Episode 35 - Life in a Very, Very, Very Small Town

Episode 35 - Life in a Very, Very, Very Small Town

Content Note: This episode explicitly mentions sexual assault. Please take gentle care when listening.  If you're struggling with Sexual Assault or Abuse, text the word HOPE to 64673. They'll help, I promise. <3 --------------------------------------  Ooof, this one is a tough one <3 Everything was going fine - you know, just the regular stuff: sex, drugs, strip clubs, and bong riffs. And then, towards the end of the episode, I have an epiphany and you will hear me having a spiritual experience in real time. Vulnerability hangover, here I COME! I start this episode with a heartbreaking letter to my amazing boyfriend, trying to explain why I have been so distant lately. It turns out that divorce still impacts kids, even when they're all grown up.  >_< Also, it turns out I'm super gay. I'm healing from my car accident and only working part-time. I'm out of high school but haven't decided on college. My boyfriend is alternating between being mad at me and loving me so much I can't take it. I spend an awesome week in Florida with Corey and his family. My sister moves out. My Dad and I bond. I know I need to come out soon but I'm still very much in the closet. (As in, I'm making out with girls in closets.) Then, I get a visit from someone from my past that rocks me. It rocks me again to read about it now.

Episode 34 - I Never Want to Go Home

Content Note: This episode mentions suicidal ideation, suicide, drug abuse, a car accident, and mental health in a way that might be hard for some listeners. Please take gentle care. If you're in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime. --- In this episode, I dive headfirst into something I was avoiding during my last episode.  In the summer of 2016, on the cusp of adulthood, my mother left. I thought I remembered it correctly, but reading back on these diaries, I realize my memories aren't my memories. My memories. It's such a strange sensation to read what's true instead of what I've imagined to be true for 20+ years. But, in this episode, I am trying to be brave. There's some pages ripped out and so much sadness, which I always thought was anger.

Episode 33 with Kristina Percy

Content Notes: This episode centers around postpartum anxiety and depression. It might be a tender one for some listeners. --- Kristina Percy (she/ her) is an actuary by training who has somehow found herself the author of a book of poems, almost none of which are about math.  In 2019, she started writing e-mails to herself and her kids to work through what would later be diagnosed as postpartum anxiety. For over a year, it manifested as an all-consuming, uncontrollable rage.  In this episode, Kristina generously reads some of those e-mails and doesn't hold back. Excuse me while I gush over how brave and honest my friend is. <3 Through tears and courage, Kristina shares how she made it to the other side. One of my favourite lines from this interview was, "I had so much support once I asked for it."   In 2024, Kristina's book Both True was the runner-up in Button's 2024 Poetry Chapbook Contest. It was one of five books I gave a 10/10 rating in 2025 and think you absolutely need to read it. You can find it here: https://buttonpoetry.com/product/both-true/ Listen to the end of this episode to hear Kristina read a brand new poem titled, I Had a Baby and Now Anything Will Make Me Cry. Here is the article by Minna Dubin that was referenced in the interview: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/mother-rage.html If you are in need of postpartum support, you can text “Help” to 800-944-4773 anytime or go to PSI's website: https://postpartum.net/get-help/ For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com [http://www.doulaofwords.com] Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books [https://www.doulaofwords.com/store/books] here <3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor [https://kidshelpphone.ca/our-professional-counsellors/] at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 [tel:1-800-668-6868] 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

*Special Episode!* The Angsty Pod Turns Two!

In this special edition BIRTHDAY episode, Yoda answers a few listener questions including: - Why Doula of Words? - How has sobriety impacted your writing practice? - Are you ever worried someone will read your diaries? Yoda also goes deep into her poetry archives and reads several deep, dark poems, which we really hope you enjoy! <3 Thank you so much for listening! We couldn't do this without you!!!!!!!!! For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com [http://www.doulaofwords.com] Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books [https://www.doulaofwords.com/store/books] here <3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor [https://kidshelpphone.ca/our-professional-counsellors/] at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 [tel:1-800-668-6868] 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support

Episode 32 - Hooter Shooters & Prom

We're back in 2006 and I am struggling to balance being madly in love with my boyfriend and my new girl crush, along with working full-time, finishing high school, and planning for prom. Oh, and also, I go to a strip club and stuff gets crazy. Yes. I am 17.  Every time I enter a room, I am filled with near-crippling anxiety, believing everyone hates me and thinks I'm a liar. I want to open up and tell Corey everything, but it feels impossible to let him see the real me. So, I pull away and start making out with girls at parties.  There's a lot happening in this one and most of it breaks my heart. My bestie thinks I'm a "mean girl" and I am drowning in my adult responsibilities. I barely see my friends in this one, and barely notice my Mom is weeks away from leaving my Dad. It's a heavy one but I hope you enjoy hearing me forgive myself in real time <3 For more info on my work as a writing coach or to sign up for workshops, head to www.doulaofwords.com [http://www.doulaofwords.com] Follow on IG & threads @doulaofwords To sign up to be a guest, please email Yoda at yoda@thedoulaofwords.com - we'd love to have you! Find my books [https://www.doulaofwords.com/store/books] here <3 ------------ Kid's Help Phone: You can reach a professional counsellor [https://kidshelpphone.ca/our-professional-counsellors/] at Kids Help Phone in English or French 24/7 by calling 1-800-668-6868 [tel:1-800-668-6868] 9-8-8: Call or text from anywhere in Canada or the U.S., anytime CMHA: Call Reach Out at 1-866-933-2023 to receive mental health and/or addictions support