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

Introduction

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 Jenkins' Sobriety Journey

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]

Writing A Clean Mess

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]

Depiction of Marriage and Communication

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]

Postpartum Depression and Motherhood Challenges

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]

Support Systems and Father's Influence

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]

Developing an Online Presence

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]

Transition to Helping Others and Future Plans

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]

Advice to Aspiring Authors

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]

Conclusion

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:

• Resilience Through Sobriety: Tiffany's 13-year sobriety showcases the strength and determination required to overcome addiction.
• Authentic Storytelling: Writing her memoir allowed Tiffany to process her experiences and connect with millions who relate to her struggles.
• Importance of Support Systems: The unwavering support from loved ones, especially her father, was instrumental in Tiffany's recovery.
• Breaking Stigmas: By openly discussing postpartum depression and addiction, Tiffany helps dismantle societal stigmas surrounding mental health and motherhood.
• Encouragement for Aspiring Authors: Tiffany advocates for the power of personal narratives in fostering empathy and understanding.

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.