Belly Laughs and Brutal Honesty

2025 — the year of shedding, showing up, and saying it all out loud. In this Season One finale, I look back on the highs, lows, and everything-in-between moments that made this year one for the books. From bingo card wins to behind-the-mic breakthroughs, I share what I let go of, what I learned, and what I’m taking into 2026. There’s reflection, a few tears, plenty of laughs — and a sneaky thank-y...

Healing isn’t linear. Shame can’t survive being spoken. And sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is tell the truth — even through tears. This unfiltered solo episode was recorded mid–vulnerability hangover — the messy, shame-filled aftermath of sharing my recovery story out loud. No intro, no polish, just truth. If you’ve ever felt the ache of “have I said too much?”, this one’s for you. In...

Today I chat about how I broke up with my skinny jeans (yes, finally!) and discovered the wide-leg life is comfier than I ever imagined. Plus: the Big Brother application fail, the cockatoos hell-bent on destroying my garden dreams, and the reality of being totally codependent with my cat, Alfie. This one’s for anyone stepping out of their comfort zone — or just here to laugh at mine. Episode Guid...

ICYMI: This episode is worth a listen if you’re navigating sobriety, big feelings, or social situations without alcohol or drugs. From sober joy and safe people to late periods and life panic — this one’s got elation, ovary chaos and a lot of big feelings. I recorded this right after a recovery wedding where I laughed so hard my face hurt. No booze, no awkwardness, just full-body joy. And then… I...

This week, I’m talking about the p-word (podfade — don’t panic, we’re fine), why I’m half-seriously thinking about applying for Big Brother 2026, and how my inner 90s kid still calls the shots. Expect plenty of nostalgia, sliding doors moments, reality TV life lessons, and a shameless love letter to the analog phones and questionable RnB tracks that soundtracked my childhood. Mentioned: The realit...

This one got a little heavier than planned, but sometimes that’s what voice journaling is for. In this episode, I talk through therapy decisions, pausing my ADHD diagnosis and a moment of raw grief over a photo from my brother’s wedding. I also get real about weight, clothing sizes, and the shame I’ve carried about my body - even in recovery. It’s emotional. It’s honest. And it's always a remi...

This one’s a little different — a reflective drop straight from the heart. Just me, a memory, and a game of Uno that turned into a full-blown identity crisis (and breakthrough). In this bonus ep, I’m sharing the chaotic, hilarious, and unexpectedly healing origin story of how Belly Laughs & Brutal Honesty got its name — from a hospital lounge full of rehab patients to the first time I felt rea...

In this second episode, Gab reflects on the positive feedback and surprising stats from the podcast's first week, including international listeners and touching messages. She discusses her reluctance to appear on video due to body image concerns, her efforts to reduce screen and call time, and the ongoing journey of self-acceptance. Gab also shares humorous insights into navigating adulthood a...

Well here we go! I’m Gab — 40‑something, single, three‑years sober, and still wondering when adulthood was meant to start. In this first episode, I unpack life before sobriety, the turning point that got me here, and why I’m finally hitting record on these voice journals I’ve been rambling into my phone for years. It’s real, unfiltered, and just the beginning of figuring out how to actually do thi...