Host Jean McCarthy reflects on alcohol-free living and the impact of surprise triggers. She recounts a recent social outing that caused a (momentary!) sober wobble and how she protected her recovery in that *sticky* situation. Want to see those sparkly shoes Jean talks about? Visit The Bubble Hour on Instagram to see more.  Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Still drinking and wondering how to get started on sober life? This book is for you: UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free: Tips and Insights to Ease the Transition All books by Jean McCarthy are available at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

Guest Virgina Kerr considers the power of personal story telling to inpact others and reflects on protecting her early recovery like a fragile treasure. Resources in this episode: The Bubble Hour (Season 7, Episode 8) Virginia Kerr https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bubblehour/2019/02/20/guest-virginia-kerr Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Still drinking and wondering how to get started on sober life? This book is for you: UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free: Tips and Insights to Ease the Transition All books by Jean McCarthy are available at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

This little boost of sober inspiration comes with a dash of pumpkin spice, as we reflect on the changing seasons and keeping life simple. Host Jean McCarthy shares how learning to step back from people pleasing has been a lesson in her recovery. We also revisit Maria's story from The Bubble Hour Season 7. You can hear the rest of that episode on the website or via Apple Podcasts. All books by Jean McCarthy are available at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

There's no one right or perfect way to talk about our recovery, but gahhh the vulnerability hangover of knowing we've overshared when trying to explain alcohol-free life to a normie. Host Jean McCarthy reflects on feeling awkward at a party recently and perhaps holding back a little too much for fear of turning small talk into a monologue. Resources in this episode: "Update With Ellie"  episode on The Bubble Hour (2017)   Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen from Website  The Ember Ever There: Poems on Change, Grief, Growth, Recovery, and Rediscovery by Jean McCarthy  UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free: Tips and Insights to Ease the Transition All books by Jean McCarthy are available at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

The CHIME model is a worthwhile addition to your recovery toolkit. CHIME is an acronym for common components found in various pathways to recovery success: community, hope, identity, meaning, and empowerment. Learn more about CHIME here. Download a free CHIME checklist and wallpaper for your smartphone here. Also in this episode: Shelley-Anne McKay on The Bubble Hour Season 5 Episode 41 Anna's Story on The Bubble Hour Season 7 Episode 11 Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

Travelling as a person in recovery takes a little extra thought and care. Let's talk about the perks of travelling alcohol-free, and share a few precautions.  We hear expert tips and insights from Margaret Ward of Alcohol-Free Adventure Retreats (A.F.A.R.), and revisit her interview on The Bubble Hour in Season 8. Follow A.F.A.R on Facebook Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com (please note that some links may be affiliate referrals that afford a small commission to this podcast at no additional cost to purchasers)

Are resentments holding back your recovery? When do opinions or differences morph into resentment? What can you do to dial them back, and why should you? Resources in this episode: Maestro George Marriner Maull on The Bubble Hour: https://jeanmccarthy.ca/2020/06/22/the-bubble-hour-s8e24-maestro-george-marriner-maull/ Nicole Cameron on The Bubble Hour Season 9, Episode 16: https://jeanmccarthy.ca/2021/04/26/the-bubble-hour-s9e16-nicole-cameron/ The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie UnPickled Holiday Survival Guide by Jean McCarthy Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com (please note that some links may be affiliate referrals that afford a small commission to this podcast at no additional cost to purchasers)

Are you intentional about the language you choose to talk about recovery? The same phrases that feel accurate and comfortable in some situations can be misunderstood by a wider audience. Does being a non-drinker mean a person is sober? Does sobriety always equal recovery? Today's show aims to help you find the right words to accurately reflect your recovery perspective. In this episode: Jean reads from her book UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free: Tips and Insights to Ease the Transition (2022) Greg Williams, director of The Anonymous People (2014) documentary  Greg William's Bubble Hour interview is available via Patreon   The Bubble Hour S9E10: Ruby Warrington, Author of Sober Curious and The Sober Curious Reset Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington The Sober Curious Reset by Ruby Warrington "Addictionary" recovery language from Recovery Research Institute Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com (please note that some links may be affiliate referrals that afford a small commission to this podcast at no additional cost to purchasers)

You might want to check in on Gran. She could be drinking more than you know. Many factors increase the risk for addiction as we age, while symptoms are easily masked or hidden entirely. The good news, of course, is that recovery is possible at every age. It's never too late to go alcohol-free! We revisit A Letter from Ella on The Bubble Hour (2018)  to hear how one woman's drinking changed after menopause and retirement. (Click here to listen on Apple Podcasts) Resources and Support: Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

What role does shame play in your recovery motivation? Old perspectives and programming can be so hard to spot. Shame might help keep us sober, but it isn't a great tool in the long run. Resources in this episode: From The Bubble Hour archives: Season 5 Episode 21 (2017) Sober Julie on life Straight Up  She Recovers Everyday by Dawn Nickel Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

We reflect on marking milestones as Jean celebrates her 12th recovery anniversary. There are many different ways to acknowledge the passing of time as we move through life as sober people, and it's important to remember that it isn't always cakes and rainbows. Sometimes the reminders of why we quit drinking can be bittersweet. It's important to celebrate our success in recovery and be prepared for the other emotions that can come with the occasion. And let's not forget gratitude! Hear the full interview with Dennis Berry here: https://jeanmccarthy.ca/2020/09/01/the-bubble-hour-s8e32-dennis-berry/ Learn more about The Bubble Hour and listen to the archives at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour or Buy Me a Coffee See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

What is ‘recovery capital’ and how can it help you at every stage of life after alcohol? The concept is becoming a mainstream tool for assessing a person’s current capacity for recovery that also helps indicate the best treatment options. Learn how to score your recovery capital and use this information to help shape your path. William White on Recovery Capital:  https://www.chestnut.org/Resources/4c4bb112-3d59-4984-98cb-3b637378965a/Recovery-Capital-Scale.pdf Dr. John Kelly’s interview on The Bubble Hour S3E12 https://www.blogtalkradio.com/bubblehour/2014/04/07/special-guest-dr-john-kelly-changing-the-stigma-of-addiction-through-science Learn more about The Bubble Hour at www.thebubblehour.com Visit www.jeanmccarthy.ca to learn more about Jean and her work Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free https://unpickledblog.com/2022/03/23/announcing-the-newest-unpickled-book/ Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

Can others make us feel a certain way? Living alcohol-free can make us feel pretty vulnerable at times, and navigating our emotions becomes even trickier when we feel confronted, judged, or rejected. This week, we revisit Bubble Hour interviews with Veronica Valli and Andrea Owen to explore this topic. Resources in this episode: Veronica Valli on The Bubble Hour in 2017 Soberful - book, podcast, and online group Andrea Owen on The Bubble Hour in 2017 Andrea Owen website: https://andreaowen.com/ Jean McCarthy website: www.jeanmccarthy.com The Bubble Hour website: www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour SUPPORT THIS PODCAST WHEN YOU PURCAHSE RESOURCES VIA THESE AFFILIATE LINKS: How to Stop Feeling LIke Sh** by Andrea Owen Soberful by Veronica Valli The Ember Ever There by Jean McCarthy

Hello from Australia! I hobbled together a quick episode from the road to remind you that sober travels are extra special. Sober travellers waste no time or money on impairment! 100% present and ready for adventure - or, in my case for this trip, ready for big emotions.

We are one week into January....how are your resolutions working out? Jean offers some gentle reminders to reassess and get back on track. Whether you are new to recovery, going alcohol-free for the first time, or sober but trying to make other changes, you will find comfort in this episode.  We hear a clip from The Bubble Hour Season 2 Keeping It Simple In the New Year Jean mentions her book UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol-Free Learn more about The Bubble Hour at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

When I quit drinking in 2011, I thought life after alcohol would be glum and boring. I thought the work of sobriety was learning to tolerate a life sentence of abstinence form alcohol. Boy was I wrong. Life is better! What a happy surprise!  Sobriety doesn't guarantee happiness. It takes effort to learn new patterns and habits, and life is not always perfect because, well, it's life. But breaking free of alcohol's grip on life creates so much extra space and time to fill with other things! Sobriety creates space for recovery, which means healing those underlying reasons for drinking in the first place. Links for this episode: Recovery Research Institute Newsletter Study on Quality of Life and Level of Abstinence UnPickled Prepare to be Alcohol Free by Jean McCarthy Learn more about The Bubble Hour at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

Many of us are inclined to shoulder far too much on our own, and need a little nudge to seek and accept help from others. We also need to reassess our supports from time to time. We learn more about this from psychotherapist and sober coach, Kathy Robbins. Listen to the full interview with Kathy Robbins from Season 8 of The Bubble Hour  Then we revisit The Bubble Hour Season 1 Episode 5, as guest Carissa shares how she went about building support. Jean reads a poem from her book "The Ember Ever There: Poems on Change, Grief, Growth, Recovery, and Rediscovery". Learn more about The Bubble Hour at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour See all books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

When we change ourselves, everything around us will shift as a result. In this episode, we hear form Sarah Allen Benton, Author of Understanding the High Functioning Alcoholic: Breaking the Cycle and Finding Hope  Jean mentions a great resource, Repeat After Me workbook by Claudia Black We also hear from the wonderful Victoria Vanstone of Drunk Mummy Sober Mummy and the Sober Awkward Podcast. Listen to Victoria's full Bubble Hour interview here: https://jeanmccarthy.ca/2021/07/13/the-bubble-hour-s9-e23-victoria-vanstone/ Learn more about The Bubble Hour at www.thebubblehour.com Support Tiny Bubbles and The Bubble Hour by joining us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/thebubblehour Books by Jean McCarthy: www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books Purchase Take Good Care: Recovery Readings Inspired by The Bubble Hour at https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1999299981/ Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com

It's the first epsiode of Tiny Bubbles!  We start with a few words from Lotta Dann of Living Sober  and Mrs D is Going Without Also a great reminder to be where we are today, and take as small of steps as needed to keep moving forward. Rememeber to check out the new book Take Good Care and Patreon - you'll find the links here via The Bubble Hour. Visit Jean's Blog UnPickled www.unpickledblog.com and see all her books at www.jeanmccarthy.ca/books

Welcome to Tiny Bubbles, quick little bursts of recovery inspiration brought to you by The Bubble Hour. Each 15-minute episode is packed with encouraging messages and insights about life after alcohol. Hosted by Jean McCarthy of The Bubble Hour podcast and UnPickled blog/books. Subscribe today!