Podcast Summary: EP 20 - A Clean Mess with Tiffany Jenkins

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Authentic Society
• Host: The Authentic Society (Jamie)
• Episode: EP 20: A Clean Mess - With Tiffany Jenkins
• Release Date: June 4, 2025
• Description: The official podcast for The Authentic Society. Stay tuned for updates & news regarding podcast releases!

Introduction

In Episode 20 of The Authentic Society, host Jamie engages in a heartfelt and candid conversation with Tiffany Jenkins, a renowned social media personality and author. Tiffany delves deep into her personal journey, chronicling her struggles with addiction, her experiences in jail, motherhood challenges, and her path to recovery. Her new book, "A Clean Mess," serves as the focal point of their discussion, offering listeners an unfiltered look into her life’s tumultuous yet inspiring chapters.

Early Beginnings and Social Media Presence

Tiffany Jenkins, popularly known on social media as @jugglingthejenkins, began her journey with blogging. Initially aiming to be a traditional blogger, Tiffany created a platform named "Juggling the Jenkins" to share her experiences publicly. This move was partly inspired by her postpartum depression, as recommended by her doctor, allowing her to connect with others facing similar struggles.

Tiffany Jenkins [00:50]: "I thought I was going to be a blogger at first, and so I started a blog... juggling the Jenkins is genius."

Her transition from blogging to a broader social media presence was accelerated when her content went viral, shifting her focus from motherhood to more profound topics like addiction and incarceration.

Struggles with Addiction

Tiffany candidly discusses her battle with addiction, beginning with alcohol during her senior year at 18. This initial experimentation with alcohol soon escalated, leading her to opiates around the age of 22 or 23. Her addiction spiraled into intravenous drug use, profoundly impacting her life and relationships.

Tiffany Jenkins [05:42]: "It's hard to say because at the time, looking back, I can see it so clearly. I was struggling with anxiety and depression..."

She reflects on whether alcohol was a gateway drug for her, ultimately acknowledging that while it played a significant role, her underlying struggles with anxiety and depression were the root causes driving her to self-medicate.

Incarceration and Rehabilitation

Tiffany's addiction led to a series of legal troubles, culminating in a 120-day jail sentence. Her time in jail was a pivotal moment, stripping away everything she knew about addiction and forcing her to confront her issues head-on.

Tiffany Jenkins [20:00]: "I knew that I had to change something because, you know, putting me in jail keeps me locked away from the drugs. But my brain is still just as messed up as it was before I got in jail."

Determined to break free from the cycle, she sought rehabilitation, choosing a unique six-month live-in treatment center that combined traditional rehab with responsibilities akin to a summer camp. This unconventional approach offered her the structure and trust she needed to maintain her sobriety.

Motherhood and Mental Health

The birth of Tiffany's daughter marked a turning point in her understanding of her mental health. She was diagnosed with postpartum depression and anxiety, which had significantly exacerbated her existing issues.

Tiffany Jenkins [08:51]: "It wasn't until my daughter was born and the doctor was like you have postpartum depression, and you also have anxiety, that I realized, oh, I've always had this."

Through therapy, medication, and the realization that seeking help was not a sign of weakness, Tiffany managed to navigate the overwhelming challenges of motherhood without resorting to substance abuse.

Marriage, Divorce, and Co-parenting

During her rehabilitation, Tiffany met her now ex-husband, another individual grappling with addiction. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to a whirlwind marriage and the birth of three children within a short span.

Tiffany Jenkins [24:48]: "We had only known each other for five months when we were standing at the altar."

However, the marriage eventually unraveled, leading to a divorce in May 2023. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Tiffany and her ex-husband have maintained a harmonious co-parenting dynamic, prioritizing the well-being of their children.

Tiffany Jenkins [34:11]: "I'm really blessed to have the co-parenting dynamic that we do because we both agree on most things."

Embracing Aging and Personal Growth

Approaching her 40s, Tiffany reflects on her personal growth and the empowerment she feels. She anticipates her 40s will offer her more time for self-care, as her children become more independent.

Tiffany Jenkins [37:26]: "Every year is going to be a gift. Every year past 47 is going to be a gift, and I'm going to try to make the most out of it."

Her outlook on aging is positive, viewing each year as an opportunity to live fully and embrace the lessons learned from her past.

Comedy and Social Media Influence

In addition to her writing and advocacy, Tiffany has ventured into comedy, using humor as a tool to address serious topics like mental illness and addiction. Her comedy sketches, such as "Me versus Anxiety" and "If My Brain Had a Morning Meeting," have resonated deeply with her audience, providing both laughter and solace.

Tiffany Jenkins [43:57]: "Being able to make people laugh and make them realize that they aren't alone, that is my ultimate high."

Despite facing anxiety and imposter syndrome, Tiffany finds fulfillment in making others laugh, balancing her mental health challenges with her passion for comedy.

Key Messages and Takeaways

Tiffany Jenkins’ story is one of resilience, authenticity, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. Her key messages include:

1. Life's Unpredictability: "Life is going to hand you what it hands you. You're going to get it whether you like it or not." [31:24]

2. Importance of Support Systems: Seeking help and relying on supportive relationships can make all the difference in overcoming personal struggles.

3. Embracing Change: Whether it's divorce, motherhood, or aging, embracing life’s changes with grace and openness leads to personal growth.

4. Using Humor as Healing: Humor can be a powerful tool in addressing and coping with mental health issues.

Conclusion

Episode 20 of The Authentic Society offers a profound glimpse into Tiffany Jenkins' life, marked by adversity and triumph. Her candid discussions provide valuable insights into addiction recovery, mental health, motherhood, and personal growth. Tiffany’s journey, as depicted in her book "A Clean Mess," serves as an inspiration for anyone navigating similar challenges, emphasizing that with the right support and self-awareness, it is possible to overcome even the darkest of times.

Where to Find Tiffany Jenkins:

• Book Availability: "A Clean Mess" is available for pre-order on Amazon. Visit Tiffany’s Linktree via her Instagram or Facebook profiles to find direct links.
• Social Media: Follow @jugglingthejenkins on YouTube and other social platforms for updates and content.

Join the Conversation: Stay connected with The Authentic Society for more inspiring stories and authentic discussions on life’s myriad challenges and triumphs.