The Sober New Yorker Melissa McGovern

On today’s episode, we talk with author, poet, and former psychiatric nurse Allison Sweet Grant about advocating for yourself in the healthcare system. Allison recently wrote Lump, a memoir using essays and poetry to detail her journey through breast cancer, treatment, and motherhood. She’s written for the New York Times and The Atlantic, and she’s also the author of two children’s picture books with her husband Adam Grant – Leif and the Fall, and The Gift Inside the Box.  Resources discussed on this episode include:New York Times article This Is Why Women Are Scared to Tell Their Doctors the TruthAllison’s book Lump

On this episode, we talk to conflict mediation expert Elizabeth Clemants about her organization Hidden Water, a non-profit that uses a restorative justice model to work through child sexual abuse and the conflict that results in families. She is the author of Healing Together: A Family Guide to Recovering from Sexual Harm. We are delighted to have Elizabeth back for a second time; her prior episode is #44 where she provided wonderful insights on how Type Cs can view conflict differently and build skills to engage in it.Resources discussed on today's show include Elizabeth's website, www.elizabethclemants.com⁠, and: Hidden Water Healing Circles: Hidden Water's Healing Circles provide a supportive, confidential space for individuals and families impacted by childhood sexual harm. Through restorative practices and guided peer support, participants learn skills for healing, connection, accountability, and recovery. Registration for Fall 2026 circles opens in July.  https://www.hiddenwatercircle.org/about-healing-circlesHealing Together: A Family Guide to Recovering from Sexual Harm:  Healing Together is a practical guide for individuals navigating the impact of childhood sexual harm on a family system. Written for parents, siblings, partners, extended family members, and other loved ones, the book helps readers understand common responses to harm and offers concrete ways to support healing, accountability, safety, and recovery. It is equally relevant for families supporting someone who was harmed as a young person and families supporting someone who caused sexual harm and is taking responsibility.  https://www.elizabethclemants.com/The Safe(r) Adult Training: Safe(r) Adult is a 12-week educational and skills-based training designed for all adults (regardless of contact with children) who want to become more effective, boundaried, and trustworthy influences in the lives of other adults in the interest of making our spheres of influence safer for children. Participants learn practical communication, boundary-setting, emotional regulation, and prevention skills that help create safer relationships and communities.  https://www.hiddenwatercircle.org/posts/in-the-water-a-training-for-becoming-a-safe-r-adult

On today’s episode, we talk with the renowned Dr. Andrea Matsumura about her expertise in the many sleep and menopause issues women face. Dr Matsumura created the D.R.E.A.M. Sleep Method™, DREAM standing for Daily Habits, Resting Environment, Emotions, Archetype of the Sleep Goddess, and Medical Conditions. The Sleep Goddess Archetype™ is also her creation, and with it she’s redefining how women understand and optimize their natural rhythms for better sleep and long-term health. She became certified in menopause care through The Menopause Society after seeing so many of her female patients struggle with sleep issues. Resources discussed on this episode include:Dr. Matsumura’s website: andreamatsumuramd.com and Instagram: @drandreamatsumuraBooks by Mary Claire Haver, M.D.: The New Perimenopause and The New MenopauseOvercoming Insomnia: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Approach by Jack D. Edinger and Colleen E. CarneyAnd keep an eye out for Dr. Matsumura’s book coming out next year: When Women Stop Sleeping

In this episode, we talk to Sharon Salzberg, a meditation pioneer, world-renowned teacher, and New York Times bestselling author. She shares wonderful insight on cultivating loving kindness and self compassion for Type C people.Resources discussed in this episode: www.sharonsalzberg.com Insight Meditation Society, www.dharma.org Sharon’s books Real Happiness, Real Life, Lovingkindness, and Faith

On today’s episode, we talk with Lisa Lavelle about common Type C struggles in relationships. A couples and family therapist in NYC, Lisa helps her clients navigate the unique pressures that success places on intimate relationships. She has over 25 years of experience treating individuals, families and couples including her role as the former director of training of the Ackerman Institute for the Family. Her treatment incorporates her training in the Ackerman Relational Approach and the work of Esther Perel and Terry Real. Resources discussed on this episode include:Lisa’s website: lisalavelle.com and Instagram: @lisalavelletherapyBooks by Esther Perel: Mating in Captivity and The State of AffairsTED talks by Esther PerelUs: Getting Past You & Me to Build a More Loving Relationship by Terrence Real 

On this episode, we talk for a second time to renowned psychologist Dr. Diana Hill about her new book, Wise Effort. She discusses the super powers of Type C and how to focus our attention on what makes us feel more alive - which will help us better develop our “genius energy.” Resources discussed on this episode include:www.drdianahill.comWise Effort book and podcastInstagram @drdianahillThe Self Compassion Daily Journal and The ACT Daily Journal

On today’s episode, we host Melissa McGovern, creator of The Sober New Yorker podcast and Instagram. Melissa found her alcohol use ramping up during mid-life and ended up with a scary health diagnosis that led her to quit drinking altogether. She decided to become a sober living coach and make it her life’s mission to help other people take back control of their lives. Many in our Type C community struggle with alcohol and substance use issues and will find Melissa’s story and guidance valuable.Resources discussed on this episode include:Push Off from Here: Nine Essential Truths to Get You Through Sobriety (and Everything Else) By Laura McKowenThe Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay HendricksYou are a Badass by Jen SinceroWebsite: www.thesobernewyorker.comInstagram: @thesobernewyorkerPodcast: The Sober New Yorker

On today’s episode, we are delighted to host Donald Robertson, psychotherapist and expert on the ancient philosophy of Stoicism. Donald has written nine books including the popular How to Think Like a Roman Emperor: The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius. His perspective can help Type C personalities learn to better manage emotions and live a more fulfilling life.Resources discussed on this episode include:Donald’s Substack newsletter - Stoicism: Philosophy as a Way of LifeWebsite: www.donaldrobertson.nameInstagram: @donaldjrobertson

This episode captures an Instagram Live conversation with breathwork expert Jon Orsini. We talk about how Type C hypervigilance and past trauma can affect breathing and the nervous system, and how we can break shallowing breathing patterns to achieve breakthroughs in our health.Resources discussed on this episode include:Instagram @jonorsiniWebsite www.jonorsini.comYoutube @jon.orsini

On today’s episode, we are delighted to host Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD., The New York Times and Amazon #1 best selling author of Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents. Many Type C people grew up in invalidating, neglectful, or abusive environments and Dr. Gibson helps us better understand the damaging effects of emotionally immature caregivers. Resources discussed on this episode include:Dr. Gibson’s books Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Who You Were Meant to Be, Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents, Disentangling from Emotionally Immature PeopleFocusing by Eugene Gendlin, Ph.D.Fault Lines by Karl Pillemer, Ph.D.Rules of Estrangement by Joshua Coleman, Ph.D.