12S4E: The 12 Steps for Everyone

Episode 61 - National Wellness Month

Denise and Jackie kick off May by highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. Jackie shares her current challenges as she nears the end of her first year in grad school, discussing her adjustment to a new medication, Lexapro, which has been making her feel exceptionally tired. She emphasizes the importance of basic needs, eating, sleeping, and staying hydrated, as foundational to her well-being during stressful finals and practicum hours. The conversation shifts to visual planning tools, where Denise discusses her "Big Ass Calendar" used to visualize the entire year's workload and social capital to prevent burnout. They explore productivity insights from business literature, focusing on "subtracting" tasks rather than adding more to streamline professional life. The duo also delves into the necessity of radical honesty in the workplace, debating the effectiveness of the "compliment sandwich" and how socialization often prevents direct communication. Ultimately, they remind listeners to be proactive rather than reactive in their leadership and personal lives. The episode closes with their signature gratitude practice and a reminder that being attuned to your body's needs is a vital tool in any mental health toolkit. Key Times: * 00:01:53 Jackie’s experience adjusting to Lexapro and body attunement * 00:06:21 Explaining "practicum" in a Master's of Social Work program * 00:10:05 Visualization tools: The "Big Ass Calendar" on the office wall * 00:13:02 Productivity through subtraction: Insights from business literature * 00:16:15 Start with yourself: Challenging standard professional noise * 00:18:40 Radical honesty: Telling the whole truth in professional settings * 00:23:50 The "Compliment Sandwich" vs. direct communication * 00:27:10 Socialization and sparing feelings: A gendered perspective * 00:33:45 Final thoughts on triaging work stress and proactive planning * 00:38:37 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathing Topics Covered: * Mental Health Awareness Month and its timely arrival * Navigating medication side effects and timing for functional wellness * The H.A.L.T. acronym and checking in with primal needs (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) * Graduate school demands: Final papers, knowledge assessments, and practicum hours * Overcoming the stigma of seeking help in higher education (The Writing Center) * Visualizing the workflow: Google Calendar vs. physical wall calendars for long-term planning * The concept of "Subtraction" for efficiency: Doing less to achieve more * Triage in the workplace: Distinguishing between "essential" tasks and "noise" * Gender dynamics in communication: Why women often spare feelings at the cost of honesty Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA] (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: * Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la * Follow Denise: @denise.freed * Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone * Follow us on Tik Tok: @12stepsforeveryone

Episode 60 - Savoring Joy

Jackie and Denise are back after a brief hiatus with a fresh perspective and a new name for the podcast: 12 Steps for Everyone. In this episode, they catch up on their recent travels and personal growth journeys. Jackie discusses the "humble pie" of navigating her first year of grad school, adjusting to new medication, and the beauty of a wedding in Mexico City. Denise shares her restorative solo weekend in Santa Barbara, featuring an inspiring talk by Esther Perel, a playful encounter with an octopus, and the transformative power of "savoring the moment". They also explore the principles of Step 6, vulnerability in recovery, and Denise’s new commitment to financial clarity. TOPICS COVERED * The Rebrand: Transitioning from Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for Everyone to better reflect their mission. * Step 6: Recognizing thoughts and behaviors that no longer serve the greater good. * Academic Pressure: Jackie’s experience with grad school finals and managing productivity. * Mental Health & Medication: Navigating the side effects of Lexapro and finding a functional routine. * Solo Exploration: Denise’s Santa Barbara itinerary, including a stay in a Montecito casita. * Connection & AI: Insights from Esther Perel’s talk at Godmother's bookstore regarding relationships in the digital age. * Vulnerability in Community: The emotional safety of 12-step meetings and seeing men express emotion. * The Science of Happiness: Savoring moments of joy as a tool for rewiring the brain, inspired by Laurie Santos. * Financial Frontier: Denise’s new 12-week course to bring "grown-up" clarity to her unexamined finances. * Women's Sports: The excitement of supporting Angel City FC and the rise of women’s athletics. KEY TIMESTAMPS * 00:00:03: Welcome to the newly renamed podcast, 12 Steps for Everyone. * 00:02:12: Introduction to Step 6 and behaviors that no longer serve us. * 00:03:45: Jackie on finals, brain fog, and the "urgency" of productivity. * 00:08:42: Reflecting on the first year of grad school in the Midwest. * 00:10:04: Denise’s trip to Santa Barbara and Esther Perel at Godmother's bookstore. * 00:16:30: A fascinating look at intimacy and the beginnings of AI relationships. * 00:19:30: Shared vulnerability at a Saturday morning meeting in Montecito. * 00:20:50: Visiting the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden and playing with an octopus. * 00:24:21: Thrifting a jacket at a resale store on State Street. * 00:25:25: Restoring the spirit in a Himalayan salt cave and sound bath. * 00:26:36: Lunch at La Super-Rica and a sweet encounter with the owner. * 00:29:20: The importance of "savoring the moment" for nervous system health. * 00:36:40: Denise’s new financial coach and the resistance to doing inventory. * 00:43:00: Celebrating the joy of Angel City FC and women’s sports. Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCAhttps://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA [https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA] (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST; please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: * Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la * Follow Denise: @denise.freed * Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone * Follow us on Tik Tok: @12stepsforeveryone

Episode 59 - Ocean's Apart

In Episode 59, Denise and Jackie celebrate a massive milestone: Denise’s 40th anniversary of sobriety. From office surprises with Martinelli’s to heartfelt messages from her community, Denise reflects on the vast difference between her life today and the "bedraggled" 19-year-old she was during the 1984 LA Olympics. As the city prepares for the 2028 games, she shares the joy of being a functioning, "eagle-eyed" professional who can finally enjoy the world with clarity and presence. The duo also dives into the nuances of success and education. With both of Denise’s daughters now in grad school, they discuss the "full circle" beauty of academic achievement in a family where earlier generations didn't have the same access. Denise opens up about her past shame regarding her own unconventional education and how she has come to embrace her unique way of learning and leading. Plus, they touch on the intersection of Passover and Easter, the importance of being a "vault" for others, and why mental health remains a vital practice. Key Times: * 00:01:33 Denise’s 40-year sobriety milestone and office celebrations * 00:06:50 The Full Circle Olympics: Comparing 1984 vs. 2028 * 00:10:40 Navigating sugar cravings and coping mechanisms in recovery * 00:20:16 Grad school, breaking generational cycles, and Ocean Vuong * 00:23:56 Earned success: Being "Eagle Eyes Freed" in the workplace * 00:32:30 Embracing different learning styles and letting go of academic shame * 00:36:30 Being "The Vault": Trustworthiness and listening to Fifth Steps * 00:45:37 Family, holidays, and the joy of gluten-free masa * 00:51:53 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathing Topics Covered: * Celebrating 40 years of sobriety and reflections on long-term recovery * The excitement of the 2028 LA Olympics pre-sale * Substitutions in recovery: Managing sugar, coffee, and nicotine * The generational impact of education and academic achievement * Professional growth and pattern recognition ("Eagle Eyes") * Overcoming shame related to traditional education paths * The responsibility and honor of being a "safe person" for others' secrets * Merging family traditions: Passover, Easter, and cultural heritage * Self-care as a form of gratitude and the importance of hydration Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCAhttps://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA [https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA] (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST; please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: * Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la * Follow Denise: @denise.freed * Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone * Follow us on Tik Tok: @12stepsforeveryone

Episode 58 - Universal Mother

In Episode 58, Denise and Jackie welcome listeners to the podcast’s new era as 12 Steps for Everyone. Moving away from the name "Emergency Protocol," the mother-daughter duo explains how these steps serve as guardrails for both recovery and mental health, whether you're taking it one day at a time or just trying to conquer "Laundry Mountain". Recorded on the first day of spring, the conversation focuses on Step 5: sharing our inventory with vulnerability, integrity, and a safe, trustworthy person. They explore how an outside perspective helps us identify our own part in a "mess", where we might be overstepping or where we are shirking responsibility. Jackie shares a timely experience of facing uncomfortable accountability in therapy, while Denise reflects on her upcoming milestone of 40 years of sobriety. The episode also highlights the importance of being a "vault" for others and the power of emptying the "shame box" to realize we are never truly alone in our experiences. From the spiritual concept of the "Universal Mother" to spreading whimsy with "silly critters," they remind us that maintaining mental health is a powerful form of resistance. They close with their signature gratitude practice and a reminder to drink some water. Key Times: * 00:00:03 Welcome to "12 Steps for Everyone": The podcast rebrand * 00:01:43 Step 5: Vulnerability, integrity, and finding a safe person * 00:03:11 Identifying "our part": Finding clarity through external perspectives * 00:05:17 Jackie’s therapy update: The discomfort of accountability with Mina * 00:07:03 Learning to be "the vault": The responsibility of being a trustworthy listener * 00:08:22 Emptying the "shame box": Breaking isolation through shared secrets * 00:11:15 Denise’s milestone: 40 years of sobriety and evolving support networks * 00:12:15 Mutual sponsorship: Navigating long-term recovery connections * 00:23:09 The "Universal Mother": Trusting that things work out for you * 00:27:33 Spreading joy with "silly critters" and mini ducks * 00:31:00 Mental health as a form of resistance * 00:34:46 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathing Topics Covered: * The rebrand from Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for Everyone * Step 5: Sharing your inventory with vulnerability and integrity * Accountability in therapy and sponsorship * The importance of being a "vault" and a trustworthy confidant * Breaking the isolation of shame by sharing the "darkness" * Navigating long-term sobriety and "mutual sponsorship" * The concept of the "Universal Mother" during travel shenanigans * Spreading whimsy and joy through "silly critters" * Mental health as resistance and the importance of practical self-care * Closing gratitude and breathing practice Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCAhttps://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA [https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA] (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST; please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: * Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la * Follow Denise: @denise.freed * Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone * Follow us on Tik Tok: @12stepsforeveryone

Episode 57 - Step 1 Okayness

In Episode 57, Denise and Jackie share the big news: Emergency Protocol is officially shifting to "12 Steps for Everyone" to better represent their cohesive mission and why they do what they do. The mother-daughter duo uses this transition as a jumping-off point to dive into Step One of their reimagined 12 steps: admitting that we are not okay, we have not been okay, and we aren't getting better on our own. The conversation explores the reality of navigating major life transitions, from family health scares and grief to "Mercury Gatorade" (retrograde) communication mishaps, and how identifying our personal "tells" can help us manage heavy seasons without completely unraveling. They also touch on the "rigamarole" of finding mental health providers and how staying connected to a higher power often starts with simple rituals and noticing "angel numbers" like 11:11 in our daily lives. Ultimately, they remind us to practice an "economy of effort" and recognize when the most spiritual thing we can do is simply rest or find quiet in a puzzle, closing with their signature gratitude practice and a simple but powerful message: You’re a miracle. Key Times: 00:00:50 Shifting focus: From Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for Everyone 00:01:16 Navigating "Mercury Gatorade" (Retrograde) and communication mishaps 00:03:49 Step One: Admitting "we're not okay" and we can't do it alone 00:05:32 Jackie's experience with grief, brain fog, and identifying a "tell" 00:07:02 Leaning into support: Therapy, insurance miracles, and university care 00:08:51 Connecting to a higher power through 11:11 and "angel numbers" 00:09:43 Denise's juggle: Family health, workaholism, and being present 00:14:21 The economy of effort and the power of focusing on the present 00:15:15 Looking back: Admitting powerlessness vs. the illusion of control 00:18:26 Regulating the nervous system through puzzles and the concept of rest 00:29:29 The closing gratitude practice and deep breathing 00:30:00 "You're a miracle. Drink some water." Topics Covered: - The official transition from Emergency Protocol to 12 Steps for Everyone - Surviving "Mercury Gatorade" and communication glitches - Step One: Acknowledging powerlessness and the need for support - Processing grief and family health crises in real-time - Navigating the "rigamarole" of finding mental health providers - Staying connected to a higher power through angel numbers and rituals - Balancing workaholism with the "economy of effort" - Using puzzles and the radical concept of rest to regulate the nervous system Join our upcoming meetings: https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCAhttps://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA [https://forms.gle/4VxnNUnev1RoRJMCA] (Zoom meeting on Saturday at 10am PST, the meeting is password-protected so please fill out the form to receive the link and password!) Follow Us: 1. Follow Jackie: jackiefreed.la 2. Follow Denise: @denise.freed 3. Follow us on Instagram: @12stepsforeveryone 4. Follow us on TikTok: @12stepsforeveryone