Innhold levert av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
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Marcia Clark, best known as the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson trial, has become a trailblazer for women in law and beyond. Her journey from courtroom to bestselling author reflects her resilience and determination to redefine herself amidst intense public scrutiny. On this episode of Worth Knowing, Clark dives into her latest book, *Trial by Ambush*, which examines the 1953 Barbara Graham case—a story that highlights gender bias, media sensationalism, and the notion that all cases are subject to societal, cultural, and political winds. Clark shares how her experiences during the Simpson trial shaped her perspective on societal pressures and the role of women in high-stakes professions. Her reflections on how media, forensic science, and legal practices have evolved over decades offer valuable insights into the intersection of law and culture. This conversation is a compelling exploration of true crime, personal growth, and how Clark’s groundbreaking career continues to inspire a new generation of women to challenge norms and forge their own paths. Marcia Clark is a bestselling author and a criminal lawyer who began her career in law as a criminal defense attorney and went on to become a prosecutor in the L.A. District Attorney's Office in 1981. She spent ten years in the Special Trials Unit, where she handled a number of high-profile cases, including the prosecution of stalker/murderer Robert Bardo, whose conviction for the murder of actress Rebecca Schaeffer resulted in legislation that offered victims better protection from stalkers as well as increased punishment for the offenders. She was lead prosecutor for the O.J. Simpson murder trial. In May of 1997 her book on the Simpson case, "Without a Doubt," was published and reached #1 on the New York Times, Wall St. Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Publishers Weekly bestsellers lists. In February 2016, Clark re-released the book with a new foreword. Resources Sign up for the Worth Knowing LinkedIn Newsletter to stay up to date: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/worth-knowing-7236433935503618048/ Follow Bonnie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonnie-habyan/ Go to the Worth Knowing website: https://www.worthknowing.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company…
Innhold levert av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
Emergency Protocol deep-dives into Denise and Jackie Freed’s toolkit for living - The 12 Steps Reimagined. This mother-daughter duo discusses mental health, mental illness, recovery, sobriety, anxiety, depression, and more. Also featuring guests from their “village” who share their everyday miracles and survival tips, the show aims to provide practical tools, community, and hope to people who say “I’m okay!” but don’t really mean it (and who also need to drink more water).
Innhold levert av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed. Alt podcastinnhold, inkludert episoder, grafikk og podcastbeskrivelser, lastes opp og leveres direkte av Denise and Jackie Freed and Jackie Freed eller deres podcastplattformpartner. Hvis du tror at noen bruker det opphavsrettsbeskyttede verket ditt uten din tillatelse, kan du følge prosessen skissert her https://no.player.fm/legal.
Emergency Protocol deep-dives into Denise and Jackie Freed’s toolkit for living - The 12 Steps Reimagined. This mother-daughter duo discusses mental health, mental illness, recovery, sobriety, anxiety, depression, and more. Also featuring guests from their “village” who share their everyday miracles and survival tips, the show aims to provide practical tools, community, and hope to people who say “I’m okay!” but don’t really mean it (and who also need to drink more water).
What if being overwhelmed is the beginning of something great? In this episode, Denise and Jackie explore what it means to sit in uncertainty, embrace possibility, and stay grounded while navigating huge life transitions. Key Times: 00:00:00 – A grounding breath and a quick disclaimer 00:02:12 – Jackie gets into grad school! Processing the surprise 00:05:29 – Decision-making anxiety and the infamous undergrad coin toss 00:10:20 – Logistics spiral: moving, driving, renting, storage, the dog 00:14:00 – Denise reflects on decision-making as a catalyst 00:21:00 – Facing change with curiosity instead of fear 00:24:00 – Grieving the shift as Jackie prepares to leave LA 00:29:00 – Spiritual resets, purposeful activism, and staying regulated 00:36:00 – Creativity, community, and finding the next expression of self 00:38:00 – The podcast continues! A look ahead at remote collaboration Show Notes / Episode Summary: In this heartfelt episode, Denise and Jackie reflect on Jackie’s acceptance into not one, but two graduate school programs—both out of state. What should be an exciting moment is also fraught with the anxiety of big choices, logistical chaos, and emotional goodbyes. Jackie opens up about the shock of getting in (despite a sub-3.0 GPA), the validation of receiving scholarships, and the layered overwhelm of what's to come: deciding between programs, planning a move, and figuring out how to bring her dog across the country. Denise reflects on how different this version of Jackie is from the young adult who once flipped a coin to choose her undergrad—and what it means to make decisions rooted in self-trust. The conversation weaves between personal growth, political tension, community building, and spiritual practice. From somatic resets at 11:11 to book recommendations and AA reflections, they hold space for both the fear of the unknown and the freedom it can bring. Topics Covered: The shock, relief, and joy of grad school acceptance The emotional labor of big life changes Decision fatigue and choosing from abundance Rejection tolerance and the power of perseverance Staying spiritually grounded in times of crisis Activism, burnout, and choosing balance Creating new rituals and community around growth Looking ahead: how the podcast will evolve with Jackie’s move Follow Us: Follow Jackie: @jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Key Times: 00:00:00 – Introduction: It’s been a while! Catching up after months away 00:06:45 – The January fires: Devastation, grief, and survival 00:12:30 – Leading through crisis: Denise’s real estate world turned upside down 00:18:05 – Finding community: Donation efforts and mutual aid 00:26:30 – Jackie’s grad school applications and career shifts 00:30:40 – A car gets towed: Navigating unexpected hurdles 00:36:10 – Moments of unexpected kindness: A soap dish and a bouquet 00:42:00 – Closing thoughts: Gratitude, deep breaths, and looking ahead Show Notes / Episode Summary: In this emotionally charged episode, Denise and Jackie return after an extended hiatus, reflecting on what has been an unbelievably intense year. From devastating wildfires that left entire communities displaced to personal struggles with leadership, career changes, and even a chaotic car towing experience, they unpack the rollercoaster of events that defined the past several months. Denise shares her firsthand experience of managing a real estate team through an unprecedented disaster, recounting the overwhelming grief and logistical challenges of helping clients and colleagues find stability in the aftermath of the fires. Jackie, on the other hand, navigates her own major life transitions, from leaving her grocery job to re-entering real estate full-time—all while applying to grad school and dealing with self-doubt along the way. Through it all, they highlight the small moments of kindness and connection that helped them persevere, including a touching encounter involving a simple soap dish and a gifted bouquet. They close the episode with a grounding breathwork exercise, encouraging listeners to reflect on gratitude and resilience in their own lives. Topics Covered: Processing grief and trauma after natural disasters The complexities of leadership during crisis situations The challenges of re-entering real estate in an unpredictable market Navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome in grad school applications The unexpected stress of getting a car towed (and the financial burden that comes with it) Finding joy in small, everyday acts of kindness Cultivating resilience through community and mutual aid Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
In this warm and thought-provoking episode, Denise and Jackie dive deep into the emotional and logistical chaos of the holiday season. Reflecting on their own family traditions—past and present—they explore how expectations around gift-giving, decorating, and hosting have evolved, especially after the loss of a beloved matriarch and the realities of aging and burnout. 00:00:00 – A grounding breath and physical therapy insight 00:04:45 – Catching up post-Thanksgiving and holiday expectations 00:11:20 – Family Christmas traditions: scaling back and shifting values 00:19:30 – Generational money trauma and financial insecurity 00:27:40 – Women, labor, and holiday inequities across generations 00:36:20 – The invisible work of motherhood and holiday planning 00:44:00 – Reclaiming the holidays with boundaries and potlucks 00:50:00 – A daily ACA reflection and asking for help Denise reflects on her financial anxiety despite being in a secure position, and the generational patterns that might be keeping that stress alive. Jackie brings in insights from their ongoing ACA (Adult Children of Alcoholics) work, especially around inherited financial trauma and the societal conditioning that teaches women to carry the mental load without complaint. They touch on capitalism, the pink tax, the mental load of working mothers, and the invisible labor that makes the holidays “magical.” From packed shopping carts at Costco to fighting over tree lights, the episode is both funny and deeply resonant for anyone navigating family dynamics, societal expectations, and the holidays with their sanity intact. Topics Covered: The pressure and privilege of hosting family holidays How grief, generational trauma, and family traditions intersect Scaling back gift-giving and reimagining meaningful rituals Financial insecurity and inherited beliefs around money Gendered labor and the unpaid work of making holiday “magic” ACA reflections on recreating stress for familiarity Decentering men in conversations about equity and responsibility The value of asking for help and building true community The Big One podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-one-the-earthquake/id1645620672?i=1000579734783 ACA Serenity Prayer: https://adultchildren.org/serenity-prayer/ Follow Us: Follow Jackie: https://www.instagram.com/jackiefreed.la/ Follow Denise: https://www.instagram.com/denise.freed/ Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12stepsforeveryone/ Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@12stepsforeveryone Email us: 12steps4everyone@gmail.com…
In this vulnerable post-election episode, mother-daughter duo Denise and Jackie process their raw emotions following the November 2024 election results. The conversation opens with a grounding mindfulness practice and box breathing technique (breathe in for 4, hold for 4, out for 4, hold for 4) as they acknowledge the difficulty many are experiencing. The pair explore how to maintain presence and calm during anxiety-producing times, with Denise emphasizing the Serenity Prayer as her anchor: “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” Jackie shares her Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) version: “God grant me to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me.” The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they discuss values conflicts, self-advocacy in healthcare relationships, and the challenge of reconciling deeply held beliefs with maintaining human connection across divides. Jackie shares her experience of ending a therapeutic relationship after realizing their values alignment was crucial for her mental healthcare. The episode concludes with an exciting announcement of their new Sunday Zoom meetings at 6pm Pacific time, creating a safe space for people to process difficult emotions and find community during challenging times. Topics Covered: Mindfulness techniques including box breathing and the 5-4-3-2-1 exercise Using the Serenity Prayer as a practical tool during stressful times The importance of being present in the body during anxiety Their updated Step 3: “We decide to trust that something bigger is taking care of us” Self-advocacy in therapeutic relationships Creating inclusive community spaces for authentic conversation Balancing political values and human connection The daily practice of Step 10: ongoing reflection and emotional processing Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 6pm PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) The Big One podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-one-the-earthquake/id1645620672?i=1000579734783 ACA Serenity Prayer: https://adultchildren.org/serenity-prayer/ Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie discuss how they approached the run-up to the election and the importance of staying positive in times of uncertainty. The Serenity Prayer is great for extra support. Jackie shares the techniques she is using to calm her elevated anxiety. It’s all in the breath! Denise then goes into her experience of asking for a sign from her brother and receiving it in a surprising way during a Zoom call. The duo reflects on the community spirit Halloween invites and how they celebrated this year. Jackie discusses the importance of having an earthquake preparedness kit. Starting to build hers has significantly curbed her anxiety about a potential event. Jackie mentions a podcast that helped her understand that natural disasters are more about people helping each other rather than chaos and violence. Following the success of a second in-person meeting, they are hosting an online meeting! Be sure to sign up below. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: No harm in positivity Power of breath Show me a mongoose Seeking joy and levity Potato or candy? Immigration and competition Earthquake preparation Conscious breath Resources Mentioned: Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting is password-protected; please submit your email to receive it) Godmothers bookstore 1440 The Big One podcast Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. Denise and Jackie reflect on their first in-person meeting, which started awkwardly but became fluid as the ice melted. They’re so happy to have brought to life a welcoming, neutral, and free space for people to attend, share, and feel heard. The meeting was one of the many commitments Denise has been juggling lately. She acknowledges that while being part of a community is valuable, so too are rest and balance. They then reflect on the third step of the 12 steps, the importance of deciding to commit to recovery. Each woman shares her personal experience of choosing to live and seek help. Both professionally and personally, having a supportive place to go to makes all the difference. They then discuss the concept of affinity groups. There is potential for affinity groups to emerge naturally from the community they created. Even though it has sometimes felt slowgoing, they reflect on the progress their community has made as well as themselves on their journeys. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: First in-person meeting Balancing commitments and community H.A.L.T. Role of decision in recovery The not-so-gray area Shift into action Importance of connection and belonging Resources Mentioned: Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA ACA https://adultchildren.org/ AA https://www.aa.org/ Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise shares her last days in the hospital together with her grandmother. While it was heavy and emotional, of course, she explains why she did not feel depleted by the grief. Denise and Jackie discuss the importance of telling the people you love that you love them and the different ways of doing so. Jackie talks about saying goodbye to her grandma while at a wedding and recent mental health updates. She is looking forward to an upcoming trial with Ritalin even though trying a new medication brings anxiety. Denise then shares how the book, Fire, We Make the Beast Beautiful, has made her feel at peace with her anxiety. Ultimately, living any kind of life, a healthy, happy one, or a chaotic one, is a choice. A staple of joyous living is being part of a community. They agree that the effort and vulnerability required to genuinely connect are absolutely worth it. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: Denise’s hospital experience Showing people you love them Saying goodbye at a wedding Beginning Ritalin Outrunning anxiety ACA meeting exploration The hard work of living The healing power of togetherness Resources Mentioned: Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA Stay tuned for a "diagnosed but mom said no" hat giveaway! ACA https://adultchildren.org/ AA https://www.aa.org/ Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie jump right into Jackie’s ADHD diagnosis history and possible signs from her childhood that she had ADHD. They then turn to the upcoming holiday season and the social anxiety often accompanying celebratory gatherings. New situations, in general, can summon socially anxious feelings in even the most outgoing people. Denise shares a recent experience attending a new meeting, reflects on the social anxiety she felt in the past of trying to come off as sexually appealing, and how those insecurities impacted her perceived self-worth. Jackie is preparing to begin dating again but is first working through a few specific limiting beliefs. She updates Denise on a recent trip to Portland to visit a good friend and how her friend treated her so well that she feels inspired to be a better friend. They then discuss the nuances of giving and receiving, sometimes feeling more comfortable on one side than the other, and how being of service is the ultimate antidote to feeling low. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: #DiagnosedButMomSaidNo Stressy and depress-y AKA social anxiety Attending an ACA meeting Difference between nervous, anxious, and social anxiety Preparing to date How to be a friend The nuances of giving and receiving Resources Mentioned: Join our upcoming meetings Stay tuned for a "diagnosed but mom said no" hat giveaway! ACA AA Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie go in on connection. Denise shares her joyous experience at Godmothers Bookstore, learning from and being in the presence of amazing, powerful women. A part of the joy was from being in a high-functioning third space. As the presidential election draws closer, Denise organizes a get-together with friends to write postcards to swing states, simultaneously creating a connecting activity and a feeling of participation. Jackie updates us on how week six of her new medication is going. She feels lighter and more upbeat while also being aware of the extra layer of responsibility that is keeping up with the required scheduling. She’s even picked up meditating again! Denise shares how she is rediscovering the importance of doing things during her rest time that bring her soul joy, no matter how busy she has been lately. However, she is still reserving days for vacation at home. There can be a fine line between joy and depletion. Trusting your intuition on whether something will add to or take away from a restful experience takes practice and awareness. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: Godmothers Bookstore experience Importance of connection pre-election Medication, maintenance, and meditation Getting things done Free fries and getting out there Advocate for yourself no matter what Resources Mentioned: Godmothers Bookstore https://godmothers.com/ Getting Things Done by David Allen https://gettingthingsdone.com/ ACA https://adultchildren.org/ Al-Anon https://al-anon.org/ AA https://www.aa.org/ Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
As the seasons start to shift, so do Denise and Jackie. The pair discuss the upcoming election season, experiences of grief, and Jackie’s ADHD diagnosis. With the bumpy month of August behind them, election season looms. This is a friendly reminder to everyone listening to vote! While Denise and Jackie digress that they don’t have as much time as they did during the last election, which was mid-pandemic, they are still doing their part to get the word out for everyone to show up to the polls. However, they disagree on the state of societies post-pandemic and share what they each see as the highs and lows of post-pandemic culture. Jackie shares how her favorite mantra continues to support her during this time. Denise shares how this time of year brings up sadness about the loss of her brother that her body flags before her mind. She shares funny childhood memories, while Jackie shares a different sort of childhood memory. They discuss the many ways people experience grief and the importance of maintaining boundaries during that process. Jackie then updates us on how her new medication is going. She also provides insight into her current routine and the challenges of adjusting to new habits. They both have been people-ing a lot more lately and feeling considerably lighter. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: 02:02 Candy corn hot takes 05:18 Vote!! 9:52 Pandemic reflections 18:32 Returning to the mantra 20:17 Remembering Damon 30:27 No is a sentence 35:18 Medication update 40:32 More people-ing 47:52 ADHD diagnosis Resources Mentioned: Check your voter registration status Metropolis II Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
After getting a new depression and anxiety prescription in the last episode, Jackie follows up with how she is adjusting. She’s started to make a great effort to get out of the house to be with her friends and shares a strategy she’s using to do that. Meanwhile, Denise has been busy helping her other daughter move, juggling new changes at work, and organizing a sober retreat. This year’s retreat was as busy and beautiful as ever, including a life celebration of her former sponsor, Claire. Despite a packed schedule, Denise has been prioritizing rest among the chaos. Following a few synchronicities, Jackie checked out Al-Anon for the first time. She shares a passage from Al-Anon's big blue book. The experience has been a catalyst for momentum across her life, at her own pace, which is worth celebrating! Denise shares her enthusiasm and recognizes the role of accountability for making progress in all areas of life. Jackie then shares her experience of going to ACA for the first time. They discuss an underlying theme across 12 step programs, which is ultimately taking responsibility for yourself. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: 00:49 New meds update 07:11 Organizing a sober retreat 21:32 Jackie goes to Al-Anon for the first time! 31:50 Jackie goes to ACA for the first time! 44:29 Being scared and doing the thing anyway Resources Mentioned: Register for virtual and in-person 12S4E meetings AA meeting directory Al-Anon meeting directory ACA meeting directory Courage to Change - One Day at a Time in Al-Anon Reshma Saujani Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
As Denise juggles a hectic schedule and prepares to host a sober retreat, Jackie continues to feel not okay. They discuss the infinite shapes anxiety and depression can take in people and how it defies logical sense. Jackie shares her recent experience of surrendering and asking for help, making doctor’s appointments, and switching medication. There are a lot of factors to consider when switching medication, and Jackie explains her anxieties around a few of them. Denise suggests reframing some of Jackie’s fears about the future. Being present can feel like the safest place to live, though it is often the hardest place to find. Sometimes, taking medication helps Jackie to find that present place. The bottom line is that change can be hard, really hard. In those times, there’s nothing wrong with external validation. That can take the form of affirmations from friends and family to getting an achievement chip at an AA meeting. Ultimately, Jackie’s willingness to try medication again is a win. Every small step towards change is a win. Denise and Jackie wrap the episode by celebrating that win and giving loving affirmations to the audience. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: 00:22 Denise has been busy! 04:25 Acknowledging negatives and positives 07:45 Depression and obsession 16:25 Looking for community 18:29 Anxieties about new medication 25:25 Fears of the future 34:27 Change is hard! Resources Mentioned: Join our meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Jackie talks about her recent experience of realizing she needed additional help, selecting a new therapist, signing up for mental health coaching, and obtaining a psychiatrist referral. While taking action is a great first step, that doesn’t mean it feels easy. Denise shares her experiences of seeking help. For her, the waiting game is incredibly tedious and, sometimes, offputting. But there is growth! Like when she willingly waited in lines in Japan… She received a lot of help from AA through sponsorship. They discuss anonymity's role in those relationships and the responsibility of being a container for someone. The duo wraps up by discussing what’s been happening lately in their lives and how to chip away at the piles of to-do’s. They continue to get closer to the launch of their in-person meetings, which they hope will be a great place for people to take that courageous first step of asking for help. Be sure to sign up below if you’re interested in attending! If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: (01:09) Back to square one: getting help (05:48) Juggling referrals and new therapist meetings (12:13) Waiting in lines in Japan (19:56) Sponsorship help in AA (24:38) Getting clear to stop the spiral (28:21) One outing a day Resources Mentioned: Meeting signup form Find a Twelve Step group near you Sign up for meeting notifications Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
For Jackie, summer brings sunny melancholy and big birthday feelings. This year is particularly rough as she acclimates to a changing friend group. Denise finds the birthday season ideal for auditing how aligned her intentions are with her reality, acknowledging, however, that she often has unrealistic expectations for herself. A forever pro to attending meetings for Denise is the reassuring social aspect, and they hope their meetings will provide a similar comfort for people. Jackie reflects that she’s been experiencing a lot of ups and downs, grappling with work-life balance lately. They discuss the role that finding the right balance of medications may have in how Jackie approaches tasks. Denise swears by her daily practice of reflection, amends, and forgiveness for building discipline to tackle life’s responsibilities. The pair then discuss victimizing, the challenges of finding the right therapist, and how they are collectively working through generational trauma. It's just another day for these superheroes! If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: (00:07) Shared birthday celebrations (06:45) Adjusting to changing friend groups (16:52) How to be an adult (24:44) When to seek therapy (36:41) Working through generational trauma Resources Mentioned: Find a Twelve Step group near you Sign up for meeting notifications "Getting Things Done" book Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise shares how she maintains her long-standing friendships, many of whom she met through AA. Friendships as a sober person going to meetings are especially important because you become a part of a supportive community and feel welcomed time and time again. Jackie and Denise discuss navigating gossip, secrets, and building trust within friend groups. Remember, words have consequences! Jackie shares how social media sometimes gives her the illusion of maintaining her friendships and the very modern phenomenon of “pebbling.” Spontaneously calling or texting someone these days has become more nuanced than ever! They also discuss the challenges of forming new adult friendships. Denise shares that some friendships occasionally need to be let go of, or she is simply not open to them. Most often, people are stuck in victim energy, and it’s OK not to want to support them in that. The underlying importance of AA meetings and friendships is being around people. We’re human, and we need presence. Presence is everything. When you do find those people, it’s essential to hold on to them and nurture those relationships. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: (02:39) AA friendships (08:33) Childhood friendships (10:10) Restraint of pen and tongue (20:39) Social media’s role in maintaining friendships (26:45) New adult friendships (32:54) Letting go of friendships (37:01) Upcoming birthdays Resources Mentioned: Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
In this current season of financial stress, Jackie is not feeling OK. A lack of financial freedom coupled with grim healthcare options is feeling heavy. In the midst of a cost-of-living and housing crisis, anything beyond our basic needs, like therapy, can feel superfluous. For the first time in a while, Jackie joined Denise at a Twelve Step Meeting. She recalls the cultural norms and rituals of the meetings that felt new to her. The pair also attended a different kind of meeting at a women’s wellness center centered around networking. They discuss their different approaches to attending social events and what makes them feel comfortable or otherwise when going to a gathering where they don’t know anyone. As Denise and Jackie continue strategizing for the meetings they plan to host, they are carefully considering where they want the meetings to be like traditional Twelve Step meetings and where they don’t. Jackie raises the importance of third spaces. As they are on a decline, their own meeting spaces will hopefully become a kind of third space for their community. For Denise, there is great comfort in knowing she could attend a meeting anywhere around the world. While the meeting design conversation still has a way to go, one thing is for sure: no bigots allowed! If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: (01:39) Financial stress, lack of affordable housing, and inadequate medical care (04:01) attends a Twelve Step Meeting (07:58) Open meetings welcome everyone (13:31) Socializing preferences, social anxiety, and social habits (30:56) The need for more third places (38:12) Feeling vulnerable and uncertain Resources Mentioned: Find a Twelve Step group near you Search for an online AA meeting Find an Al-Anon meeting near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie are back! And they’ve got the blues. They share the highlights and lowlights from their recent trip to Japan, process in real time what they learned from the experience, and offer their strategies for working through depression. Traveling has a funny way of bringing things up, and the duo’s time in Japan was no exception. Denise shares that her travel stress starts as soon as she decides to go somewhere and how that stress showed up as she prepared to depart for Japan. In spite of last-minute flight changes, her attitude of wonder and acceptance allowed her to move through the potentially stressful situations with a feeling of graceful flow. Instead, she views the hiccups as tests of actually letting go of a perfect or planned outcome. The pair reflect on the onsen ordeal and the little blessings present in the midst of the unexpected. Denise and Jackie are still navigating their own versions of a sticky readjustment period back home in Los Angeles. Jackie feels especially ungrounded as she navigates her Saturn return and is even tempted to move to Japan! But as Denise reminds her, wherever you go, there you are, which, in a nutshell, means we can’t escape our problems. Jackie handles feeling depressed through the process she learned in therapy of weighing discomforts, whereas Denise manages her post-vacation depression by planning another vacation. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Episode Outline: (01:59) Reentry is rough (04:25) Managing pre-travel stress (13:17) Tests of letting go (23:04) Trials at the onsen (33:44) Anxiety from feeling obligated (38:41) Adjusting to returning home Follow Us: Subscribe on YouTube Follow Jackie Follow Denise Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok Email us…
So much can happen in a day! One of the 12 Step Program’s popular adages, “one day at a time,” can really feel like too long for Jackie. Instead, she finds that sometimes, focusing solely on primal needs, one after the other, one minute at a time, can work better. Denise and Jackie then each share what’s worked and not worked for pulling themselves out of the dumps. For Jackie, she’s still deep in a funk however, she shares a certain mantra that has kept her afloat during this rough time. One of her biggest frustrations at the moment is taxes, feeling constant setbacks around getting the task done, and being overwhelmed by how her life plays into the state of the world. They then discuss how to approach going to meetings when newly sober. There are so many kinds of meetings and resources to choose from, especially following the Zoom revolution. Jackie shares why she carries imposter syndrome at the idea of going to certain meetings and how she continues to relive step one of the new 12 Steps Reimagined that they wrote. Denise lovingly offers great tips to counteract the blues, and the duo says goodbye ahead of their big trip to Japan. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: Why “one day at a time” doesn’t always work Addiction isn’t a choice Is fake it til you make it helpful or harmful? Solutions to not feeling great The “choice” of self-medication Resources for when you first get sober Rock bottoms and surrender Role of values in decision-making Jackie’s next action step Resources Referenced: The Values Deck by Jaimi Brooks AA Meeting Find a Gambler's Anonymous Al-Anon Debtors Anonymous Adult Children of Alcoholics Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
First, Denise shares how a huge recent work event unfolded in Catalina and how she returned to center amidst the ups and downs. Jackie also experienced a rough week dealing with job rejection and coming to terms with her feelings about living in LA. By focusing on her needs in the present moment, one at a time, she is steadily working her way through the discomfort. One way Jackie has been coping is to get off social media, and the duo reflect on the current state of Instagram and Facebook. Sometimes, putting in the social “sweat equity” is what the job calls for. Other times, it's putting the phone down and living. The pair are currently writing a workbook together and preparing for an in-person meet up in April. They describe their meeting approach as a new 12-step program for people who don’t identify with having an “-ism,” like alcoholism, though -ism folks are very welcome too. Denise and Jackie wrap up by reviewing how their planning for an upcoming family trip to Japan is coming along and reminding themselves and their listeners that no matter the depths of despair that you are feeling, you are still being cradled and looked after by something. Take those small action steps when you’re feeling blue. They really add up! If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: Finding peace in a corporate wedding Balancing job rejection with primal needs Social media priorities Denise and Jackie’s workbook is on the way A new kind of 12-step program Upcoming trip / nervous system reset Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie discuss the “poopeh” incident, moving through uncertainty, and communicating their needs before an upcoming trip. First, Jackie shares a stressful story about what should have been a nice Saturday cycle with her dog that turned out to be a “poopeh” nightmare. She reflects that while she wants to do as much with her aging dog as possible, she also needs to keep in mind the rock metaphor within her daily practice. Recently up against a strong wave of uncertainty, Denise shares the book she turns to when she finds herself in a scarcity mindset to pry herself out. Time and time again, she has found that submerging herself in gratitude pulls her through the rocky moments. She also increases the number of meetings she attends and takes the time to put a foundation in place to remove the unknowns to be able to better interact with the upcoming thing that is causing her anxiety. Lastly, Jackie and Denise discuss the different anxieties and uncertainties they have around an upcoming trip to Japan. While their concerns differ, communicating about them beforehand helps clear the air and their minds as they prepare for a new adventure. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: The “poopeh” story Rock metaphor in daily practice Facing uncertainty around upcoming travel How to be present during future-based anxiety? Anxiety around everyday life: new office, work, upcoming trip Stepping into the unknown and it’s going to be fine! “What do you need?” Resources Referenced: The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie talk about situations that make them feel “itchy,” developing an Emergency Protocol mini workshop, addressing resentments, and using the steps to move forward. Starting off, Denise and Jackie talk about their updates on their new podcast studio and give thanks to those who helped them create their space and also navigate life using their protocol by taking steps back, finding the calm, and learning to adapt. Then, Jackie talks about a situation at work where she had an “itchy” moment with customers who disrupted her rhythm and energy. Denise mentions how they are working to create a mini workshop for Emergency Protocol, reports on their progress, and how they hope this will help others how that has evolved. The hope is to reach people that relate to their method of the steps. Denise reflects on a past sponsor that really helped her through tough times and reflects on the ripple effect of her sponsorship. Lastly, Denise and Jackie reflect on addressing resentments: when to dig in and when to let go. They talk about the desire to compost some of those emotions instead of holding on to them and letting them fester, and using the steps to look beyond the emotions and behavior. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! You’re a miracle. See you in 2024. Topics Covered: Emergency Protocol’s new studio space Using the Protocol Jackie feels “itchy” Developing an Emergency Protocol mini workshop Addressing resentments Emotional composting and using the steps Resources Mentioned: Ross Gay : “The Book of Delights” and “The Book of (More) Delights” Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie share their COVID Christmas experience, Jackie’s Saturn Return, and taking action to find the ideal lifestyle for you. First, Jackie and Denise reflect on Christmas in the Freed family… featuring COVID-19. Both co-hosts share their experiences and feelings that came along with being sick during the holidays. This spirals into a conversation about how 2023 went for both Jackie and Denise — including updates about the cozy podcast studio on its way! Then, Jackie unveils her Saturn Return shift involving a potential European career! She shares the different challenges within certain work structures and Jackie and Denise discuss how being a 30-something causes a shift in perspective. Denise also notes that while circumstances can change, we are still the same. This turns into a conversation with Jackie about the question, “Is this the life I want to live?” and the types of amends to take to get closer to an ideal state of living (and being!). You heard it here… probably not first… but, there is a person and environment for everyone. Lastly, Denise and Jackie reflect on having fun in their younger years and ways to bring that same energy into 2024. As Denise says: “It’s not all going to be fun — but I’m going to make it fun because I want to have fun.” Happy New Year everyone! If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! You’re a miracle. See you in 2024. Topics Covered: Denise’s Christmas COVID experience Jackie’s Christmas COVID experience Surviving the giant wave of 2023 Jackie’s big Saturn Return shifts The fear of not living the life you’re supposed to live Amends taken to move closer to the life you want Taking action to help navigate challenges Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie discuss two big amends, The Promises, and personal growth on the other side of resistance. First, Jackie and Denise reflect on big moments in 2023. Jackie shares two big amends from wedding and tax season and the emotion around doing the “hard, but right, thing.” Then, Jackie and Denise share the history of a decades-old Freed Christmas Eve tradition and reflect on the guilt that came up from not leaning into usual holiday festivities. From there, the co-hosts discuss The AA Promises and what has shifted since they last interacted with the message, including its connection to the ninth step in Alcoholics Anonymous. This leads to a conversation about getting uncomfortable with your vulnerabilities and the influence technology has (for better or worse) as a communication device to support each other. Their Emergency Protocol: Do whatever you have to do to feel better. Lastly, Denise shares an office visualization workshop where everyone was forced to make phone calls they were putting off and she and Jackie discuss the freedom and relief from taking action. At the end of the day, it’s good to connect with people. But what’s harder: The resistance to doing something scary, or not doing it at all? If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. We’ll see you soon. Topics Covered: Jackie and Denise reflect on big 2023 moments Jackie’s first big amend: wedding edition Jackie’s second big amend: tax edition Freed Christmas Eve guilt The Ninth Step (AA) Promises Emergency Protocol: Do what you have to do to feel better Responding to the resistance of “What needs to be done?” Resources Referenced: The 9th Step (AA) Promises Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Denise and Jackie detail their time at a corporate retreat, the process of navigating addictive behaviors, and everyday delights. First, Denise and Jackie update listeners on the past few weeks and their updated episode cadence. This includes Denise’s social capital depletion following Thanksgiving #2. Then, Denise and Jackie dive into their experience at a corporate retreat — which featured the 12-step meeting Denise founded! Jackie comments on the difference between attending meetings vs. participating in them and the ease of dropping into intimacy and connection at a conference built on more than networking. This shifts into a conversation about recognizing each other’s humanness and the idea that we are not meant to be alone, regardless of our differences. From there, Jackie and Denise discuss the “flipped switch” feeling around addiction. Denise shares a recent conversation around microdosing plant medicine and shares a story about attending 12-step meetings while being California sober. Denise and Jackie comment on the magic of honesty when gathered around others and having people you can reach out to for support while navigating addictive behaviors or mental health challenges. Lastly, Denise and Jackie tease a section from The Book of Delights (a topic on the next episode!). Denise shares a story around one of its concepts, “finding delight in the everyday,” featuring her post office and Van Morrison. A simple, yet delightful, feel-good moment — with feel-good music. If you’re interested in being a future podcast guest or want to attend our meetings (once they’re up and running), send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. Happy Holidays! Topics Covered: Why Denise started a 12-step meeting within her company Celebrating Denise’s 12-step meeting at a corporate retreat! Jackie’s perspective on the power of sharing at meetings The magic of being authentic to yourself and with others The fine line of the addiction switch Denise’s story about self-medicating vs. professionally medicating A delightful post-office + Van Morrison experience Resources Referenced: The Book of Delights by Ross Gay Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
In this episode, Denise and discuss the question, “How do you not drink?” They acknowledge the willingness to make changes to support mental and/or physical wellness and provide tips and tools for the feelings that may arise in response. First, Denise and Jackie acknowledge the heaviness swirling around the world. Denise shares how she has spent 37 years of sobriety building a “Black Belt of letting go, and Jackie provides tools she uses to help shift from a reactive to preventative mindset (naps included!). Then, Denise and Jackie share updates about the podcast, including a future recording studio located in Denise’s garage! This shifts the hosts into a conversation about being concerned with what you look like, and the difference between America and other countries around body acceptance. From there, Denise and Jackie illustrate the stark difference in generational sober examples. Denise shares a story about seeking acceptance while newly sober and the impact sober role models could have had on her experience — which is why Emergency Protocol’s shift from informative (audio) to community building (video) is incredibly exciting! Lastly, Denise and Jackie have a conversation about the potentially dangerous path of alternative medicine treatment for addicts and alcoholics and the deep craving it can create in someone going through recovery. Oh, and we’re curious: Do you think wineries are wasteful? So much wine ends up… in a bucket. Send us an email at 12steps4everyone@gmail.com with your thoughts and any other questions you have! We can’t wait to hear from you. Topics Covered: The choice to not drink in response to the heaviness of the world How Denise has built a “Black Belt of letting go” over 37 years Tools Jackie uses to shift from being reactive to preventative The rabbit hole of being concerned with appearance The effect of what younger generations are exposed to How the rise in alternative treatments can affect addicts and alcoholics A discussion around wine bars, wineries, and waste Resources Referenced: Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr The Book of Delights by Ross Gay Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Emergency Protocol explores the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in a way that is accessible to people who aren't addicted, and with gentler and less patriarchal language that still captures the essence of the work. In this episode, Denise and Jackie recap and review each of the 12 steps and share lessons and reflections they've picked up along the way. First, the mother-daughter duo recap the emotional pull of the last couple of weeks and a recent New Moon Meditation experience they had. Then, they dig into each of the steps and detail their reflections and takeaways from each one. Jackie shares how her spiritual practice is a form of support in the way she both perceives and interacts with the steps, and Denise expresses her reflections from the point of view of someone who’s been through the 12 Steps and is still active in the Alcoholics Anonymous community. The 12 Steps Reimagined was built from an al-anon model, to be supportive of people in their pursuit of being better. A willingness to address (family) trauma can lead to amends, forgiveness, and gratitude for the journey along the way. It’s part of a commitment to ourselves, as self-healers having a human experience in the world. We are proud of each other (and ourselves) for committing to this work and podcast, and we are even more proud to have formed a new Emergency Protocol community with each and every one of you. It means a lot. Thank you so much for listening. We have exciting things on the horizon! If you’d like to submit anything or stay in touch, please reach out to us at jackiefreed14@gmail.com . Topics Covered: Step 1: Surrender and admission of oneself Step 2: A distinction between anticipating a feeling and being present with it Step 3: The big exhale around hope, faith, and trust Step 4: Inventory: writing down fact vs. fiction and the possibility of something else Step 5: Sharing the inventory: The accountability of releasing shame with someone else Step 6: Recognizing what is and isn’t for us and responding accordingly Step 7: Being open to a different outcome or a different perspective toward truth Step 8: The vulnerability of reaching out to someone to genuinely make an amend Step 9: Recognizing that feeling better is not easy, but easier than hopelessness Step 10: The daily reflection checklist of, “How did I do today?” Step 11: The choice to not be a victim and the awareness of the layers Step 12: A sense of belonging to be able to help others and provide support What the 12 Steps for Everyone community can look forward to Resources Mentioned: Listen to past episodes of Emergency Protocol Getting Things Done by David Allen 12 Promises of Alcoholics Anonymous Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Today, Denise and Jackie explore the last step in the 12 Steps Reimagined, Step 12, an active choice of being present in response to previous steps. A lot of work has transpired in steps 1–11, so this is a time where leaning into a spiritual practice of love is part of stepping into something bigger. They begin by sharing details and reflections from their two-week family trip to Denmark and Sweden. Denise shares that grief accompanied the trip in response to an accident involving a friend and colleague, yet sees his life as inspiration to live as boldly and lovingly as you can. From there, Denise and Jackie share the entire list of the 12 Steps Reimagined and dissect the language and feeling around Step 12. Then, Jackie shares a sadness toolkit tip from her therapist in response to a breakup, and Denise illustrates Step 10 in the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Big Book about asking questions to spot check yourself. They come back to the statement that “life is for living,” with the belief that you have agency to deny certain things in order to make more time, energy, and money to do what you actually want to do. Living and loving your life unapologetically allows you to live life in the greatest capacity. As the last step in the 12 Steps Reimagined, practicing Step 12 is sometimes inconvenient, scary, and doesn’t always feel good. Doing it anyway allows other people to be who they are with you in a really beautiful way. 12 Steps for Everyone, one step at a time. Topics Covered: A family birthday trip in Denmark and Sweden Jackie and Denise recount their three-week hiatus and reflect on how awe and grief can co-exist Denise and Jackie share how they’ve applied the 12 steps in meditation and conversation A reframe about living life how you want to The practice of being mindful of the steps and the overarching takeaway of the steps Denise and Jackie share personal stories from their spiritual practice around trauma, gratitude, and amends A shout out to the Angel City Football Club (ACFC) team, management, and social media Resources Mentioned: Check out the active travel company, Backroads ! OurHouse Grief Support Center Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Today, Denise and Jackie explore Step 11, an active choice of being present in response to previous steps: “We welcome mindfulness, grace, and gratitude into our thoughts and prayers.” Moving forward is only possible if agency is recognized in order to accept things and people as they are, but also put up boundaries where needed in our individual lives. That’s where Step 11 comes in — as an all-encompassing reminder. It is the work of accepting where you’re at, while allowing your head and feet to feel grounded. They begin by deconstructing the idea that this step is a form of spiritual bypassing, but rather, welcoming mindfulness, gratitude, and grace into thoughts and behaviors. Denise relates grace to walking a mossy path that is soft and free, going into any situation with your head held high and dignity intact. This requires awareness, not only of our situations and environments, but when choosing to react or not. From there, Denise shares why she specifically can remember the Serenity Prayer, and language she has explored in community around the new experience of being curious to different ways of thinking. Then, Jackie shares how Step 11 shows up as maintenance across the 12-step program, in support of her mental health, but also, in favor of actions that reflect autonomy. Practicing Step 11 is a reminder to lean on these tools and come back to the small moments, especially when things feel out of reach. Topics Covered: How agency can leave the body when you’re faced with something triggering How mindfulness, gratitude, and grace show up and represent The practice of gratitude and how to find things to be grateful for Not acting on integrity and how that can influence the way you respond Examples of mindfulness and suggestions for when you can’t access mindfulness Resources Mentioned: Drop the Rock: Removing Character Defects by Bill P., Todd W., and Sara S. The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles We Can Do Hard Things Podcast 169: Why We Love the Way We Love: Attachment Styles with Dr. Becky Kennedy Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be by Dr. Becky Kennedy Herb K. on YouTube Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
Today, Denise and Jackie unpack Step 10, a culmination of the previous steps to encourage self-awareness and steady growth: "We maintain a daily practice of reflection, amends, and forgiveness." Recovery is an ongoing journey all about refinement and healing. It's like peeling back layers of an onion, and sometimes you might view things differently than you did a year ago or get out of sync with yourself and the world around you. That's why Step 10 is so important — it helps you reassess, realign, and get back on track. They start by exploring the power of self-reflection, as keeping tabs on your daily actions can help you measure your progress and note any wrongdoings. They stress that making amends goes beyond apologizing; it involves being aware of your behavior to avoid repeating harmful behaviors. From there, they discuss forgiveness and how it helps to release any resentment or pain caused by others or yourself. Denise shares her daily practices that promote self-reflection, tips for getting started, and how amends and forgiveness can manifest in many shapes. Staying sober lowers any tolerance for negativity, so Denise and Jackie focus on setting boundaries to maintain their well-being and prevent toxicity. Denise cut out any toxic friendships, cooking wine, and other paraphernalia when she was first getting sober, while Jackie unfollows people on social media or deletes their contact info from her phone. Practicing Step 10 daily is crucial. It becomes a way of life, ensuring that your intentions continue to align with your actions. Topics Covered: Denise's daily routines to reinforce reflection, amends, and forgiveness Ways to extend forgiveness to others and yourself Advice for setting boundaries How communities encourage open communication and prevent bad behavior Why these steps are designed as building blocks and don’t need to be followed in order A reminder that healing is a gradual and ever-changing process Resources Mentioned: Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone…
In this episode, Jackie and Denise share how Step 9 is where sh*t gets more real. The steps prior were about inner work and processing, but this step is about ownership and confronting your actions — communicating your accountability to those affected. In the traditional 12 Step model, the 9th step is to “Make direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.” In the 12 Steps for Everyone framework, this step is about making amends, with a focus on “I” statements. This includes referring to the list made in Step 8, and then working with somebody to determine which amends need to be made. (This is why you don’t toss Step 4!) Jackie and Denise also share ways how making amends can be sabotaged in hopes of ignoring the issue or abandoning it. Jackie acknowledges an amend she needs to make, and Denise shares a story about her last alcoholic job before getting sober. The duo also discuss that making amends doesn't guarantee a repaired relationship, and that amends — whether expressed or received — have to acknowledge boundaries put in place, by ourselves or others. Hey listeners! Denise and Jackie are planning a hybrid group event. Remote folks: Which digital platform do you enjoy (or don’t enjoy)? Los Angeles locals: What part of the city are you in, and what days + times fit your schedule? Send your response via DM or email . See you next week! Topics Covered: Step 9 is about making amends and going outside of yourself Examples of ways someone might try to sabotage making amends Jackie and Denise share stories of accountability vs. boundaries Denise’s recommendation for Jackie’s amend The Steps as tools and guardrails for negative feelings that come up Jackie and Denise discuss “bootstrapping,” workplace culture, and grace Resources Mentioned: Virtual event recommendations: Send us a message on Instagram or email us Find a Twelve Step group near you Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la Follow Denise: @denise.freed Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone Email us: 12steps4everyone@gmail.com…
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