Episode 19 - Retreat 2023 - Emergency Protocol

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