Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
RE 536: The Birds
RE 536: The Birds
RE 536: The Birds
Monday 26th May 2025
Join Jenny as she shares her inspiring journey to sobriety and how birdwatching has become a therapeutic tool in her recovery.
Explicit
56 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Supportive
Healing
Engaging
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Churchill had his last drink on 7 September 2014. He’s still counting. Getting sober is just the beginning…
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Episodes:
85 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Birds and Beyond: A Journey to Sobriety
Episode Overview
- Connecting with nature can aid in recovery.
- Birdwatching helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- Sobriety requires ongoing commitment and self-awareness.
- Genetic and societal factors contribute to addiction.
- Sharing personal stories can inspire others to quit drinking.
"Listen to that inner voice. It's trying to tell you something."
In this episode of Recovery Elevator, Paul Churchill sits down with Jenny, a 53-year-old from Belgrade, MT, who took her last drink on August 25th, 2015. Jenny shares her journey through addiction, recovery, and the ups and downs of life since her first appearance on the podcast 450 weeks ago. From her early experiences with alcohol and drugs in Montana's heavy-drinking culture to her triumph over addiction, Jenny's story is one of resilience and determination.
She reflects on the impact of her upbringing, the genetic factors of addiction, and the societal norms that often make drinking seem unavoidable. Paul introduces an interesting twist by highlighting the Merlin Bird App as a tool for recovery. Who knew birdwatching could be so therapeutic? The app helps identify bird calls, connecting users with nature in a calming way.
Jenny talks about her love for chickens and how connecting with nature has been a soothing part of her recovery journey. The episode also touches on the outdated notion that alcohol is beneficial, with Paul referencing a GQ article following the WHO's declaration that no amount of alcohol is safe. Jenny's story is raw and honest, covering everything from battling cancer to navigating personal losses.
Her commitment to sobriety shines through as she discusses how she manages life's challenges without turning to alcohol. Paul and Jenny explore the idea that the opposite of addiction is connection, whether it's with birds or people. If you're looking for inspiration or just want to hear a real story of overcoming addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Jenny's journey will remind you that even in the toughest times, sobriety is possible.