Emergency Protocol

Denise and Jackie Freed
  • 5.0 (35)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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).

  1. JAN 26

    Episode 54 - Life be Lifin

    In Episode 54, Denise and Jackie open with a nod to the state of the world -"The horrors persist, and so do we" - before pivoting to the core of their podcast: The 12 Steps for Everyone. They take a moment to read through their reimagined steps, discussing how they stripped away the patriarchal and religious language of the original program to create something accessible for anxiety, depression, and the general human condition. The conversation flows into a nuanced debate about "California Sober," with Denise sharing why it’s a slippery slope for her personally, while acknowledging it works for others. They explore the concept of "Something Bigger" (which can be as simple as the ocean) and the importance of finding the right "vibe" in recovery meetings. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, they double down on intentionality. Denise explains the "Big Rocks" theory of time management - scheduling the most important things (vacations, rest, passions) first, so the "sand and water" of daily life don't crowd them out. Meanwhile, Jackie brings a tech-savvy approach to self-care, sharing how she uses iPhone NFC tags to automate her skincare routine and reduce mental load. Key Times: 00:00:50 "The horrors persist, and so do we" – Checking in on the weather 00:01:25 Appreciating the sunset at Palisades Park 00:05:38 Reading the "12 Steps for Everyone" (The full list) 00:08:28 A candid discussion on "California Sober" 00:11:28 Defining "Something Bigger" vs. "Higher Power" (The Pacific Ocean) 00:14:03 Jackie on making amends to herself (Living Amends) 00:16:03 Denise leads a meeting one year after the fires 00:18:28 The energy of in-person meetings: Oldest Cake vs. Youngest Cake 00:30:52 The "Big Rocks" theory of prioritization and calendaring 00:36:52 Jackie’s tech hack: Using NFC tags to automate skincare tracking 00:39:29 Book mentions: Culpability and Careless People Topics Covered: The "12 Steps for Everyone" (Full reading and review)"California Sober": Personal definitions and boundariesDefining a Higher Power as "Something Bigger" (Nature/Ocean)Living Amends: Forgiving yourself and treating yourself betterThe "Big Rocks" theory: Prioritizing joy and rest in your calendarThe difference between "resolutions" and "decisions"In-person meetings vs. Zoom (Connection and Energy)Automating habits: NFC tags, shortcuts, and reducing decision fatigueBook recommendations: Culpability and Careless People Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedFollow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryoneFollow...

    44 min

  2. JAN 12

    Episode 53 - Happy Holidays

    Welcome back! In Episode 53, Denise and Jackie return after the holiday whirlwind (Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving) to process the "lot" that was the previous year. They kick things off with a high-energy memory of a Florence and the Machine concert before diving into how they are navigating the current emotional landscape—finding hope in the message of "Wicked," using "Changed for Good" as a form of protest, and staying focused on truth amidst global distractions. The conversation centers on grounding practices for the new year. Denise shares how the Serenity Prayer helps her center herself between acceptance and courage, while also exploring new "woo-woo" territories like the I-Ching and mediumship. Jackie re-frames the concept of New Year's resolutions into "decisions" for how to live, emphasizing that there is no arbitrary timeline for personal growth. From "The Gem" and "The Queen" archetype card pulls to stories of ancestral bravery, the duo finds strength in looking backward to move forward. They discuss the palpable sense of hope many are feeling for 2026, the importance of "clean energy" when setting goals, and Jackie's personal commitment to adding more "whimsy" to her life (and not burning her tongue on hot food). Key Times: 00:01:43 Remembering the Florence and the Machine concert (sprinting up the rows) 00:03:16 Post-holiday reflection: "This year was a lot" 00:04:41 "Wicked" and being "Changed for Good" as a form of protest 00:05:57 Staying focused on the real issues (Epstein) despite distractions 00:07:26 The Serenity Prayer and the importance of meetings 00:12:38 Planning tools: Wall calendars and Shinola notebooks 00:13:25 Re-framing resolutions as "Decisions to live my life by" 00:15:30 Diving into the I-Ching and throwing coins 00:17:22 Annual Card Pulls: The Gem and The Queen 00:21:37 Ancestral bravery: Traveling alone with nothing but wits 00:30:34 "There is no timeline": Bringing clean energy into your goals 00:32:41 Jackie's resolution: Adding "Whimsy" and not burning her tongue 00:33:30 The underlying current of hope for 2026 00:35:33 Reminder: Mercury "Gatorade" (Retrograde) Topics Covered: Post-holiday processing and the "Yin and Yang" of joy and grief"Wicked" as a source of hope and protestThe Serenity Prayer: Acceptance vs. CourageThe energy of in-person meetings vs. ZoomPlanning for the future: Wall calendars, notebooks, and "Decisions"Spiritual practices: I-Ching, Archetype Card pulls, and MediumsAncestral strength and gratitude for those who came beforeReleasing the pressure of January 1st timelinesThe "Mercury Gatorade" (Retrograde) warning Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedspan class="ql-ui"...

    38 min

  3. 12/29/2025

    Episode 52 - Worthiness is a Verb

    Episode Summary: In this episode, Denise and Jackie enter "Heavy Protocol" mode as they process a week filled with intense political news and emotional weight following the recent elections. Despite the heaviness, they lean into hope, connection, and the pursuit of joy. Denise shares insights from her recent event with Brené Brown, specifically the concept of "locking in", a metaphor drawn from the lock system on the River Thames. This sparks a revelation about the necessity of transition time between work and home, leading to a new understanding of boundaries and self-care. They also discuss Step Two of their 12-step journey: believing that we are worthy of getting better and that things will get better, even when the external world feels chaotic. The conversation touches on everything from the wisdom of a six-year-old cooking prodigy to the stark reality of current events, including the fears surrounding immigration and political instability. Yet, true to form, they find lightness in the dark: planning a sustainable Christmas (complete with an early tree setup), celebrating Friendsgiving with "Wonder Bread" traditions, and continuing their search for signs from the universe. Key Times: 00:01:25 Checking in on the campus mood post-election 00:02:51 Denise's intimate event with Brené Brown 00:05:34 Seeking signs from the other side (The "Mongoose" update) 00:07:22 Reflecting on a heavy week of political news 00:19:04 Step Two: "We believe we are worthy of getting better" 00:24:43 Wisdom from a 6-year-old ("Chef Max Can Cook") 00:27:42 Brené Brown's "Locking In" metaphor: The River Thames 00:29:40 The importance of transition time when coming home 00:33:00 Denise's "Lifelong Learner" tour: Oprah, Snyder, Brown, and Mediums 00:36:25 "If we lose, I'm going to jail": Steve Bannon and the stakes 00:38:22 Making joy: Early Christmas decorating and sustainable holidays 00:39:54 Friendsgiving and the "Friends & Family" restaurant night Topics Covered: Processing post-election emotions and campus atmosphereBrené Brown’s concept of "Locking In" and transition timesStep Two: Worthiness and the belief that things will get betterThe importance of transitions for mental health (military and daily life)Political anxiety and the importance of local action (transition funds, food banks)"Making Joy" as an active practice: Holiday prep and gathering friendsSustainable consumerism during the holidaysLifelong learning: From history (Timothy Snyder) to mediumshipThe "Mongoose" sign and communicating with the other side Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us:span class="ql-ui"...

    42 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Episode 51 - Finding Joy

    In this episode, mother-daughter duo Denise and Jackie Freed embrace the changing seasons and the necessity of "making your own fun" amidst a heavy political and social climate. As the weather turns cold in both St. Louis and Los Angeles, the pair discusses how they are actively seeking joy, Jackie by driving eight hours round-trip to Chicago for the final Angel City FC game, and Denise by maneuvering her way onto a guest list to see Brené Brown. Jackie delivers three critical Public Service Announcements regarding the upcoming election, the end of Daylight Savings, and the impending Mercury Retrograde. The conversation then turns to the power of showing up, as they share stories of Halloween vulnerability, Denise facing "party anxiety" while hosting a "Wigging Out" office event, and Jackie leaning into the cringe of being the only student in costume at her department party. The episode tackles difficult topics with characteristic candor, including the conflict of supporting sports teams when ownership or players don't align with their values. Denise sounds off on the Dodgers owner's investment in private prisons, while Jackie navigates the pain of a transphobic op-ed written by an Angel City player. Ultimately, they circle back to the importance of community, fundraising for food banks, and celebrating diversity through Friendsgiving, before closing with their grounding 5-4-3-2-1 gratitude practice. Key Times: 00:01:41 Jackie’s 8-hour drive for joy (The Angel City game) 00:04:45 Denise gets on the guest list for Brené Brown 00:08:00 Denise’s "Woo Woo" side: Mediums and signs 00:11:33 Jackie’s 3 PSAs: Election, Daylight Savings, Mercury Retrograde 00:18:18 Homesickness, the World Series, and "Crazy, Stupid, Love" 00:21:12 Denise’s "Real Estate is Spooky" Halloween party 00:26:48 Jackie’s experience being the only one in costume at grad school 00:30:57 The importance of "Third Spaces" and staying at the retreat 00:35:20 Denise on the Dodgers owner: "Why are you eating your own fanbase?" 00:39:54 Fundraising for the Westside Food Bank 00:43:14 Navigating the Angel City FC controversy and free speech 00:53:01 Friendsgiving and celebrating diversity Topics Covered: Active seeking of joy ("Making your own fun")Public Service Announcements: Voting, Daylight Savings, Mercury RetrogradeNavigating social anxiety and showing up for eventsThe value of "Third Spaces" for connectionSports ethics: The Dodgers ownership and Angel City FC controversiesThe intersection of politics, values, and fandomFundraising for the Westside Food BankCelebrating diversity in the workplace (Friendsgiving)Fall rituals: Sweater weather, cider, and "Happy Lamps"Closing 5-4-3-2-1 gratitude exercise Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 10am PST, the meeting is...

    1 hr

  5. 12/09/2025

    Episode 50 - Fall Blues

    In this milestone 50th episode, hosts Denise and Jackie Freed reflect on persistence, the seasonal "grind" of October, and the importance of showing up—both for yourself and for your community. Denise shares a busy week of travel and inspiration, recounting her trip to Hawaii to celebrate a work anniversary and a powerful evening hearing historian Timothy Snyder speak on "Freedom." She shares Snyder's hopeful yet pragmatic message: there is no single fix for the world's problems, but everyone can "do something," whether it's protesting, donating, or simply paying for credible journalism (like Heather Cox Richardson). She also touches on the "sports grief" of watching beloved Angel City FC players retire, noting how caring about a team is a lesson in loving without control. Jackie opens up about managing her "melancholy" fall mood with a "Happy Lamp" and a focus on self-care policies. She shares a profound experience volunteering at a food rescue market, where abstract concepts from her grad school classes—like cultural humility and checking internalized bias—became very real challenges in a grocery line. The mother-daughter duo discusses the vital need for connection to combat loneliness, the power of somatic therapy to release stored trauma, and the ultimate reminder that love is "what we're doing it all for." They conclude by encouraging listeners to revisit their core values and join their growing community. Key Times: 00:00:49 Celebrating the Episode 50 milestone 00:02:12 The "stressed and depressed" reality of the October grind 00:03:24 Denise’s Hawaii trip: Tree tunnels and environmental observations 00:06:22 Inspiration from Anastasia Soare and Nadia Comaneci at the Oprah event 00:07:41 Takeaways from Timothy Snyder’s talk on "Freedom" 00:11:52 Processing sports grief: Angel City FC retirements 00:17:03 Discussing indigenous rights and Kamehameha Schools 00:19:53 The importance of showing up for community (Sunday Meetings) 00:23:24 Jackie’s "Happy Lamp" and getting "ducks in a row" 00:27:57 Jackie’s volunteering experience: A lesson in cultural humility 00:35:38 Somatic therapy and releasing trauma from the body 00:36:57 "This is what we're doing it all for": It comes back to love 00:43:03 Living life to the best of your ability amidst chaos 00:46:08 Revisiting values: The "Value Sort" exercise 00:50:20 Closing 5-4-3-2-1 gratitude practice Topics Covered: Celebrating the Episode 50 milestoneCombating seasonal depression with "Happy Lamps" and self-careTimothy Snyder’s advice: "Do something" and support real journalismThe ethics of sports fandom and processing team changesIndigenous rights and the Kamehameha Schools legal battleVolunteering as a practical application of social justice and cultural humilityThe importance of physical community vs. online isolationSomatic therapy (releasing trauma from the hips)span class="ql-ui"...

    52 min

  6. 11/17/2025

    Episode 49: Life on Life's Terms

    What if “just okay” was actually enough? In this episode, Denise and Jackie navigate emotional exhaustion, world heaviness, and the full spectrum of being human — from overbooked weekends to overdue rest. Key Times:00:01:30 – Denise on burnout and the joy of a full, vibrant life 00:03:10 – Four events in one weekend: dinners, comedy shows, and the village 00:05:20 – Reflecting on gratitude and the gifts of sobriety 00:08:45 – Heading to Hawaii: celebrating five years since launching the company’s island region 00:11:10 – Remembering pandemic Hawaii — the beauty and eerie calm 00:14:20 – Jackie opens up about emotional weight, grief, and global heaviness 00:16:50 – Powerlessness, empathy, and the practice of small activism 00:19:15 – “Just love your neighbors”: finding humanity beyond media noise 00:22:00 – Missing each other, changing rhythms, and long-distance mother–daughter life 00:25:35 – Jackie’s travel stories: a friend’s wedding in Spain and Chicago adventures with Nala 00:28:15 – Returning from vacation and facing grad school fatigue 00:30:40 – Denise’s “HALT” wisdom: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired (and Horny) 00:33:20 – Building new community: finding (or starting) meetings in a new city 00:36:00 – Productivity, procrastination, and perfectionism in grad school 00:39:00 – Rhubarb crisps, curtain rods, and the therapy of small wins 00:40:40 – “Life be lifin’”: grief, loss, and showing up anyway 00:41:35 – Closing meditation: breathe, drink your water, aim for “okay” Episode Summary:In this tender, funny, and real conversation, Denise and Jackie come back together to unpack what it means when life be lifin’. Denise reflects on the joy and overwhelm of a full life, dinners, community, comedy, and career milestones, while Jackie opens up about grad school burnout, post-travel blues, and the search for new community. As mother and daughter process collective grief, global uncertainty, and the loss of simple times, they remind listeners that even when the world feels heavy, gratitude and small routines - like cooking, laughing, or just breathing - are spiritual practices. Together, they find wisdom in imperfection: rest is recovery, connection is medicine, and sometimes “just okay” is everything. Topics Covered:Emotional fatigue and seasonal transitionsGratitude vs. burnoutSobriety and the gifts of spiritual structureThe grief of global events and media overloadDistance, connection, and changing family rhythmsGrad school stress, procrastination, and self-compassionRebuilding daily joy through small actions“Life be lifin’” — letting it be okay to not be okay Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA (Zoom meeting on Sunday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us:Follow Jackie: @jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedFollow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryoneFollow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone

    43 min

  7. 11/03/2025

    Episode 48: Life be life-in

    What if discomfort was the doorway to alignment? In this October check-in, Denise and Jackie explore what it means to find peace in the messy middle—when the excitement of new beginnings wears off, and the real work begins. Key Times: 00:01:36 Processing political anxiety ("weird fascist takeover")  00:02:51 How to maintain agency and not live in fear 00:08:07 Discussing recent alarming news and media propaganda 00:09:21 Finding reliable news sources (Heather Cox Richardson)  00:11:05 A workshop on distinguishing "Facts vs. Story"  00:13:03 Jackie's perspective from her policy class  00:14:32 Discussing marginalization and political unrest  00:17:53 Jackie's "meltdown" and coping with grad school stress 00:21:09 Denise on "Joy is also resistance"  00:22:35 Balancing heavy topics (Timothy Snyder) with light reading 00:25:44 The importance of being present in the moment  00:31:47 The "unloaded the dishwasher" example of fact vs. story  00:40:34 Denise on Step 9 and helping others as a tool  00:45:23 Returning to the Serenity Prayer  00:46:37 Jackie's social work ethics: Dignity and Self-Determination  00:47:47 Announcement for Sunday Zoom meetings  00:49:57 Closing 5-4-3-2-1 gratitude practice Show Notes/Episode Summary: In this timely episode, mother-daughter duo Denise and Jackie process their raw frustration and anxiety regarding the current political climate. The conversation kicks off by acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining a sense of personal agency and not being consumed by fear in the face of what Denise calls a "weird fascist takeover." They explore the unsettling normalization of crisis and the challenge of everyday life continuing amidst the chaos. The pair discusses their different coping mechanisms. Denise balances checking out with escapism (like seeing the Downton Abbey movie) with staying informed. This leads to a major theme: the difficulty of finding truth in a consolidated media landscape filled with propaganda. They praise the value of reliable, non-alarmist sources like historian Heather Cox Richardson. A workshop Denise attended on "Facts vs. Story" becomes a central anchor for the conversation. They explore how personal narratives (the "story") can spiral out of control from a single neutral event (the "fact"), using a powerful example of someone unloading a dishwasher. Jackie connects this concept to her grad school studies in policy and social work, noting that different political factions are "not using the same manual" and are actively trying to shift collective reality. Both mother and daughter explore actionable ways to cope. Jackie shares insights from her classes, her personal "meltdown" from the pressure of school, and her grounding mantra, "The universal mother is taking care of me." She plans to volunteer at a food rescue and as a poll worker to regain a sense of agency. Denise speaks about finding "joy as resistance," balancing heavy reading (Timothy Snyder) with light-hearted fun (Taylor Jenkins Reid), and using the Serenity Prayer to find acceptance. The episode concludes with an open invitation to their weekly Sunday Zoom meeting and their grounding 5-4-3-2-1 gratitude practice. Topics Covered: Coping with political anxiety and fearThe challenge of media consolidation and propagandaDistinguishing between "fact" and "story" in personal life and the newsFinding and trusting reliable information sources (Heather Cox Richardson)Joy as an act of resistanceBalancing political engagement with self-preservationJackie's experience in grad school (social work and policy)The "Universal Mother" as a grounding mantraUsing the Serenity Prayer as a tool for...

    51 min

  8. 10/20/2025

    Episode 47: Just Us Protocoling Over Here

    What if transition didn’t mean chaos, but recalibration? In this episode, Denise and Jackie reconnect after a whirlwind of technical hurdles, moving boxes, and lunar energy shifts. Jackie settles into life in St. Louis, while Denise reflects on joy as an act of resilience—especially in a world that feels heavy. Key Times:00:00:00 – Remote tech drama: the first long-distance recording setup 00:01:36 – Jackie’s grumpy week and reflections on old habits returning 00:03:01 – Denise on lunar eclipses, sleep struggles, and finding spiritual balance 00:04:45 – Joy as resistance: focusing on community, meetings, and connection 00:06:03 – Denise’s workshop with Elise Lunen: “On Our Best Behavior” and the price of being good 00:08:50 – Reflections from the PCH: fire scars, beauty, and grief side by side 00:09:51 – Adjusting to Jackie’s absence: filling the space with new community 00:10:58 – Jackie’s update: life in St. Louis, tornado recovery, and studying again 00:12:46 – A clean slate: decluttering, new habits, and learning time management 00:14:30 – Drinking water, daily meditation, and showing up for class 00:15:38 – Trusting institutions, ethical questions, and the challenge of reform 00:17:00 – Campus connection: dialogue across difference and nonviolent communication 00:19:00 – Denise’s pride: from “stressy and depressy” to doing the work 00:21:00 – Jackie’s move recap: three-day drive, dog adventures, and sunset magic 00:22:00 – Settling in: heartbreaks, unpacking, and the art of letting go 00:22:55 – Closing reflections: gratitude, water, and staying connected Show Notes / Episode Summary:In this tender and grounding episode, Denise and Jackie record remotely for the first time since Jackie’s big move to St. Louis. Jackie shares her first month of transition—getting used to Midwest weather, managing grad school, learning new routines, and unpacking both literally and emotionally. She opens up about how it feels to rebuild her life in a new city while holding onto gratitude, joy, and the little victories. Denise brings her signature warmth and reflection, sharing stories from a recent workshop inspired by On Our Best Behavior and her spiritual practice of staying present through discomfort. She explores how joy, community, and self-awareness can coexist with grief, outrage, and uncertainty—especially after witnessing local fire devastation and political exhaustion. Together, mother and daughter explore the themes of growth, trust, and letting go. From crying over photos to laughing about dongles, they remind listeners that transformation is messy, human, and sometimes grumpy—but still beautiful. Topics Covered:Jackie’s move to St. Louis and first month in grad schoolLong-distance recording and learning new tech setupsDenise’s reflections on joy, grief, and spiritual groundingLunar energy, burnout, and emotional regulationFeminine conditioning and “The Price Women Pay to Be Good”Nonviolent communication and dialogue across differenceHealing through community meetings and connectionThe beauty and grief of fire-scarred California landscapesThe mother-daughter bond across distance Follow Us:Follow Jackie: @jackiefreed.laFollow Denise: @denise.freedFollow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryoneFollow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone

    24 min
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About

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).

Information

  • Creator
    Denise and Jackie Freed
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Denise and Jackie Freed
  • Show Website
    Emergency Protocol