282 episodes
The Bubble Hour The Bubble Hour
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- Mental Health
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4.7, 343 Ratings
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The Bubble Hour is hosted by Jean M., a sober woman dedicated to breaking down the walls of stigma and denial surrounding the disease of alcoholism.
Alcoholism effects more than 50% of American adults, either directly or indirectly, and yet it still remains a "taboo" topic and is still mostly misunderstood by the majority of people (even those effected by alcoholism and their loved ones).
The Bubble Hour seeks to inform, educate and help people identify with the stories they hear, the conversations and interviews with people who are just like they are, and let people know they aren't alone. Nobody can take the first tentative steps towards sobriety without first getting past denial, but even once they are past denial the stigma surrounding alcoholism is so strong that people are reluctant to seek help.
The Bubble Hour would like to change that stigma. Jean and the vibrant community of sober people who join her here, will be recording and offering this show for anyone to listen to for information, community, empathy and understanding.
We are so grateful for the sober people who came before us to help find this path; this is one way to give back.
Please help us spread the word about this website and the pod casts; you may be helping someone you know well but don't even know they have a problem.
Alcoholism thrives in the dark. Together, we bring light. And hope.
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Kara's Story
Kara epitomized the image of a good girl. She was brought up in a deeply religious family, followed the rules, and helped to care for her younger siblings. She did not drink alcohol until her 21st birthday, and even then it was an innocent experience. After she was married and became a mother, she discovered that a bit of wine helped her get through hard days with little ones and things quickly unravelled.
Resources discussed in this episode:
Educated by Tara Westover
We are the Luckiest by Laura McKowen
But It's Your Family by Sherrie Campbell
Jean's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com. Learn about Jean's latest book releases here -
Audrey's Story
Audrey reflects on the effects that her dysfunctional family of origin dynamics have had relative to her slide into a problematic relationship with alcohol and subsequent sobriety.
Resources discussed in this episode include:
Information on codependency and narcissism from Sherry Gaba
"Embrace" body image documentary https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4862478/
Body Kindness Podcast
"This Naked Mind" by Annie Grace
Stages of Change explained on Jean's blog UnPickled
"Drinking: A Love Story" by Caroline Knapp
Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is here. Be sure to watch for her newest book releases at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books
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Jill's Story
Jill spent her life trying to control her sensitive emotions and reactions. The demands of being a military wife and mom added extra pressure, and she found that alcohol helped. After the 911 attacks, her relationship will alcohol escalated, as the aftermath of that day impacted her family. When Jill quit drinking, she learned about the concept of the 'highly sensitive person' and understood herself differently.
Resources discussed in this episode include:
Allen Carr's "Easy Way to Quit Drinking"
Elaine Aron's book "The Highly Sensitive Person"
"Drink" by Ann Dowsett Johnston
and Soberistas.com
Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com and information about her latest book release be will be posted here when available: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books -
Leslie's Story
Leslie's growing reliance on alcohol was her main way to cope with the overwhelming emotions of having a son struggling with a drug addiction. His tragic death made it even harder to have clarity around her own relationship with alcohol, as she experienced grief along with guilt and shame. Now 18 months alcohol free, Leslie looks back on these difficult times and shares how sobriety has allowed her to find greater healing and a deeper connection to her son's memory.
Resources discuss in this episode include The Unruffled Podcast and SheRecovers Meetups and Sharing Circles.
Follow host Jean McCarty's blog UnPickled here and watch for news of her latest book releases here -
Gigi Langer
GIgi Langer is a presenter, retreat leader, and author of the award-winning book, "50 Ways to Worry Less Now: Reject Negative Thinking to Find Peace, Clarity, and Connection." Gigi is also a woman in successful long-term recovery with over 34 years of sobriety.
Learn more about Gigi at www.gigilanger.com. Gigi has generously offered a free audiobook for listeners of this show! Just visit her website and use the contact form to request, mentioning this Bubble Hour episode.
Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com and watch for her latest book releases at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books -
Barry's Story
Barry reflects on the role of her life experiences have played in setting her up for a pattern of addiction, and recounts the devastating effects that a 52 minute relapse in 2018 had for herself and her son. Barry's recovery page on Instagram is @self_healers_shine
Resources mentioned include:
The work of Dr. Gabor Mate https://drgabormate.com/ "The Drama of the Gifted Child" by Alice Miller https://www.amazon.ca/Drama-Gifted-Child-Search-Third/dp/0465016901as well as a Facebook page called Narcissism and Adoption https://www.facebook.com/narcissismandadoption/
Host Jean McCarthy's blog UnPickled is at www.unpickledblog.com and be sure to visit www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books for updates on her latest book releases.
Customer Reviews
Top Recovery Tool
The Bubble Hour was my number one tool at the beginning of my recovery journey and continues to keep me on track. Jean is a gift to the recovery community!
Courage and Comfort in a Podcast
I have been listening to this podcast almost from its inception years ago, when I first began to suspect my drinking was crossing a line from habitual to something darker. Shame kept me isolated and in denial. Then, I found the Bubble Hour, which offered a different way to address alcohol addiction from AA, the only model I knew of at the time.
Slowly, gathering courage and comfort from this podcast and sober memoirs, I was able to stop drinking. That was almost two years ago. I am so deeply grateful for everything Jean has given to people like me. I credit her with saving my family, my marriage, and opening up my life again.
To the bubble hour!
Omg this podcast has been with me for every Tuesday for over two years! From the beginning when I was sober curious and when I finally decided to get sober! To even know in my second year of sobriety it continues to give me strength and hope! Thank you all for all you do
Jessie
