Journals of a Love Addict Podcast

EP69: There Will Be Grief 28.06.2026 25min

Have you ever felt down, but believed you shouldn't be—so you pushed through pretending everything was fine? In this episode, Jodi gets honest about her own experience with this pattern, tracing it back to undiagnosed ADHD, perimenopause, burnout, and a divorce that sent her love addiction into overdrive for the next 15 years. Using Pia Mellody's five core issues of codependency and the eldest daughter/Hero role, she unpacks how enmeshment teaches us that being needed is safer than having needs—and makes the case for family-of-origin recovery work, especially in midlife (even though there will be grief). Show notes: Music by JD Pendley Links to Jodi's website and Substack Link to purchase Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody What Is Love Addiction? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP68: Tell Me Who You Are with Lauren Weedman 14.06.2026 59min

Journals of a Love Addict has always been about telling our stories, even the messy ones. But last summer, Jodi found herself on a stage in Upstate New York—in front of an audience— sharing something she'd kept to herself for twenty years. And she blames Lauren Weedman. Lauren is an award-winning performance artist, playwright, author, and teacher — known for Abbott Elementary, Looking, and Hacks. In this episode, Jodi and Lauren talk about why storytelling is therapeutic, why the messy parts are usually the gold, and what happens when you stop rejecting the story you've been most afraid to tell. Plus psychics, ex-husbands, and family of origin. Stay tuned for a special announcement at the end. Show notes Music by JD Pendley Join the wait list to learn more about the storytelling workshop with Lauren and Jodi (dates and details coming soon) Links to Jodi's website and Substack Lauren's website Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP67: The Power of No with Tanya Dantus, LMFT 24.05.2026 40min

What if the reason you struggle with boundaries isn't your mindset, but your nervous system? Introducing Tanya Dantus, licensed therapist, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and author of The Power of No. She's the creator of Modern Detachment Syndrome — a framework for understanding why many women end up disconnected from their bodies, needs, and voice just to get through the day. In this episode, Jodi talks with Tanya about the relationship that led to her book, and they dig into people-pleasing and fawning as survival strategies, the role patriarchy plays in all of it, and Tanya's RIFRA method for getting to the root of it. Show notes: Music by JD Pendley Tanya's website. Tanya's book, The Power of No Links to Jodi's website and Substack. Tanya mentioned the book, The Living Goddesses by Marija Gimbutas, in this episode. Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP66: How ChatGPT Ended My Relationship with Lindsey Hall 03.05.2026 55min

AI is a heated topic, especially when it comes to using it as a replacement for therapy or relationship advice. But what would YOU do if you opened your partner's laptop and found a ChatGPT thread titled "Relationship Issues and Uncertainty?" This happened to writer and PR consultant Lindsey Hall — then she wrote about it, and people have feelings. In this episode Jodi talks with Lindsey about the chat that ended her relationship, her experience with love addiction, relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder, and what it means to go viral for telling your story in 2026. Show notes: Music by JD Pendley Link to Lindsey Hall's Substack essay Link to Jodi's website and Substack ROCD resources: Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships Overthinking About You: Navigating Romantic Relationships When You Have Anxiety, OCD, And/Or Depression Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP65: Nobody Likes This 19.04.2026 40min

A recurring dream theme. A vicious comment about Liz Gilbert. And the reasons women keep their stories to themselves. This week Jodi unpacks the connection between love addiction and misogyny, and why All The Way To The River brought out the haters. Because nobody likes it when a woman gets honest about her relationships. Nobody likes a messy recovery story. And that's exactly why we have to share them. Plus: the launch of Jodi's Substack, Nobody Likes This. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Links to Jodi's website and her new Substack, Nobody Likes This (available April 21st). Purchase All The Way To The River by Liz Gilbert on Bookshop.org Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP64: Align Your Mind with Britt Frank 31.08.2025 41min

Have you ever felt like two parts of yourself are at battle with each other--one that knows something is bad for you and another that wants to do it anyway? Or maybe you have a loud inner critic, or an inner toddler that just wants to be seen and heard? We are all made up of different parts, but we can learn how to work with them vs against them. In this episode Jodi talks with therapist and author, Britt Frank, about her new book, Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work. Jodi and Britt discuss the different types of parts and how to identify them, and how parts work can be helpful in love addiction recovery. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and link to join her newsletter for upcoming announcements For more information about Britt Frank visit her website and follow her on Instagram @brittfank Purchase Align Your Mind here Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP63: Women Who Work Too Much with Tamu Thomas 17.08.2025 1t 1min

Love addiction is a set of symptoms most often associated with romantic relationships. But these symptoms can also show up in our relationship with work, which might look like this: seeking unconditional positive regard (ie earning validation and worthiness from the work we're doing, the company that employs us, the person who manages us), while we overvalue this company or person (and undervalue ourselves and the contribution we are making at work), all while self-neglecting as we overfunction in order to get that external validation. And all of this leads to exhaustion, health issues, and ultimately burnout. In this episode, Jodi talks with burnout and productivity specialist, Tamu Thomas, author of Women Who Work Too Much, about toxic productivity, ambition and the cultural conditioning that shapes us. Tamu shares her personal experience with overfunctioning and how this led to a necessary life change; and why women often end up being the "selfless caretakers", how this leads us into a cycle of toxic productivity, and how we can change that...plus much more! Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and link to join her newsletter for upcoming announcements For more information about Tamu Thomas, visit her website and follow her on Instagram @tamu.thomas Purchase Women Who Work Too Much here Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP62: Three Stories 27.07.2025 22min

In recovery, we examine the past and how it shaped us. We look at what we learned from our family of origin about life and relationships; plus the cultural messages that influenced us along the way (and may continue to do so). Storytelling can be a powerful tool in recovery, because as we look at the past we uncover memories that lead to feelings and aha moments; we connect dots that help us make sense of what has happened to us, and how it all led us here today. In this episode, Jodi shares three stories that have been on her mind and how these stories relate to her own recovery. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Helpful books: Facing Codependence and Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody Ready To Heal by Kelly McDaniel Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP61: This Is Something 13.07.2025 24min

In love addiction, we avoid our reality through fantasy and other behaviors that keep us stuck and feeling powerless. But even in recovery, reality becomes overwhelming at times, and we might still find ourselves wanting to check-out and shutdown in order to bypass those feelings. In this episode, Jodi talks about her recent experience with checking-out and attempting to avoid reality; our collective issue with self-esteem; and navigating hopelessness while holding onto empathy. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Books mentioned in this episode: Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody and The Great Work Of Your Life by Stephen Cope Chelsea Handler shared a helpful post regarding "How To Help Texas" that includes resources and where to donate to support flood recovery efforts. In the episode Jodi shares a quote commonly attributed to James Baldwin: "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." After recording, Jodi learned that there is some confusion regarding the actual source. According to Snopes: "It wasn't James Baldwin who said this, but essayist and novelist Robert Jones Jr., who used to write online under the moniker @sonofbaldwin. He wrote and posted these words on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 18, 2015." However other online sources continue to report it was actually James Balwin himself. Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP60: There's Just Something About Her 29.06.2025 39min

Why do women turn on each other? This important question was posed in a recent Substack article, which addressed what Jodi has been wondering for a long time: Is it envy? Fear? Competition? Patriarchy? All of the above? Regardless of the underlying reasons, we might catch ourselves dismissively believing 'there's just something about her that bothers me' (which then allows us to avoid those underlying reasons and blame the other person). In this episode, Jodi and her friend, Brooke, talk more about all of this. They also discuss the documentary, Call Her Alex, and the aforementioned Substack article by Women Are The Medicine. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Link to Call Her Daddy on Hulu Link to Substack article by Rachel Lawlan of Women Are The Medicine Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP59: Is This Really Love? with Leah Aguirre, LCSW 15.06.2025 55min

Emotional abuse is far too common and yet it can be difficult to recognize, because it's subtle at first and often covert. It can deplete a person's self esteem and simultaneously create dependence upon the abusive partner, which blurs reality and makes it hard to leave. But what is emotional abuse and how can we recover from an emotionally abusive relationship? In this episode, Jodi talks with therapist and author, Leah Aguirre, LCSW, about her new book, Is This Really Love? Recognizing When You're in a Coercive, Controlling, and Emotionally Abusive Relationship--and How to Break Free. Jodi shares a story about her first addictive relationship and Leah talks about the aha moment that led her to leave an emotionally abusive partner. Jodi and Leah also discuss coercion and control; personality traits of an emotional abuser; and relationship green flags (signs that a relationship or partner is safe). Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Leah's website and Instagram Link to order Is This Really Love? Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP58: Emotional Sobriety with Allen Berger, PhD 01.06.2025 44min

"I'm okay as long as you're okay with me": If our wellbeing is dependent upon another person, their opinion of us, or external validation, we are other-esteeming (looking for security outside of ourselves). This is considered emotional dependence, and it plays a big role in love addiction. In this episode, Jodi talks with Allen Berger, PhD, therapist and author of "12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety". Dr. Berger defines emotional dependence, explains why it happens, and what emotional sobriety can look like. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Link to Dr. Berger's website and his book 12 Insights for Emotional Sobriety Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Bonus Episode: Thank You Pia Mellody 18.05.2025 31min

This is a special tribute episode to the work of Pia Mellody who passed away May 7th at the age of 82. Pia was a pioneer in the field of trauma and addiction recovery; she developed a groundbreaking model of treatment, and authored several books including Facing Love Addiction and Facing Codependence. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Links to Facing Codependence, Facing Love Addiction and The Intimacy Factor by Pia Mellody Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP57: The Reality of Betrayal with Lindsay Haverslew, CSAT 18.05.2025 49min

In love addiction, we may find ourselves feeling betrayed by a partner-- even if we don't know for sure that something is going on--while doubting our instincts, believing we're too sensitive, and giving an emotionally unavailable partner the benefit of the doubt. This feeling adds to our anxiety, and whatever information a partner is withholding adds to the dysfunction of the relationship...and we stay in the cycle of love addiction hoping things will change. In this episode Jodi talks with betrayal trauma therapist, Lindsay Haverslew, about the reality of betrayal trauma. Jodi and Lindsay share personal experiences with betrayal, and discuss signs that a partner is emotionally unavailable, tips for identifying a trustworthy person, and much more. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Lindsay's website and instagram Lindsay mentioned the work of Jennifer Freyd and Dr. Kevin Skinner and the book Unleashing Your Power Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP56: What I Deserve with Kelly Willis 04.05.2025 44min

Music has the power to shape moods and moments; but do you ever wonder what shaped the music? Or what someone had to experience in order to bring one of your favorite songs or albums into the world? In this episode, Jodi talks with singer-songwriter, Kelly Willis. Jodi shares the personal significance of Kelly's album, 'What I Deserve' and how it provided hope during a particularly painful time in her life; and Kelly discusses how her childhood as an army brat, growing up without her mother, and early disappointments in the music industry shaped that album. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Read Army Brat by Kelly Willis (and subscribe to her Substack) Link to Kelly's website Listen to What I Deserve by Kelly Willis Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP55: Double Nickels 20.04.2025 34min

What does it mean to be "good"? Unfortunately, for women, being seen as "good" often requires conforming and playing along vs standing up for one's values or against wrongdoing--if you've seen the movie Wicked, you know how this story goes. In this episode, Jodi begins the process of imperfectly unpacking what she's learned throughout nearly a decade of recovery (and 55 years of life): the insidious power of cultural messages; why being seen as a "good girl" can feel so important, but keeps us stuck; and how all of this prevents us from speaking up, being real, and getting to know our true strength. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Read Jodi's blog Jodi mentioned the book Ready to Heal by Kelly McDaniel Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP54: A Mind That Never Stops with Aly Dearborn, MFT 06.04.2025 58min

Emotional dysregulation, compulsive behavior and obsessive thoughts: if you've struggled with love addiction, all of this might sound very familiar...but these are also symptoms of ADHD. Is there a connection? In this episode, Jodi talks with Aly Dearborn, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with specialized training in recognizing female presentations of ADHD and Austism. Aly and Jodi discuss the shared symptoms of love addiction, ADHD and Autism; the estrogen connection and why girls and women are often misdiagnosed; and Aly shares her personal experience with love addiction and being an adult diagnosed ADHD/Autistic. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources More resources and information about Aly Dearborn can be found here Aly mentioned the work of Bo Forbes Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP53: And Now We Discern 23.03.2025 31min

We live in a time of constant communication and short-form media, with unlimted data at our fingertips and an abundance of "experts" at the ready. While this access to information and opinions is functional at times, it can also feel overwhelming and lead to dysregulation, regression and dysfunctional behavior. So how do we handle this? In this episode, Jodi discusses the the importance of discernment and the power of pausing; why the symptoms of codependence and love addiction lead to undervaluing our instincts while overvaluing the opinions of others; and how pausing can reveal the most useful information of all. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website and additional resources Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody Here's a very handy feelings wheel @ feelingswheel.com Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP52: Unlovable with Charlene deGuzman (REPLAY) 06.09.2024 53min

(This episode is a replay) There are books and podcasts about love addiction, and people talk on social media about it--but there aren't many movies that address the topic... That's why Charlene deGuzman's film, Unlovable, is so unique: She not only tells her story, but she calls love addiction what it is. In this episode Jodi talks with Charlene about her personal experience with love addiction and recovery, as well as what she's learned about herself and how recovery has changed her life. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Link to Jodi's website Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

EP51: Sketchy Psychics 24.08.2024 32min

When an addictive relationship ends, we can find ourselves feeling wobbly, uncertain and very vulnerable. We might seek therapy, or the help of a support group, or even guidance from someone who SAYS they have the solution to our problem and can make the pain go away. In this episode, Jodi and her friend Brooke share stories of seeking comfort from psychics, and why we might look for guidance in such places, and place so much trust in someone we don't even know. Show notes and resources: Music by JD Pendley Jodi's website and link to the JOLA Network (online recovery community) and Fall 2024 Mother Hunger online group. Disclaimer: This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.