E2: Spiked Orange Julius

As the childhood memories of the early 2000s begin to fade, the "stiller waters" of the Carman family are met with a rising storm. In this episode, Reece and her mother, Karen, are joined by their cousin Maddy and friends Torrin and Cassie to explore the pivotal transition into Sierra’s teenage years. The moment when "goofy and fun" began to shift into something far more complex.Reece opens up about her own "black and white" childhood perspective and the painful realization that her sister and best friend was moving into a world she didn't yet understand. From innocent "Orange Julius" experiments to the terrifying reality of Sierra’s first blackout, this episode examines the early signs of substance use disorder and the emotional toll it takes on a family. We also hear directly from Sierra through her journal entries. With heartbreaking honesty, she describes her "upward battle" with reality, the shame of past mistakes, and the desperate measures she took to make the world disappear.Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of substance use and self-harm. Listener discretion is advised.Resources & Support: If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or self-harm, please visit www.girloverboardpod.com for a list of resources and support organizations.If you are in immediate crisis, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline.Connect with Girl Overboard:Website: www.girloverboardpod.comInstagram: @girloverboardpodSubstack: girloverboard.substack.com - written bonus content released weekly!Email: [email protected] & Review: If you find Sierra's story meaningful, please leave us a review and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.Credits: Co-created by Reece and Karen Carman. Produced and Engineered by Reece Carman. Associate Producer: Megan Sanchez.