Finding Joy in Sobriety, Creative Careers, & Motherhood (with Champagne Manley)

Champagne Manley, a mom and the owner of Cakedd by Champ, joins host Emily Hessney Lynch for a fun and thoughtful conversation about feeling lost, figuring out her path, the realities of alcoholism, getting sober, motherhood, and more. In the first half of the show, Champagne shares what it was like to go from a sheltered upbringing in a very religious family to attending community college and partying as much as possible. We also discuss what being an alcoholic was really like, getting fired from jobs, doordashing alcohol during COVID, and how a 24/7 online AA meeting was the turning point that finally helped her feel understood. In the second part of the episode, Champagne shares what it was like when her daughter was born 10.5 weeks early, why she and her husband are choosing to be one and done, and what she hopes her daughter learns by watching her mom forge her own path and run a creative business. Links:For more of Champagne, follow her on Instagram. Her cake business is Cakedd by Champ, which you can also follow on Instagram here.Follow Emily on Instagram and check out her business, Serve Me the Sky Digital, if you need a social media strategist, speaker, or writer!24/7 online AA meeting.It's a Lot episode featuring my son's neurologist, Dr. Sam Mackenzie. Champagne's book recommendations: Sky Daddy; The Silent Patient; Incidents Around the House.The movie I saw at the Anomaly Film Festival where a woman is in love with an amusement park ride is Jumbo (2020).Gay frog plushie from InfoWars.To support the show, leave us a one-time (or recurring!) tip. We'll send you a sticker to say thanks!We're a proud member of the Lunchador Podcast Network. Our logo is by Tenderchomps Art.Mentioned in this episode:Joe Bean RoastersVisit joebeanroasters.com to get fresh roasted specialty coffee either by the bag or with a Perpetual Joy subscription!Mind of MagnusThe Mind is an An Amazing Space Dive into the Mind of Magnus Champlin. A creative brain cursed with endless curiosity. The show focuses on learning about everything and anything, from factoids to deep dives into theories. Magnus interviews guests sharing their stories and life adventures all with the goal of expanding our minds. We are always on the lookout for the next awesome thing to learn!