Zero Proof Book Club: The Podcast

In the season finale of Zero Proof Book Club, Shelley and Jackie dig into future plans, listening to the self, and moving on, all inspired by the healing work and writing in love warrior Glennon Doyle’s latest book, “Untamed.”

As part of their discussion about Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk’s book, “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma,” Shelley and Jackie talk through EMDR therapy, sex before and after getting sober, and how our bodies can carry bad experiences, even long after they’ve happened.

In review of Julie Buntin’s novel about two teenage girls and the year that killed one of them, Shelley and Jackie discuss pills, sober medical diagnoses, friendship, and the romanticism of “troubled young woman” throughout history and its negative effect on generations of girls.

Melissa Febos’ book of memoirs leads Shelley and Jackie on a discussion of the changes and challenges of long-term sobriety and the way hunger shows up in our lives physically and emotionally. Jackie discusses her new therapy focused on recovering relational trauma and Shelley considers doing the 12 steps.

Jackie and Shelley pause the book club to talk about the COVID-19 crisis and how we’re both dealing with the experience.

Shelley and Jackie discuss the 2005 memoir by Cupcake Brown, a survivor of child abuse, rape, gang violence, and much more. In recovery, Cupcake eventually became a lawyer at a prestigious firm and now shares her profound story of  recovery around the world.

Shelley and Jackie gush over Laura McKowen’s incredible ability to write about big emotions that can make you feel small and her new book “We Are The Luckiest.” Also covered: the truth about lying, finding what you love to do in sobriety, and making big life choices with a clear head.

Shelley and Jackie dissect the arguments of Holly Whitaker’s book “Quit Like A Woman” and discuss recovery accessibility, AA, sexism in alcohol advertising, “normal” drinkers, and the radical choice to quit drinking in a culture obsessed with alcohol.

Shelley and Jackie interview Jen Elizabeth, survivor, advocate, warrior, and author of the 2019 book "Shape of A Woman." Jen shares her words of wisdom on recovery, healing feminine and mother wounds, writing and publishing your own story, and approaching self care as you share your journey with others.

As 2020 gets rolling, Shelley and Jackie share their favorite (and least favorite) Zero Proof Book Club reads of the previous year; discuss how their recovery evolved in 2019 and how they hope it grows in 2020; and introduce a new Zero Proof: Author Interview special series.

Shelley and Jackie discuss the disease model of addiction and why it doesn’t work, according to “The Biology of Desire.” They also share their New Year’s goals in light of the book’s explanations of finding long-term motivation without addictive patterns.

Shelley and Jackie dig into the life and times of (fictional) drug addict Rachel Walsh, friendships, sex, recovery love stories, and more during their discussion of “Rachel’s Holiday.”

Shelley and Jackie talk through the most helpful tips and tricks for getting unaddicted to the dreaded scroll, courtesy this week’s book, “How to Break Up with Your Phone.”

Shelley and Jackie decipher Russell Brand’s grand sentences, example of modern manhood, and annoyingly charming philosophies in “Recovery,” a re-examination of the 12-step program done as only Russell Brand can.

“I’m Just Happy to Be Here” is a memoir that gives Shelley and Jackie giggle fits—at least when it’s not making them cringe in recognition of the author’s addiction, relapse, and self isolation in addictive mind and recovery.

Shelley and Jackie take on 2020 presidential race unicorn Marianne Williamson and her book “A Return to Love,” which made her Oprah-famous in the 1990s, discussing higher powers and forgiveness in sobriety.

Shelley and Jackie dive into “The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober” by sharing strategies for navigating the first 30 days of sobriety, the changing friendship dynamics post-alcohol, and the weddings you’ll now attend sober.

Shelley and Jackie share their favorite tips and tools as they relate to recovery from “Radical Acceptance,” the seminal 2003 book by author Tara Brach, a psychologist, Buddhist meditation teacher, and a woman you’ve probably seen on YouTube.

Shelley and Jackie talk motherhood, otherhood, and the social importance of a harrowing memoir such as “Drunk Mom,” a controversial book that made many people angry for its stories of a very addicted mind (a mind now also responsible for an infant).

The first autobiography written by an African American woman in recovery, “I’m Black and I’m Sober” leads Shelley and Jackie in an awakening discussion of how discrimination, racism, and marginalzation impacts both alcohol addiction, and sobriety.

For the second fictional book of Zero Proof Book Club, Shelley and Jackie talk about “The Boatbuilder” and its message of anchoring oneself through meditation, the “marijuana question” in alcohol sobriety, and how to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

The funny and poignant essays in “Nothing Good Can Come from This” lead Shelley and Jackie through a discussion of alcoholism in foodie culture, how to feel not-lame at parties as a sober person, enjoying summer sober, and the ways alcoholic excess parallelled their own secret-keeping and isolation.

As “Sober Curious” gains international acclaim (and sober circle disdain), Shelley and Jackie discuss evolving the lexicon of sobriety, the pros and cons of a semi-abstinent drinking, and why being sober certain was a better choice for both of them.

As Shelley and Jackie try not to judge “Judgement Detox” too harshly, they use this Gabby Bernstein self-help book as a launch pad for how judgement influenced their drinking and what they struggle with in sobriety—judging others, their past selves, and the future—and how they beat it.

Shelley and Jackie talk about Augusten Burroughs’ hilarious memoir “Dry,” while contemplating AA, memoirs by men vs. women, dry drunks, and the term “alcoholic.”

Though probably their least favorite read so far, “Drink” gives Shelley and Jackie a lot to talk about in terms of women and drinking. They cover topics of motherhood, assault, feminism, hope, and more.

What does a vulnerability expert have to say about imperfection? Shelley and Jackie dig into this Brene Brown classic and apply it to the genuine self-reflection required in sobriety.

Shelley and Jackie discuss falling in love with “Drinking: A Love Story” and why this addiction memoir changed the genre forever. That it continues to be one of the most recommended books for drinkers thinking about quitting is a testament to its honesty and strength.

Have you ever blacked out when drinking? The memoir “Blackout” offers an all-too-relatable tale of drinking into darkness. Shelley and Jackie talk about binging, blacking out, sex, and more.

“Lit” is Mary Karr’s gorgeous, painful memoir about her alcoholism and recovery. Shelley and Jackie talk about telling the truth in sobriety, memory, anxiety, motherhood, spirituality, and more.

In the novel “The Good House,” Hildy Good hides her relapse behind her real estate success and makes a new friend—who may or may not be just what the doctor ordered. Shelley and Jackie discuss why this book was so, ahem, addicting.

“The Body is Not An Apology” is a call to action toward radical self-love. Shelley and Jackie talk about how the pre- and post-sobriety life affected them physically; how self-love can transform throughout recovery; and what privileges are apparent, in hindsight, in regard to their drinking behaviors.

In a discussion of “The Recovering” by Leslie Jamison, Shelley and Jackie explore what alcohol abuse recovery looks and feels like—and what it doesn’t.

Shelley and Jackie talk about the books that helped them get and stay sober—and why they chose sobriety in the first place.