Welcome to another edition of What is new and good? Here we go..

As a podcast addict I am thrilled to report that Amy Dresner (journalist, former comedian and author of my all time favorite recovery memoir) has started a new show with Joe Schrank (cofounder of thefix.com). Rehab Confidential covers rehab (duh), drug policy and recovery with a sense of humor and Amy’s classic “Fuck Shame.” agenda.

I love Amy. I love her book, My Fair Junky. I even wrote a public review. Which oddly enough is something I never do (but definitely sounds like something I do all the time). It went like this:

“Straight, no chaser.. This thing is pure guts. And I love Amy Dresner’s guts. She’s so quick and blunt and unforgettable. She must have literally hammered the words on to the page. I related to everything she had to say about a lifetime of feelings she just didn’t want to feel. Her insight regarding The Container Store, dating sober men and the benefits of performing community service are both hilarious and spot on. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll definitely cringe as she steps in it again and again. I put off reading it but I won’t put off reading it a second time. Only an addict could write a book this addictive.”

So yeah. Get yourself a copy. Also, beyond being an incredible writer Amy is kind and amazing. Once upon a time after a particularly aggressive relapse, I woke up criminally hung over. Full of shame and anxiety.. feeling hopeless. I don’t know why but I sent Amy a message. I don’t know her. Never met her but she got back to me. Quickly too. My hangover was still in full swing as her message rolled in. She told me to start again and clean up my wreckage later. She said “Fuck shame. Forgive yourself and get up.“ which is totally what I needed to hear. Check out her show and the book. It’s totally worth your time.

Day 166: Glorified toddler snacks.. Rice cakes with peanut butter, cinnamon, apples, pumpkin seeds, tamari roasted cantaloupe seeds, coconut butter and chia.

P.S. Amy never smiles in her pictures so I didn’t smile in mine.