The Hardest Help: A Story of Alcoholism, Loss & Hope with Holly Thorton
I wanted to create a space for Holly to share her vulnerable story about losing her husband to alcoholism at just 36 years old. Through our conversation, we explored the complex journey of supporting a loved one struggling with addiction, the importance of trusting your instincts, and how moms can find strength even in their most challenging moments.
Holly's story is a testament to resilience - showing how we can navigate incredibly difficult circumstances while trying to hold our families together. We discussed the subtle red flags of addiction, the challenges of setting boundaries, and the critical importance of supporting oneself through impossible situations. My goal was to create an episode that would make listeners feel seen, supported, and hopeful, even when life feels overwhelming.
Holly Thornton is a writer and advocate dedicated to helping people coping with loved ones’ alcoholism. (The Hardest Help) After tragically losing her husband Steve to alcoholism, she drew on personal experience — and recognized the lack of practical guidance available — to write The Hardest Help. Rather than offering a memoir or purely clinical manual, her book serves as a hands-on guide: blending lived experience with actionable tools, scripts, exercises, and advice rooted in evidence-based methods.
Through her writing and outreach (on social media and other platforms), Holly seeks to equip families and loved ones with real-world strategies to support someone struggling with addiction — transforming helpless concern into informed, compassionate action.
You can connect with Holly in the following places:
Buy the book here on her website
Her Instagram Account
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:07:32
--------
1:07:32
Raising Teens in a Complicated World with LMFT Sari Rose Barron
Sari Rose Barron, LMFT, is the Founder and Director of SoCal Individual, Family, & Trauma Therapy, a group practice dedicated to trauma-informed care. An EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Sari is a nationally recognized expert in trauma who trains clinicians across the country. She’s also the creator of the Parenting Connected Community, where parents find practical tools, real support, and a little humor to get through the hard moments. Known for blending deep expertise with warmth and honesty, Sari makes complex topics feel human, relatable, and doable.
We explore the emotional rollercoaster of raising teens, discussing how our own nervous systems and past experiences impact our parenting. Sari shares incredible insights about staying connected when kids are pushing us away, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, validation, and creating a safe space for our teens to express themselves. We talk about handling difficult behaviors, the impact of social media, and why it's crucial to regulate our own emotions before approaching our kids. Sari even introduces her innovative AI parenting tool, offering support for moms navigating these challenging years. It's a raw, honest conversation about staying connected during one of the most challenging phases of motherhood.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:00:58
--------
1:00:58
The Mom’s Guide to Reclaiming Joy in Motherhood with Whitney Baker
I brought Whitney Baker on to explore a critical issue for moms: how we lose ourselves in the chaos of motherhood. We dove deep into the ways moms run on autopilot, constantly doing for everyone else while neglecting their own needs. Whitney helped me articulate something I've felt deeply - that taking care of ourselves isn't selfish, it's actually the most generous thing we can do for our families.
Whitney Baker is the founder of Electric Ideas, a movement helping modern women—especially moms—wake back up to themselves and reclaim the spark they’ve lost in the noise of roles and responsibilities. As a self-connection coach and certified meditation teacher, Whitney blends soulful practice with practical action, guiding women out of autopilot and into lives that feel deeply alive and aligned. With a master’s degree in journalism, she brings a storyteller’s clarity to her work and hosts the globally ranked Electric Ideas podcast, a top-three-percent show where she curates conversations that ignite joy, clarity and aliveness in women everywhere.
We discussed the sneaky ways moms disconnect - from exhausting social media comparison to never stopping to ask what we actually want. The big revelation? Small, intentional actions can reignite our spark. Whether it's a two-minute morning routine or saying no without explanation, we can reclaim our identity.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
46:30
--------
46:30
Protecting Your Peace: Scottie’s Guide to Authentic Living
I share a personal journey of self-discovery and the importance of trusting myself. After experiencing a friend's devastating loss, I realized life is too short to chase external validation through Instagram followers or perfect holiday performances. I've learned that what truly matters is being present, listening to my body, and honoring my own feelings.
The pressure to be a perfect mom, to say yes to everything, and to meet society's expectations is exhausting. Instead, I'm choosing to protect my peace, redefine success on my terms, and show my kids that it's okay to prioritize your own joy. Every "no" creates space for a meaningful "yes," and by taking care of myself, I'm teaching my children the most important lesson: you are enough, just as you are.
Join me LIVE to Reset & Recharge: https://scottiedurrett.com/high-vibe-moms-preview
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
29:59
--------
29:59
The Truth About Balancing Business and Big Dreams with Megan Tobler
I spoke with Megan Tobler, host of the Self StartHER podcast, shares her transformative journey from a high-powered corporate sales career to becoming a mompreneur. After being laid off while pregnant, she realized she could redefine success on her own terms. She created the Together community to support women navigating the complex landscape of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
Her mission is to empower women to chase their dreams without apology. Understanding the challenges of identity shifts, balancing business and family, and feeling isolated, she built a community offering resources, networking, and masterclasses designed specifically for busy moms wanting to build businesses.
Through her podcast and community, Megan proves that women can have both - a thriving business and a fulfilling family life. By sharing vulnerable, real stories and providing practical strategies, she helps women recognize their inherent skills and potential, one mom at a time.
Megan's website is here.
Also - I was a guest on her podcast!
Listen to our convo here about Mom Guilt.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to MOMPLEX, a podcast dedicated to helping moms in all stages of motherhood and life. While motherhood is a blessing and a gift, it doesn’t always feel like that. You are raising a human; the stakes have never been higher! I am Scottie Durrett; I am a certified Health and Life Coach, Mom Mentor, and mom of 3, and each week, I dive into ONE topic that will help YOU turn off survival mode as a mom and learn how to THRIVE in your life. When you thrive, so do your kids!
Connect: https://www.instagram.com/scottiedurrett/