Mindful Sobriety The Podcast Jane W Ballard and Amanda Cable

In this episode, Jane Ballard discusses the topic of body image and disordered eating. She explains that body image is a fluid concept that fluctuates throughout life and stages of development. Ballard emphasizes the importance of aiming for body neutrality, where one doesn't necessarily love their body but also doesn't hate it. She explores the origins of body image, highlighting the influence of nature and nurture. Ballard also delves into the emotions surrounding body image, particularly shame. She encourages listeners to prioritize their quality of life and focus on relationships and experiences rather than the size and shape of their bodies.

Jonathan Boyd, a recovery coach, shares his journey from growing up in an alcoholic home to finding sobriety and purpose in life. He discusses the importance of empathy and introspection in recovery and the role of humor in coping with difficult truths. Jonathan emphasizes that addiction is a chronic health condition and that recovery is possible for everyone. He highlights the significance of finding hope and turning it into purpose. Jonathan's life now revolves around exercise, cooking, family time, and his work in the recovery field.
Takeaways
Growing up in an alcoholic home and experiencing addiction early in life can shape one's empathy and provide a natural skill set for working in the recovery field.Recovery is a journey of introspection and self-discovery, where individuals can find hope and turn it into purpose.Addiction is a chronic health condition that requires a comprehensive treatment approach, including medication, therapy, group support, and coaching.Creating a routine and introducing predictability into one's life can be essential for maintaining sobriety.Recovery is possible for everyone, and it is important to believe in the possibility of change and a better life.Finding humor and levity in the recovery journey can help cope with difficult truths and provide a sense of relief.Engaging in activities like exercise, cooking, and spending time with family can contribute to a healthier and more fulfilling life in recovery.Titles
Finding Hope and Purpose in RecoveryRecovery: A Journey of Self-Discovery and TransformationSound Bites
"Recovery is possible for everybody.""I put too much focus on abstinence because I just don't want to drink.""Recovery is possible for everyone, you know."Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
09:59Early Life and Moving to a Remote Area
15:29Transition from Food Industry to Recovery
33:41Life in Recovery and Advice for Others
37:36outro_ready to publish_riverside.mp4

Jane, Amanda and Renn discuss Renn's childhood and the journey she went through to find her identity. Renn grew up in a close-knit family and had a strong sense of belonging. However, in middle school, she started questioning her identity and wanted to discover who she truly was. This led her down a path of trying to find belonging and meaning through partying and risky behavior. Wren's journey eventually led her to a breaking point where she realized she needed help and decided to go to treatment. She reflects on the importance of loyalty and the unhealthy relationships she formed during her teenage years. Wren also discusses the fear of letting go of her double life and starting over. Overall, her story highlights the struggles of finding oneself and the importance of seeking help and building healthy relationships. The conversation highlights the journey of recovery and finding peace after addiction. It emphasizes the importance of effort and the belief that things will get better. The speakers discuss the process of healing, self-acceptance, and the power of making choices. They also touch on the significance of support from loved ones and the value of vulnerability. The conversation concludes with reflections on the present and the appreciation for the progress made.
Takeaways
Childhood experiences and relationships can shape one's sense of identity and belonging.Middle school is a time when many individuals start questioning their identity and seek to find their own path.Engaging in risky behavior can be a way to find belonging and mask pain, but it often leads to negative and dark places.Seeking help and going through treatment can be a turning point in finding a healthier and more fulfilling life.The fear of letting go of unhealthy relationships and starting over can be a significant barrier to personal growth.Building healthy relationships based on mutual support and acceptance is essential for personal well-being. Life can look dark, but with effort, things will get better.Self-acceptance and peace come from acknowledging and learning from past choices.Support from loved ones is crucial in the recovery journey.Vulnerability and repairing relationships are key to healing.Progress, not perfection, is the goal.Believe that you are worth the effort and ask for help.Chapters
00:00Childhood and Early Influences
02:39Questioning Identity in Middle School
04:52The Pursuit of Euphoria and Numbing Pain
08:39Reaching a Breaking Point
12:36Starting Over and Seeking Help
16:48Building Healthy Relationships and Redefining Loyalty
22:36Finding Peace and Self-Acceptance
26:47Knowing It's Going to Be Okay
29:56Life's Ups and Downs
33:25The Unraveling of a Double Life
37:03Embracing Self-Worth
38:57outro_ready to publish_riverside.mp4

In this conversation, Amanda and Jane discuss the concept of getting out of robot mode and chasing after dreams. They talk about how sobriety and self-reflection can help individuals rediscover their dreams and find meaning in everyday life. They also discuss the importance of being present in the moment and not constantly striving for the next thing. The conversation touches on the fear of uncertainty and the need to trust in oneself and in a higher power. They emphasize the importance of taking action and committing to one's dreams, even if it means stepping out of one's comfort zone. The conversation between Jane and Amanda revolves around the themes of sobriety, personal growth, and finding purpose. They discuss the importance of having goals and commitments to stay sober, such as booking a retreat or getting involved in a community. They also emphasize the need for advocacy and starting a dialogue about the impact of alcohol on society. Both Jane and Amanda share their personal experiences of how sobriety has increased their drive and motivation in their careers. They encourage others to believe in themselves and take risks to create a fulfilling life.
Takeaways
Getting sober and spending time with oneself can help rediscover dreams and find meaning in life.Being present in the moment and enjoying what one has right now is important.The fear of uncertainty can keep people stuck, but taking a leap of faith and trusting in oneself and a higher power can lead to growth and success.Not everyone will understand or support one's dreams, so it's important to be selective in sharing them.Taking action and committing to one's dreams, even in small steps, can lead to progress and accountability. Booking commitments, such as retreats, can increase the chances of staying sober.Getting involved in a community and serving others can support sobriety.Advocacy and starting a dialogue about the impact of alcohol on society is important.Sobriety can increase drive and motivation in one's career.Believing in oneself and taking risks is essential for personal growth and finding purpose.Chapters
00:00Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:49Getting Out of Robot Mode
03:42Waking Up from Autopilot
04:38Finding Meaning in Everyday Life
05:26Redefining Success and Wealth
07:02Choosing How to Spend Your Time
08:40Trusting the Process and Taking Leaps of Faith
09:23Being Selective with Sharing Dreams
10:30Dealing with Uncertainty and Fear
11:32Trusting in a Higher Power
12:29Believing in the Vision
13:24Embracing Failure and Pivoting
14:25Taking Action and Trusting the Outcome
15:21Building Self-Trust and Overcoming Fear
16:32Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
18:39Believing in the Best Outcome
19:33Taking Small Steps Towards Goals
20:28Committing to the Journey
20:57Having Skin in the Game
21:29The Power of Commitment
21:48Alcohol-Free Retreats
23:22Being Part of the Solution
24:39Advocacy and Dialogue
25:35Changing the Narrative
26:24Plugging in with Other Women
27:41Increased Drive after Quitting Drinking
29:17Focus on Career and Sobriety
30:46Passion and Making a Difference
32:37Believing in Yourself
35:15Asking 'Why Not Me?'
37:18Willingness to Fail
38:36Using Your Gifts and Taking Risks
39:38Finding Purpose and Taking a Chance
41:09

Rory Kinsella, a Vedic meditation teacher and sober coach, shares his personal journey of quitting alcohol and finding meditation. Growing up in England and Australia, both known for their drinking cultures, Rory started drinking at a young age and continued heavily into his 30s. He found that alcohol helped him feel more extroverted and less stressed. However, as he got older, he realized that he wanted to make a change. Through running and meditation, Rory discovered healthier ways to alter his conscious state and manage stress. He eventually decided to quit drinking and found inspiration from a yoga teacher who had also given up alcohol. Rory's experience highlights the importance of finding alternative coping mechanisms and role models when changing one's relationship with alcohol. Rory Kinsella shares his journey of quitting alcohol and the impact it had on his life. He wrote an article about his experience, which gained a lot of attention and helped him come out as someone who doesn't drink. He also started teaching meditation and found that it became a coping mechanism for him and a way to help others quit drinking. Vedic meditation, a form of meditation that uses a mantra, was particularly effective for him in reducing stress and anxiety. He encourages people to try meditation as a wellness strategy instead of relying on alcohol. In this conversation, Rory Kinsella shares his journey of quitting smoking, DJing, and finding meditation in his mid-thirties. He explains how he stumbled upon meditation through the encouragement of a mentor and how it helped him become more present and less stressed. Rory discusses his Myers-Briggs and Enneagram personality types and how they have influenced his behavior and mindset. He also talks about his transition from being a party monster to teaching meditation and the positive impact it has had on his life. Rory shares his excitement about leading his first retreat in Bali and how it is open to anyone interested in meditation and alcohol-free living. He encourages listeners to try meditation as a coping mechanism and to seek connection and community in their alcohol-free journey.
Takeaways
Alcohol can provide temporary relief from stress and social anxiety, but it's important to find healthier ways to manage these emotions.Engaging in physical activities like running can produce natural endorphins and serotonin, which can improve mood and reduce the need for alcohol.Meditation can help individuals feel more comfortable in their own skin and reduce the desire for alcohol as a social crutch.Having role models who have successfully quit drinking can provide inspiration and support during the journey to sobriety. Writing about your experience can be a key moment in your journey of quitting alcohol and can help you come out and create a public persona around it.Meditation, particularly Vedic meditation, can be a powerful tool in quitting alcohol and managing stress and anxiety.Choosing not to drink doesn't have to be a forever commitment, but rather a choice for the present moment.Drinking to manage stress is not a healthy strategy and can lead to a cycle of dependence and feeling worse.Meditation can help reduce neediness and reliance on other coping mechanisms like social media, food, or shopping. Meditation can be a powerful tool for becoming more present and less stressed.Understanding your personality type can help you better understand yourself and make positive changes.Replacing alcohol with healthier coping mechanisms, such as meditation, can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced life.Joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide support and role models in your alcohol-free journey.Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
01:20Growing Up in England and Australia
06:20Music and Drinking Culture
09:47Finding Alternative Coping Mechanisms
12:10The Shift After Learning to Meditate
13:48Moderation and Public Announcement
21:23Writing About the Experience
26:22Creating

In this conversation, Alicia Mills shares her journey from struggling with alcohol addiction to finding sobriety and purpose in life. She discusses the challenges of moving to Texas, dealing with stress, and how her drinking escalated after the tragic loss of her youngest son. Alicia emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, embracing healthy habits, and finding a community of like-minded individuals. She also addresses the issue of body image and the impact of societal pressures on women. Alicia shares her personal transformation and the importance of changing negative thoughts and embracing imperfections. In this conversation, Alicia Mills discusses various aspects of her life, including the pressure of perfection, her daily routine, her experience with the Bible Recap, her work in ministry, stepping out of her comfort zone, overcoming negative self-talk, the impact of obedience, living authentically, and the foundation she started in memory of her son.
Takeaways
Moving to a new environment and dealing with stress can contribute to unhealthy coping mechanisms.Tragic events can escalate addictive behaviors, but seeking help and support can lead to positive transformation.Embracing a holistic lifestyle, including healthy eating and self-care, can enhance overall well-being.Societal pressures on body image can negatively impact women, but self-acceptance and self-love are essential.Changing negative thoughts and embracing imperfections are key to personal growth and transformation. Perfection can be boring and duplicative, while embracing individuality and uniqueness is more fulfilling.Creating a daily routine that includes time for personal growth, such as reading the Bible, can be transformative.Stepping out of one's comfort zone and saying yes to challenging opportunities can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of one's purpose.Living authentically and being true to oneself is important for personal fulfillment and making a positive impact on others.Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
03:12Moving to Texas and Dealing with Stress
06:02Escalation of Drinking and Coping with Loss
08:56Transformation and Finding Purpose
12:13Holistic Lifestyle and Self-Care
21:02Changing Thoughts and Embracing Imperfections
22:50The Duplicity of Perfection
24:07A Day in the Life
25:36The Bible Recap
27:01Doing Ministry
27:48Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
28:15Overcoming Negative Self-Talk
29:32The Impact of Obedience
31:19Living Authentically
32:21The Bo Bear Foundation
36:15Finding Meaning in Loss