Bookends of Recovery
I share tools & support so others don’t learn the hard way like I did. | Clean from my DOC for 30+ years | Healed from betrayal trauma after husband’s PA disclosure. | You’re not alone. Recovery is possible. I believe in you 🌻
Episodes
If you’ve ever felt like you’re living as different versions of yourself, this one’s for you. In this episode, I'm talking about compartmentalization and how it shows up in addiction and healing for both the person in recovery and the people who love them. Compartmentalization is a survival tool. It’s how we box off parts of ourselves to keep going when things feel overwhelming. Over time, though, it can quietly ...
Stress sucks! Let's talk about ways to relieve it. This is part two of the walkthrough of my workbook, but don't worry, you do not need it in front of you to follow along. I’m going to walk you through the tools step by step, so you can just listen, or pause and write if you’d like. It covers gratitude, journaling, grounding exercises, boundaries, creating a safe space, and more!
Dealing with stress? Who isn't right? This is part one of the walkthrough of my workbook, but don't worry, you do not need it in front of you to follow along. I’m going to walk you through the tools step by step, so you can just listen, or pause and write if you’d like. It covers why we have stress, where we carry it, and, of course, exercises: The 6-Step Self-Check-In (Guided), Two-minute reset, moving thro...
Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything’s fine. It’s about retraining your brain to notice what’s also true. It’s also about understanding, “Yes, this is hard, but look at all the good that’s still around me.” And that’s where the healing begins. Learn how in today's episode, including thought-provoking questions.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and health...
Black-and-white thinking brings us comfort in a chaotic world. When life gets challenging, like it does in addiction or betrayal, gray feels like quicksand. It means we might have to sit in discomfort, hold conflicting truths, or accept that we don’t have all the answers. But we need gray thinking in our recovery and healing. Learn why!
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone ha...
Boredom is the time to experiment, to rediscover what excites you when you’re not chasing a dopamine hit. And no offense to workout routines or organizing your junk drawer (again), but there’s a whole world beyond the usual “healthy hobbies” we all know and love. Learn some other ways to beat boredom that are a little weird, a little wonderful, and might just help you discover a new passion!
When stress hits, our bodies often go into fight, flight, fawn, or freeze mode. It can show up as a tight chest, racing thoughts, or shallow breathing. In this episode, we’ll slow it all down and practice three powerful breathwork tools: belly breathing, box breathing, and the breathing anchor.
You’ll learn how to use your breath to calm your nervous system, manage triggers, and feel more grounded in the moment. Whethe...
Fear can stop us in our tracks, keeping us stuck in anxiety, overthinking, or avoidance. In this episode, I share two simple techniques: Play the Script to the End and Stop Sign methods. They help you quiet fear, calm your mind, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you’re managing triggers in recovery, facing change, or learning to trust yourself again, these tools will help you reframe fear and find your next ste...
Boundaries aren’t about pushing people away, they’re about protecting your healing and recovery and honoring your worth. In this episode, I share core personal boundaries, why they matter, and reflection prompts you can use today. If you struggle with saying no or keeping your recovery space safe, this one’s for you. Remember, you are stronger and more valuable than you think. And of course, there's a workbook to...
Two simple tools to remind you why you’re showing up and where you want to go in your recovery and healing journey and keep you motivated. In this episode, I share my Recovery/Healing Mission Statement and W.H.Y. Statement.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please note: This podcast is for education only and is not a replacement for therapy. ...
Ready to take what you learned about the Window of Tolerance and put it into practice? In this episode, I’ll walk you through the companion workbook, step by step. Together we’ll map your own window, color-code your “too high” and “too low” states, and get curious about the signs your body and emotions give you. Whether you doodle, write, or just listen along, this guided walkthrough will help you see where you’re mos...
Ever feel like you’re bouncing between too much anxiety and total shutdown? That’s your nervous system leaving its “just right” zone. That's what therapists call the Window of Tolerance. In this episode, I’ll explain what that window actually is (without all the jargon), why it matters for your recovery and healing, and how to start noticing when you’re drifting too high or too low. Think of it like your emotiona...
This calming guided meditation is designed to support anyone navigating betrayal trauma. I gently lead you through breath, grounding, and self-compassion practices to ease overwhelm, release tension, and reconnect with your inner strength. Whether you’re early in healing or rebuilding trust after relational trauma, this meditation offers a safe space to heal, breathe, and find peace in the present moment.
This guided meditation is created to support you in your recovery journey. Through simple breathing, grounding, and calming techniques, I help you release tension, quiet racing thoughts, and reconnect with your inner strength. Whether you’re new to sobriety or maintaining long-term recovery, this meditation offers a safe space to reset, refocus, and stay steady on your path to healing.
In addiction recovery and healing, the small, consistent habits matter more than the big breakthroughs. In this episode I share the underrated “boring” tools, like sleep routines, hydration, movement, breathing, and daily check-ins, that keep you grounded when life feels overwhelming. Whether you’re in addiction recovery or supporting a loved one, learn why these unsexy but powerful practices are the real MVPs of ment...
Healing doesn’t have to be all tears and heavy talks. In this episode, I discuss why humor is a powerful tool in recovery, healing, and mental health, how laughter resets the nervous system, and why it’s okay to crack a smile even during challenging healing work.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Sending everyone happy and healthy vibes,
Laura
Please note: This podcast is for education onl...
Just like the title says, I'm hosting an AMA today.
I’ll be there 12:00 p.m.–2:00 PM EST to answer your questions live. After that, I’ll leave the post open and check back later.
Ask me anything about:
- Addiction recovery (especially cocaine & pornography addiction)
- Healing from betrayal trauma
- Emotional sobriety (my biggest turning point)
- Navigating relationships when one/both partners are in recovery
- Or just… h...
Anxiety and triggers can hit fast, but you don’t have to get swept away. In this episode, I’m sharing unique, next-level grounding tools you can use anywhere to stay anchored in the present. From sensory tricks and vocal grounding to body-based techniques, these practical ideas provide your mind and body with a safe space when everything feels overwhelming.
If you have any questions, please let me know...
Ever wonder why you suddenly shut down, spiral, or snap, seemingly out of nowhere? In this episode, we unpack the difference between a trigger and a response, what your nervous system is trying to tell you, and how to ground yourself when you feel overwhelmed. Whether you’re healing from addiction, betrayal trauma, or both, these tools can help you reclaim your calm and choose how you show up.
Ever wonder why numbing out, whether with substances, scrolling, or people-pleasing, feels like the only way to survive? In this episode, I share how my own addiction began with a need for relief, not rebellion, and why so many of us learn to escape instead of cope. If you’re healing from betrayal trauma, addiction, or emotional overwhelm, this one’s for you.
If you have any questions, please let me kn...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal Weekly is back for a brand new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-4 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.