Start Here!
Not sure where to start listening? See below for some of our most pivotal episodes in chronological order (newest to oldest).
#148 Gently Falling Apart
We haven't been doing well. On this episode, we talk about it. Content warning for death, suicide, drugs, and eating disorders.
#144 We Never Had a 5-Year Plan
We're not sure how, but the podcast is 5! Join us for recovery updates, what we've learned while making this show, which episodes we still think about, and how we plan to challenge ourselves in the future.
#132 Not a Neat Little Positive Bow
This week we practice getting uncomfortable and share what's been happening since our unplanned hiatus. Topics include being honest with yourself, fresh starts, not wanting help, waiting for change, and how much sharing is too much sharing. Plus, Christina forgets Lauren’s birthday on air and we prove once and for all that we’ve lost control of this pod…
#129 This Is Not a Drill!
Lauren returns from residential treatment and all hell breaks loose. Just kidding...or are we?
#124 No Choice Anymore
It’s Lauren’s last episode before treatment, so naturally Christina put her in the hot seat! Listen to hear her share what she’s afraid of, what she’s looking forward to most, what she hopes will be different this time, and why YOU should have some f*cking self compassion. We also talk about what to expect from the pod in the weeks ahead. Enjoy!
#110 We Met In Person!!
Happy New Year, hot and spicy pickles! Today we are FINALLY releasing the episode we made in Lauren's living room after meeting in person for the first time. We answer listener questions, give out tragic awards, and attempt to hold it together in the only ways we know how. Enjoy!
#100 One Hundred Conversations
IT'S OUR CENTENNIAL, BABY! Christina reminisces about starting Pickles and Vodka by herself in 2018 and what it was like to be bulimic and in active addiction while putting out new episodes every week. Lauren reveals what was going on in her head when she took on the role of cohost and why she's decided to reject toxic recovery dialogues and embrace rea…
#96.5 Lauren Spent the Weekend in a Psych Ward
It's a bonus episode! Lauren sits down to tell the story of how she spent the weekend of 9/9 in an ER holding room and then a psych ward. Although we bring our signature humor, this is definitely a more serious episode with mentions of suicide, depression, food/weight, and psychological trauma. Listen with care and stay safe. (Don't worry, there is a hi…
#90 The Future of Pickles and Vodka
Christina brings back a former guest to share some exciting new developments.
#87 What Am I Even Doing Here? feat. My 20s
Christina tells the tumultuous tale of her recent motorcycle trip, reflects on turning 30 this week, and reads some mental health warning labels submitted by listeners—with a couple surprise guests thrown in for good measure. (Fun fact: this episode was almost titled “Two Gas Cans In”, but then Christina got tired.) Cheers!
#65 Cray Cray All the Way
Join Christina as she attempts to summarize the utterly insane rollercoaster ride through mental health that was the year 2021! She covers what it was like to ask for help and go to treatment for bulimia, leaving a secure job and moving across the country to be closer to family, misadventures in unemployment, the importance of having a ho phase, sobriet…
#44 The Most Popular Girl in the Psych Ward feat. Lauren
Joining the podcast is Lauren, a 41 year-old eating disorder sufferer and treatment veteran. She and Christina talk about the struggles of paying for treatment, what happens when your insurance fucks you over, the stimulating world of laxative abuse, and
#41 The Bulimia Diaries
In lieu of a guest this week, Christina turns to some of her old audio journal entries in order to reflect on just how much she's changed in the last 6 months. Listen to hear brutal honesty, raw emotion, some crying, and maybe a brief catfight. Content warnings for mentions of bulimia and substance abuse.
#39 Bite Sized Future feat. Connor Bolton
It's the last episode of 2020 and have we got an action-packed hour for you! We kick it off with some big news from Christina, then jump to an interview with Connor in his cat-free apartment. Listen as they reflect on social isolation, starting a new job during COVID, accepting help, what they're never going to take for granted again, and why it's ok to…
#14 The New Normal feat. Ginger Jumper
Christina returns from treatment and introduces a very special guest: her mom, the one and only Ginger Lou! In this episode, Ginger reflects on her tumultuous journey with addiction, how faith saved her, and the importance of forming a healthy identity. If you are thinking about suicide, the following resources are here to help: https://suicideprevent…
#6 The Family Issue feat. Caroline Jumper
Christina is joined by her sister, Caroline, and the two discuss a topic near and dear to them: FAMILY. How does nature vs. nurture play a role in a person's mental health journey? Is it possible to overcome a lifetime of baggage and emerge with self-confidence? What is Christina's opinion of Bird Box? All is revealed in this week's episode.
#1 One Dark Day
The obligatory intro episode that answers all your burning questions about what the podcast is all about, how to practice guilt-free self-care, and how fancy socks can change your life.