Journals of a Love Addict Podcast

What do you want to stop doing? When Jodi asked her newsletter subscribers this question, she received a lot of responses—one of them was from a fellow therapist in recovery, Dr. Symphonie Smith, LIMFT.

Jodi invited Dr. Smith to join her for this episode to discuss her recent ADHD diagnosis and how Journals of a Love Addict, and the work of Pia Mellody, supported her through recovery from love addiction and codependence. Dr. Smith also shares the relationship that led to her recovery, and describes the cultural messaging that shapes Black women specifically—like the Strong Black Woman archetype—that can fuel overfunctioning and codependence.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Link to Dr. Symphonie Smith's website

Dr. Smith mentioned the book Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy

Subscribe to Jodi's monthly newsletter

Link to purchase Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody

Links to free 12-step recovery support options: SLAA and LAA

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Why is love addiction still so misunderstood? In this episode of the podcast, Jodi and her guest Kim Litton—a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, and author of I Do It For Her—discuss this question and much more.

Kim shares how she first learned about love addiction after unknowingly living with it for years, even after completing treatment for substance addiction and becoming a therapist. They get into Kim's early recovery, including an "embarrassing" story about a fling. They also discuss the New York Times article on love addiction and why some "experts" refuse to believe love addiction is a real thing.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Link to Kim Litton's website and instagram

Subscribe to Jodi's monthly newsletter

Purchase I Do It For Her by Kim Litton

Link to purchase Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody

Read the NY Times article mentioned in this episode

Want to learn more about love addiction and early recovery? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here

Links to free 12-step recovery support options: SLAA and LAA

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Ten years ago this month, Jodi was in early withdrawal after the breakup that changed everything. It was also the start of her love addiction recovery, which is what actually made all the difference.

In this episode she walks through how she got there—the years of addictive relationships and painful breakups that finally led her to a therapist who got it. She talks about the science of withdrawal, the importance of a dating plan, and why she celebrates that breakup anniversary.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Subscribe to Jodi's monthly newsletter

Link to purchase Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody

Purchase Why We Love by Helen Fisher

Want to learn more about love addiction and early recovery? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here

Links to free 12-step recovery support options: SLAA and LAA

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Is having a boyfriend embarrassing now? That's a good question! It's also the title of the Vogue piece by journalist Chanté Joseph, and in this episode Jodi sits down with Chanté to discuss why singlehood is having a cultural moment. They dig into the cultural and economic pressures that push women into partnerships, how to embrace singlehood, and the importance of a dating plan. Chanté also opens up about her personal experience with ADHD and intensity in relationships, which led her to Journals of a Love Addict and the work of Pia Mellody.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Follow Chanté Joseph on Instagram and read her Substack

Link to Chanté's articles in Vogue and Glamour

Link to purchase Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody

What Is Love Addiction? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

More and more people are turning to ChatGPT for coaching, relationship advice, and even companionship. But how are these interactions shaping the way we relate to ourselves and others?

In this episode, Jodi talks with accredited relational therapist Billie Dunlevy to explore these questions through the lens of love addiction, codependency, and Pia Mellody's Five Core Issues. They discuss how the use of AI tools like ChatGPT may influence emotional dependence, boundaries, self-worth, and recovery—and what that could mean for the future of human relationships.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Link to purchase Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody

Learn more about Billie Dunlevy on her website and on Instagram.

What Is Love Addiction? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Have you ever felt down, but believed you shouldn't be—so you pushed through pretending everything was fine? In this episode, Jodi gets honest about her own experience with this pattern, tracing it back to undiagnosed ADHD, perimenopause, burnout, and a divorce that sent her love addiction into overdrive for the next 15 years.

Using Pia Mellody's five core issues of codependency and the eldest daughter/Hero role, she unpacks how enmeshment teaches us that being needed is safer than having needs—and makes the case for family-of-origin recovery work, especially in midlife (even though there will be grief).

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Link to purchase Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody

What Is Love Addiction? — Jodi's mini course is now only $17, buy it here

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Journals of a Love Addict has always been about telling our stories, even the messy ones. But last summer, Jodi found herself on a stage in Upstate New York—in front of an audience— sharing something she'd kept to herself for twenty years.

And she blames Lauren Weedman.

Lauren is an award-winning performance artist, playwright, author, and teacher — known for Abbott Elementary, Looking, and Hacks. In this episode, Jodi and Lauren talk about why storytelling is therapeutic, why the messy parts are usually the gold, and what happens when you stop rejecting the story you've been most afraid to tell. Plus psychics, ex-husbands, and family of origin. Stay tuned for a special announcement at the end.

Show notes

Music by JD Pendley

Join the wait list to learn more about the storytelling workshop with Lauren and Jodi (dates and details coming soon)

Links to Jodi's website and Substack

Lauren's website

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

What if the reason you struggle with boundaries isn't your mindset, but your nervous system?

Introducing Tanya Dantus, licensed therapist, Somatic Experiencing practitioner, and author of The Power of No. She's the creator of Modern Detachment Syndrome — a framework for understanding why many women end up disconnected from their bodies, needs, and voice just to get through the day.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Tanya about the relationship that led to her book, and they dig into people-pleasing and fawning as survival strategies, the role patriarchy plays in all of it, and Tanya's RIFRA method for getting to the root of it.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Tanya's website.

Tanya's book, The Power of No

Links to Jodi's website and Substack.

Tanya mentioned the book, The Living Goddesses by Marija Gimbutas, in this episode.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

AI is a heated topic, especially when it comes to using it as a replacement for therapy or relationship advice. But what would YOU do if you opened your partner's laptop and found a ChatGPT thread titled "Relationship Issues and Uncertainty?" This happened to writer and PR consultant Lindsey Hall — then she wrote about it, and people have feelings.

In this episode Jodi talks with Lindsey about the chat that ended her relationship, her experience with love addiction, relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder, and what it means to go viral for telling your story in 2026.

Show notes:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Lindsey Hall's Substack essay

Link to Jodi's website and Substack

ROCD resources:

Relationship OCD: A CBT-Based Guide to Move Beyond Obsessive Doubt, Anxiety, and Fear of Commitment in Romantic Relationships

Overthinking About You: Navigating Romantic Relationships When You Have Anxiety, OCD, And/Or Depression

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

A recurring dream theme. A vicious comment about Liz Gilbert. And the reasons women keep their stories to themselves. This week Jodi unpacks the connection between love addiction and misogyny, and why All The Way To The River brought out the haters.

Because nobody likes it when a woman gets honest about her relationships. Nobody likes a messy recovery story. And that's exactly why we have to share them. Plus: the launch of Jodi's Substack, Nobody Likes This.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Links to Jodi's website and her new Substack, Nobody Likes This (available April 21st).

Purchase All The Way To The River by Liz Gilbert on Bookshop.org

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Have you ever felt like two parts of yourself are at battle with each other--one that knows something is bad for you and another that wants to do it anyway? Or maybe you have a loud inner critic, or an inner toddler that just wants to be seen and heard? We are all made up of different parts, but we can learn how to work with them vs against them.

In this episode Jodi talks with therapist and author, Britt Frank, about her new book, Align Your Mind: Tame Your Inner Critic and Make Peace with Your Shadow Using the Power of Parts Work. Jodi and Britt discuss the different types of parts and how to identify them, and how parts work can be helpful in love addiction recovery.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and link to join her newsletter for upcoming announcements

For more information about Britt Frank visit her website and follow her on Instagram @brittfank

Purchase Align Your Mind here

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Love addiction is a set of symptoms most often associated with romantic relationships. But these symptoms can also show up in our relationship with work, which might look like this: seeking unconditional positive regard (ie earning validation and worthiness from the work we're doing, the company that employs us, the person who manages us), while we overvalue this company or person (and undervalue ourselves and the contribution we are making at work), all while self-neglecting as we overfunction in order to get that external validation. And all of this leads to exhaustion, health issues, and ultimately burnout.

In this episode, Jodi talks with burnout and productivity specialist, Tamu Thomas, author of Women Who Work Too Much, about toxic productivity, ambition and the cultural conditioning that shapes us. Tamu shares her personal experience with overfunctioning and how this led to a necessary life change; and why women often end up being the "selfless caretakers", how this leads us into a cycle of toxic productivity, and how we can change that...plus much more!

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and link to join her newsletter for upcoming announcements

For more information about Tamu Thomas, visit her website and follow her on Instagram @tamu.thomas

Purchase Women Who Work Too Much here

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

In recovery, we examine the past and how it shaped us. We look at what we learned from our family of origin about life and relationships; plus the cultural messages that influenced us along the way (and may continue to do so).

Storytelling can be a powerful tool in recovery, because as we look at the past we uncover memories that lead to feelings and aha moments; we connect dots that help us make sense of what has happened to us, and how it all led us here today. In this episode, Jodi shares three stories that have been on her mind and how these stories relate to her own recovery.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Helpful books:

Facing Codependence and Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody

Ready To Heal by Kelly McDaniel

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

In love addiction, we avoid our reality through fantasy and other behaviors that keep us stuck and feeling powerless. But even in recovery, reality becomes overwhelming at times, and we might still find ourselves wanting to check-out and shutdown in order to bypass those feelings.

In this episode, Jodi talks about her recent experience with checking-out and attempting to avoid reality; our collective issue with self-esteem; and navigating hopelessness while holding onto empathy.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Books mentioned in this episode: Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody and The Great Work Of Your Life by Stephen Cope

Chelsea Handler shared a helpful post regarding "How To Help Texas" that includes resources and where to donate to support flood recovery efforts.

In the episode Jodi shares a quote commonly attributed to James Baldwin: "We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist." After recording, Jodi learned that there is some confusion regarding the actual source. According to Snopes: "It wasn't James Baldwin who said this, but essayist and novelist Robert Jones Jr., who used to write online under the moniker @sonofbaldwin. He wrote and posted these words on X (formerly Twitter) on Aug. 18, 2015." However other online sources continue to report it was actually James Balwin himself.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Why do women turn on each other? This important question was posed in a recent Substack article, which addressed what Jodi has been wondering for a long time: Is it envy? Fear? Competition? Patriarchy? All of the above? Regardless of the underlying reasons, we might catch ourselves dismissively believing 'there's just something about her that bothers me' (which then allows us to avoid those underlying reasons and blame the other person).

In this episode, Jodi and her friend, Brooke, talk more about all of this. They also discuss the documentary, Call Her Alex, and the aforementioned Substack article by Women Are The Medicine.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Link to Call Her Daddy on Hulu

Link to Substack article by Rachel Lawlan of Women Are The Medicine

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Emotional abuse is far too common and yet it can be difficult to recognize, because it's subtle at first and often covert. It can deplete a person's self esteem and simultaneously create dependence upon the abusive partner, which blurs reality and makes it hard to leave. But what is emotional abuse and how can we recover from an emotionally abusive relationship?

In this episode, Jodi talks with therapist and author, Leah Aguirre, LCSW, about her new book, Is This Really Love? Recognizing When You're in a Coercive, Controlling, and Emotionally Abusive Relationship--and How to Break Free. Jodi shares a story about her first addictive relationship and Leah talks about the aha moment that led her to leave an emotionally abusive partner. Jodi and Leah also discuss coercion and control; personality traits of an emotional abuser; and relationship green flags (signs that a relationship or partner is safe).

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Leah's website and Instagram

Link to order Is This Really Love?

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

"I'm okay as long as you're okay with me": If our wellbeing is dependent upon another person, their opinion of us, or external validation, we are other-esteeming (looking for security outside of ourselves). This is considered emotional dependence, and it plays a big role in love addiction.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Allen Berger, PhD, therapist and author of "12 Essential Insights for Emotional Sobriety". Dr. Berger defines emotional dependence, explains why it happens, and what emotional sobriety can look like.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Link to Dr. Berger's website and his book 12 Insights for Emotional Sobriety

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

This is a special tribute episode to the work of Pia Mellody who passed away May 7th at the age of 82. Pia was a pioneer in the field of trauma and addiction recovery; she developed a groundbreaking model of treatment, and authored several books including Facing Love Addiction and Facing Codependence.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Links to Facing Codependence, Facing Love Addiction and The Intimacy Factor by Pia Mellody

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

In love addiction, we may find ourselves feeling betrayed by a partner-- even if we don't know for sure that something is going on--while doubting our instincts, believing we're too sensitive, and giving an emotionally unavailable partner the benefit of the doubt. This feeling adds to our anxiety, and whatever information a partner is withholding adds to the dysfunction of the relationship...and we stay in the cycle of love addiction hoping things will change.

In this episode Jodi talks with betrayal trauma therapist, Lindsay Haverslew, about the reality of betrayal trauma. Jodi and Lindsay share personal experiences with betrayal, and discuss signs that a partner is emotionally unavailable, tips for identifying a trustworthy person, and much more.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Lindsay's website and instagram

Lindsay mentioned the work of Jennifer Freyd and Dr. Kevin Skinner and the book Unleashing Your Power

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Music has the power to shape moods and moments; but do you ever wonder what shaped the music? Or what someone had to experience in order to bring one of your favorite songs or albums into the world?

In this episode, Jodi talks with singer-songwriter, Kelly Willis. Jodi shares the personal significance of Kelly's album, 'What I Deserve' and how it provided hope during a particularly painful time in her life; and Kelly discusses how her childhood as an army brat, growing up without her mother, and early disappointments in the music industry shaped that album.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Read Army Brat by Kelly Willis (and subscribe to her Substack)

Link to Kelly's website

Listen to What I Deserve by Kelly Willis

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

What does it mean to be "good"? Unfortunately, for women, being seen as "good" often requires conforming and playing along vs standing up for one's values or against wrongdoing--if you've seen the movie Wicked, you know how this story goes.

In this episode, Jodi begins the process of imperfectly unpacking what she's learned throughout nearly a decade of recovery (and 55 years of life): the insidious power of cultural messages; why being seen as a "good girl" can feel so important, but keeps us stuck; and how all of this prevents us from speaking up, being real, and getting to know our true strength.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Read Jodi's blog

Jodi mentioned the book Ready to Heal by Kelly McDaniel

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Emotional dysregulation, compulsive behavior and obsessive thoughts: if you've struggled with love addiction, all of this might sound very familiar...but these are also symptoms of ADHD. Is there a connection?

In this episode, Jodi talks with Aly Dearborn, a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist with specialized training in recognizing female presentations of ADHD and Austism. Aly and Jodi discuss the shared symptoms of love addiction, ADHD and Autism; the estrogen connection and why girls and women are often misdiagnosed; and Aly shares her personal experience with love addiction and being an adult diagnosed ADHD/Autistic.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

More resources and information about Aly Dearborn can be found here

Aly mentioned the work of Bo Forbes

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

We live in a time of constant communication and short-form media, with unlimted data at our fingertips and an abundance of "experts" at the ready. While this access to information and opinions is functional at times, it can also feel overwhelming and lead to dysregulation, regression and dysfunctional behavior. So how do we handle this?

In this episode, Jodi discusses the the importance of discernment and the power of pausing; why the symptoms of codependence and love addiction lead to undervaluing our instincts while overvaluing the opinions of others; and how pausing can reveal the most useful information of all.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website and additional resources

Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody

Here's a very handy feelings wheel @ feelingswheel.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

(This episode is a replay)

There are books and podcasts about love addiction, and people talk on social media about it--but there aren't many movies that address the topic...

That's why Charlene deGuzman's film, Unlovable, is so unique: She not only tells her story, but she calls love addiction what it is.

In this episode Jodi talks with Charlene about her personal experience with love addiction and recovery, as well as what she's learned about herself and how recovery has changed her life.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to Jodi's website

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

When an addictive relationship ends, we can find ourselves feeling wobbly, uncertain and very vulnerable. We might seek therapy, or the help of a support group, or even guidance from someone who SAYS they have the solution to our problem and can make the pain go away.

In this episode, Jodi and her friend Brooke share stories of seeking comfort from psychics, and why we might look for guidance in such places, and place so much trust in someone we don't even know.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website and link to the JOLA Network (online recovery community) and Fall 2024 Mother Hunger online group.

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

We often think of recovery as something we start, and then everything gets better. But everyone's path to recovery is unique, and truth is that once we do get started, things might actually get harder before they get easier.

In this epsiode, Jodi talks with another therapist in recovery, Heidi Kingston, regarding her personal experience with love addiction, the ups and downs of her own recovery journey, and what she's learned along the way.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website and link to the JOLA Network (online recovery community)

Heidi's website

Pia Mellody books referenced: Facing Love Addiction and Breaking Free

The Meadows workshop referenced: Survivors

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Fantasy plays a big part in the cycle of love addiction; and for many of us, using fantasy to escape discomfort starts early in life. This, acommpanied with the idea of a prince charming or soulmate as presented to us in childhood fairy tales, has a poweful impact on how we see ourselves, and what we look for in relationships.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Heather Cronemiller, a therapist in recovery and co-author of "Going Deeper For Women: How The Inner Child Impacts Your Sex & Love Addiction". Heather shares her experience with fantasy and the search for a soulmate, and what ultimately led her into recovery.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website

Heather's website

Going Deeper For Women

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

In love addiction, we have an issue with reality. In other words, we tend to ignore the data that's often right in front of us, and might even seek 'different' data elsewhere--something that could possibly soothe us, but often hurts us.

In this episode, Jodi and her friend, Brooke, discuss the concepts of pain shopping and comfort-seeking behaviors; and they share their personal experiences with both.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Link to more information about The JOLA Network (Jodi's online recovery community): https://jodiwhite.jolanetwork.com/

Jodi's website: https://www.jodiwhiteonline.com/

Additional resources (including Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody)

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

It can be easy to assume that therapists have it together in life and relationships; but when it comes to attachment--and love addiction--no one is immune. And because hearing from a therapist who 'gets it' can be very helpful for those of us in recovery, Jodi invited therapist and coach, Leah Hoffman, to the podcast to share her recent experience with the cycle of love addiction and what she's learned from it.

Show notes and resources:

Leah's website: coachingwithleah.com

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

One of the hard parts of recovery--and life--is having difficult conversations, especially those that come with a chance of discord, being seen as the 'bad guy', or simply feeling uncomfortable. When confronted with having hard conversations, it can seem 'easier' to avoid them...but also less functional, and avoiding can lead to resentment and feeling stuck.

But there's good reason for the discomfort: In this episode of the podcast, Jodi talks about this with therapist and boundaries expert Juliane (Jules) Taylor Shore and about her new book, "Setting Boundaries That Stick" (you may remember Jules from EP31, "All About Boundaries"). Jules shares six steps to setting an external boundary, as well as the importance of a pause and paying attention to feelings; why hard conversations are so challenging; why we struggle with self-compassion, and why growth comes with grief.

Show notes and resources:

Information about Jules Taylor Shore and her instagram.

Purchase "Setting Boundaries That Stick"

EP31: All About Boundaries with Jules Taylor Shore

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

It's hard to be still sometimes, especially in a culture that constantly tells you to get moving, to achieve, to perform--plus being still often comes with all the feelings...and feeling our feelings can be hard, too.

In this episode Jodi talks about a few of the hard parts of recovery, including difficult conversations, how she views past shameful experiences, and the reality of joy in recovery.

Show notes and resources:

Information about Emily Nagoski

The Principles of Pleasure on Netflix (trailer)

The Robcast episode referenced (#365)

Danielle Laporte

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Love addiction comes with a set of symptoms leading to a pattern of dysfunctional relationships; whether we tend to be more anxious or more avoidant (or both), we may find ourselves in the push/pull of addictive relationships more than once. Then, after each relationship we say "I'll never do that again", fully intending to make some changes, but...

Even if we enter love addiction recovery and address the symptoms, we may still find that we're unknowingly driven by outdated message telling us who we're supposed to be and how we're supposed to live our lives. Why? Because of inherited cultural beliefs that infiltrate our decision-making.

In this episode Jodi discusses these cultural beliefs--how they fuel love addiction and can meddle with life in recovery, too. She also reviews the symptoms of codependence and love addiction, and talks about the impact that seemingly benign labels can have on kids.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

References:

Facing Codependence and Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody; Ready to Heal by Kelly McDaniel

Album mentioned: Tragic Kingdom by No Doubt

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

The term 'love addiction' is often referred to in the context of romantic relationships, but did you know that the symptoms can apply to platonic relationships, too?

In this episode, Jodi talks about her history with undervaluing herself in friendships and overlooking red flags in order to belong and be the "best friend". She's joined by her friend Brooke (from "A Breakup Story"), to discuss the complexity of female friendships past and present.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

NYT article: What To Do If A Friend Ghosts You by Catherine Pearson

Books referenced: Facing Love Addiction by Pia Mellody and Mother Hunger by Kelly McDaniel

Disclaimer:

This podcast is shared for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for mental health treatment with a licensed mental health professional or to be used in place of the advice of a physician. If you are struggling please don't delay in seeking the assistance of a licensed mental health practitioner or healthcare professional. If you're in crisis please visit NAMI.org or call 1-800-273-TALK for 24-hour assistance.

Have you ever needed to block someone? Maybe you ended a relationship and no longer wanted to see their social media activity, or maybe you found yourself needing to have a hard boundary with a former friend. In today's world, considering that most of us are accessible on multiple platforms, it's not uncommon to block another person...BUT, that doesn't mean it's always easy to do (for a number of reasons).

Blocking is an important topic, so Jodi invited trauma therapist, Leah Aguierre--someone who talks openly about the subject on social media--to join her for a conversation. On this episode Jodi and Leah cover why we struggle with the idea of blocking, four reasons why blocking can be helpful in certain situations, and they share personal experiences with blocking.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

You can learn more about Leah here leahaguierrelcsw.com and on Instagram @leahaguirrelcsw

Jodi's website: jodiwhiteonline.com

Disclaimer:

You may have heard about the importance of your 'why'--that thing that motivates you and provides a sense of purpose in life and work. But what if that concept was broken down even further, into three parts that took you deeper into that 'why'?

Nicole Lewis-Keeber (therapist, coach & author) has done just that, and she talks with Jodi in this episode of the podcast about The Three Whys. Jodi also shares an early experience that took her away from her Why, and a little about the process of getting back to it.

Show notes and resources:

Music by JD Pendley

Learn more about Nicole and download her book, "The Three Whys", here.

Jodi mentions this book by Stephen Cope.

Follow Jodi on Instagram @jodiwhite_

Disclaimer:

If you're a listener of the podcast, then you've heard Jodi talk about 'that therapist'--the one she worked with in 2016, who taught her about love addiction, supported her through withrawal, and played a vital role in her in early recovery.

That therapist is Dr. Lara Dye, a Pia Mellody-trained psychologist specializing in love & sex addiction, who also has personal experience with love addiction recovery. And, because she was such an important part of her recovery journey, Jodi invited Dr. Dye to talk with her for this episode of the podcast.

Music by JD Pendley

What is intimacy? If you Google the term you might find varying--yet similar--definitions...but what does it mean to YOU?

In this episode, Kelly McDaniel (author of "Ready to Heal" and "Mother Hunger") is back to talk with Jodi regarding what intimacy really is, and the reason why in love addiction--although we might crave closeness--we struggle to tolerate authentic intimacy.

Music by JD Pendley

Have you seen the Hulu documentary, "Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields"? It paints a powerful portrait of Brooke's sexualization as a child actor, and brings attention to the waters in which young women swim from a young age. In this docuseries, Brooke Shields discusses the highs and lows of her career, and provides insight into the complex relationship with her mother.

On this episode of the podcast, Jodi is joined by her friend, Brooke, to discuss "Pretty Baby" through a lens of Mother Hunger (because we can't understand love addiction without talking about Mother Hunger). Even if you haven't watched the documentary, you'll get something out of this one.

Music by JD Pendley

https://www.journalsofaloveaddict.com/

In love addiction we often feel like we're in love, but is it really love? And what is genuine love, anyway?

Do you ever feel like what you're doing in the world isn't aligned with who you are? Like maybe you're going through the motions of 'supposed to' instead of living from your true purpose? If so, you're not alone...

In this episode Jodi talks with Becky Vollmer about her new book, "You Are Not Stuck: How Soul-Guided Choices Transform Fear Into Freedom" which provides relatable steps for getting back to authenticity. They also discuss their similar experiences with first careers; the importance of knowing what we do and don't value; and how yoga can help us tap into our True Self.

Music by JD Pendley

When we're enmeshed with a parent we might feel responsible for taking care of them emotionally, and guilty if we don't do what they expect of us.

And while enmeshment is often uncomfortable, it may also come with feeling special and can be very challenging to recognize and overcome.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Dr. Kenneth Adams, therapist and author of "When He's Married to Mom", about mother-enmeshed men: What is childhood like for them? What are their adult relationships like? And how to recover from enmeshment and have functional adult relationships (with both partners and parents).

Music by JD Pendley

Are you familiar with the concept of assigned family roles--roles assigned in childhood that are either falsely empowering or disempowering? Maybe you've heard of The Hero, The Lost Child, or The Scapegoat? But what does all of this mean?

In this episode, Jodi discusses The Hero and Lost Child, and how these roles contribute to love avoidance or addiction. And she talks with London-based coach, Mary Toolan, regarding the role known as the toxic family's dustbin: The Scapegoat.

Music by JD Pendley

In love addiction recovery, we focus a lot on developmental trauma and what took place in our family of origin (because looking at our history is important). But there's something else that plays a role in love addiction: Cultural messaging.

In this episode, Jodi's friend, Brooke, joins her to talk about the recent Victoria's Secret documentary; and how the company's marketing in the early 2000s led to confusing messages about beauty, and furthered the cultural double bind women experience.

Jodi and Brooke also share personal experiences about sexual harassment, body insecurity, and how uncomfortable it is to talk about 'this stuff'.

Music by JD Pendley

There are books and podcasts about love addiction, and people talk on social media about it--but there aren't many movies that address the topic...

That's why Charlene deGuzman's film, Unlovable, is so unique: She not only tells her story, but she calls love addiction what it is.

In this episode Jodi talks with Charlene about her personal experience with love addiction and recovery, as well as what she's learned about herself and how recovery has changed her life.

Music by JD Pendley

We hear a lot about "having boundaries" or "setting boundaries" or "respecting boundaries"....but what does any of this really mean?

To answer this question, Jodi invited trauma therapist and boundaries expert, Jules Taylor Shore, to talk all about boundaries. Jules takes this complex topic and explains it in a user-friendly way, so we can better understand ourselves and others.

Music by JD Pendley

Love addiction gets messy. It's full of intensity, shame, and regression that leads us to behave regretfully--or as Jodi says, 'like a tornado of sticks and poo'.

In this episode, Jodi celebrates six years in recovery by revisiting Pia Mellody's symptoms of love addiction; and by providing examples of how these symptoms looked for her during nearly three decades of addicted relationships.

Music by JD Pendley

What does it mean to 'feel stuck'? And, what exactly IS a feeling, anyway?

In this episode, Jodi talks with Britt Frank--therapist and author of "The Science of Stuck: Breaking Through Inertia to Find Your Path Forward"--about the definition of stuck; the difference between feelings, emotions, and thoughts; fantasy and fairy tales.

Britt also shares her experience with addiction and recovery, as well as her thoughts on what keeps us stuck in our love addiction.

Music by JD Pendley

If you listen to the podcast you've likely heard Jodi talk about Mother Hunger and the role it plays in love addiciton.

But there's an extreme form of this attachment injury: Third Degree Mother Hunger--which happens when a daughter grows-up frightened of her mother.

For this episode, Jodi invited fellow Mother Hunger facilitator and therapist, Jennifer Acker, to share her personal Third Degree Mother Hunger story.

Music by JD Pendley

We might think we know the meaning of the term "betrayal", but what actually happens when we're truly betrayed by the person closest to us?

In this episode, Jodi talks with therapist and betrayal trauma expert, Michelle Mays, about the complexity of this relational trauma, as well as recovery resources. Jodi also discusses her new awareness of the role that betrayal played in her love addiction.

Music by JD Pendley

We all have a story to tell, and when it comes to love addiction our stories are as unique as they are similar. It's as if love addiction comes with a script and how it plays out depends upon who's directing.

In this episode, Jodi is joined by Kelly Henderson of the podcast, Velvet's Edge, to share her personal experience with love addiction and recovery--and they realize their stories are very similar.

Music by JD Pendley

Love addiction and codependence come with patterns of dysfunction, as we unconsciously try to resolve (and act-out) the past through our current relationships.

In this episode, Jodi talks with therapist and coach, Buck Dodson, regarding his personal experience with codependence and dysfunctional relationships, as well as his professional experience working with gay men's issues.

Buck is also the host of his podcast Gay Men's Life Lab.

Music by JD Pendley

There's lots of talk about adulting and being a 'mature adult', but what does all of that even mean? Are we adults because we have responsibilites, or we're parents, or (we think) we behave maturely?

In this episode, Jodi invites Daniel Gowan back to discuss Pia Mellody's concept of the Functional Adult. They also cover Pia's five core symptoms of codependence (aka the five 'buckets'), reparenting, and how to live in action vs reaction.

Music by JD Pendley

Have you ever looked back on a past relationship and wondered "What if: what if things had worked out differently, or I'd been more this/that, or the timing had been better?"

For those of us with a history of love addiction those 'what-ifs' can lead us into fantasy and obsession (and sometimes right back into a dysfunctional relationship). But not all relationships end badly...so why not try again?

In this episode, Brooke is back to share another dating experience--one that started with a 'what-if' and led to a lot of useful information.

Music by JD Pendley

What is 'enough'? If you've struggled with codepedence or love addiction, you might catch yourself feeling 'not enough'; or maybe you're driven to DO more (and more) but it never feels like enough.

In this episode, Jodi talks about how the pandemic has shifted our concept of what it means to do and be enough, and the role that 'enough' played in her love addiction. She also talks about what's to come this year on the podcast.

Music by JD Pendley

Mental health is an important topic, and thanks to social media it's become a more widely discussed topic than in previous years. But while these platforms can provide lots of information, there's also misinformation--especially when it comes to how we talk about trauma and 'healing'.

In this episode Jodi talks with Tyndal Schreiner, a fellow Texas therapist, about being a therapist on Instagram and the importance of professional boundaries. They also discuss the process of becoming a therapist and a few valuable lessons they learned along the way.

Music by JD Pendley

What does 'home' mean to you? Is it a sense of safety? Belonging? Connection?

In this episode, Jodi talks with her teacher, Guru Singh, about their first meeting 24 years ago--how it helped her create a new perspective of what home is, and changed the trajectory of her life. They also cover relationships, addiction, spirituality, boredom, and much more in one epic hour of conversation.

Music by JD Pendley

Sobriety is wonderful but, like lots of things in life, it's not always a pocketful of rainbows. And Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar in Austin--with nearly 15 years of sobriety--really gets this.

In this episode, Jodi and Chris talk about embracing uncertainty in recovery; the importance of accepting that there are different paths to sobriety versus a one-size-fits-all approach; that it's okay to reconsider labels that may no longer serve you. And much more.

Music by JD Pendley

Do you love your work? And, equally as important, does it love you back? This is a question that business therapist Nicole Lewis-Keeber asks readers in her book, "How to Love Your Business: Stop recreating trauma and have a business you love-and that loves you back".

In this episode Jodi talks with Nicole about a time when she considered closing her business, but instead--thanks an early morning aha moment--she rebuilt it. This pivotal moment ultimately led Nicole to a loving relationship with her work, as well as writing a book about how our history with trauma can sabotage us in business and what we can do about it.

Music by JD Pendley

Sometimes a breakup is The End, but sometimes we go back and try it again--especially when we're talking about love addiction and codependence. As Jerry Seinfeld said, "Everybody knows the first breakup never takes".

In this episode, Jodi follows-up with her friend Brooke as they reconnect regarding what's transpired since her breakup last year (covered in Episode 2). Listen as they discuss how Part Two of Brooke's breakup got started, why it ended, and how going back again--with the right tools--can actually provide a lot of useful information for our recovery.

Music by JD Pendley

In the previous two episodes, author and therapist Kelly McDaniel has explained Mother Hunger, how it happens, and provided some well-known cases of Mother Hunger from her forthcoming book for reference.

In Part Three, Jodi and Kelly continue their conversation with the definition of Third-Degree Mother Hunger, as well as the steps involved in the healing process.

Music by JD Pendley

Nurturance, guidance and protection are three developmental needs for appropriate brain development in childhood; but what happens if any (or all) of these are inconsistently provided?

In this episode, Jodi continues the Mother Hunger discussion with author and therapist, Kelly McDaniel; listen as they talk about the importance of protection, how daughters look to their mothers for guidance, and how carried shame messes everything up.

Music by JD Pendley

Mothers are valuable: they're our first love and the source of everything we need to survive. But what happens when a mother doesn't get the support she needs, or is struggling with her own unresolved trauma?

In this episode (part one of a three-part series), Jodi talks with Kelly McDaniel (author or "Ready to Heal") about her upcoming book, "Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Understand and Heal from Lost Nurturance, Protection, and Guidance". The conversation includes a definition of Mother Hunger, how it happens, and how it can affect us.

Music by JD Pendley

Why do we stay in co-addicted relationships, believing 'that one' person's validation is the key to our fulfillment? What drives us to pursue a fantasy, only to be disappointed when confronted by reality?

In this episode, Jodi talks about books, Zen meditation, the role of dopamine in love addiction, and how finding our own 'nothing special' is actually really awesome.

What is healthy sex? And intimate sex? And how about healthy sex in recovery? Jodi has so many questions for her guest, Alex Katehakis, healthy sexuality expert and author of the book, Erotic Intelligence.

In this episode, Alex and Jodi discuss the four cornerstones of intimacy, how stress interferes with desire, sex as a spiritual practice, and so much more.

Music by JD Pendley

Love addiction is rooted in codependence; it comes with boundary issues, dependency issues and self-esteem issues, which leads us to look externally (often to our partners) for a sense of worthiness.

In this episode, Jodi discusses her history of trying to prove her value in relationships, and how that led to resentment and more dysfunctional behavior. She also discusses what happens when attachment wounds are triggered and what we can do in those painful moments.

Music by JD Pendley

What's it like to grow up as The Hero of the family? Hint: It's not as awesome as it sounds.

In this episode, Jodi talks with Rev. Daniel Gowan, LPC-S, regarding his upbringing as a Hero and his personal experience with love addiction, avoidance, and codependence. We'll also discuss his recovery journey, how this led him to Pia Mellody's work, and how all of it has influenced him as a therapist.

Music by JD Pendley

Do you struggle with consistency? Does your desire to do All The Things --and do them perfectly-- get in the way of actually DOING anything at all?

In this episode, Jodi explores the connection between codependence, love addiction and the tendency to over-function; how shame feeds our dysfunctional behavior; and how sometimes, even when we think we're just wasting time, we might actually be learning our most valuable lessons.

Music by JD Pendley

What do seduction, fantasy, obsession, self-medicating and withdrawal have in common? They're all parts of the cycle of love addiction.

In this episode, Jodi continues her conversation with Sarah Bridge, LCSW; listen as they discuss the love addiction cycle, as well as what happens in co-addicted relationships between Love Addicts and Love Avoidants.

Music by JD Pendley

What is codependence? Pia Mellody, author of the book "Facing Codependence", says it's a disease of immaturity caused by childhood relational trauma...and it causes lots of issues in our adult relationships.

In this episode (part one of a two part series), Jodi talks with Sarah Bridge, LCSW, about the core symptoms of codependence, assigned family roles and post-induction therapy. Sarah is a therapist in private practice who works closely with Pia Mellody and trains other therapists in Pia's model at The Meadows in Wickenburg, AZ.

Music by JD Pendley

Fantasy is a big part of love addiction; it's what keeps us hooked in our co-addicted relationships as we try to make a partner into who we want them to be instead of accepting the reality of who they are.

In this episode, Jodi discusses the role of fantasy in love addiction, how it 'works', and how it all begins in childhood as a way to escape.

Music by JD Pendley

When a relationship ends, Love Addicts can spend a lot of energy trying to put it back together. In this episode, Jodi discusses how playing the 'sexy/cool girlfriend' never actually worked, and how hopeful hookups during on-again/off-again relationships kept her stuck in co-addicted cycles with partners.

Jodi also talks with Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Dr. Stevie Stanford, regarding the differences - and similarities - between sex and love addiction, and why we're constantly trying to fill a void.

Music by JD Pendley

Lots of people have a Thing - something that needs to addressed in order to be the healthiest version of oneself; but sometimes that Thing is intertwined with another, much bigger Thing...

In this episode, Jodi talks about her experience with alcohol and how it was intertwined with her love addiction (aka The Big Thing) from a young age. And Jodi's friend, Sondra Primeaux (of The Unruffled Podcast), shares her history with Things (codependence and alcohol), and how honesty, boundaries and recovery have changed everything.

Music by JD Pendley

What is love addiction? According to Kelly McDaniel, therapist and author of "Ready to Heal: Breaking Free of Addictive Relationships", the answer is quite complex. In this episode, Kelly joins Jodi to discuss the cultural programming that leads to love addiction; how sex and love get intertwined (and confused) at an early age; and how we can recover. Get a notebook and pen because this episode covers a lot of ground.

Music by JD Pendley

Breakups are hard, but sometimes staying in the relationship is even harder. In this episode, my friend Brooke shares her experience with codependence and how it affected a recent longterm relationship (plus how and why that relationship ultimately ended).

Music by JD Pendley

Who is Jodi White and why is she always talking about love addiction? I promise to answer these questions in this first episode of Journals of a Love Addict (and in case you're wondering 'WTF is love addiction?', I'll answer that that one, too).