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Zibby Owens
Hi listeners of Totally Booked with Zibby this June we have one episode coming out every single day and to celebrate that I've started the June Listening Club. You can sign up on zibbedia.com or you can just keep listening and every day there'll be a little quiz on Instagram. We're giving prizes away every single day this month you're gonna get amazing stuff. You would all be invited to a party and a zoom at the end of the month to celebrate with a special certificate. So sign up on Zibbe Media today. Make sure following Totally Booked with Zibby on Instagram and get ready to listen. Make it a challenge. June is crazy. Find some airtime for yourself. Put it on in the background. Get ready to listen, learn, laugh and enjoy life. Does it ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void? Well, with LinkedIn ads you can know you're reaching the right decision makers. You can even target buyers by job title, industry, company seniority, skills. Wait, did I say job title yet? Get started today and see how you can avoid the void and reach the right buyers with LinkedIn ads. We'll even give you a $100 credit on your next campaign. Get started at LinkedIn.com results terms and conditions apply.
Hannah Berner
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Zibby Owens
Today's episode is sponsored by gab. The youth mental health crisis is all over the news and we know social media is driving it. This shocked me. The US Surgeon General warns that kids who spend more than three hours a day online are twice as likely to have depression and an with four kids of my own we are constantly debating when is the right age to give some of our kids a phone? How do we monitor the phone usage for others? It is non stop, but now there's a solution. Here's the good news. A company called Gab has solved the problem by doing something no one else is doing. Their approach is tech in steps. Tech in Steps works by providing kids safe phones and watches tailored to every age, offering the right device at the right time. From GPS tracking enabled watches for young kids to increased features and parent enabled apps on the phones for tweens and teens. Each device grows with your child. Bottom line, you don't have to give your kid a device that was made for an adult. Get them Gab which keeps them socially connected safely. I can't recommend Gab enough. Use our code to get the best deal on something that will make parenting easier and give you peace of mind. Visit gab.com that's G A B B and use code Totallybooked for a very special offer. Hi, this is Zibby Owens and you're listening to Totally Booked with Zibby. Formerly Moms don't have Time to Read Books in my daily show, I interview today's latest best selling, buzziest or underrated authors and story creators whose work I think is worth your time. As a bookstore owner, publisher, author and obviously podcaster, I get a comprehensive look at everything that's coming out and spend my time curating the best books so you don't have to stay in the know, get insider insights and connect with guests like I do every single day. For more information, go to zibbymedia.com and follow me on Instagram ibbeowensk. Tiffany Jenkins is the author of A Clean A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb. I could not put this book down. By the way. So good. Tiffany Jenkins is also the best selling author of High Achiever. She uses her platform to help and inspire others who are struggling with motherhood, mental health, addiction, and those who just need a good laugh. She speaks frequently about addiction and recovery. She lives with her family in Sarasota, Florida. Her latest book is A Clean Mess. Welcome Tiffany. Thank you so much for coming on Totally Booked with Zibby to talk about A Clean A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb. Congrats.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you so much. I'm excited to be here.
Zibby Owens
Tiffany, I am obsessed with your book. I read it in two sittings, one of which was deep into the night. I Could not put it down. I couldn't put it down. I just couldn't. And then as I was reading it, I was like, what is she doing? That's so amazing. Why can I not put this book down? I read books all the time, but I just couldn't. I couldn't put it down.
Tiffany Jenkins
Oh my goodness. I can't explain what a great compliment that is for me because I have the attention span of a gnat, which keeps me from sitting down to read books as much as I'd like. So hearing that feedback means a lot to me. I guess that's why I write it that way. Maybe I write it how I would want to read it.
Zibby Owens
Totally. So why don't you share with listeners a little bit about your own experience and what part of your life this book talks about?
Tiffany Jenkins
Sure. So I am in recovery from addiction this November. I'll have 13 years clean sober. Prior to that, I was in a relationship with a sheriff's deputy at the time, I was arrested for some crimes related to my addiction. Happy to answer any questions about that. But this book picks up from the time when I left the rehab and entered the worlds without drugs and alcohol in my system for the first time. Trying to reintegrate with society as a semi normal person after a life of being numb.
Zibby Owens
Oh, my gosh. Well, your book, obviously the vast majority of people have not also been in prison and have to get back on their feet, but everyone has had a moment like what you describe in the book, of leaving something great and what seemed like great behind and having everything else suddenly seem dull. When you're like, wait, this is life. This is life without drugs. And then this is motherhood. And what am I supposed to do with this? Is this life?
Tiffany Jenkins
Right? Is this, is this what I worked so hard to fight for? There was those moments of what is the. If I'm going to be miserable, I'd rather be miserable and high. You know, having those moments, but finding the strength and utilizing the tools that I had been given I think really helped get me through that time. But yeah, this was just. It was a inside look into my life after I got clean.
Zibby Owens
So you talk about the experience of being in the halfway house and Mary, who's like your den mother of sorts, the house manager, your roommates, what it's like, you know, day in and day out, secret dating while you're so. It's almost like you're in reform school or something, and yet you have to keep breaking out and roommates in college. I mean, if you change Some of the backdrop this could be in any new residential situation, and yet it's layered on with your sudden, you know, the transition and your struggles and all of that. Like, what was it like to go back and write about this, this time in your life? Like, what do you think about it now?
Tiffany Jenkins
Well, it was really. I've been writing this book for a few years, and I wasn't sure how to end it. And then life just made that decision for me, which ended up being. I feel like it's hard to talk about it without explaining the book, but basically, during the course of my sobriety, I experienced death, I experienced life, and I experienced divorce. And so going back and writing about those times in the early halfway house was fun because I got to go through old texts and old pictures and revisit those moments. Writing about the parts of my marriage. It was so fresh and so new that I wasn't sure initially how to write about it. I knew I didn't want it to be a salacious tell all, but I knew that, unfortunately, this was part of the story that I had to tell to keep it as real and authentic to what I was going through at the time. So I had a whole rollercoaster of emotions during this.
Zibby Owens
Oh, my gosh. Your depiction of the fights that you and Colin had are so real. Like, this is one of the best examinations up close of marriage, because you would have these little fights, and I would. As a reader, I was like, oh, my God, this is the end. And then you have the next scene, and he would apologize and you would apologize. And I'm like, oh, my gosh. Phew, this is okay. Like, look how they were able to come back. And it was actually quite inspiring. It's almost like a mini class. And communication, even though it may ultimately not have, like, yielded the results you wanted, like, right, communication itself. Talk about. Talk about that and even how you turned all that into narrative.
Tiffany Jenkins
So when I first went to rehab, I had to learn how to humble myself. I had to learn for the first time, like, wait a minute, Tiffany, you're not right about everything. Like, there are some things you need help with. And so part of the exercise that I went through in rehab was examining my own part in each situation. Like, yes, I feel like this person did me wrong, but what did I do in that situation to contribute to it? And that has allowed me to really examine my part in these individual disagreements or whatever it may be. And same with him, because he went through recovery also. And so it's really nice when the fights or arguments do come to a nice ending, if you will. But I think a lot of it had to do with the therapy and the counselors that helped guide us through those times and helped us respond instead of react in those situations.
Zibby Owens
And how does he feel about the book?
Tiffany Jenkins
So he. He's very. In general, like, not much phases the guy. He could be standing in the middle of a lightning storm eating chips, unbothered. Like, he's just not bothered. So if. If he really does have fear or anything, he won't tell me about it. It's very deep down. I've offered for him to read it before. I warned him a little bit of what to expect, but I wanted to write it in a way that didn't necessarily paint him as a bad guy, despite some really bad choices. Because I don't want my kids to be in the library when they're older reading about their dad and be like, what a jerk. You know? So I tried to write it in a way that wouldn't traumatize them too much.
Zibby Owens
Also, so when you. And you don't have to answer this, but when you got into his Apple Watch and you were like, these are the worst texts I've ever seen. But then you didn't put in the book what they were. Why did you not? And tell me more about that.
Tiffany Jenkins
For me, it was like, don't get me wrong. If I. I'm sure if I gave out some details and stuff, people would be like, oh, this is so juicy. This is so good. You know, because people thrive on drama that isn't theirs. A lot of people do. Not everybody. But, you know, it goes back to. My kids are going to read this, and I wanted to leave it ambiguous. And I don't know if that's ambiguous.
Zibby Owens
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Tiffany Jenkins
Okay. Ambiguous enough to where you can put the pieces together yourself while writing it or while reading it. I mean, but you don't have the specific details. I don't think they were necessary to the story. I think people can use their imagination. And, you know, the whole point of it wasn't specifically what happened to me. It was how I responded in those situations and how I didn't get high over it.
Zibby Owens
Yeah. Which was amazing. Your strength throughout all of this is amazing. I should just say truly, truly amazing.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you. I feel like I can't take any credit for it. It was truly my friends.
Zibby Owens
No, not true.
Tiffany Jenkins
You're, like, not even gonna let you finish that. I really do. I feel. Listen, I. If it was up to me, I would have robbed a Bank run through the town naked. Like, I was completely out of control of my emotions during this time. And it was my friends who were literally like, okay, Tiffany, you need to take a shower. You need to eat food. We're going to help you clean up. I. I felt like I was a newborn again. Like, for everything I thought I knew about life was flipped upside down and I didn't know how to act well.
Zibby Owens
Again, that's one of these moments that I know so many people will relate to, even if the circumstances are different. And whether it's some sort of loss or betrayal or whatever, it's the way you wrote it. You know, there's that whole thing, like, the more specific you get, the more universal it is. I feel like that's what this story really showcases.
Tiffany Jenkins
That's amazing.
Zibby Owens
Your writing, also about postpartum depression was so good and just how you were like, I don't know if I want to be a mom anymore. Talk about that time of your life. It was so dark.
Tiffany Jenkins
It really was. To the point where looking at photos from that time in my life brings me back to that and gives me a really dark feeling. Because all of the things that you're supposed to experience after having a child, you know, joy, bliss, excitement, hope. I didn't feel any of the positive emotions. I felt only negative. And it was hard because she was born. My daughter was born with colic and a dairy allergy and acid reflux. So she was screaming from sun up to sundown. And I don't care how good of a parent you are, it's hard to bond with a baby that is constantly in distress. And. And so it got really dark. I didn't want to talk to my husband about how I was feeling because I didn't want him to regret knocking me up in the halfway house. And I did. My friends all looked happy with their children, so I felt like I couldn't tell them because I didn't want them to call and have my kids taken away. That was a huge fear of mine. But it was to the point where I didn't want to be a mother. I resented my children for existing. I wanted to leave them in their cribs and run out of the house. And I know it sounds shocking and terrible, but it was just my truth. And it was important for me to tell that part in the book because I'm sure that there are mothers out there who are like, why aren't I happier about this? It isn't just, oh, I'm tired and, you know, leaking from everywhere. This is not fun. It. It's a dark, dark thing. And there's different versions of it, too. There's postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis. And so it's something that I think more people should talk about so that if somebody does feel those emotions, they're not like, wait, I'm a monster. They're like, wait, I've seen this before. There's help available.
Zibby Owens
And even when you were on the staircase that one time where you're like, I could just leave my kids. I'm just gonna leave them. I'm just gonna go outside and, like, sit on the staircase for, like, a minute with the kids screaming and sitting there and then being like, oh, no, of course I'm going back inside.
Tiffany Jenkins
Right.
Zibby Owens
Just that moment where you just have to get out and recalibrate yourself.
Tiffany Jenkins
Absolutely. Yeah. Parenting is not for the faint of heart, but it's obviously, you know, the coolest thing I've ever done. I mean, yeah, it's the coolest. I think I have to say that as a parent. It's definitely. I've done a lot of cool stuff since I quit drugs, but, you know, having my kids really was a huge part of why I think I was so successful in my sobriety, because it was no longer just about me, which is why the story in which I got pregnant in the halfway house is so crazy and on paper, looks nuts, but it was. It was a. It was one of the best things that ever happened.
Zibby Owens
By the way, what happened to the woman who hired you who was also three months pregnant? Are you still in touch with her?
Tiffany Jenkins
Yeah. So I. Yes. I worked there for. Through both of my pregnancies, and she's wonderful. We. We don't talk anymore since I stopped working there after my daughter was born. But she was a huge part of me getting back on my feet. I was able to work and save money and get an apartment and get a car and, you know, them giving me that chance, even though on paper there was an astronomical amount of felonies, I really am just so grateful for the people who did look at me and say, okay, this person isn't a lost cause. They have a past. But we'll give them a chance. Because that chance really allowed me to blossom.
Zibby Owens
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Tiffany Jenkins
Yeah, it definitely isn't easy to re acclimate to the world. And understandably, right? Like if you have a company that is your livelihood and you have people applying all the time and then someone comes and is like, hey, I know it says I have 20 felonies from last year and I am a thief but Hear me out. I. I am not that way anymore. You know, it's understandable that people would be like, merp, we're not going to take the chance. This is my business. This is my livelihood. I wanted to write about that so that people could see, like, you know, I understand the hesitation, but I also feel like when you are coming out of jail, especially from a drug addiction, chances are you've spent every penny on drugs prior to getting arrested. And when you get out, you have lost the trust of your loved ones. You've lost respect from everybody. Nobody wants to help you because you are a loose cannon. And I think that, you know, these programs try their best to help people, but It's a catch 22. I'm processing this as I'm saying it out loud, because while I do feel like we should, you know, you should give felon and people in recovery who want a chance a chance, I also completely understand it. It's something that has to be proven from that person that they're capable, and that only comes with time. And so there was a lot of people who helped me when I came out of rehab, and I will forever be grateful. There was people who furnished my apartment. There was people who picked me up and drove me to meetings. They gave me opportunities to make money. And I will be eternally grateful to those people who gave me a chance.
Zibby Owens
And your dad, you wrote so beautifully about your dad and how he wrote you a postcard every day in jail, and he was just there. And when he went to the parking lot and met you when you were doing, like, that swap in the front, and he's like, I just want to make sure that you're okay. Oh, my gosh. That whole through line, what a sweetheart.
Tiffany Jenkins
Oh, thank you. He. I said thank you. Like, I made him. He's the best. He is the reason that I am clean and sober today. Because if it wasn't for him coming to visit me in jail and telling me that this is from the first book, but which, by the way, you don't have to have read it to understand the second book. They're independent. But, you know, there are some throwbacks in the second book to the first book. But he came and visited me in jail and told me that he loved me no matter what, and he had faith in me, and, you know, that he believed I could do it. And at that time, I was so low and I didn't have any hope. So having him give me a little bit, somebody who knew me before my addiction saying, I know you're in there. I can help you. I had saved my life. A little bit of love during my darkest time, truly saved my life.
Zibby Owens
Well, your whole arc. And I won't, you know, go into everything, but. Oh, my gosh, it was amazing with your dad.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you so much. He's amazing. I love him. I owe so much to him. And he's actually right over here. I keep him in my office. I don't know, maybe I shouldn't say that. Maybe that's a spoiler. But, yeah, he's wonderful. And that was a weird thing to say out loud about him being in here. I should have thought that through. People are like, what? She keeps him in the oven.
Zibby Owens
I mean, I've got my grandmother right over there.
Tiffany Jenkins
So, Ah, that makes me feel better.
Zibby Owens
Literally, I'm like, there she is next to her picture. So in the book, you talk about how you also developed this Internet personality, this blog, you know, all the things that happened alongside it. So can you explain? I know you said, the doctor said, why don't you start a blog? And then you started posting and describe what's happened and how you've created this whole thing on the side, if you will.
Tiffany Jenkins
I have no clue what happened. Honestly. I started writing about motherhood, and then when I crossed over into, I was like, you know what? I'm going to talk about my time in jail. And just, I'm going to be honest about it. And I was releasing a chapter a week on my blog at the time, and people started swarming. They were in shock. They were captivated, and I wasn't expecting it. And before I knew it, in a few months, I had a million followers. And then I started making videos in addition to the addiction stuff, comedy videos and people. What happened was people would see the videos and be like, oh, she's silly and she's funny. I'm gonna go follow her. And then they'd get there and be like, wait a minute, she's an addict. How is this possible? She looks so happy. And. And I think that's where everybody began to come over to my page. But things, you know, escalated very quickly, overnight. And I wasn't expecting any of it. I wasn't mentally prepared for any of it. And there are times which I didn't want to talk too much about that part of my life in the book, because I feel like most people are like, okay, we can't. This is. We can't relate to that at all, and it doesn't apply to us. So I briefly wanted to mention it because truthfully it is a huge part of who I am. I have social anxiety. I have generalized anxieties. I have all these things that are the opposite of what I've done. I like to be alone. I like to be quiet. I don't like talking to people. I don't like being up on stage. But my job as a comedian and a speaker and an author who travels around talking.
Zibby Owens
Might I suggest a different line of work?
Tiffany Jenkins
I don't know. I know.
Zibby Owens
Well, I'm kidding. I'm kidding.
Tiffany Jenkins
I don't know what the future has in store. And that's what's so crazy to me is even though I have no clue what the future has in store, as long as I stay away from drugs and alcohol, it'll be amazing. And I know that for sure.
Zibby Owens
So back to the writing. So what did you. How did you do this in such a way that, like, I was trying to analyze the way you ended chapters was. Was always cliffhangery. The chapters are relatively short. You gave us, like, a mix of dialogue and your internal thoughts at the time. You told it like a story. You had two of you, you know, two timelines going. Like, how did you. How did you do this whole thing? And did it all just come really naturally? Because the product in the reading was like, quite seamless.
Tiffany Jenkins
That's incredible to hear. I. I'm not even sure how to respond. Honestly, I am surprised. It's just. I don't know, it's hard to hear this kind of feedback because I have. Everything in me is like, wow. I mean, it's not that great. Like, I didn't. Seamless is a big word. I'm not.
Zibby Owens
I'm not saying this is going to. This is like the literary achievement of like the 2020 first century or whatever, but.
Tiffany Jenkins
I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.
Zibby Owens
It is literally like the most immersive, can't put down book and there. And that is really hard to do and really valuable.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you. I am just dramatic in general. And so I think that when I ended the chapters, I wanted people to keep reading and come back and see what comes next because it is a whole story and I. I didn't want it to be where you're reading and it doesn't suck you in enough to where you put it down and then don't pick it up for a few weeks. I needed people to be addicted to it and to finish it because it is a whole story. And I think that's how I wrote it. I wrote it in a timeline of flashbacks Because I don't know. That's how I did my first book. That's just how I do things. I like things to be a surprise. I like to keep people guessing and wondering. And it's how I do it and it's just what I enjoy. I don't know. It blows my mind because again, I didn't graduate high school. And not that you have to graduate high school to be good at things, but for me, the fact that I put words together that formed paragraphs that people are enjoying is a surprising, wonderful gift for me.
Zibby Owens
Wow. Well, you deserve it. It's really awesome.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you.
Zibby Owens
What is coming next for you? You're hosting two different podcasts, right? Tell me. And you have this book coming out and are you going on tour again? Like, tell me your whole thing and what the future, at least the short term future, is holding for you.
Tiffany Jenkins
The short term future, yes. I've got my two podcasts right now. This book launch is one of the biggest things going on in my life. Other than that, I don't know what else I'm doing. I am following my heart and pivoting. So where comedy sketches and skits online used to be my thing, I'm feeling more pulled towards helping addicts in recovery at this point in time, whatever that looks like. So I'm thinking about going back to school, I'm thinking about getting certified. I'm thinking about all these different things and one day I will put it into action. Probably. Maybe.
Zibby Owens
Have you read Lara Love Hardin's book, the Many Lives of Mama Love?
Tiffany Jenkins
I haven't.
Zibby Owens
Oh my gosh, A lot of elves. It is a lot of Els. She is amazing. It was about her time in prison and she was like this, you know, beautiful mom, suburban mom, and who would have known and blah, blah, blah. I have to put. You two have to do an event together.
Tiffany Jenkins
Okay.
Zibby Owens
I have to put you in touch. You're welcome to do it at my bookstore, but you just have to do it anywhere.
Tiffany Jenkins
I would love it. That's amazing. And I would love to check out her stuff. I think reading from like minded people who've been through something similar is amazing.
Zibby Owens
So what advice do you have for aspiring authors or just for people trying to overcome anything? Take your pick.
Tiffany Jenkins
I'm going to do the author one because my first book, I submitted it to a bunch of publishers and they weren't interested and that's okay. I ended up publishing it myself. I googled how to write a book, how to format a book, how to self publish a book, and Then I just did it. And it ended up selling incredibly well. You know, for whatever reason, I got lucky, and then it ended up being picked up by a publishing company. So to me, I feel like if somebody has a story to tell, no matter who you are, no matter what your background is, you got to tell it. And if. If you feel like it won't make a difference, like, I had moments of self doubt. I had, who's going to care? Who's going to read this? But I did it anyway. And I think that the purpose of our stories isn't for us. I think we experience these things so that we can show other people that they aren't alone and we know a way out. And so if you have a story to tell, tell it. If you want to write, just start writing. And if you. Google is a great tool. If you don't know what you're doing.
Zibby Owens
No, I can YouTube my way through anything.
Tiffany Jenkins
Yes, exactly.
Zibby Owens
Tiffany, thank you so much. I'm so impressed. And thank you. Thank you and congrats.
Tiffany Jenkins
Well, thank you so much for doing such an incredible job of, you know, being thorough and reading it and, you know, it. You could tell that you put a lot of time and energy into your work and what you do so that when these people show up, you are aware of what they're doing. And I think that's really important. It made me feel really special and I appreciate you and what you do.
Zibby Owens
Oh, thank you. Well, I told you I could not put it down, so there you go.
Tiffany Jenkins
Thank you.
Zibby Owens
All right, thanks so much.
Tiffany Jenkins
Take care. Thank you.
Zibby Owens
Okay, bye. Bye. Thank you for listening to Totally Booked with Zibby, formerly Moms don't have time to read Books. If you loved the show, tell a friend, leave a review, Follow me on Instagram, Iby Owens and Spread the word. Thanks so much. Oh, and buy the books.
Hannah Berner
Hi, guys. It's Hannah from Giggly Squad. With summer around the corner, I wanted to tell you guys how I'm staying comfy and and stylish. Lululemon is my secret weapon. There are plenty of copycats out there, but nothing compares to the Lululemon fabrics and fit. I've literally had my pair of Lululemon leggings since college, and I'm out of college. I know I don't look it, but I am. The quality is next level. I especially love the Lululemon Align collection. It's made with this weightless, buttery, soft nulu fabric that feels like next to nothing. It's so soft. Whether you're in Align pants shorts, a bra, tank skirt, a dress, you flexibility in every direction so you can stretch the summer limits align even wick sweat and as a sweaty girl, I love this. You know it's going to be my best friend when I play tennis this summer. Shop the Align collection online@lululemon.com or your.
Tiffany Jenkins
Nearest Lululemon store at 1-800-flowers.com. we know that connections are at the heart of being human. Whether celebrating life's joys or comforting during tough times, 1-800-Flowers helps you express what words can't for nearly 50 years, millions have trusted 1-800-Flowers to deliver thoughtful gifts that help create lasting bonds. Because it's more than just a gift it's your way of showing you care. Visit 1-800-Flowers.com acast and connect today. That's 1-800-Flowers.Com acast.
Zibby Owens
If you're anything like us, you love attention. And my favorite way to get all eyes on me is with next level, shiny, glossy hair.
Hannah Berner
Which is why we're so excited to tell y' all about the new lame Meller Gloss collection from the girlies at Tresemme.
Zibby Owens
And Gigglers. We've got you, too, because Tresemme partnered with us to bring you 1-800-gloss, a special bonus episode of Giggly Squad, where Hannah and I give advice on all things hair and giving gloss. Check out the episode and grab the Lamellar Gloss collection today, because I'm officially declaring this spring gloss season.
Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Episode Featuring Tiffany Jenkins
Episode Title: Tiffany Jenkins, *A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens
Guest: Tiffany Jenkins, Bestselling Author
In this compelling episode of Totally Booked with Zibby, host Zibby Owens welcomes Tiffany Jenkins, the bestselling author of A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb. Tiffany shares her personal journey through addiction, recovery, and motherhood, offering listeners an honest and inspiring narrative of resilience and transformation.
Tiffany opens up about her 13-year journey of sobriety, highlighting the challenges she faced while reintegrating into society after leaving rehab. She discusses the emotional turmoil of transitioning from a life dominated by addiction to one focused on sobriety and motherhood.
Quote:
“Is this life without drugs? And then this is motherhood. What am I supposed to do with this? Is this life?”
— Tiffany Jenkins [06:03]
Tiffany delves into the process of writing her memoir, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and vulnerability. She reflects on how revisiting past experiences, such as her time in a halfway house and the dissolution of her marriage, was both therapeutic and challenging.
Quote:
“I have the attention span of a gnat, which keeps me from sitting down to read books as much as I'd like. So hearing that feedback means a lot to me.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [05:17]
The memoir offers an intimate look at Tiffany's marriage, portraying the complexities of communication and reconciliation. She shares how both she and her ex-husband underwent personal growth through therapy, learning to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively during conflicts.
Quote:
“When the fights or arguments do come to a nice ending, it really had to do with the therapy and the counselors that helped guide us through those times.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [09:56]
Tiffany candidly addresses her struggle with postpartum depression, dispelling the myth that motherhood is solely filled with joy. She describes the emotional darkness she endured, exacerbated by her daughter's health issues, and the fear of judgment that prevented her from seeking support.
Quote:
“I'm sure there are mothers out there who are like, why aren't I happier about this? It isn't just, oh, I'm tired and leaking from everywhere. This is a dark, dark thing.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [14:15]
A pivotal aspect of Tiffany's recovery was the unwavering support from her father, who visited her daily in jail. His belief in her potential and consistent encouragement played a crucial role in her journey toward sobriety.
Quote:
“Having him visit me in jail and tell me that he loved me no matter what, that he had faith in me, truly saved my life.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [25:36]
Tiffany shares her unexpected rise to online fame, detailing how her honest blog posts about motherhood and addiction resonated with millions. She reflects on the challenges of balancing her introverted nature with her roles as a comedian, speaker, and author.
Quote:
“People would see the videos and be like, oh, she's silly and she's funny. I'm gonna go follow her. And then they'd get there and be like, wait a minute, she's an addict. How is this possible?”
— Tiffany Jenkins [27:25]
Looking ahead, Tiffany expresses a desire to pivot her focus towards supporting individuals in recovery. She contemplates further education and certifications to enhance her ability to help others navigate similar struggles.
Quote:
“I'm feeling more pulled towards helping addicts in recovery at this point in time, whatever that looks like.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [32:06]
Tiffany offers heartfelt advice to aspiring writers, emphasizing the importance of storytelling for personal and communal healing. She encourages writers to persevere through self-doubt and leverage available resources to share their unique narratives.
Quote:
“If somebody has a story to tell, no matter who you are, no matter what your background is, you got to tell it.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [33:23]
The episode concludes with mutual appreciation between Zibby and Tiffany. Zibby commends Tiffany's dedication and the profound impact of her memoir, while Tiffany expresses gratitude for the platform to share her story. Listeners are left inspired by Tiffany's honesty, strength, and commitment to fostering understanding and support for those battling addiction and mental health challenges.
Final Quote:
“If you have a story to tell, tell it. If you want to write, just start writing.”
— Tiffany Jenkins [34:26]
Key Takeaways:
This episode serves as an inspiring testament to the power of vulnerability, the importance of support systems, and the enduring human spirit's capacity to heal and thrive.