Episode 31: Toxic relationships, being a serial entrepreneur and the ups and downs of getting sober with Jo pt.1
Welcome to Stack'n'Days, the podcast that illuminates experiences of sobriety within the BIPOC community. In this special episode, the host, Ray Donovan, is recording in Lamu, Kenya, joined by guest Joanne.
This is part 1 of a 2 part series with Joanne. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of Joanne's journey with alcohol—navigating trauma, abusive relationships, and the profound impact on personal and professional aspects of her life.
Joanne's Journey Unveiled
Joanne opens up about her relationship with alcohol, tracing it back to her first drink at a church event during her teenage years. She candidly shares the challenges she faced after her family moved from New York to Texas for religious reasons, expressing feelings of unsafety and trauma. Joanne also delves into the instability brought about by her parents' divorce and her mother leaving the family.
Culinary Pursuits and Escalating Issues
Relocating to Austin, Texas, for culinary school did not mark the end of Joanne's struggles. Working as a personal chef for football players, her drinking persisted, and she felt increasingly powerless. Her son faced similar challenges with drugs and alcohol.
Desperate Measures and Turning Points
Desperation led Joanne to attend AA meetings, but she found it challenging to connect with the community. The fear of intervention, triggered by watching the show "Intervention," added to her apprehension. Months later, Joanne faced the consequences of her actions when she received her first DWI (Driving While Intoxicated).
Descent into Chaos
Joanne finds herself entangled in the legal consequences of her drinking. Facing not one but two DWIs, Joanne is forced to spend three days in jail, grappling with fear and uncertainty. The impact of her actions starts to unfold as she navigates the legal system, confronting the reality of probation and the challenges that lie ahead.
Tragedy Strikes
Amidst the chaos, a tragic turn of events shakes Joanne to her core. The podcast delves into the heartbreaking moment when Joanne receives news of her son's death while she's in jail. The emotional turmoil and shock of losing her son add a new layer to Joanne's struggle, reshaping her perspective and further intensifying her commitment to sobriety.
Navigating Grief and Sobriety
Joanne speaks about coping with grief. As she confronts the complexities of loss, Joanne grapples with the temptation to numb her pain with alcohol, a familiar coping mechanism that had once dominated her life.
From Rock Bottom to Resilience
Joanne discusses her rock-bottom moments, including the challenges of probation and having an ankle monitor. Joanne's resilience shines through as she shares the profound realization that she needed to stop drinking to rebuild her life. Joanne went through detox, rehab, and a transformative experience that alters her perspective on spirituality and recovery.
Building a New Chapter
Against all odds, Joanne and her partner embark on the ambitious journey of opening a barbecue restaurant. The challenges of venturing into an unfamiliar field, coupled with their commitment to sobriety, make for a captivating tale of resilience, determination, and the pursuit of a brighter future.
Part 2 of Joanne’s story will be out next Wednesday 27th December at 5am. Subscribe to the Stack’n’Days podcast so you don’t miss it.
Joanne’s details:
Personal: @therealjoirizarry
NA wines: @zeroproofpopupbottleshop
Mental health page: @asafeplaceinsideyourhead
Connect with the show
Website: https://www.stackndays.com/
Apply to be a guest: https://www.stackndays.com/rsvp-1
Instagram and Tiktok: @stackndays
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCC-IqvFJ2SlufC6KuyiztjQ
Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/
https://www.joinreframeapp.com/