The Bubble Hour

Jean McCarthy asks twelve women to share how they found their way into recovery. Recorded live at a SheRecovers retreat in Mexico in December 2019, this is the third installation of the women's stories.  Various ways to approach recovery are discussed, including traditional twelve-step programs and newer programs like SMART Recovery and Refuge Recovery, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and self-directed "patchwork" methods. To learn more about SheRecovers retreats, visit www.sherecovers.co To read Jean's blog UnPickled visit www.unpickledblog.com and to learn about her book visit www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Numerous women in recovery share how they navigate the holidays. These interviews were recorded on-site at a SheRecovers retreat in Mexico and include women in various stages of recovery. To learn more about retreats, visit www.sherecovers.co To order UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide by Jean McCarthy, visit www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books  

Have you ever wondered what is said when someone calls a sponsor? Or what kind of advice someone with decades of recovery might offer to a person who is feeling triggered? What about the newly sober - how do they suggest coping with cravings or awkward moments?   This episode has it all! 12 women with recovery ranging from a few months to thirthy+ years share offer their words of comfort and encouragement for staying sober in the face of adversity.

Friends of the show and former cohosts offer their warm wishes, tips and advice for getting through the holidays with your sobriety intact. Be sure to check out  "UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide" - the new book by our host Jean McCarthy, available as an ebook on Kindle, Kobo, and AppleBooks, and in print from Amazon, Chapters, and your local bookstores.

Bubble Host Jean McCarthy chats about recent events, including walking a labyrinth in Mexico, creating a family recipe book, her favourite crafts, update on her book and hints at the upcoming holiday special episodes.  To see pictures of the labyrinth, visit Jean's Instagram @jeanmccarthy_writes UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide purchase info here

Emily Lynn Paulson is the author of Highlight Real: Finding Honesty & Recovery Beyond the Filtered Life. Emily is an entrepreneur, certified professional recovery coach, She Recovers Designated Coach, and a member of the long-term recovery community. Formally trained as a chemist and a teacher, she rose to success in the top tiers of a skincare company, where she gained her voice and a platform for sobriety and healing.   Sober since January 2, 2017, her recovery path is focused on ruthless honesty, grace, and self love. She is passionate about connecting women with resources for recovery from trauma, eating disorders, and substance abuse, and believes that sharing our truth with each other is the best resource of all. Emily lives in Seattle with her husband and their five children.   Learn more at https://www.emilylynnpaulson.com/   Pssst - have you picked up your copy of Jean's books yet? Click here for more info on UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide by Jean McCarthy

Robin was in a serious car accident that nearly took her life. After nine surgeries and months of slow, painful healing, she began to use alcohol to manage the lingering pain and emotional trauma of the event that changed her life forever. As an artist, she was fortunate that her drawing hand was spared but as the alcohol took over her life, her connection to her art withered. Alcohol took Robin to tragic lows and her path back to wellness was not easy or swift. Sobriety has given Robin back her life, her family, and her art. www.RobinK.art

Colleen looks back on how social drinking went sideways from a young age, and how she normalized it as she got older. She got sober just three weeks after her wedding, and the change brought a lot of adjustment into her relationship.  Now she is a proud recovery advocate, coach and supporter of others. To learn more about Colleen, visit www.colleenschroeder.com  

Michellene first considered sobriety at 26 after it became clear that her relationship with alcohol was out of control. Despite attending a program and doing stepwork, she was easily dissuaded from an alcohol-free lifestyle and continued to drink through her 30s and 40s. Her alcohol use escalated when she became a parent, as she struggled with feelings of guilt and shame over not enjoying motherhood as much as she felt she "should'. Eventually Michellene realized that she didn't need to hit a low bottom to change her relationship with alcohol and she decided on January 1, 2017 to leave it behind for good.

Maria reflects on aspects of life that contributed to her increased alcohol consumption as a way to cope. Motherhood, divorce, and work pressures were handled more and more often using wine as a release valve until the need for change became overwhelming. Now in her third year of sobriety, Maria looks back on her alcohol trajectory without regret, because it has helped her to evolve to a better way of life.

Lori was functioning well in her high-pressure career and alcohol was both a problem and a crutch. Her addiction kicked into overdrive when she had to deal with an overwhelming family issue, and this ultimately led her to make a much-needed change. She learned the difference between being simply 'dry' and true recovery, along with other discoveries along the way. Lori celebrates her second soberversary by sharing her story.

Keith Keller is a recovery expert and activist, and author of "The Infinite Recovery Handbook". To learn more, visit www.infiniterecovery.org

Mo suffered through public embarrassment due to her drinking and has embraced life without alcohol for the past nine months. She shares her story, including insights on gastric bypass surgery, going to her first recovery retreat, and sober life in wine country.

By all accounts, Jacob was a young man with success in his sights. He was a law student and student body vice-president - all the things that are assuring to others as a sign of a positive youth. Listen as he explains why things went sideways, how he took back his power, and what it is like to spend his life helping others.   Learn more about Jacob at www.hopeguides.com and www.treehouserecovery.com

When the guest doesn't work out as planned, UnPickled and Bubble Hour followers save the day by sending questions and topics to help fill the hour. PS - On vacation for two weeks after this episode, so back in mid-August. Links to other episodes mentioned in this show: Chris Engen Nurtition for Recovery https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bubblehour/2019/06/05/chris-engen-of-nutrition-for-recovery Sarah Roberts Sarah Talks Food https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bubblehour/2019/02/12/guest-sarah-roberts Danielle of Real You Revolution (re interventions) https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bubblehour/2014/10/27/high-functioning-alcoholics--addiction-in-the-c-suite

Author Patti Clark has been described as a cross between Elizabeth Gilbert and Julia Cameron. Her book 'This Way Up: Seven Tools for Unleashing Your Creative Self  and Transforming Your Life'  was the winner of the prestigious International Excellence Best Self-Help Book of the year in 2017. Patti is an accomplished speaker and workshop leader, sharing her knowledge and wisdom with others for more than 30 years in several countries.   Patti has been featured on TVNZ’s Breakfast Show and numerous radio shows and podcasts; her work has been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Thrive Global  and The Mindful Word.   Patti’s links: http://www.thiswayupbook.com/ https://patticlark.org/   Books, authors and podcasts discussed in this episode: “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/ Brene Brown https://brenebrown.com/ Anne Lamott https://www.ted.com/speakers/anne_lamott “In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts” and “When the Body Says No” b

Jenn's 40th birthday party was one that left her feeling a truth that couldn't be ignored. The heavy use of alcohol to offset the pressures of being a trial attorney and a busy wife and mom was taking away more than it was giving to her, and she decided to make a change.

Part 4 of this special summer series featuring all 4 former Bubble Hour hosts, returning to share where life has taken them since their time on the podcast. Visit UnPickled to see the wiritng that Lisa mentions, "The Tiny Voice".

This special summer series features, former Bubble Hour hosts sharing the lastest in their recovery since moving on from the show

In this special summer series, all four former Bubble Hour hosts share updates on their lives and recovery since their time on the podcast