EPISODE · Apr 23, 2026 · 48 MIN
Learning to Breathe Again: Sobriety, Survival & Humor with Sarah Marie Shoulak
from The Cyclical Doula Podcast: Fertility Awareness, Charting Cycles, and Reproductive Health Education · host Emmamma
What does it actually look like to rebuild your life—one decision at a time?In this deeply honest and unexpectedly light conversation, I sit down with Sarah Shoulak—speaker, artist, and author of the memoir Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life. Sarah shares her story of choosing sobriety at 27, navigating toxic environments, and learning how to feel again after years of numbing.We talk about the moments that don’t make it into highlight reels—the ones where you’re sitting on a metaphorical (or literal) front step, realizing no one is coming to save you… and that maybe, you’re the one who can.But this isn’t just about survival. It’s about learning how to hold grief and joy at the same time. How to find humor in the hard. And how to build a life that actually feels like yours.In this episode, we cover:What it really means to choose sobriety (and why it’s not a “magic fix”)The myth of the “rock bottom” momentLearning to listen to your body after years of disconnectionWhy healing often gets harder before it gets betterThe reality of toxic relationships—and how to leaveGrief beyond death (loss of identity, relationships, expectations)Finding your personal version of whimsy in hard seasonsNervous system regulation when life feels overwhelmingThe power of small, daily ritualsWhy you don’t need permission to change your lifeResources & LinksFollow Sarah: @sarahmarieshoulakWebsite: sarahmarieshoulak.comGet her memoir: Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life Emmamma Resources + Links:Book a Free Clarity Call with EmmaJoin Matriarch🎙️ Get Involved with the Podcast:Ask a Question for the Podcast: Submit hereLeave a Review + Get a Gift: Claim your gift here📌 Stay Connected:Website: https://emmamma.comInstagram: @cyclicaldoulaEmail: [email protected] me at: (854) 220-0218The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Cyclical Doula Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Emma Goff or Emmamma LLC. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
What this episode covers
What does it actually look like to rebuild your life—one decision at a time?In this deeply honest and unexpectedly light conversation, I sit down with Sarah Shoulak—speaker, artist, and author of the memoir Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life. Sarah shares her story of choosing sobriety at 27, navigating toxic environments, and learning how to feel again after years of numbing.We talk about the moments that don’t make it into highlight reels—the ones where you’re sitting on a metaphorical (or literal) front step, realizing no one is coming to save you… and that maybe, you’re the one who can.But this isn’t just about survival. It’s about learning how to hold grief and joy at the same time. How to find humor in the hard. And how to build a life that actually feels like yours.In this episode, we cover:What it really means to choose sobriety (and why it’s not a “magic fix”)The myth of the “rock bottom” momentLearning to listen to your body after years of disconnectionWhy healing often gets harder before it gets betterThe reality of toxic relationships—and how to leaveGrief beyond death (loss of identity, relationships, expectations)Finding your personal version of whimsy in hard seasonsNervous system regulation when life feels overwhelmingThe power of small, daily ritualsWhy you don’t need permission to change your lifeResources & LinksFollow Sarah: @sarahmarieshoulakWebsite: sarahmarieshoulak.comGet her memoir: Dead Serious: How Death Made Me Laugh at Life Emmamma Resources + Links:Book a Free Clarity Call with EmmaJoin Matriarch🎙️ Get Involved with the Podcast:Ask a Question for the Podcast: Submit hereLeave a Review + Get a Gift: Claim your gift here📌 Stay Connected:Website: https://emmamma.comInstagram: @cyclicaldoulaEmail: [email protected] me at: (854) 220-0218The views and opinions expressed by guests on The Cyclical Doula Podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Emma Goff or Emmamma LLC. This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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Learning to Breathe Again: Sobriety, Survival & Humor with Sarah Marie Shoulak
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