001 - J's Story of Craziness, Trauma, and Finding Grace in Sobriety

In this raw and surprisingly humorous episode, hosts John and Jason are joined by J, who shares her journey through addiction and recovery. From grade school hangovers to hiding wine bottles from her partner to covering up a liquor spill with rubbing alcohol, J's story is a masterclass in alcoholic thinking. She shares the chaos of her past relationships, the rock bottom that led her to her first meeting, and the profound, sometimes hilarious, miracles she's discovered in sobriety.

Key Topics & Themes Discussed:

• Early Life & Trauma: Jenevieve discusses her early introduction to alcohol, growing up with partying parents,
• The Art of Deception: The conversation dives into the complex lies and gaslighting inherent in active addiction, both towards loved ones and oneself.
• The "Bottom": Jenevieve shares the series of events that led to her "involuntary spiritual experience" and her desperate run to the rooms of recovery.
• Surprises in Sobriety: Discovering the simple joy of waking up without a hangover, the power of her children's pride, and the changing, expanding nature of her Higher Power.
• The Power of Inventory: How the seemingly dreaded task of writing an inventory can bring immediate clarity and freedom from resentment.
• Finding Humor in the Darkness: Throughout the episode, the group finds laughter and identification in even the most painful memories, highlighting the shared experience of recovery.

Memorable Quotes:

• "I'm the biggest, brightest, shiniest piece of shit in the room." - On the alcoholic paradox of shame and ego.
• "It's just for arts and crafts!" - On explaining a hidden cache of empty wine bottles.
• "Tell me all the horrible things you did and let me love you anyway." - On the unconditional love found in the recovery community.
• "I was the victim of my own incessant lying."
• On the PTA moms: "The PTA, they can drink. Those chicks... Never trust the Stanley cup. There is shit in their Stanley cup. They are drinkers."