Life Not Wasted

Friend of the pod Abbie Jean Esbjerg joins Molly and Amanda for a second episode to chat about how life has changed (for the better) since she got sober in 2018 and how she is caring for her own mental health this year. You may know Abbie Jean from TikTok, where she shares hilarious glimpses into her sobriety journey, her new life as a chicken mama, and her fresh manicures. And although her TikTok game is strong, her wifi signal out in the country is weak - so please excuse a few audio glitches in this episode. Progress, not perfection, ammirite? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Molly and Amanda discuss replacing wine nights with other activities, deep dive into the all-too-relatable TV show Single Drunk Female, and share how having sober friends has made all the difference in their sobriety. Enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Molly and Amanda talk about evolving friendships, non-alcoholic bevies, and their two very different trips to California. Enjoy, sober friends! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Just like Ross and Rachel, Molly and Amanda took a little break. Now the girls are back in the podcast bungalow to break down what happened, how we worked through it, and where we are now. Enjoy, sober friends! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Amanda and Molly are back together, and this time they're chatting about their experiences in therapy. The women dive into their personal counseling work and answer some listener-submitted questions. If you've ever been in therapy, or have been curious about where to start, this is a great episode for you. As mental health advocates, Amanda and Molly's conversation helps end the stigma around mental health and seeking counseling. So lay back on the couch, light a candle, and kick back for a quick therapy sesh. Don't worry — we won't send you a bill for this one. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Throwback Thursday! This was the conversation that started it all. In December 2020, Amanda asked Molly to join her for a recorded Zoom chat about how to handle the holiday season while staying sober. From this, Life Not Wasted was born. So much about Amanda & Molly's lives have changed since then, but one thing is still true — the holidays are challenging! Listen in to this conversation about tough experiences, holiday expectations, and how to stay sober and relatively sane through it all. Spoiler alert: it won't all be perfect and you probably won't get the pony you've always dreamed about. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Amanda surprised Molly with the topic for this episode: faith and what to do when you struggle to maintain a spiritual connection to a higher power. Molly and Amanda both weighed in on their respective faith journeys, recapping times when it's gone well and times when it's been on the back burner. The women share openly about how their faith affects their sobriety and their ability to connect to those around them. Whether you have a relationship with a higher power or not, you'll find insight and vulnerability in this episode. And a word of warning: we had to get the bleep machine out for this one. Apologies in advance to our moms, grandmothers, and pastors for the use of several 4-letter words. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

In this episode, Amanda and Molly reflect on the challenges of past few months and how they're moving through them with their sobriety intact. Have you ever felt like life just keeps knocking you down? Like no matter what you do, the hits just keep coming? Molly and Amanda certainly do. From weddings upended by the pandemic (again), to the challenges of navigating new careers, hit-and-runs, and persistent depression - it's been an overwhelming season for these sober friends. Hear Molly and Amanda shed some light on what happened, when and how they turned a corner, and look forward with continued sobriety. Plus, they share ways they can commit to taking care of themselves in the future. Feel free to hold them accountable. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

In this episode, Amanda and Molly talk all things resentment. This topic may or may not have been influenced by recent events in their lives, proving the point that resentments can crop up even in long-term sobriety. The women discuss the initial inventory process (step 4), how they spot resentments today, and strategies that work for relief. Ironically enough, Amanda and Molly developed a pretty large resentment against the recording process during the creation of this episode. They'll call their sponsors about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Abbie Jean Esbjerg joins us this week to share her sobriety experience, and how going viral for a TikTok video about curing her hemorrhoids helped her find a sober community on social media. In this episode, Abbie Jean shares with us how she finally got sober for herself (and not those around her), her experience going to a detox facility after becoming physically addicted to alcohol, and how laughing at ourselves with people who care and are going through similar challenges can be an antidote to self-hatred. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

It's been a minute, so let's catch up! In this episode, Amanda and Molly are back together for the first time in a few weeks after taking a little summer break and discuss what's been going on lately and what is on the horizon for this fall. Amanda and Molly cover Amanda's upcoming wedding (and how the question “Are you so excited?!” just may be the death of her), Molly's relationship status changes and how socializing has looked a little different lately, Amanda's humbling first experience of jiu jitsu, the challenges of gratitude, and what in the world a spiritual gift is - sarcastic or otherwise. Enjoy this laid back episode and get to know your hosts a little bit better as they continue to live a life not wasted. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Molly and Amanda always had trouble moderating things that made them feel better - food, TV, relationships, just to name a few. Their drug of choice was 'more'. But when it came to alcohol, moderation went from challenging to feeling impossible. Listen in and learn how Molly and Amanda realized that they needed to give up trying to moderate their drinking and how it felt so different from the struggle to moderate in other areas of their lives. Plus, they share a few moderation wins (unrelated to alcohol) now that they have a few years of recovery under their belt! Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

The idea of not drinking socially can be really intimidating, especially when your friendships are built around that shared social activity In this episode, Molly and Amanda share their experiences to answer a question that has been asked by several of our listeners: How did your friendships and relationships change after you stopped drinking? Molly and Amanda discuss how they navigated their first few months getting sober (especially with friends who still drank) and adjusted to a new way of life without alcohol. This episode tackles some tough topics but ultimately is hopeful and encouraging to those in the early days of their sobriety journey. It does, in fact, get better! Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

*Trigger Warning* Disordered eating is discussed in this episode. If you are currently struggling with an eating disorder and feel this may trigger you, please use discretion. In this episode, Amanda learns more about Molly's struggle with anxiety and disordered eating. Molly shares her IOP experience and the transition to college that was essential to her recovery. This episode embodies the honesty required of us in recovery. By the end, you'll want to reach out and give tiny 17-year-old Molly a hug…and a cheeseburger. If you'd like more information about eating disorders or treatment, please reach out to us at lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.nationaleatingdisorders.org for resources. Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Molly surprises Amanda with a new topic this week: non-alcoholic beer. Non-alcoholic beer has majorly improved since your weird uncle's O'Douls was the only option, but should you give it a try or not? In this episode, Molly and Amanda discuss their thoughts on whether substituting non-alcoholic options is a helpful crutch or playing with fire. Spoiler alert: It's not so simple! This funny and honest episode shows the way alcoholic thinking can stick around longer than the booze. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Mariah Stockman joins the podcast this week to share about her experience with Al-Anon, a twelve step program for the friends and families of alcoholics, and how she realized that her relationships with others were becoming unhealthy. Mariah shares how Al-Anon has helped her reconnect to her higher power through simple spiritual practices and has changed the way she lives her life for the better. It's a hopeful episode for anyone who has been discontented in their relationships or has been impacted by the family disease of alcoholism. Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

*Mature Content Warning* Molly and Amanda are joined by Delanie Fischer, a hilarious comedian, business coach, and podcaster to chat about how a bad case of workaholism and burnout led her to make some drastic changes to her life - including leaving her day job to focus on her gag-gift business painting penis caricatures on coffee mugs. Join us for this funny and honest conversation about perfectionism, the expectations we set for ourselves, and how finding something you're passionate about can help guide you in the right direction! Plus, the girls dive into how Delanie's relationship with alcohol has changed during the pandemic and all three share their best tips for how they avoid feeling like a total weirdo when they're not drinking at parties! Want to connect with Molly and Amanda? Email lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Molly and Amanda know first-hand that asking for help from a sponsor can be intimidating, but the relationship on the other side of that fear can be life-changing. In today's episode, Molly and Amanda dive into their experiences with twelve-step sponsorship over the past five years and share what's worked, what hasn't, and how they've transitioned to a new sponsor when a change was needed. If you've ever been curious about what working with a sponsor can look like, this episode is for you! Do you have questions about sobriety, or a story of your own you'd like to share? Email us at lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

In this episode of the Life Not Wasted podcast, Amanda and Molly dive into how their spiritual health has improved in sobriety. Molly shares about how sobriety has impacted her Christian faith, and Amanda shares about how the wisdom of Dumbledore, doing EMDR, and a particular episode of The Crown have helped her spiritually. Connect with Molly and Amanda by emailing lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

We often hear people say "I need a drink!" after a long day, but how do you cope with stress when you're sober and can't dive into a bottle of wine at the end of your day? Amanda and Molly share their experiences handling life sober and how they've succeeded - and often failed - at self-care in different seasons of sobriety. Connect with Molly and Amanda by emailing lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Amanda and Molly didn't drink every day, but they still felt powerless over alcohol. Listen as the girls share how they knew they were powerless over alcohol, how their experience differed from those around them drinking similarly, and the irony of feeling so empowered by finally admitting defeat. Connect with Molly and Amanda by emailing lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message

Getting sober at any age can be challenging, but for young women it can be lonely as well. Molly and Amanda know the challenges firsthand, and are here to make recovery a little easier by making it a little less lonely. In this inaugural episode of the Life Not Wasted podcast, you'll meet Amanda and Molly - two friends who met in a twelve-step program in their twenties and are now exploring what life looks like in their thirties without alcohol. Spoiler alert: Sobriety isn't the buzzkill we once thought it would be! Connect with Molly and Amanda by emailing lifenotwastedpodcast@gmail.com or find us on Instagram at @lifenotwastedpodcast! Credits: Edited by Adam Rostan Photo by Alyssa Cates Studio Cover Art by Patrick Nicely Music by Superstate Music --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/lifenotwastedpodcast/message