557: Irina Gonzalez: Managing Sobriety And Anxiety As A New Mom In A Pandemic

Irina Gonzalez is a Latina, bisexual, sober Shameless Mom. She is also an editor & freelance writer covering parenting, recovery, and Latinx culture. Currently, she is the Content Marketing Manager at Tempest, a membership program that empowers you to live alcohol-free. She is also the creator of the Pandemic Mama podcast, which brings you real conversations about having a baby during COVID-19 times. Her work has appeared in over 50 publications, including The Washington Post, O! The Oprah Magazine, Parents, and more. She is a new resident of Denver, where she lives with her husband, spunky toddler, and their fur babies. I recently heard an interview my dear friend Laura Cathcart Robbins did with Irina and I immediately knew I wanted to ask Irina to join me in the Shameless Mom Academy. She is brilliant in so many ways and extremely generous in the ways she shares her stories. I think this conversation will open your eyes and inspire you to look at some of your coping skills to assess what’s working and what’s not - and what coping mechanisms might help you the most. Listen in to hear Irina share: Why balance is a “damn bad idea” How she’s juggling being back at work full time, caring for her 14 month old, and finding a sense of self The unique intersections of her identities as a Latina, bisexual, sober, mother and writer Her journey into sobriety The labels of “alcoholic” vs “alcohol use disorder” Why the 12 step recovery framework doesn’t resonate with her How moms are not being supported by Mommy Wine Culture The connections she made between her alcohol use and anxiety 8 coping mechanisms she’s using to deal with anxiety and managing her mental health in a pandemic How she’s taking pride in “showing up as who I am and being vocal about it!” Links mentioned: Download my free Shameless Motivational Coloring Book Connect with Irina Irina’s Podcast: Pandemic Mama Book: Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker Podcast: Forever 35 Irina on Instagram and here Thank you to our sponsor: Thrive: Start thriving and help women in need today by going to com/ThriveCausemetics.com/shameless for 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices