Donald McDonald

No Thanks But Yes

Donald McDonald

  • S3/E2: Joanna Free – Kicking Butts

S3/E2: Joanna Free – Kicking Butts

Saturday 11th November 2023

Join Donald McDonald as he chats with Joanna Free about her journey from army veteran to nicotine cessation advocate on 'No Thanks But Yes'.
27 minutes
Empowering
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

No Thanks But Yes
Author:
Donald McDonald
Overview:
Categories:
Recovery Reimagined
Creative Recovery Journeys
Empowering Recovery Journeys
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
49 (View all)
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Joanna Free: From Battling Nicotine to Embracing Life's Mysteries

Episode Overview

  • Joanna's journey from an army veteran to a licensed mental health counselor and writer is truly inspiring
  • Her approach to recovery involves connecting with a broader audience and sharing guidance and support outside of traditional therapy settings
  • Joanna emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives, compassionate connections, and adequate information in the recovery process
  • Her contributions to Journey Magazine and her book, 'BUTTKICKERS: Twenty Ways to Leave Tobacco,' reflect her passion for helping people find freedom from nicotine
  • Joanna's self-care practices, including spending time outdoors, tapping, meditating, and engaging in heartfelt conversations, showcase her profound appreciation for existence
So many of us are stingy with our self-care, and we don't give ourselves what we need. If you're struggling, you don't need to do this alone. You probably need more guidance, more support, one or the other or both. But there's just, and we don't have to settle for things like tobacco, but that's not what we want if that doesn't make us feel free.
What happens when an army veteran turns her life's mission into helping others kick the nicotine habit? In this episode of 'No Thanks But Yes', Donald McDonald sits down with Joanna Free, a woman whose journey is as compelling as it is inspiring. With over 30 years of experience in tobacco and nicotine cessation, Joanna shares her wisdom, humor, and heartfelt stories.
She's not just an expert; she's someone who has walked the walk and now talks the talk in a way that resonates deeply with those on the path to recovery. Joanna is the author of 'BUTTKICKERS: Twenty Ways to Leave Tobacco' and a regular contributor to Journey Magazine. Her approach to recovery is anything but conventional. She believes in the power of fresh perspectives, compassionate connections, and the simple joys of life, like walking in cemeteries and meditating.
Her trauma-informed background and post-traumatic growth give her a unique lens through which she views addiction and recovery. Throughout their conversation, Donald and Joanna explore the importance of sustained recovery, the role of self-care, and the beauty of evolving without taking oneself too seriously. Joanna's message is clear: recovery is a journey filled with learning, connection, and a lot of heart.
This episode isn't just for those battling nicotine addiction; it's for anyone seeking inspiration, new perspectives, and a bit of hope. Tune in to hear Joanna's incredible story and her insights on living a life free from nicotine's grip.