EP 38. Book Club Gold with a Gulp of Truth: Jessica Guerrieri on Writing What We’re All Too Afraid to Say

In this episode, Kate sits down with Jessica Guerrieri, author of Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea—a novel that has taken sober and sober-curious communities by storm. Jessica blends raw honesty, lived addiction, and the messy truths of motherhood into a work of “book club fiction” that’s reaching women where memoirs sometimes can’t.With over 12 years of sobriety, Jessica opens up about why she chose fiction over memoir, how writing became both a refuge and a mirror, and what happens when you say the scary things out loud. Together, Kate and Jessica dive into the intersections of motherhood, identity, secrecy and the profound relief that comes when you finally stop hiding.In this episode, you’ll hear:Why fiction can feel safer—and more powerful—than memoir for exploring addictionThe “phantom life” so many women carry alongside motherhood and marriageJessica’s near-fatal return to substances during the pandemic and how she found her way backThe role of family systems, comparison, and people-pleasing in fueling addictionThe healing power of telling the truth on the page, and in real lifeA sneak peek into Jessica’s next book Both Can Be True (coming 2026!)Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or simply human, Jessica’s story is a reminder that addiction isn’t about weakness—it’s about suffering in silence. And recovery? It’s about finding your voice, telling your truth, and living unapologetically as yourself.About Jessica:Originally from the Bay Area, Jessica lives in Davis, California with her husband and three daughters. She has a background in special education but left the field to pursue her passion for writing and to raise her girls. Jessica Guerrieri is a vocal advocate for recovery with over 12 years of sobriety. Her debut literary book club fiction novel, Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, won the Maurice Prize for Fiction from her alma mater, UC Davis.Follow and connect with Jessica:Website: www.jessicaguerrieri.netInstagram: @jessicaguerrieriauthorTikTok: @jessstayssoberAccess the AB Process CourseYou can find Kate on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rewiredsober/Work with Kate: https://linktr.ee/KateVitelaEmail Podcast: [email protected] Mentioned in this episode:Rewired Sober Group Coaching Programhttps://kate-vitela.mykajabi.com/rewired-sober-coaching-program