This is the cover art for 'Aging Sober with Jean McCarthy', an episode of the To 50 and Beyond Podcast. Jean smiles at the camera wearing a purple top. She has long blonde-brown hair.

Episode 157

Have feelings of shame and anxiety affected your drinking? Has aging changed the way you look at recovery?

My guest on episode 157 is the wonderful Jean McCarthy who speaks honestly about her struggles with drinking, and her journeys through self-care and aging.  

Jean addresses the shame she felt, causing her to hide her drinking, and the anxiety that kept her up at night.  Jean also shares her feelings on aging, her journey through perimenopause, her experience with botox and fillers, and loving herself in her fifties.  Jean believes in doing what makes you feel happy and confident, without shame, and her openness and honesty make her a fantastic role model for others looking to continue or begin their recovery journey. 

About Jean:

Jean McCarthy is an award winning blogger, host of the Bubble Hour podcast, and author of two books, “The Ember Ever There: Poems on Change, Grief, Growth, Recovery, and Rediscovery” and “UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide: Staying Alcohol-Free During the Festive Season.” 

Her blog UnPickled, documenting her sobriety and recovery, has helped people all over the world; I wish I had known about it when I quit drinking.  Jean joined the Bubble Hour podcast as a co-host in 2013 and took over as the sole producer and host in 2016.  An extremely passionate woman, Jean’s talents range from writing and recording her own music to inspiring thousands to begin their recovery journey. Jean also received the SheRecovers Hope Award in 2017 to honor her determination in helping others change their lives.

Topics Discussed:

  • Alcoholism and Jean's road to recovery

  • Embracing the label of addiction

  • Jean's perimenopause and menopause

  • Exploring new pathways to sobriety

  • Self-care in sobriety and aging

  • Jean's experience with botox and fillers

  • Loving yourself as you age

  • A reading of a poem from Jean's book "The Ember Ever There"

 

Find Jean:

Jean's Website

Jean's Blog

The Bubble Hour Podcast

Jean's Facebook

Jean's Instagram

 

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

 

The Ember Ever There: Poems on Change, Grief, Growth, Recovery, and Rediscovery

UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide: Staying Alcohol-Free During the Festive Season

Related episodes: 

How to Create a Daily Plan to Help You Stay Alcohol-Free 

5 Essential Ways to Manage Cravings and Urges Without Drinking

5 Practical Tips to Help You Stop Drinking in Midlife and Beyond

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