Pickles and Vodka: a Mental Health Podcast

Have we got an action-packed episode for you! Our guest Asteria walks us through her crazy life, from being married to a fundamentalist man and enduring Christian therapy to traveling around the world to coming out as queer and starting her own dance studio. Enjoy!You can find Asteria on Instagram as Asteria Atombomb.Thoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhReferences:* Controversial essay: Lowkey, I Chose to Be a LesbianCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Christina is once again joined by their sister to discuss an important disability update. Digressions include cat fights, imposter syndrome, redefining what it means to show up, candy, and controversial astrology opinions. Enjoy!This is a companion to an episode we did in October: #217 Sorry, Sweet Jesus feat. Caroline Jumper.Thoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

We celebrate a recently departed friend in the cheesiest way possible.Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Original 11/4/2025 episode: #218 A Good Death feat. Anonymous* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

This week we’re joined by Rachel, writer and editor of Open Secrets Magazine. Topics include ADHD, hoarding, losing a friend to an eating disorder, name changes, and risky blogging. Enjoy!You can find Rachel at Open Secrets Magazine and on Substack as Rachel Kramer Bussel.Thoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhReferences:* Christina’s essay in Open Secrets: Am I Food Insecure Because I Have Bulimia, Or Do I Have Bulimia Because I’m Food Insecure?* Lauren’s first episode as a guest: #44 The Most Popular Girl in the Psych Ward feat. LaurenCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

We bring reinforcements to answer a listener voice message. Digressions include being visibly disordered at work, snappy comebacks for nosy colleagues, people who refuse to listen, and a broken tailbone. We even try to therapize each other, with mixed results. Enjoy!Thanks to Mads for today’s voice message! Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Surprise! We’re finally releasing the bonus episode Lauren recorded while Christina was in the psych ward. Joining her is recurring guest Vikki, who brings a heavy topic to the table. Digressions include misfitted college majors, making up lies to be more popular, the crippling weight of being alone in the world, and…Taco. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Because we’re on the cutting edge of social media trends, we thought we’d discuss 2016 in all its complicated glory. On the way, Lauren bums out Christina and our pets find increasingly invasive ways to make themselves known. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

This one’s pretty self-exclamatory. Digressions include therapy homework, deeply engrained coping methods, cursed phone reminders, and last hurrahs. Plus, we tease a new segment and read a heartwarming review. Enjoy?Content warning for self-harm methods, restriction (no numbers), suicidal ideation, and substance abuse.Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Referenced episode 1: #96.5 Lauren Spent the Weekend in the Psych Ward* Referenced episode 2: #44 The Most Popular Girl in the Psych Ward feat. Lauren* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

We meet for the first time in the new year and come to the conclusion that nothing has changed…or has it? Topics include future telling, faking it, falling apart, and an accidental poop joke. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Join us as we limp across the 2025 finish line and reflect on the year’s whirlwind nature. Digressions include celebrating past guests, cute interactions with strangers, self-censorship on the pod, Six Feet Under, and…Michigan? Enjoy!Thanks to everyone who gave us a listen or interacted with us this year! Here’s how to join the conversation in 2026:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

A listener voicemail leads to a conversation about unexpected loss, handling grief, and traumatic holiday memories. Tangents include snow, creative writing exercises, and a bicycle metaphor. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

This week we tell stories from childhood and ask ourselves whether we’ve always been this way. Tangents include Barbie, nosebleeds, dancing while possibly concussed, and more fun stuff. Enjoy!Content warning for sexual assault. Take care of yourselves.Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

In this loosely structured episode, we discuss frustrations, malaise, spending too much time in the past, unconditional love, and the American shopping mall. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

We go all over the place in this episode! Topics include being suspected of relapsing, what motorcycle riding and aerial arts have in common, emotional scarcity impacting relationships, and tattoo scams on Facebook. Plus, Lauren says goodbye to an era and Christina enters a contest. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to suggest a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Your cohosts are finally back for a regular episode to revisit the topic of magical thinking and mental health. Tangents include swear words and affirmations, burning away your demons, and Rocky Horror. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Want to submit a topic? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

On this episode, we’re joined by a longtime internet friend to talk about assisted dying for mental illness. Topics include the government definitions of “chronic” and “incurable”, psychiatry as a broken industry, LEGO funerals, and what our favorite cheeses say about our worth as friends. This is a sensitive one, so take care of yourselves.The quiz we took: Everyone Loves A Good Charcuterie Board, Right? Build Your Own And See What Type Of Friend You AreThoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Christina’s sister joins the podcast to process their disability hearing. Tangents range from childhood rituals and Martin Short impersonations to secret Facebook accounts and creepy music we used to fall asleep to. Enjoy!Thoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Six years after recording episode 11 in 2019, I catch up with my friend Syd, an Alabama-Christian-homeschooler-turned-queer-Kiwi-weirdo. We talk about coming out as nonbinary, surviving an abusive relationship, the ripple effects of religious trauma, and ways we were cringe in the past (but sooo aren’t anymore). Tangents include Homeschoolblogger.com, New Zealand, and anesthesia. Enjoy!You can follow Syd on Instagram @houseghostcreative.Thoughts on the episode? Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Syd’s previous episode: #11 Videmus feat. Syd Wachs* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Lauren shares a phenomenon that takes us both by surprise. Side topics include haggling with your therapist, feeling forgotten, depending on pain to make art, and Intervention (the show). Enjoy!We’d love to hear from you! Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe

Topics for this week include trauma comparisons, self-censorship, dubious growth, and mad libs. Enjoy?We’d love to hear from you! Here’s how to join the conversation:* Leave us a voice message at www.speakpipe.com/picklesandvodka (first timers get a free sticker!*)* Subscribe to our Substack and never miss an episode: picklesandvodka.substack.com* Watch our faces on YouTube: youtube.com/@picklesandvodkapodcast* Follow our Instagram for poll alerts: @picklesandvodkapodcast* Join our Facebook group: facebook.com/picklesandvodkapodcast* Send us an email: picklesandvodkapodcast@gmail.com* Christina’s personal Instagram: @xtinajumper* Christina’s Substack (crisis corner): xtinajumper.substack.com* Lauren’s personal Instagram: @lauren___afhCredits:* Edited by Christina Jumper* Theme song is Insane OK by The Whines from Free Music Archive*while supplies last Get full access to Pickles and Vodka at picklesandvodka.substack.com/subscribe