Maintaining Mama
Maintaining Mama
Jen Butler
The musings of a former wine mom, diet culture survivor, recovering perfectionist, and sometime supermom maintaining my sobriety, sanity and self. I am a recovery coach-in-training and proudly alcohol-free since July 5, 2018.
Missing the Past, Embracing the Present
"I think it's important to realize that you can miss something, but not want it back." - Paulo Coelho Does this resonate with anyone else when pondering pre-pandemic life versus our ever-evolving new normal? Join me for my final episode of season one where I discuss how this idea applies to so many stages of life (hello, drinking days versus sobriety), yet is particularly relevant right now. Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to this spanky but sincere little podcast! Questions? Comments? Reach out! DM me: @maintaining_mama on Insta Email me: [email protected]
Jun 21, 2021
19 min
Contending with Our Inner Critic
Do you struggle with staying present in discomfort? How do you face your inner critic? In the past, I have tried drinking, eating, and scrolling her away... all to no avail. But today, on a rainy Monday while sitting at the car dealership enduring the world's longest oil change, I invited her to ride in the backseat. Join me as I discuss contending with our inner critic. It can be icky work, but it's worth it. Parts of this podcast are available in this blog post: https://maintaining-mama.com/2021/06/14/contending-with-our-inner-critic/ Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to this spanky but sincere little podcast! Questions? Comments? Reach out! DM me: @maintaining_mama on Insta Email me: [email protected]
Jun 14, 2021
14 min
Isolation Island
In this episode, I share a homework assignment for my Neuroscience of Joyful Recovery course: "Isolation Island," a story that explains the brain, joy, and addiction in a way that is easy for others to understand. I would love to hear what you think of this story, which I plan to use in my coaching, and how it impacts you. Please drop me a line and let me know your thoughts! Also, I have a new microphone. Also, much to the chagrin of my inner perfectionist, the mic cuts out right at the start of the story so here is how it starts: This probably started out as a vacation. A trip you were looking forward to, once upon a time. Honestly, it's been so long since you've seen family or friends you can't remember exactly how or when you got here. This is Isolation Island. The full story is also available on the blog: https://maintaining-mama.com/2021/06/07/isolation-island/ Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to this spanky but sincere little podcast! Questions? Comments? Reach out! DM me: @maintaining_mama on Insta Email me: [email protected]
Jun 7, 2021
17 min
Checking In at Mile 24
It's June 2021. The world is opening back up, masks are coming off, and the pandemic fatigue is REAL Y'ALL. We are at mile 24 of the marathon, which is a challenging and complicated place to be. But by doing what we can to reduce our stress, we can start to clear the brain fog and recover some energy. At least I hope so. Pop into this episode for a little camaraderie in the pandemic trenches, where we'll mix metaphors, fill our cups, and get ourselves into a better headspace as we head into summer. This episode was inspired by an Instagram post I wrote last week. Find me there @maintaining_mama. Parts of this episode are also available in a blog post: http://maintaining-mama.com/2021/06/01/checking-in-at-mile-24/ Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to this spanky but sincere little podcast! Questions? Comments? Reach out! Email me at [email protected].
Jun 1, 2021
22 min
What is a Coach?
In this episode, with my snoring French Bulldog at my feet, I talk about what a coach is (and is not), and why I decided to become a coach. If you are curious about coaching or have thought about hiring a coach, this episode is for you! Questions or comments? Want more info or to be considered for some pro bono coaching as I set up my new business in the coming months? Reach out! DM me: @maintaining_mama on Instagram Email me: [email protected] Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to this spanky but sincere little podcast!
May 24, 2021
18 min
Cycle Awareness: Wearing the Pants in My Relationship with My Uterus
In this episode I discuss why cycle awareness is important and what it means. I talk about the "four seasons" of our cycle, as described by Maisie Hill in the excellent book Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You. I also share four tips for navigating cycle awareness. Cycle awareness has helped me be more in tune with my body and appreciate it on a deeper level. The more you know, you know? Please let me know what you think about this episode! DM me: @maintaining_mama on Instagram Email me: [email protected] Don't forget to share this episode, and follow and/or subscribe to the podcast!
May 17, 2021
27 min
Intro Part II: Post-Vulnerability Hangover
Oh hi! I'm still doing this! Now that I have recovered from my post-launch vulnerability hangover, I share a little more about why I'm here and what I plan to discuss on this podcast. Here are the other places you can find me: Blog: https://maintaining-mama.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maintaining_mama/ Email: [email protected] - I'd love to hear from you!
May 10, 2021
14 min
Start Here: Introducing Myself and the Maintaining Mama Podcast!
Oh hi! I just started a podcast! Give a listen to learn about me and my history with gray area drinking, and why I decided to stop. 
May 3, 2021
14 min
Take the Compliment and Run
In this *bonus* episode direct from the blog I talk about going with your gut and how to tell your inner critic to pipe the F down! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://maintaining-mama.com/2021/05/03/take-the-compliment-and-run/
May 3, 2021
6 min
One. Thousand. Days.
In this *bonus* episode straight from the blog, I'm celebrating 1,000 days alcohol-free! This episode is also available as a blog post: http://maintaining-mama.com/2021/03/30/one-thousand-days/
Mar 30, 2021
2 min
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