a window into her 39-year sobriety journey with raw honesty and gentle wisdom. As a journalist who worked for prestigious publications like The New York Times and Hartford Courant, Maura's story reveals how professional success intertwined with her recovery from growing up in what she calls a "tumultuous" Irish family where "alcohol was the seventh member." The conversation takes us through Maura's childhood, where drinking at age 13 was normalized within her family culture. We witness her awakening moment at 28 when she realized her drinking was following her father's destructive pattern, prompting her sobriety journey. What follows is a masterclass in emotional sobriety—the deeper work beyond simply putting down the drink. Shelby and Maura explore the transformative power of establishing healthy boundaries after years of people-pleasing tendencies. Their discussion illuminates the crucial distinction between guilt ("I did something bad") and shame ("I am bad"), offering listeners practical insights into healing these emotional wounds. The conversation weaves through making amends, changing behaviors, and finding pride in breaking generational patterns of alcoholism. Perhaps most powerful is Maura's reflection on writing her memoir, "Saving Ellen," which chronicles her family's journey through addiction, illness, and recovery. She shares how her sister Ellen followed her into sobriety, demonstrating the ripple effect our personal healing creates. Whether you're newly sober or decades into recovery, this episode reminds us that showing up authentically each day is a miracle worth celebrating. Subscribe now and join our community of confident, sober women discovering their true potential. Find Maura's memoir "Saving Ellen" available April 1st from Skyhorse Publishing. Connect with her at CaseyInk.com or email [email protected].  Support the show Don’t forget to subscribe, rate & share this episode with a sober woman or someone suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep problems and negative thought patterns who needs to hear she is not alone. Support the show Oh, and by the way, if you didn’t know, my remote Neurofeedback Therapy program is up and running. Learn more here! Learn more about EMDR therapy, EMDR Intensives and Remote Neurofeedback. If you aren't part of the Confident Sober Women Facebook group, it's a great place to be. There are over a thousand other sober women there building lives they don't want to escape from. Come on over and join us. And if you haven't read my memoir, grab a copy today and maybe a second one for a friend. There is so much hope in recovery, and I shared my story so raw and vulnerable so that others would know they aren't alone and that there is a way to live well, manage relationships, parent your kids, and have a healthy body, all while staying sober. Grab a copy of Recovering in Recovery: The Life-Changing Joy of Sobriety wherever books are sold.