Shows
UnbottledStep One — The Step Nobody Wants But Everybody NeedsSend us Fan MailWe kick off our summer 12-step series with Step One and tell the truth about why “powerless” feels so offensive. We reframe it as relief and strategy, name what unmanageability can look like in real life, and offer questions to help you decide what you already know. • why the word powerless triggers our need for control • powerlessness as “once I start, something changes” • the rule-making phase and the myth of controlled drinking • mental gymnastics as a full-time job with no benefits • unmanageability that looks quiet: shame, anxiety, secrecy, irritability • sur...
2026-06-0524 minUnbottledHow Relapse Really Starts Long Before The DrinkSend us Fan MailRelapse is the topic most people in recovery whisper about, even though it’s one of the most common turning points in sobriety. I’m Marcy, and I’m going to say the quiet part out loud: relapse is usually not a random moment of chaos. It often starts weeks earlier with isolation, stress, resentment, exhaustion, and the slow drift away from support. When we understand that, relapse prevention becomes less about willpower and more about spotting patterns early.We walk through the kind of relapse thinking that sounds smart in the mo...
2026-05-1521 min
Aging ain't for SissiesMakeup After 60 That Looks Fresh And RealSend us Fan MailYour makeup didn’t suddenly “stop working” because you forgot how to blend it. Skin after 60 gets drier, thinner, and more textured, and that means the same powder, matte foundation, and shimmer you wore for years can start reading as dusty, heavy, or weirdly settled into lines you never noticed before. I’m Marcy, and I’m saying the quiet part out loud: the rules changed, so our routine has to change too. I walk through the biggest mindset shift that makes everything easier. Stop asking, “Does this make me look younger?” and...
2026-05-1524 minUnbottledHow Friends And Family React When You Quit DrinkingSend us Fan MailSobriety doesn’t just change what we drink, it changes how people treat us and how we move through rooms that used to feel normal. We name the confusing reactions from friends and family, then share ways to set boundaries and protect our recovery without turning it into a fight. • the three common “camps” loved ones fall into before we quit drinking • why people stay silent or joke even when they’re worried • how unintentional enabling can happen at home and in friendships • what shifts fast once we’re sober and why it can u...
2026-04-1720 minUnbottledWhy Support Matters More Than Willpower In SobrietySend us Fan MailWe move from the first days of quitting to the real work of staying sober, where willpower fades and support becomes the difference maker. I explain why doing recovery alone turns into isolation and how connection, meetings, and sponsorship keep you honest when your brain starts bargaining. • shifting from starting sobriety to staying sober • why “I should do this alone” becomes isolation • how the brain minimizes, justifies, and rewrites the past • what real support can look like through meetings and check-ins • why this podcast helps but cannot replace real connection
2026-03-2717 minUnbottledWhat Happens After The First 30 Days SoberSend us Fan MailDay 31 can feel calmer on the outside while your mind quietly starts negotiating in the background. I talk about why the space after the first 30 days can be uncomfortable, and how support and structure help you stop surviving and start building. • why the first 30 days feel intense and why that matters • what changes after day 30 and why “space” can feel scary • how the brain turns relapse into “reasonable” logic • why doing sobriety alone can be harder than it needs to be • what AA is at its core: one alcoholic talking to an...
2026-03-2017 minUnbottledYou Don’t Need Rock Bottom To ChangeSend us Fan MailWe explore the quiet turning point when discomfort becomes enough to change, and how honesty can start sobriety long before catastrophe. Marcy shares her Monday-morning decision, the reality of mental gymnastics, the role of fear, and why one private step can open a wider future.• sobriety as a choice before bottom• the quiet moment that signals change• personal story of the first meeting and early days• mental negotiations and the courtroom in your head• the myth that you must suffer to qualify• fear of identity, friends, and 5 p.m. r...
2026-02-2715 minUnbottledSo You Stopped Drinking; Now What, Bossy Pants?Send us Fan MailWe explore how sobriety grows beyond not drinking and into daily emotional work, honest self-reflection, and real freedom. Marcy shares tools for handling control, resentment, identity shifts, and non-linear growth, grounded in 38 years of experience.• alcohol as symptom, not root• emotional sobriety and the power of the pause• control as a sneaky substitute for drinking• resentment as slow poison and how to release it• identity after alcohol and choosing who to be• growth as non-linear, progress over perfection• practical tools: meetings, sponsors, inventories, amends• willingness and...
2026-02-2015 minUnbottledSobriety Without Shame: Clarity, Choice, SpaceSend us Fan MailThe noise gets loud—on our phones, at the bar, in our heads. We kicked off Unbottled to cut through that noise and talk about sobriety the way it actually feels: messy, honest, and full of second chances. Marcy shares why she started this show, how 38 years of sobriety have shaped her life, and why she refuses to make recovery a punishment. If you’re sober curious, newly sober, or simply tired of waking up thinking “I did it again,” this conversation meets you where you are.We explore a simple, powerful...
2026-01-0124 minUnbottledUnbottled the BeginningSend us Fan Mail Hi friends, I’m Marcy Backhus, and this is Unbottled — a podcast where we talk about sobriety in real life, without shame, secrecy, or pretending we’ve got it all figured out.I’ve been sober since January 11, 1988, and over the years I’ve learned that sobriety isn’t just about what you stop drinking — it’s about what you start noticing.Whether you’re sober-curious, newly sober, long-time sober, or just wondering why something in your life feels a little too loud… you’re welcome here.Let’s unbottle the...
2025-12-2902 minAging ain't for SissiesFrom Resolutions To Intentions: A Kinder Way To GrowSend us Fan MailResolutions feel like a trap when life is already full. This conversation offers a gentler, braver path: set intentions that match your energy, honor your season, and still move you forward. Fresh off a joyful, busy holiday and looking ahead to a milestone 65th birthday, we talk candidly about aging, boundaries, and what it means to spend time like the precious resource it is.We lay out five grounded intentions you can adopt today: listen to your body and move in ways that feel good; protect your energy with clear boundaries...
2025-12-2623 min
Inside Marcy's MindDead Marcy Notebook episode repeat from my old podcast!Send us Fan MailEver wondered why "Aging ain't for Sissies"? Join me, Marcy Backhus, as I embark on an exciting journey from a sprawling California home to a cozy Chicago high-rise. As I navigate retirement, sobriety, and city life, I'm on a quest to find a new, happy place, all while embracing my love for crafting and creating Disney-themed treasures. You'll meet my family, including my supportive husband Craig, our grown kids, and our adorable feline companions, Pickles and Patrick. This episode is packed with heartwarming stories and playful critiques of terms like "senior citizen," as...
2024-12-0425 minInside Marcy's MindChicago Social Life and Home Hacks: Marcy's Tips and TalesSend us Fan MailHave you ever wondered what goes on inside someone's mind as they navigate life's ups and downs? Join me, Marcy Backhus, for a rollercoaster of emotions and insights. I share my thoughts on recent political debates, the sheer joy of fall decorations, and the humorous experience of listening to my podcast while driving. Grab a drink and relax as I unpack the challenges of downsizing—finding happiness in keeping and sharing beloved decorations and how maintaining joy is crucial even in the most minor aspects of life.From the transition of my...
2024-11-2930 minInside Marcy's MindThe Power of Decluttering: Marcy's Tips for a Clearer Mind and SpaceSend us Fan MailHave you ever wondered how a week in the desert could offer a mix of personal milestones and unexpected adventures? Join me, Marcy Backhus, as I share my unforgettable experience of celebrating my nephew David's big day, playing miniature golf at none other than Tiger Woods' course, and soaking up the arid beauty of Arizona and California. From savoring the comforts of a Palm Desert timeshare with my girlfriend Lynn to the humorous escapades involving Craig's Chicago navigation mishaps, this episode promises to deliver a hearty dose of joy, laughter, and heartfelt reflections...
2024-08-2725 minInside Marcy's MindMarcy's Guide to Optimism and Perfect Travel PlansSend us Fan MailWhat if you could balance the excitement of city life with the serenity of vacation mode? This week, join me, Marcy Backhus, as I navigate the vibrant streets of Chicago, spot Mick Jagger near my home, and throw a memorable barbecue with old friends—all while managing the challenges of my rare genetic disorder, Ehlers-Danlos venous type four. Despite a recent health setback, I’ve found ways to maintain optimism and share my journey of positivity on TikTok and Instagram. Get a glimpse into my week, filled with the unpredictability of Chicago weather and...
2024-07-0127 minInside Marcy's MindChicago Adventures and Trader Joe’s Surprises: Inside Marcy's Mind on Bike Wipeouts, Skincare Secrets, and Highway TriviaSend us Fan MailWhat happens when a summer bike ride in Chicago turns into an unexpected adventure? Join me, Marcy Backhus, on this thrilling episode of Inside Marcy’s Mind, where I recount Craig's dramatic wipeout and a stormy ride back home that set the tone for a week full of surprises. From a magical evening at Ravinia with Michael Feinstein’s tribute to Tony Bennett to an intriguing headline about Guaranteed Rate's name change and a protest that closed Buckingham Fountain, this episode is packed with captivating tales and colorful city life observations.But...
2024-06-2429 minInside Marcy's MindFrom Chronic Pain to Thriving: A Journey of Faith, Family, and Resilience With MarcySend us Fan MailWhat happens when chronic pain changes the course of your life? Join me, Marcy Backhus, as I share my transformative journey following a debilitating car accident that left me with unseen injuries. I'll take you through the unexpected challenges and daily disruptions that chronic pain brings, and how a pivotal conversation with my church's head priest, Lisa, led me to a new purpose by leading the stewardship committee. We also delve into the importance of community support and faith during trying times.This episode isn’t all about struggles, though. Craig an...
2024-06-1733 minInside Marcy's MindSky-High Manners and Milestones in Marcy's Multifaceted LifeSend us Fan MailHave you ever considered the unspoken social contract we sign when stepping onto an airplane? Join me, Marcy Backhus, as I unpack the nuances of travel conduct that can make or break your flight experience. In our spirited discussion, we'll traverse through the contentious realms of seat reclining and how to gracefully manage your carry-on luggage. Discover how we can collectively elevate our travel manners, from empathizing with parents of wailing infants to respecting our fellow passengers' personal space and needs. Plus, I'll spill the tea on the perks of frequent flyer status...
2024-05-2731 minInside Marcy's MindFrom Chicago to Credit: Inside Marcy's Mind on Women's Financial Empowerment and Open ConversationsSend us Fan MailEmbark on a journey through the corridors of my mind, Marcy Backhus, as I transition from the beloved 'Aging Ain't for Sissies to the vibrant new series, 'Inside Marcy's Mind.' With the electric hum of Chicago as our backdrop, I'll share the tales of my evolution, including the magnetic pull of the community at Equinox gym and the quirky charm of life with my husband, Craig, and our feline companions, Patrick and Pickles. But it's not all cat tales and city lights; we also lay the foundation for a crucial dialogue on...
2024-05-0522 minAging ain't for SissiesWhisked Away by Grecian Wonders and Wellness WisdomSend us Fan MailWave goodbye to the old and embrace the new with me, Marcy Backhus, as we transition from the beloved "Aging Ain't for Sissies" to the fresh and exciting "Inside Marcy's Mind." Reminisce with me about the enchanting vistas of Santorini and the hustle and bustle of Thessaloniki, where I unearthed the true spirit of Greece beyond the beaten path. Let's chat about the bittersweet feeling of returning to the familiar—how the simple pleasure of Greek salads and French fries played an unexpected role in my weight maintenance journey. And don't forget the ni...
2024-05-0515 minAging ain't for SissiesVoyages of Spirit and Stories from the Greek ShoresSend us Fan MailEmbark on an odyssey through the Greek Islands as I, Marcy Backhus, recount the unforgettable moments from my recent trip with my California church group, tracing the path of St. Paul. Picture the majesty of an eclipse in New York, the transition to the warmth of sun-kissed skin in sandals, and the profound appreciation for the resilience of spirit required to navigate the ancient sites of the Acropolis and Corinth Canal. As an older traveler, I've discovered the delicate dance between vigilance and voyaging, overcoming the strenuous ascents to serene monasteries with a...
2024-04-1515 minAging ain't for SissiesTraversing Triumphs and Trials: From Personal Peaks to Chicago StreetsSend us Fan MailEver had one of those weeks where every little win felt like conquering Everest? That's exactly what I, Marcy Bacckhus, experienced, and I'm here to share it all with you. From the comical annoyance of a phone dying just as you arrive at the airport to pick up someone to the ever-present question of when to switch from weight loss to maintenance mode, it's been a rollercoaster. But it's not all about life's hiccups; join me as I navigate the complexities of finding a new primary care physician and tackle the grown-up task...
2024-03-2528 minAging ain't for SissiesBalance and Vitality: A Journey from Aqua Sculpting to Financially Secure SunsetsSend us Fan MailNavigating the tranquil aftermath of St. Patrick's Day in Chicago, I, Marcy Backhus, found myself reflecting on the importance of balance—a theme that's distinctly echoed throughout this week's chat. From the heart-pumping thrills of aqua sculpting that's keeping my joints jubilant at 63, to the quiet introspection that comes with an empty nest as my family whisks away to Vail for a ski adventure, I'm here to share how these moments tie into your path to a financially sound and healthy retirement.Let's grab a proverbial shovel and unearth some financial wi...
2024-03-1826 minAging ain't for SissiesWhispers of Mortality Amidst the Laughter of the LimelightSend us Fan MailAs I sat basking in the glow of Oscar night glamour, I couldn't help but ponder the juxtaposition of Hollywood's dazzling facade against the weightier discussions of life's inevitable outcomes. In this episode, I, Marcy Backhus, invite you on a journey from the red carpet's luster to the intimate, often unspoken conversations about informed care choices. We'll revisit the allure of the Oscars and the pressures on celebrities to dazzle but also delve into the profound responsibility we hold in making our personal wishes known for times when we may not be able...
2024-03-1121 minAging ain't for SissiesFrugal Globetrotting with a Touch of EleganceSend us Fan MailEver dreamed of jet-setting without breaking the bank? Let me, Marcy Backhus, be your guide as I spill secrets on how to transform your travel dreams into a cost-effective reality. Picture this: You've just scored an unexpected first-class upgrade, thanks to a loyalty program tip I'll share. And imagine the satisfaction of reuniting with distant family members, without the stress of overspending. In our latest chat, I recount personal tales of altered plans and blissful family gatherings, all while teaching you to master the art of stretching each retirement dollar. Learn how to...
2024-03-0415 minAging ain't for SissiesLaugh Lines and Legacy Planning: From Household Humor to Healthier HabitsSend us Fan MailHave you ever been chuckling over something as mundane as toilet paper placement? Oh, the joys of domestic life! It's Marcy here, and this Podcast episode is a rollercoaster ride through the hilarity of household quirks and the profound moments of family bonding. I'm unpacking the complexities of our daily lives, from the lighthearted debate over toilet paper orientation to the cherished memories made while scooting through Old Town Scottsdale with loved ones. These stories stitch the fabric of our lives, blending the everyday laughs with the treasured times that remind us to...
2024-02-2630 min