Podcasts about lifering secular recovery

Ep. 182 "Junkie to Judge" author Mary Beth shares her remarkable journey from addiction to becoming a federal judge, offering insights into her personal transformation and multi-faceted recovery approach. Host Maryann Rivera-Dannert delves into Mary Beth's early experiences with substance use disorder, highlighting the impact of trauma and the pursuit of new beginnings. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized recovery plan, exploring various recovery paths, and overcoming life's challenges. Mary Beth is an inspiring advocate, accomplished author, and former federal judge whose life story is a testament to the power of recovery and transformation. After surviving childhood sexual and physical abuse, she faced a harrowing battle with drug and alcohol addiction. Her journey to sobriety, which began in 1994, led her to pursue higher education at Berkeley Law and, ultimately, an appointment as a federal Administrative Law Judge in 2014. Now retired, Mary Beth dedicates her life to serving the recovery community. She is a Director for the She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery, speaking passionately about multiple pathways to sobriety at conferences, for organizations, and in the media. She also trains attorneys and medical professionals on substance use disorder and recovery. Mary Beth's memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, chronicles her incredible journey. Her essays have been featured in The Wall Street Journal and Recovery Today, offering hope and insight to countless individuals.

MARY BETH O'CONNOR is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. A graduate of Berkeley Law School, in 2014 she was appointed a federal administrative law judge and retired in 2020. Prior to all this she was a meth addict and a victim of verbal, physical and sexual abuse. Mary Beth shares her memoir with Papamutes. She has been sober since 1994.photos; courtesy m.o'connorSend Papamutes a TextListen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Castro, Google Podcasts or wherever you stream your podcasts.

Today in Sense of Soul we have author and recovery advocate Mary Beth O'Connor, former Federal Judge who shares her story of overcoming addiction to methamphetamine and becoming a recovery advocate. Clean and sober today for nearly three decades, she is proof that anyone can find their sober self, their best self, no matter how far they have fallen.  She is the author of the memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, former federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor shares her three-phase journey to recovery. The riveting memoir details the abuse and trauma that drove Mary Beth to shoot methamphetamine at 17, the chaos from her addiction, and how she developed a personalized recovery plan, without a higher power, that led to twenty-nine years of sobriety thus far.   Mary Beth is a Board Member, Secretary, and Founding Investor for She Recovers Foundation. She is also a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery and frequently develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety.    For more information, visit: https://junkietojudge.com, and follow her on Twitter at @MaryBethO_.  www.senseofsoulpodcast.com

Send us a Text Message.Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse, trauma, ptsd, and anxiety. Her story is chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. She's had essays in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today.Mary Beth is a Director for She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. She develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety. And Mary Beth trains attorneys and medical professionals about substance use disorder and recovery. FIND DAWN HERE: Email: dawnversations@gmailhttps://www.podpage.com/dawnversations/ https://www.buzzsprout.com/2124488https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dawnversations/id1611645700 https://open.spotify.com/show/3nyVFDlLJ0y7S2MQ0ZqiZ5?si=RFLLwSTYQVGta30nkZ2vsg https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGZFdplRZmXIguI31KbX2eghttps://www.pandora.com/podcast/dawnversations/PC:1000700495https://www.facebook.com/dawnversations.2024https://www.instagram.com/dawnversations_podcast/ https://www.pinterest.com/dawnwecker12/dawnversations-podcast/ https://www.tiktok.com/@dawnversations https://x.com/Dawnversations1https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnversations-podcast-4a98772b9/https://linktr.ee/dawnversationsMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/francesco-dandrea/a-day-late-and-a-dollar-short License code: EYUYKNS4AFNOD1JO #follow #like #subscribe #pin #share #podcast #apple #spotify #anchorfm #google #amazon #iheartradio #tiktok #facebook #pinterest #instagram #youtube #life  #dawnversations #dawnversationspodcast

For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, ptsd, anxiety, and recovering from these as well.Mary Beth's award-winning memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bamm, Indie Bound, and other sites, and at your local bookstore.  She also has placed essays in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today. Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020.http://junkietojudge.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-o-connor-8aaa4b121 https://www.facebook.com/marybeth.holuboconnor https://twitter.com/@MaryBethO_Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Mary Beth O'Connor, whose childhood traumas led to a decades-long battle with substance use disorder. From her early struggles with alcohol and drugs to finding sobriety through a secular recovery plan, Mary Beth shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity and addiction. Discover how Mary Beth's innovative approach to recovery, incorporating ideas from various sources, has empowered her to maintain sobriety since 1994. As a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation, she advocates for multiple paths to recovery and addresses topics ranging from substance use disorder to trauma, anxiety, and domestic violence. Delve into Mary Beth's award-winning memoir, "From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction," and explore her insights on building resilience, fostering community support, and navigating the complexities of the justice system. From her journey to becoming a federal Administrative Law Judge to her advocacy for change within the addiction recovery landscape, Mary Beth's story is both poignant and illuminating. Join us for a profound conversation that sheds light on the resilience of the human spirit and offers hope to those facing similar challenges. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with insights into overcoming darkness and finding triumph against all odds. #RecoveryJourney #Resilience #PodcastEpisode More about Mary Beth O'Conner: https://junkietojudge.com/ Connect with me Website: https://www.thebceshow.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluecollarenlightenmentshow  Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thebceshow  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebluecollarenlightenmentshow/  Merch: https://thebceshow.creator-spring.com  Platforms YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMKIrbfMmje6lEZTBC3csg  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/65HMBhtn4whonmYraSSOqh?si=VfwPKwhVR1KDPWbRjw-jjA  Apple podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-blue-collar-enlightenment-show/id1607750362  Google podcast: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy83ZTA5ZGE5OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw  #bluecollar #enlightenment #knowledge #stories #conversation #learn #work #mind #interview #makeit #questions #laughs #deep #enlightening #listen-in #watch #insight  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thebceshow/message

INTRODUCTION:Mary Beth's award-winning memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bamm, Indie Bound, and other sites, and at your local bookstore.  She also has placed essays in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today. Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, anxiety, and recovering from these as well. INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE (But not limited to):·      Progression From Drug Addiction As An Atheist·      White Privilege ·      The Other Side Of The 12-Step Movement·      Proliferation Of Childhood Sexual Trauma ·      Mental Health Treatment For Kids·      Abusers In The Household/Family·      Mercy From The Judge·      Racial Disparity In Drug Laws·      Heroic Hearts Project·      MOM JOKES!!! CONNECT WITH MARY BETH O'CONNOR: Website: https://junkietojudge.comFrom Junkie To Judge On Amazon: https://shorturl.at/gvLS3L.A. Times Op-Ed: https://shorturl.at/cuKU1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marybeth.holuboconnorLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-o-connor-8aaa4b121/X: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FMaryBethO_  CONNECT WITH DE'VANNON SERÁPHINO: Website: https://www.SexDrugsAndJesus.comWebsite: https://www.DownUnderApparel.com  TikTok: https://shorturl.at/nqyJ4YouTube: https://bit.ly/3daTqCMFacebook: https://shorturl.at/gqrAVInstagram: https://shorturl.at/gwAP1X: https://shorturl.at/oyLZ4LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devannonPinterest: https://shorturl.at/bqB26Support the showThanks for listening! Please donate at SexDrugsAndJesus.com and follow us on TikTok, IG etc.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 20 million Americans suffer from substance abuse at some point in their lives. Mary Beth O'Conno was one of those, but since 1994 has been sober from methamphetamine use disorder. She wrote about her journey in an award-winning memoir, “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.” Mary Beth shares her story with us in this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast and answers the question: how does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Within a week of being born, Mary Beth was dropped off at a convent. Eventually, she moved in with her mom, but she -- her mom -- was more focused on her own needs and desires than her young child. At age nine, her stepfather kicked her in the stomach for spilling milk, beat her when she displeased him, and molested her at age twelve. A few months later, she took a sip of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill wine, which made her feel euphoric and relaxed. So, she drank as much as possible, added pot, then pills, then acid. At sixteen, she found methamphetamine and experienced joy, but when this high was no longer sufficient, she turned to the needle and shot up. That began 16 years of severe addiction, resulting in destroyed relationships, problems at work, and damage to her physical and emotional health. But, today, Mary Beth O'Connor is a retired federal administrative law judge. She is director, secretary, and founding investor for the She Recovers Foundation, a director for Life-Ring Secular Recovery, and a member of the advisory council for the Hyer Calling Foundation. Her opinion pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Recovery Today, and other publications. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government leading to her appointment as a federal administrative law judge in 2014, a position from which she retired in 2020.Here are some questions we discussed with Mary Beth as she answers the question: How does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Q. Tell us more about your background and what made you to turn to meth.Q. What happened that prompted you to seek help?Q. The Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program didn't work for you. Why not? What did you do?Q. What peer support options are available to those seeking recovery, and why is that important for the recovering addict?Q. How can your book, “From Junkie to Judge,” help those individuals win their battle against addiction?Q. Tell us about the She Recovers Foundation. Why was it started and what does it do?Q. How about LifeRing Secular Recovery?Q. Back when you were struggling as a drug addict, did you ever think you would be in this position today – a published author, counselor, and retired federal judge?Q. How can your story inspire others? Q. I just interviewed a guest who spent five years in prison for a white collar crime. After his experience in prison where most inmates were incarcerated because of illegal drugs, he now believes all such drugs should be legalized; that this would drastically reduce crime and save billions by ending an unwinnable war against illegal drugs. How do you feel about that?Q. Where can people learn more about your work and obtain your book?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-lean-to-the-left-podcast--4719048/support.

According to the National Institutes of Health, 20 million Americans suffer from substance abuse at some point in their lives. Mary Beth O'Conno was one of those, but since 1994 has been sober from methamphetamine use disorder. She wrote about her journey in an award-winning memoir, “From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.” Mary Beth shares her story with us in this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast and answers the question: how does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Within a week of being born, Mary Beth was dropped off at a convent. Eventually, she moved in with her mom, but she -- her mom -- was more focused on her own needs and desires than her young child. At age nine, her stepfather kicked her in the stomach for spilling milk, beat her when she displeased him, and molested her at age twelve. A few months later, she took a sip of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill wine, which made her feel euphoric and relaxed. So, she drank as much as possible, added pot, then pills, then acid. At sixteen, she found methamphetamine and experienced joy, but when this high was no longer sufficient, she turned to the needle and shot up. That began 16 years of severe addiction, resulting in destroyed relationships, problems at work, and damage to her physical and emotional health. But, today, Mary Beth O'Connor is a retired federal administrative law judge. She is director, secretary, and founding investor for the She Recovers Foundation, a director for Life-Ring Secular Recovery, and a member of the advisory council for the Hyer Calling Foundation. Her opinion pieces have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, Recovery Today, and other publications. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government leading to her appointment as a federal administrative law judge in 2014, a position from which she retired in 2020.Here are some questions we discussed with Mary Beth as she answers the question: How does a junkie get clean & become a judge?Q. Tell us more about your background and what made you to turn to meth.Q. What happened that prompted you to seek help?Q. The Alcoholics Anonymous 12-step program didn't work for you. Why not? What did you do?Q. What peer support options are available to those seeking recovery, and why is that important for the recovering addict?Q. How can your book, “From Junkie to Judge,” help those individuals win their battle against addiction?Q. Tell us about the She Recovers Foundation. Why was it started and what does it do?Q. How about LifeRing Secular Recovery?Q. Back when you were struggling as a drug addict, did you ever think you would be in this position today – a published author, counselor, and retired federal judge?Q. How can your story inspire others? Q. I just interviewed a guest who spent five years in prison for a white collar crime. After his experience in prison where most inmates were incarcerated because of illegal drugs, he now believes all such drugs should be legalized; that this would drastically reduce crime and save billions by ending an unwinnable war against illegal drugs. How do you feel about that?Q. Where can people learn more about your work and obtain your book?This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/4719048/advertisement

To watch the video of this episode, please go to: https://youtu.be/mvDBBFVS5vI   What is the link between trauma and addiction? How do you find a recovery program that will work for you? What is the joy of recovery?   Discover the many paths to recovery, inspiration, and hope in the latest episode of Kaleidoscope of Possibilities: Alternative Perspectives on Mental Health, in which Dr. Adriana Popescu talks with Director of She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery, author of From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, and retired judge Mary Beth O'Connor.   You will hear about the power of doing trauma work and how it contributes to the recovery process, the contribution of support groups and how you can create a self-empowered recovery program that works for you.   In this episode: Mary Beth's experience of trauma and abuse growing up Trauma and substance abuse Self-empowered recovery Group therapy  Alternatives to 12-Step programs Online versus in-person groups and sessions Relapse in the recovery process Relapse triggers Isolation, depression, and shame Fellowship Getting away from day zero The joy of recovery Drug courts and drug laws The future of addiction treatment Reducing substance abuse rates   Resources mentioned in this episode:  Mary Beth's book: From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction: https://junkietojudge.com/ Twitter: @MaryBethO_ LifeRing:  https://lifering.org/ She Recovers: https://sherecovers.org/ Women For Sobriety: https://womenforsobriety.org/   About Mary Beth: Mary Beth O'Connor describes her journey in her new memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law and was appointed a federal administrative law judge in 2014, from which she retired in 2020. Mary Beth is on the board of directors for She Recovers Foundation and for LifeRing Secular Recovery.   “There is a way out and there is a way forward.” – Mary Beth   Would you like to continue this conversation and connect with other people who are interested in exploring these topics? Please join us on our Facebook group! (https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaleidoscopeofpossibilitiespodcast/)   About your host: Dr. Adriana Popescu is a clinical psychologist, addiction and trauma specialist, author, speaker and empowerment coach who is based in San Francisco, California and practices worldwide. She is the author of the new book, What If You're Not As F***d Up As You Think You Are?   For more information on Dr. Adriana, her sessions and classes, please visit: https://adrianapopescu.org/ To find the book please visit: https://whatifyourenot.com/ To learn about her new trauma treatment center Firebird Healing, please visit the website: https://www.firebird-healing.com/   You can also follow her on social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrAdrianaPopescu/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradrianapopescu/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-popescu-ph-d-03793 Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/dradrianapopescu Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCflL0zScRAZI3mEnzb6viVA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dradrianapopescu?   Disclaimer: This podcast represents the opinions of Dr. Adriana Popescu and her guests. The content expressed therein should not be taken as psychological or medical advice. The content here is for informational or entertainment purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional for any medical or treatment questions. This website or podcast is not to be used in any legal capacity whatsoever, including but not limited to establishing “standard of care” in any legal sense or as a basis for legal proceedings or expert witness testimony. Listening, reading, emailing, or interacting on social media with our content in no way establishes a client-therapist relationship.

Today Mary Beth shares more of her story and how she chose her memoir's title, 'Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.' We discuss her path to recovery and how it was vital for her to own her story and navigate a recovery path that felt right for her. Mary Beth reads an excerpt from her book! As a retired federal judge, Mary Beth advocates for multiple paths to recovery as a board member for She Recovers, LifeRing Secular Recovery, and on the advisory council for The Hyer Calling Foundation.embracefamilyrecovery #podcast #fromjunkietojudge #MaryBethOconnor #author #recovery #addiction #addictionrecovery #addictionawareness #addictiontreatment #addictions #SheRecovers #LifeRing #HyerCalling #familyrecovery #familyrecoverycoach #familyrecoverycoaching #familyaddiction #familyaddictionrecovery #recoverysupport #recoverysupportgroup #recoverysupportservicesSupport the showClick here to grab your copy of Healthy Strategies for Family Members to Cope and Even Thrive Through Addiction and receive my weekly newsletter. Click the links below to follow me on social media: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn

Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober from methamphetamine and other substances since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse and trauma. The details of her story can be found in her memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. Mary Beth is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She also is a Director and Secretary for She Recovers Foundation.  She develops relationships with organizations supportive of the multiple pathways approach, such as working on joint projects with Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth regularly speaks about her personal story, on behalf of LifeRing and She Recovers, about multiple paths to recovery, and shares her expertise on other substance use and recovery topics. She's appeared on podcasts, radio, and television. She has presented keynotes and workshops at a variety of conferences and events. Mary Beth writes opinion pieces and has been published in The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Recovery Today, among others. She's also had numerous memoir writings published. Professionally, 6 years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014 Mary Beth was appointed an Administrative Law Judge. She retired early in 2020 and now devotes her time to her writing and recovery advocacy. What You'll Learn in This Episode: The interconnectedness of trauma and substance abuse Mary Beth's multi-pronged approach to recovery The challenges she faced in relationships during her recovery Debunking outdated ideas of substance abuse and addiction How Mary Beth went from substance abuse to federal administrative law judge How to combat the stigma of addiction and find hope and healing Links Mentioned in This Episode: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Linked In

TRIGGER WARNING** Today Jeannine interviews Mary Beth O'Connor, retired federal judge, author and recovering addict. Mary Beth's book "From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph over Trauma and Addiction" chronicles the extreme abuse of her childhood, early drug use and ultimately is a guide book for anyone looking to find a recovery that is not centered around a Higher Power concept. About Mary Beth: For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction).  Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old. By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well. Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, ptsd, anxiety, and recovering from these as well. Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020. **depiction of sexual assault and physical and emotional childhood abuse throughout episode Mary Beth website Chasing Heroine IG Jeannine IG

In this episode of the Landmark Recovery Podcast, we are joined by the inspiring Judge Mary Beth O'Connor, who shares her incredible journey from addiction to the bench. We delve into her life story, discussing how she has recovered not only from substance abuse but also from trauma and anxiety. Judge O'Connor provides insight into the importance of addressing multiple issues to sustain recovery and highlights the power of determination in achieving goals and dreams once held back by addiction. After the break, we explore the significance of proper evaluations and learn about LifeRing Secular Recovery, an alternative approach to recovery that emphasizes "Recovery by Any Means for Anyone." - Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994 and has used her recovery as a foundation for remarkable achievements. Six years into her recovery journey, she attended Berkeley Law, went on to work at a large firm, and then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, a position she held until 2020. Mary Beth is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She is a passionate advocate for multiple paths to recovery and frequently speaks to groups such as Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth's op-ed, "I Beat Addiction Without God," describes how she combined ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal. - Follow Landmark Recovery on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok for more content! https://www.facebook.com/LandmarkRecovery/ https://www.instagram.com/landmarkrecovery/ https://twitter.com/landmarkrecover

12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous dominate the recovery space. In fact, when most people think of someone in recovery, they typically assume they are part of a 12-step program. But, what if the traditional 12-step programs don't work for you? For example, if you are an atheist, don't like the idea of a sponsor, or want a program driven by self-empowerment, are there other options? Join us as today's guest, Mary Beth O'Connor, shares with us that 12 steps are not the only choice when it comes to peer support recovery programs. To learn more -- or read the transcript -- please visit the official episode page. Guest Bio Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994. She has also been in recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, a position she held until 2020. Mary Beth is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks about multiple paths to recovery to groups such as Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth's op-ed, "I Beat Addiction Without God," where she described combining ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation, appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Inside Mental Health Podcast Host Gabe Howard is an award-winning writer and speaker who lives with bipolar disorder. He is the author of the popular book, "Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations," available from Amazon; signed copies are also available directly from the author. Gabe makes his home in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. He lives with his supportive wife, Kendall, and a Miniature Schnauzer dog that he never wanted, but now can't imagine life without. To book Gabe for your next event or learn more about him, please visit gabehoward.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994. She has also been in recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, a position she held until 2020.Mary Beth is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks about multiple paths to recovery, to groups such as Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth's op-ed, “I Beat Addiction Without God,” where she described combining ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation, appeared in the Wall Street Journal. Her new book, "From Junkie to Judge, One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction" will be released January 24th.In This EpisodeMary Beth's websiteFrom Junkie to Judge, One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, Mary Beth O'Connor.---What's new with The Trauma Therapist Project!The Trauma 5: gold nuggets from my 600+ interviewsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/5739761/advertisement

Show Notes  Today's guest, Judge Mary Beth O'Conner has recently released her new book, From Junkie to Judge, where she offers, not only hope, but tactics to create your own Robust Recovery Program.  Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994. She has also been in recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law School. She worked at a large law firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, a position she held until 2020. Mary Beth is serious about sobriety and helping others recover from addictive substance abuse. She is a director and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation, and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She speaks regularly about multiple paths to recovery. Mary Beth's Wall Street Journal op-ed, "I Beat Addiction Without God," is where she describes how to combine ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation. As you might imagine, this is a subject we discuss on the show. LINKS Please enjoy Judge Mary Beth O'Conner's new book, From Junkie to Judge. Also check out Mary Beth's recommended recovery workbook: Recovery by Choice, A LifeRing Workbook

From a junkie addicted to methamphetamines to a federal judge, Mary Beth O'Connor's memoir shares her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Mary Beth O'Connor has been sober since 1994. She has also been in recovery from abuse, trauma, and anxiety. Six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, which position she held until 2020. Mary Beth is a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks about multiple paths to recovery, to groups such as Women for Sobriety. Learn More at: https://junkietojudge.com/

For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith-based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, ptsd, anxiety, and recovering from these as well.Mary Beth's book-length memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bamm, Indie Bound, and other sites, and at your local bookstore.  She also has placed essays in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today. Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020.WEBSITE: https://junkietojudge.com/For more Info on LIFE RING:https://lifering.org/For more info on She Recovers: https://sherecovers.org/Support the show Stop by our Apple Podcast and drop a Review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/allbetter/id1592297425?see-all=reviewsSupport The Showhttps://www.patreon.com/allbetter

Mary Beth O'Connor has been clean and sober since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse and trauma. The details of her story can be found in her memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, where she describes the child abuse that led her to use methamphetamine beginning at 17, the chaos of her 15-year addiction, and building an individual recovery plan that worked for her. Mary Beth is a Director and Secretary for She Recovers Foundation and is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks on behalf of LifeRing, She Recovers, and multiple paths to recovery. She also develops relationships with organizations supportive of the multiple pathways approach, such as participating in San Francisco's Methamphetamine Task Force, and working on joint projects with Women for Sobriety. Mary Beth has had numerous essays and memoir writings published, such as in The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Recovery Today. Professionally, six years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed an Administrative Law Judge. She recently retired, so she could devote her time to her writing and recovery advocacy. Her new book is From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. From a junkie addicted to methamphetamines to a federal judge, Mary Beth's memoir shares her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Within a week of being born, O'Connor was dropped off at a convent. When she was brought into her home, her mother focused on her own needs and desires, ignoring her young child. When she was nine years old, her stepfather kicked her in the stomach for spilling milk, beat her when she didn't clean a plate to his satisfaction, and molested her when she was 12. A few months later, with her first sip of Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill wine, her life changed. She felt euphoric and relaxed. So she got drunk as often as possible, adding pot, then pills, then acid. At 16, she found her drug of choice--methamphetamine. With her first snort, she felt that she experienced true joy for the first time. When this high was no longer sufficient, she turned to the needle and shot up. During the next 16 years, she descended into a severe meth addiction, working her way down the corporate ladder, destroying relationships, and shattering her physical and emotional well-being. At 32, she entered rehab, where she was ordered to submit to the 12-steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. As an atheist, turning her will and her life over to a higher power was not an option, and she refused to agree she was powerless. Told to comply or fail, she bravely created a new path that combined ideas from multiple programs and even incorporated some AA concepts. Clean and sober now for nearly three decades, she is proof that anyone can find their sober self, their best self, no matter how far they have fallen. Along with her inspiring story, she offers a comprehensive checklist of questions for readers to ask themselves, as they take the brave steps toward recovery, offering a powerful blueprint for personal change. To become her best version, she uses patience and prioritizing. Learn more at the links below: From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction junkietojudge.com @MaryBethO_ (LinkedIn and twitter) --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/maria-leonard-olsen/support

Mary Beth O'Connor went from running from the law as a methamphetamine abuser to handing down the law as a judge. Now twenty nine years in recovery, Mary Beth chronicles her incredible story in her new memoir,  From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.   In this episode, Mary Beth talks about her perspective on multiple pathways to recovery, her work for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation, why she claims "Junkie" as part of her identity, and the ultimate beauty of serving those in recovery.  

Kathryn interviews Author Betsy Hill.Every parent of a school-aged child knows students are struggling. Seventy percent of students aren't performing sufficiently at grade level. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that reading and math scores for fourth graders in 2022, following the pandemic, dropped to levels not seen in two decades, with the greatest decline in students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Award-winning 'Neuroeducator Betsy Hill is committed to helping children achieve their fullest learning potential by using tested and proven neuroscience. She and co-author Roger Stark bring forth the guide to helping parents understand how brains learn and how their child's brain learns best, empowering parents like never before. Hill teaches strategic thinking at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management holds an MA in Teaching and an MBA from Northwestern University.Kathryn also interviews Author Mary Beth O'Connor.Meet former meth addict-turned-federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor, author of From Junkie to Judge who details her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Mary Beth shares her remarkable three-phase journey: the abuse and trauma that drove her to teenage drug use, the chaos that ensued from her addiction; and how she developed a personalized secular recovery plan that led to 29+ years of sobriety. After attending Berkeley Law, in 2014 she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, which position she held until 2020. She's a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.

Kathryn interviews Author Betsy Hill.Every parent of a school-aged child knows students are struggling. Seventy percent of students aren't performing sufficiently at grade level. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that reading and math scores for fourth graders in 2022, following the pandemic, dropped to levels not seen in two decades, with the greatest decline in students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Award-winning 'Neuroeducator Betsy Hill is committed to helping children achieve their fullest learning potential by using tested and proven neuroscience. She and co-author Roger Stark bring forth the guide to helping parents understand how brains learn and how their child's brain learns best, empowering parents like never before. Hill teaches strategic thinking at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management holds an MA in Teaching and an MBA from Northwestern University.Kathryn also interviews Author Mary Beth O'Connor.Meet former meth addict-turned-federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor, author of From Junkie to Judge who details her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Mary Beth shares her remarkable three-phase journey: the abuse and trauma that drove her to teenage drug use, the chaos that ensued from her addiction; and how she developed a personalized secular recovery plan that led to 29+ years of sobriety. After attending Berkeley Law, in 2014 she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, which position she held until 2020. She's a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.

Kathryn interviews Author Betsy Hill.Every parent of a school-aged child knows students are struggling. Seventy percent of students aren't performing sufficiently at grade level. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that reading and math scores for fourth graders in 2022, following the pandemic, dropped to levels not seen in two decades, with the greatest decline in students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Award-winning 'Neuroeducator Betsy Hill is committed to helping children achieve their fullest learning potential by using tested and proven neuroscience. She and co-author Roger Stark bring forth the guide to helping parents understand how brains learn and how their child's brain learns best, empowering parents like never before. Hill teaches strategic thinking at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management holds an MA in Teaching and an MBA from Northwestern University.Kathryn also interviews Author Mary Beth O'Connor.Meet former meth addict-turned-federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor, author of From Junkie to Judge who details her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Mary Beth shares her remarkable three-phase journey: the abuse and trauma that drove her to teenage drug use, the chaos that ensued from her addiction; and how she developed a personalized secular recovery plan that led to 29+ years of sobriety. After attending Berkeley Law, in 2014 she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, which position she held until 2020. She's a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.

Kathryn interviews Author Betsy Hill.Every parent of a school-aged child knows students are struggling. Seventy percent of students aren't performing sufficiently at grade level. The National Center for Educational Statistics reports that reading and math scores for fourth graders in 2022, following the pandemic, dropped to levels not seen in two decades, with the greatest decline in students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). Award-winning 'Neuroeducator Betsy Hill is committed to helping children achieve their fullest learning potential by using tested and proven neuroscience. She and co-author Roger Stark bring forth the guide to helping parents understand how brains learn and how their child's brain learns best, empowering parents like never before. Hill teaches strategic thinking at Lake Forest Graduate School of Management holds an MA in Teaching and an MBA from Northwestern University.Kathryn also interviews Author Mary Beth O'Connor.Meet former meth addict-turned-federal judge Mary Beth O'Connor, author of From Junkie to Judge who details her inspiring journey from rock bottom to resilience as she forged a personal path to recovery from trauma and addiction. Mary Beth shares her remarkable three-phase journey: the abuse and trauma that drove her to teenage drug use, the chaos that ensued from her addiction; and how she developed a personalized secular recovery plan that led to 29+ years of sobriety. After attending Berkeley Law, in 2014 she was appointed a federal administrative law judge, which position she held until 2020. She's a director, secretary, and founding investor for She Recovers Foundation and a director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.

Welcome guest Mary Beth O'Connor! Author of Junkie to Judge: One Women's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, available here https://amzn.to/3DTWtND For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old. By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well. Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation. She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, ptsd, anxiety, and recovering from these as well. Mary Beth's book-length memoir, From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bamm, Indie Bound, and other sites, and at your local bookstore. She also has placed essays in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today. Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020. https://junkietojudge.com/ If you like the Podcast, you may also like my other offerings! Check out my Coaching Courses, my Webinars, my Tiktoks, my Book, 1:1 sessions, etc. available here https://linktr.ee/cloudedcompass

Pawley and Michele discuss some tweets and then welcome Mary Beth O'Connor to the pod. She's been sober since 1994 and her new book "From Junkie to Judge" has just been released. She also has placed essays in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, the Los Angeles Times, and Recovery Today. Mary Beth is  a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, and anxiety. To learn more about Mary Beth, visit:  www.Junkietojudge.comTo learn more about Recoverycast, visit:  www.recoverycast.org

From Junkie to Judge with Mary Beth O'Connor Untapped Keg Ep 134Do you want to be a part of the show? Go to www.UntappedKeg.com/Community and let us know what your daily mantra or affirmation is to help you get through tough times! You can do so anonymous or read it yourself to hear your voice on the show!Mary Beth has been sober from a meth use disorder since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse and trauma. Her history and her recovery are chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. Mary Beth is a Director, Secretary, and Founding Investor for She Recovers Foundation. She also is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. Mary Beth also has had opinion pieces published, including in the Wall Street Journal. Professionally, 6 years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014 she was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge from which position she retired early in 2020. The very FIRST endorsement for a coach is Jake Yoder of Natural High's Recovery! You can schedule a FREE call with Jake to see if you both would be a fit to work together here: https://calendly.com/naturalhighs/untapped-keg-podcastCheck out Mary Beth's links here:WebsiteLinkedINBookCheck out Untapped Keg's website where you can find all the episodes and social media at: Join The Community: Be Part of the SHOW!!!WebsiteTwitterInstagramYouTubeTime Stamps:0:00 Intro5:00 Mary Beth's Story12:00 Mary Beth's Recovery15:00 Finding Mary Beth17:00 Finding Your Passion25:00 Mary Beth's Mental Health Recovery34:00 Mary Beth, Boundaries, and Giving Yourself Permission43:00 Mary Beth the Author47:00 Mary Beth's Final MessageIf you want some Untapped Keg merch be sure to check out:MerchNeed Help? Dial 988 or:Call Foundations Recovery Networks:confidential and private line at: 877-714-1318 Nationwide Residential & Outpatient Facilities:National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255 Games and Online Harrassment Hotline: Just text "SUPPORT" to 23368

Mary Beth has been sober since 1994, after spending many years as an IV meth addict. She also is in recovery from abuse, trauma, self-harm, ptsd, and anxiety. Her history and her recovery are chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. In August 2020, Mary Beth had an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, I Beat Addiction without God, where she described combining ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation. Mary Beth is a Director, Secretary, and Founding Investor for She Recovers Foundation. She also is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery. She also develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety. She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. Professionally, 6 years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014 she was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge from which position she retired early in 2020.

My guest has been clean and sober since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse, trauma, self-harm, ptsd, and anxiety. Her history and her recovery are chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction. She is also a Director, Secretary, and Founding Investor for She Recovers Foundation. Additionally, she is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. This includes conferences, podcasts, radio, and recovery houses. She also develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety. https://junkietojudge.com/http://www.yourlotandparcel.org

Before she was the Honorable Mary Beth O'Connor, administrative law judge, she was a woman who struggled mightily with an addiction to methamphetamine for over a decade. This was the result of prolonged childhood abuse that was never acknowledged or treated, leaving her to fend for herself in trying to cope. Drugs became that mechanism. After initially being introduced to the 12-Step model, Mary Beth was resistant to buy in completely because she was an atheist who did not like the idea of relying on a higher power for her recovery; thus, she carved out a path that suited her needs and provided her with recovery tools that were personalized. Mary Beth became Judge O'Connor years later and became a staunch proponent advocate, and board member of treatment programs that encourage personalized treatment goals, plans, and strategies. She retired from the bench in 2020 but still serves on the board of She Recovers Foundation and LifeRing Secular Recovery. Purchase Judge O'Connor's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Junkie-Judge-Womans-Triumph-Addiction/dp/0757324568 Follow Judge O'Connor on Twitter @MaryBethO_

In this episode, we discuss:Mary Beth's recovery from abuse, trauma, self-harm, PTSD, and anxietyThe relationship between trauma and addictionChoosing a secular path to recoveryWhy there is no “one-size-fits-all” path to recoveryHer triumphant story from "junkie to judge"The false hierarchy of addictionEnding the stigmaMary Beth has been clean and sober since 1994. She also is in recovery from abuse, trauma, self-harm, ptsd, and anxiety. Her history and her recovery are chronicled in her memoir From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction.Mary Beth is a Director, Secretary, and Founding Investor for She Recovers Foundation. She also is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.She regularly speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple and secular paths to recovery. This includes conferences, podcasts, radio, and recovery houses. She also develops relationships with other organizations, such as Women for Sobriety.In August 2020, Mary Beth had an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal, I Beat Addiction without God, where she described combining ideas from several secular programs to create a robust recovery foundation. In November 2020 she had an op-ed published in the Philadelphia Inquirer in support of a safe injection site, I was a federal judge, and I support Safehouse. Here's why. Mary Beth's memoir writings have been published in Memoir Magazine, Awakenings, The Noyo River Review, The Fault Zone, Carry the Light, and Ravens Perch. Professionally, 6 years into her recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014 she was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge from which position she retired early in 2020.Website: junkietojudge.comTwitter: @MaryBethO_Book: From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction: O'Connor, Mary Beth: 9780757324567: AmazonSmile: Books__If you're looking for support with your sobriety, be sure to check out the Holistic Sober Living Course, starting this month. This 8-week guided group program is designed to help you quit drinking a begin building a fulfilling life alcohol free. See link below for details:sunandmoonsoberliving.com/holistic-sober-living-courseFollow @sunandmoon.soberliving for more free resources and inspirationDisclaimer: The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

In this episode, we meet Robert Stump who has been the Executive Director of LifeRing Secular Recovery since 2012 when the founder, Marty Nicholas stepped down. In this episode Robert shares his personal story of recovery and how he found LifeRing to support him in his sobriety. His journey began in 1997 when the only […]

Creating Wellness From Within is a podcast devoted to empowering you to live your best life by taking accountability for your own personal wellness … brought to you in part by Integrated Health Systems located in Denver, CO. Women in particular have a tendency to take care of everyone else around them first, while putting their own self care and wellness on the back burner. This podcast is designed to give you actionable advice and tools to help you power up your own wellness journey, and live the best life possible!I am your host, Amy Zellmer. I am editor-in-chief of MN YOGA + Life magazine & The Brain Health Magazine, and author of several books. Additionally I am passionate about yoga, photography, wellness, and all things glittery! You can find out more about me at www.creatingwellnessfromwithin.comFollow me on: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter         Today's guest is: Mary Beth O'ConnorFor Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has accrued 27 years of sobriety. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation. She speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple paths to recovery.In 2020, Mary Beth published two opinion pieces about substance use disorder and recovery in major national publications.She has published memoir pieces and completed a book-length memoir. Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020.junkietojudge.comENJOYING THIS PODCAST?Consider supporting the podcast for $5 a month through Patreon.

President/CEO Woman for Sobriety Adrienne Miller and former Administrative Law Judge Mary Beth O'Connor of LifeRing Secular Recovery & She Recovers Foundation join us on this week's Recovery Matters podcast! In August 2020, Mary Beth had an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, I Beat Addiction without God, where she described building a personal recovery plan by combining ideas from various programs which included Woman for Sobriety. That led to her meeting Adrienne. and from there they teamed up to speak about multiple pathways that can be taken towards recovery.

Join Alex as she speaks to one of LifeRing's Board Members, Mary Beth O'Connor to learn more about what LifeRing Secular Recovery is, what is has to offer, and how it differs from 12 step programs.

I'm not going to lie…this episode will blow you away. Today Adrienne Miller and Mary Beth O'Connor join me to share their powerful stories about their journey to a substance-free life. And equally as important the joy found on the other side of their courageous journeys.Leaders in the national movement to change the faces and stigmas of recovery, this conversation focuses on women's empowerment. We also explore:  Adrienne started using alcohol and other drugs to cope with childhood trauma, severe stress, and lifelong mental health challenges at the age of 14. She spent the next 16 years drug-hopping and at 30 years old, found herself divorced, failing out of college, and severely dependent on alcohol and marijuana. Finally recognizing that her drug use had changed from being the solution to all her problems to becoming a problem itself, she joined Women for Sobriety (WFS) in 2009. After some initial false starts, she has been living a substance-free life since 2010. In recovery, Adrienne rediscovered the joy of volunteerism through Seattle Area Support Groups (SASG – now Peer Seattle). She served as a peer support group facilitator for both SASG and WFS before becoming a Peer Recovery Coach. She returned to university and received her BA in Psychology, then went on to receive additional education in chemical dependency counseling. Adrienne was invited to serve on the Board of Directors of WFS and SASG and has served as Vice President for both organizations. She was appointed President/CEO of Women for Sobriety in 2018 and has dedicated herself to empowering the women that use the New Life Program to help run the organization and expand its reach, bringing WFS back into the national recovery conversation.Adrienne has used her New Life confidence in public speaking, including giving the Keynote Address at the 2013 Seattle AIDS Walk to thousands of rain-soaked walkers. She has appeared on multiple podcasts on behalf of WFS, including the Beyond Addiction Show, Soberful, and SoberSoul Recovery. Adrienne appeared on Mental Health Mondays by She Recovers has presented multiple webinars through the Cigna Behavioral Awareness Series: Coping with Substance Use Disorders.For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has accrued 27 years of sobriety. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation. She speaks on behalf of these organizations and about multiple paths to recovery.In 2020, Mary Beth published two opinion pieces about substance use disorder and recovery in major national publications.She has published memoir pieces and completed a book-length memoir.  Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020.To learn more about Mary Beth and Adrienne and the organizations they work with check out: www.womenforsobriety.orghttps://wfsonline.orgwww.facebook.com/WomenForSobriety/www.instagram.com/womenforsobriety/https://twitter.com/wfs4ccontact@womenforsobriety.orgMary Beth's website: www.junkietojudge.comLifeRing: www.lifering.orgShe Recovers Foundation: www.sherecovers.org

Mary Beth O'Connor is a retired Administrative Law Judge who has been clean and sober for 27 years. Substance use disorder is only part of her story as she is also in recovery from abuse and trauma. Mary Beth currently serves as the Director and Secretary for She Recovers Foundation and is a Director for LifeRing Secular Recovery.In August 2020, Mary Beth had an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, I Beat Addiction without God. And in November 2020 she had an op-ed published in the Philadelphia Inquirer in support of a safe injection site, I was a federal judge, and I support Safehouse. Here's why.Mary Beth's memoir writings have been published in Memoir Magazine, Awakenings, The Noyo River Review, The Fault Zone, Carry the Light, and Ravens Perch. She is working on a full-length memoir with the working title From Junkie to Judge: Recovery without God.Mary Beth can be reached at marybeth@junkietojudge.com and her website is junkietojudge.com.Episode ResourcesShe Recovers Foundation | sherecovers.orgLife Ring Secular Recovery | lifering.orgSecular Organizations for Sobriety | www.sossobriety.orgI Beat Addiction Without God  | www.wsj.com/articles/i-beat-addiction-without-god-11597360535?mod=article_inlineI Was a Federal Judge  and I Support Safehouse, Here's Why | www.inquirer.com/opinion/commentary/safehouse-safe-injection-site-philadelphia-opioids-overdose-20201127.htmlConnect with Mary Beth O'ConnorJunkie to Judge Website |  junkietojudge.comConnect with The Courage to ChangePodcast Website | lionrock.life/couragetochangepodcastPodcast Instagram | @couragetochange_podcastPodcast Facebook | @thecouragetochangepodcastPodcast Email | podcast@lionrock.lifeYouTube | The Courage to Change PlaylistLionrock ResourcesLionrock Life Mobile App | lionrock.life/mobile-appSupport Group Meeting Schedule | lionrock.life/meetings

I was able to talk with Robert Stump about the LifeRing Secular Recovery Organization.  For more info click below to visit there website!LifeRing info:Website: Click HereBook Store: Click HereFind a Meeting: Click HereBecome a Patreon and help support this show!Click Here to make your pledge: Support Us!Visit our website:Click Here: The Drunken Worm PodcastFollow us on:FacebookTwitterInstagramFind us on these streaming apps:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon MusiciHeartRadio#thedrunkenwormpodcast #addiction #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelife #beer #cleanandsober #firefighter #firstresponders #policeofficers #mentalhealth #motivation #onedayatatime #recovery #recoveryispossible #selfcare #selflove #sober #soberaf #sobercurious #soberissexy #soberlife #soberlifestyle #soberliving #sobermovement #sobernation Buzzsprout AdBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Heres a sneak peak of this weeks episode! Don't forget to follow and catch our full show on Friday's. LifeRing Links:Main Website: https://lifering.orgBook Store: https://lifering.org/the-store-menu/Meeting Finder: https://lifering.org/meeting-menu/Visit our website:Click Here: The Drunken Worm PodcastFollow us on:FacebookTwitterInstagramYouTubeFind us on these streaming apps:Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsAmazon MusiciHeartRadio#thedrunkenwormpodcast #LifeRing #addiction #alcoholfree #alcoholfreelife #beer #cleanandsober #firefighter #firstresponders #policeofficers #mentalhealth #motivation #onedayatatime #recovery #recoveryispossible #selfcare #selflove #sober #soberaf #sobercurious #soberissexy #soberlife #soberlifestyle #soberliving #sobermovement #sobernation #sobriety Buzzsprout AdBuzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREE Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched! Start for FREEDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show

Mary Beth O'Connor is a Berkeley Law graduate, a retired federal judge, Board member and secretary for She Recovers Foundation and is a board member of LifeRing Secular Recovery. Mary Beth started using Methamphetamine in high school and was an addict for sixteen years. She was ordered to surrender to a higher power on her first day in rehab, even though she didn't believe in God. Being an atheist in a 12-step world forced her to forge her own path out of addiction. She believes the saga of how she transitioned from junkie to judge can provide hope and guidance in this time of increasing secularity and with the streets again flooded with meth. https://junkietojudge.com/ Special Thanks To Our Sponsors: Voyage et Cie: Voyage et Cie's curator Melanie Apple has cultivated a passion for notable moments using the sense of smell. Voyage et Cie is the ultimate luxury blend of travel, fragrance, and design. Each original fragrance is created by Melanie, 100% organic and natural which will transport you on a journey. Visit https://www.voyageetcie.com/ and enter the code: theonlyone to get your 10% off your purchase! Be sure not to miss our weekly full episodes on Tuesdays, Scott Talks on Wednesdays and our brand new series On My Nightstand on Fridays by subscribing to the show wherever you listen to podcasts.  Join our Only One In The Room Facebook Group if you'd like to ask a question of any of our upcoming guests for this series.  Also visit the website www.theonlyonepod.com for the latest from our host Laura Cathcart Robbins like featured articles and more. We love hearing from you in the comments on iTunes and while you're there don't forget to rate us, subscribe and share the show! All of us at The Only One In The Room wish you safety and wellness during this challenging time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices