EP 68 – Jo Weatherford: Sobriety, Self-Love, and Trauma Recovery

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In this powerful episode of The Begin Again Podcast, host Gary Menkes speaks with Jo Weatherford, a former Playboy model turned professor, TEDx speaker, and addiction expert. Jo shares her personal journey from Hollywood’s party scene to rock bottom, struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. After a life-altering arrest and failed suicide attempt, she made the courageous decision to turn her life around.

Jo discusses how she embraced recovery through non-traditional approaches, including inner child work, therapy, and aversion therapy, leading to 12 years of sobriety. She earned a master’s degree in Human Development and spent over a decade teaching addiction courses at the University of Nevada, guiding others toward healing. Now, as a mindset coach, she helps high performers tackle addiction, intimacy, and personal growth.

Throughout this conversation, Jo and Gary explore the importance of self-love, resilience, and overcoming shame and guilt. Jo shares her insights on trauma recovery, the challenges of working in the recovery field, and her passion for helping others reclaim their lives.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the stand or beliefs of the host or the podcast. We aim to provide a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, fostering open and respectful discussions. We encourage critical thinking and forming your own conclusions. Enjoy the show!

About Our Guest (Jo Weatherford)

Jo Weatherford is a living example of joy in recovery. In her 20s, Jo was a drug- and alcohol-addicted model, partying with Hollywood celebrities. After an arrest and a failed suicide attempt, she realized it was time to change. Determined to rebuild her life, Jo earned a master’s degree in Human Development and spent 12 years teaching addiction courses at the University of Nevada, while also leading prevention and intervention efforts for the Office of Student Conduct.

Today, Jo is a TEDx speaker, mindset coach, and addiction expert, focusing on non-traditional approaches to recovery. With 12 years of sobriety, Jo continues to inspire others, showing that radical transformation is possible through self-love, resilience, and connection.

Show Notes

  • [01:19] Gary interviews Jo, a former Playboy model turned professor, TEDx speaker, and addiction expert, who shares her journey from addiction and attempted suicide to recovery and helping others.
  • [04:47] Jo shares her struggles with alcoholism, starting at age 12, using it as a coping mechanism.
  • [11:27] Jo Weatherford discusses addiction, the impact of trauma and environment on genetic predispositions, and her recent insights into unhealthy relationship patterns through meditation and inner child work.
  • [16:47] Jo shares her journey of self-healing through inner child work, therapy, and her master’s in counseling, revisiting childhood trauma and highlighting the power of self-healing.
  • [20:36] Jo and Gary explore self-love, healing, and inner transformation, highlighting the role of therapy and spirituality in overcoming shame, guilt, and fear.
  • [24:42] Jo Weatherford shares her struggles with substance abuse, low self-esteem, and the traumatic incident that became the turning point in her sobriety journey.
  • [28:42] Jo reflects on a moment of self-compassion that helped her overcome trauma and shame from sexual assault, leading to sobriety. Gary Menkes empathizes and highlights the importance of seeking help.
  • [32:21] Jo shares her transformative experience with aversion therapy for alcohol addiction, combining physical aversion and subconscious affirmations, leading to 12 years of sobriety.
  • [37:03] Jo shares her journey from addiction, mental health struggles, and shame to becoming an educator and motivational speaker.
  • [39:41] Jo reflects on the transformative power of recovery, finding beauty in tragedy, and the strength gained through challenges.
  • [44:30] Jo shares her journey of healing after a painful breakup and her mother’s relapse, highlighting her resilience and recovery through a forest retreat to restore her mental health.
  • [47:51] Jo discusses overcoming addiction, her passion for public speaking, plans to launch a course and podcast, and working with high performers on addiction, intimacy, and connection, sharing how listeners can reach out for support.
  • [50:55] Jo Weatherford shares her journey from a jail cell to living in paradise, highlighting self-love and the promise of a better future. Host Gary Menkes echoes her belief that the best is yet to come for everyone.

For more incredible and inspiring stories of those who have overcome alcoholism and addiction, tune in to the next episodes of The Begin Again Podcast through:

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About Gary Menkes

Gary Menkes was born and raised in Port Washington, NY and struggled with alcoholism since his early teens which took him to places he never wants to go again and which took a toll on his health, relationships and professional endeavors. However, Gary completely transformed his life when he was given the gift of sobriety on May 13, 2006. Determined to break free from the cycle of self-destruction, he embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery.

Today, Gary is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in New York, married to the love of his life and father of two amazing children of which he owes all to his sobriety. Gary is now launching his own podcast, The Begin Again Podcast.

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