12S4E deep-dives into Denise and Jackie Freed’s toolkit for living - The 12 Steps for Everyone. This mother-daughter duo discusses mental health, mental illness, recovery, sobriety, anxiety, depression, and more. Also featuring guests from their “village” who share their everyday miracles and survival tips, the show aims to provide practical tools, community, and hope to people who say “I’m okay!” but don’t really mean it (and who also need to drink more water).
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Sep 28, 2026 · 40:55
In this episode, Denise and Jackie catch up on a week of heavy emotions, tech snafus, and running on vapors. The mother-daughter duo opens up about somatic grief and how the body…
Sep 14, 2026 · 44:20
In this episode, Jackie and Denise embrace the core principle of "living life on life's terms" after a week of technical glitches, broken air conditioning during a record Los…
Aug 31, 2026 · 30:43
In this episode, Jackie and Denise dive into Step 12, discussing what it means to awaken to our higher selves and carry the message to others. Denise reflects on her early days…
Aug 17, 2026 · 36:13
In Episode 65, Jackie and Denise dive into Step 11, which focuses on welcoming mindfulness, grace, and gratitude into our thoughts and behaviors. Denise recounts her recent…
Aug 3, 2026 · 44:24
In Episode 64, Denise and Jackie return from their summer break to officially welcome listeners to the podcast's new name: 12 Steps for Everyone! The mother-daughter duo catches…
Jun 22, 2026 · 47:00
Jackie and Denise tackle Step 9, exploring the nuances of making, and receiving amends. They discuss the importance of setting boundaries when an apology isn't genuine, the…
Jun 8, 2026 · 44:47
Denise and Jackie dive into Step 8 of their recovery and mental health journey, exploring what it means to list the harms we’ve caused and how to navigate making amends. Denise…
May 18, 2026 · 40:31
Denise and Jackie kick off May by highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month. Jackie shares her current challenges as she nears the end of her first year in grad school,…
May 4, 2026 · 45:02
Jackie and Denise are back after a brief hiatus with a fresh perspective and a new name for the podcast: 12 Steps for Everyone . In this episode, they catch up on their recent…
Apr 13, 2026 · 53:45
In Episode 59, Denise and Jackie celebrate a massive milestone: Denise’s 40th anniversary of sobriety. From office surprises with Martinelli’s to heartfelt messages from her…
Mar 30, 2026 · 35:56
In Episode 58, Denise and Jackie welcome listeners to the podcast’s new era as 12 Steps for Everyone . Moving away from the name "Emergency Protocol," the mother-daughter duo…
Mar 9, 2026 · 31:07
In Episode 57, Denise and Jackie share the big news: Emergency Protocol is officially shifting to "12 Steps for Everyone" to better represent their cohesive mission and why they…
Feb 23, 2026 · 40:02
In Episode 56, Denise and Jackie bring the "vava voom" to celebrate love and Valentine’s Day (even if you're listening in March!). The mother-daughter duo uses the holiday as a…
Feb 9, 2026 · 47:46
In Episode 55, the duo braves a winter storm (well, Jackie does) to discuss Step 10: "We maintain a daily practice of reflection, amends, and forgiveness." This prompt leads…
Jan 26, 2026 · 44:15
In Episode 54, Denise and Jackie open with a nod to the state of the world -"The horrors persist, and so do we" - before pivoting to the core of their podcast: The 12 Steps for…
Jan 12, 2026 · 38:17
Welcome back! In Episode 53, Denise and Jackie return after the holiday whirlwind (Christmas, New Year's, and Thanksgiving) to process the "lot" that was the previous year. They…
Dec 29, 2025 · 42:09
Episode Summary: In this episode, Denise and Jackie enter "Heavy Protocol" mode as they process a week filled with intense political news and emotional weight following the…
Dec 22, 2025 · 1:00:00
In this episode, mother-daughter duo Denise and Jackie Freed embrace the changing seasons and the necessity of "making your own fun" amidst a heavy political and social climate.…
Dec 9, 2025 · 52:05
In this milestone 50th episode, hosts Denise and Jackie Freed reflect on persistence, the seasonal "grind" of October, and the importance of showing up—both for yourself and for…
Nov 17, 2025 · 43:12
What if “just okay” was actually enough? In this episode, Denise and Jackie navigate emotional exhaustion, world heaviness, and the full spectrum of being human — from overbooked…
Nov 3, 2025 · 51:17
What if discomfort was the doorway to alignment? In this October check-in, Denise and Jackie explore what it means to find peace in the messy middle—when the excitement of new…
Oct 20, 2025 · 23:34
What if transition didn’t mean chaos, but recalibration? In this episode, Denise and Jackie reconnect after a whirlwind of technical hurdles, moving boxes, and lunar energy…
Oct 6, 2025 · 34:27
What if moving cities wasn’t just about logistics, but also about surrender? In this episode, Denise and Jackie talk through the whirlwind of Jackie’s big transition—packing up…
Sep 22, 2025 · 30:26
What if bravery isn’t just about the big leaps, but also the small, daily choices? In this episode, Jackie and Denise reflect on the winding road that led Jackie from a dark…
Jul 22, 2025 · 34:06
What if joy itself is a form of protest? In this episode, Denise and Jackie reflect on a powerful week marked by national unrest, a shared birthday, and what it means to find…
Jul 7, 2025 · 34:17
What if deciding to trust was the most radical thing you could do? In this episode, Denise and Jackie reflect on stepping into big transitions, staying grounded in community, and…
May 19, 2025 · 39:23
What if being overwhelmed is the beginning of something great? In this episode, Denise and Jackie explore what it means to sit in uncertainty, embrace possibility, and stay…
May 1, 2025 · 43:53
Key Times: 00:00:00 – Introduction: It’s been a while! Catching up after months away 00:06:45 – The January fires: Devastation, grief, and survival 00:12:30 – Leading through…
Apr 21, 2025 · 48:45
In this warm and thought-provoking episode, Denise and Jackie dive deep into the emotional and logistical chaos of the holiday season. Reflecting on their own family…
Mar 24, 2025 · 43:18
In this vulnerable post-election episode, mother-daughter duo Denise and Jackie process their raw emotions following the November 2024 election results. The conversation opens…
Dec 2, 2024 · 50:27
Denise and Jackie discuss how they approached the run-up to the election and the importance of staying positive in times of uncertainty. The Serenity Prayer is great for extra…
Nov 18, 2024 · 46:45
Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide and may be distressing for some listeners. Denise and Jackie reflect on their first in-person meeting, which started awkwardly but…
Nov 4, 2024 · 52:28
Denise shares her last days in the hospital together with her grandmother. While it was heavy and emotional, of course, she explains why she did not feel depleted by the grief.…
Oct 7, 2024 · 36:19
Denise and Jackie jump right into Jackie’s ADHD diagnosis history and possible signs from her childhood that she had ADHD. They then turn to the upcoming holiday season and the…
Sep 23, 2024 · 34:57
Denise and Jackie go in on connection. Denise shares her joyous experience at Godmothers Bookstore, learning from and being in the presence of amazing, powerful women. A part of…
Sep 9, 2024 · 53:05
As the seasons start to shift, so do Denise and Jackie. The pair discuss the upcoming election season, experiences of grief, and Jackie’s ADHD diagnosis. With the bumpy month of…
Aug 26, 2024 · 48:44
After getting a new depression and anxiety prescription in the last episode, Jackie follows up with how she is adjusting. She’s started to make a great effort to get out of the…
Aug 12, 2024 · 41:59
As Denise juggles a hectic schedule and prepares to host a sober retreat, Jackie continues to feel not okay. They discuss the infinite shapes anxiety and depression can take in…
Jul 22, 2024 · 37:04
Jackie talks about her recent experience of realizing she needed additional help, selecting a new therapist, signing up for mental health coaching, and obtaining a psychiatrist…
Jul 8, 2024 · 44:01
For Jackie, summer brings sunny melancholy and big birthday feelings. This year is particularly rough as she acclimates to a changing friend group. Denise finds the birthday…
Jun 24, 2024 · 40:48
Denise shares how she maintains her long-standing friendships, many of whom she met through AA. Friendships as a sober person going to meetings are especially important because…
Jun 10, 2024 · 42:21
In this current season of financial stress, Jackie is not feeling OK. A lack of financial freedom coupled with grim healthcare options is feeling heavy. In the midst of a…
May 20, 2024 · 55:05
Denise and Jackie are back! And they’ve got the blues. They share the highlights and lowlights from their recent trip to Japan, process in real time what they learned from the…
Apr 8, 2024 · 51:29
So much can happen in a day! One of the 12 Step Program’s popular adages, “one day at a time,” can really feel like too long for Jackie. Instead, she finds that sometimes,…
Mar 25, 2024 · 31:40
First, Denise shares how a huge recent work event unfolded in Catalina and how she returned to center amidst the ups and downs. Jackie also experienced a rough week dealing with…
Feb 26, 2024 · 44:00
Denise and Jackie discuss the “poopeh” incident, moving through uncertainty, and communicating their needs before an upcoming trip. First, Jackie shares a stressful story about…
Feb 12, 2024 · 36:17
Denise and Jackie talk about situations that make them feel “itchy,” developing an Emergency Protocol mini workshop, addressing resentments, and using the steps to move forward.…
Jan 15, 2024 · 50:44
Denise and Jackie share their COVID Christmas experience, Jackie’s Saturn Return, and taking action to find the ideal lifestyle for you. First, Jackie and Denise reflect on…
Jan 8, 2024 · 36:24
Denise and Jackie discuss two big amends, The Promises, and personal growth on the other side of resistance. First, Jackie and Denise reflect on big moments in 2023. Jackie…
Dec 11, 2023 · 38:41
Denise and Jackie detail their time at a corporate retreat, the process of navigating addictive behaviors, and everyday delights. First, Denise and Jackie update listeners on the…
Nov 13, 2023 · 36:02
In this episode, Denise and discuss the question, “How do you not drink?” They acknowledge the willingness to make changes to support mental and/or physical wellness and provide…
Oct 16, 2023 · 1:20:35
Emergency Protocol explores the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in a way that is accessible to people who aren't addicted, and with gentler and less patriarchal language…
Oct 2, 2023 · 46:48
Today, Denise and Jackie explore the last step in the 12 Steps Reimagined, Step 12, an active choice of being present in response to previous steps. A lot of work has transpired…
Sep 18, 2023 · 40:14
Today, Denise and Jackie explore Step 11, an active choice of being present in response to previous steps: “We welcome mindfulness, grace, and gratitude into our thoughts and…
Sep 4, 2023 · 50:23
Today, Denise and Jackie unpack Step 10, a culmination of the previous steps to encourage self-awareness and steady growth: "We maintain a daily practice of reflection, amends,…
Aug 21, 2023 · 1:09:40
In this episode, Jackie and Denise share how Step 9 is where sh*t gets more real. The steps prior were about inner work and processing, but this step is about ownership and…
Aug 7, 2023 · 40:51
In this episode, Denise and Jackie are discussing the prickly feeling of apologizing for (and then changing) your behavior. In our toolkit for living — the 12 Steps Reimagined —…
Jul 24, 2023 · 1:05:13
In this episode, Denise and Jackie open by sharing laughs over social media and how Denise’s post was shared thousands of times. (What does that actually mean?) In our toolkit…
Jul 10, 2023 · 46:29
In this episode, Denise and Jackie celebrate a shared birthday (June 14) and reflect on the difference between having a birthday in your 30s vs. fifties. They discuss Step 6: “We…
Jun 26, 2023 · 42:42
In this episode, Denise and Jackie discuss Step 5: “With vulnerability and integrity, we share this inventory with someone safe and trustworthy.” They share how to prepare for…
Jun 12, 2023 · 1:16:06
In this episode, Denise and Jackie expand on Step 4: “With courage, honesty, and curiosity, we write the stories of the fears, shame, and resentments we carry with us.” They…
May 29, 2023 · 1:01:10
On today’s episode Denise and Jackie share their fourth step reimagined, “With courage, honesty, and curiosity, we write the stories of the fears, shame and resentments we carry…
May 15, 2023 · 51:06
On today’s episode Denise and Jackie share their second of the Twelve Steps reimagined, “We trust that Something Bigger is taking care of us.” The original wording of Step Three…
May 1, 2023 · 1:08:15
On today’s episode Denise and Jackie share their second of the Twelve Steps reimagined, “We believe we are worthy of getting better, and that things will get better.” Sometimes…
Apr 17, 2023 · 53:01
On today’s episode Denise and Jackie share the first of their Twelve Steps reimagined, “We are not okay. We have not been okay. We are not getting better on our own.” Admitting…
Apr 3, 2023 · 1:05:44
Welcome to Emergency Protocol! A podcast hosted by Denise and Jackie Freed, a mother daughter duo from LA, whose goal is simply to share wisdom and help others. Today’s episode…
Apr 3, 2023 · 37:05
Denise and Jackie believe that the Twelve Steps are tools for anyone, not just those battling addiction. On today’s episode, they re-word the Twelve Steps together and dive into…
Apr 3, 2023 · 45:23
Welcome to Emergency Protocol! In this episode, mother and daughter Denise and Jackie Freed, share where they’re lives started, where they are now, and how they got here. Ever…
Mar 30, 2023 · 1:10
Welcome to Emergency Protocol, a podcast for people who are stressy and depressy! Hosted by the one and only mother daughter duo, Denise and Jackie Freed. Denise and Jackie are…
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