Turning Forty and 12-Stepping My Way to Happiness

In this episode of the Forty Drinks Podcast, Fran Caudron opens up about her upbringing in a strict Catholic family, her early marriage to an addict, and the subsequent emotional turmoil. She discusses how her deep dive into different spiritual paths, including evangelical Christianity and a transformative retreat, helped her rediscover hope and strength. Fran also highlights the importance of community, the powerful impact of somatic experiences, and the lifelong process of self-improvement through programs like the 12-step initiative. Fran’s story illustrates the ongoing journey towards inner peace and happiness.

Guest Bio 

Fran Caudron spent a 34 year career as a highly skilled, creative, and motivated master elementary educator in Northern Alberta, Canada; from which she recently retired and continues to work as an adult educator and healer through hypnotherapy.

She is humbled and fortunate to have had a wealth of collaborative opportunities working alongside Indigenous elders and community leaders. Open minded and responsive to the impact and influence of culture, experiences and family on student learners, she has a proven success rate at supporting and teaching diverse learners and Indigenous students. Her leadership is based on collegiality, creativity and awareness. 

With a strong background in teaching Indigenous students and diverse students from high risk environments, her pedagogy aligns with the holism of mind-body-spirit, and how students, parents and the community can teach educators, and together, heal the education system.

Fran experienced intense internal spiritual growth through surrendering to the 12 step program of recovery, and furthered her growth with a masters in Religious Education. She is a trained hypnotherapist and in her weekly vlog called “Hopenning” she interviews authors and healers who promote hope and inner spirit healing.

Today, Fran thrives by creating an attitude and environment of gratitude, resilience, and forgiveness. She teaches pre-service teachers from Indigenous and other backgrounds through the University of Alberta on-line and next September, in-person and she continues to promote recovery through her work with the 12 steps and by healing the inner child.

Turning Forty and 12-Stepping My Way to Happiness

Fran Caudron joins Stephanie to share her story of resilience and transformation after leaving a controlling marriage marred by addiction and betrayal. Raised in a traditional Catholic family and influenced by evangelical beliefs, Fran initially felt trapped in a life that didn’t align with her true self. Her story unfolds as she learns to break free from deeply ingrained beliefs, rebuild her identity, and find healing through a weeklong retreat, spiritual exploration, and the strength of community. This episode dives deep into themes of accountability, self-love, and the power of somatic experiences in processing buried emotions.

Episode Highlights:

• Roots of Restriction: Fran’s upbringing in a strict Catholic family and subsequent involvement in evangelical Christianity added layers of control and suppression, especially around the roles of women and the stigma of divorce.
• Marriage as a “Fix”: In her early twenties, Fran believed marriage and children could “fix” existing relationship issues, a notion that only led to deeper despair.
• The Breaking Point: At 38, Fran’s discovery of her husband’s infidelity was the final push she needed to seek a new life for herself and her daughters.
• Healing Through Retreat: A transformative retreat on Vancouver Island introduced Fran to somatic healing, where she learned to process and release her pent-up anger and pain, finding solidarity with others who shared similar emotional struggles.
• Building a New Life: With the support of a 12-step program, Fran redefined her values and set boundaries that allowed her to grow spiritually and emotionally, despite her husband’s attempts to regain control.
• Integrating Spirituality: Fran found solace in her Catholic roots while exploring a broader, more personal spirituality that didn’t rely solely on religious dogma, adopting a "take what resonates, leave the rest" approach to her faith.
• Puzzle Pieces of Self: Fran shares how life’s lessons and experiences are pieces of a puzzle, each adding depth to the picture of our best selves, a theme that resonates with the mission of the Forty Drinks Podcast.

Today's episode with Fran is a powerful exploration of how personal crises can lead to profound growth and transformation. Fran’s journey went from a life of restrictive beliefs and a toxic marriage to self-liberation and spiritual growth. Through somatic experiences, supportive communities, and a redefined relationship with her faith, Fran reclaims her life. Her continued commitment to her faith, while also embracing new methods of healing, offers a unique perspective on navigating life's toughest challenges. 

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Guest Resources

Fran’s Hypnotherapy Website 

Fran’s podcast, the Hopenning 

Find Fran on Instagram 

Find Fran on Facebook 

Name/Title: Fran Caudron - Inspired Healing Hypnotherapy

URL: https://inhealtherapy.com/

Do you have the Midlife Ick? 

Download Stephanie’s guide to the Ick to diagnose whether you or someone you love is suffering from this insidious midlife malaise. www.fortydrinks.com/ick  

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The Forty Drinks Podcast is produced and presented by Savoir Faire Marketing/Communications