<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode 1 (Freedom from the Bondage of Self)]]> If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by self-criticism, control struggles, or shame, you're not alone—and there’s a way out. Rhonda and JD share raw, real insights from their personal journeys and professional work, revealing how the "bondage of self" keeps us stuck—and how to break free. In this candid conversation, you'll discover how recovery isn’t about feeling happiness all the time but about navigating the inevitable imperfections with grace. Rhonda and JD break down the elusive concept of serenity, exposing how shame, control, and self-pity are like cuffs holding us back from peace—and how awareness, patience, and simple tools like pausing can unlock the door. Why surrendering is the ultimate act of strength.We dive into practical techniques to regain serenity quickly, even amidst frustration or disappointment: from the importance of a pause to gratitude, and how to recognize and challenge the "bondage of self" in real time. You'll learn how avoiding the inner world fuels chaos externally, and why ongoing personal work is the key to freedom. Most importantly, Rhonda and JD remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—serenity is a practice, not a destination.If you're tired of feeling hostage to your fears, shame, or controlling tendencies, this episode is your wake-up call. Perfect for anyone seeking to understand and master the inner barriers that block peace—and for those committed to a daily journey of growth, acceptance, and grace. Tune in to uncover the tools to reclaim your serenity, one mindful moment at a time.

Rhonda Polakoff, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in mental health and addiction recovery. JD is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, working in rehab centers and with personal recovery journeys—experts passionate about guiding others to freedom from self-imposed shackles.
Why this works:


This episode hooks listeners immediately by promising to reveal how to find peace amid inner chaos, tapping into universal struggles with shame and control. The conversational, relatable tone, combined with practical insights and humorous analogies, makes complex concepts approachable and compelling. It appeals directly to those feeling overwhelmed by their inner critic and seeks a realistic, hope-filled path to serenity.

Character count:

3,693/4,000

]]>www.wheresmyserenity.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Fri, 23 Oct 2026 04:12:35 GMTSat, 04 Apr 2026 14:54:48 GMT60Rhonda Polakoff,PhD & JD Schloss<p> If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by self-criticism, control struggles, or shame, you're not alone—and there’s a way out. Rhonda and JD share raw, real insights from their personal journeys and professional work, revealing how the "bondage of self" keeps us stuck—and how to break free. In this candid conversation, you'll discover how recovery isn’t about feeling happiness all the time but about navigating the inevitable imperfections with grace. Rhonda and JD break down the elusive concept of serenity, exposing how shame, control, and self-pity are like cuffs holding us back from peace—and how awareness, patience, and simple tools like pausing can unlock the door. Why surrendering is the ultimate act of strength.We dive into practical techniques to regain serenity quickly, even amidst frustration or disappointment: from the importance of a pause to gratitude, and how to recognize and challenge the "bondage of self" in real time. You'll learn how avoiding the inner world fuels chaos externally, and why ongoing personal work is the key to freedom. Most importantly, Rhonda and JD remind us that perfection isn’t the goal—serenity is a practice, not a destination.If you're tired of feeling hostage to your fears, shame, or controlling tendencies, <i>this episode is your wake-up call.</i> Perfect for anyone seeking to understand and master the inner barriers that block peace—and for those committed to a daily journey of growth, acceptance, and grace. Tune in to uncover the tools to reclaim your serenity, one mindful moment at a time.</p><h6><b>Rhonda Polakoff, PhD, is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in mental health and addiction recovery. JD is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, working in rehab centers and with personal recovery journeys—experts passionate about guiding others to freedom from self-imposed shackles.</b></h6><h6><b>Why this works:</b></h6><p><br />This episode hooks listeners immediately by promising to reveal how to find peace amid inner chaos, tapping into universal struggles with shame and control. The conversational, relatable tone, combined with practical insights and humorous analogies, makes complex concepts approachable and compelling. It appeals directly to those feeling overwhelmed by their inner critic and seeks a realistic, hope-filled path to serenity.</p><h6><b>Character count:</b></h6><p> 3,693/4,000</p>serialRhonda Polakoff,PhD & JD Schlossironyirony@aol.comyes<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 13 (FLEXIBILITY)]]>The episode focuses on the theme of flexibility and its importance in finding serenity. Rhonda and JD discuss the impact of inflexibility on serenity, the role of childhood experiences, and the challenges of letting go and asking for help.

]]>a794a9bc-5aba-44ee-bdf1-c02a2242230fTue, 15 Sep 2026 14:23:05 GMT<p>The episode focuses on the theme of flexibility and its importance in finding serenity. Rhonda and JD discuss the impact of inflexibility on serenity, the role of childhood experiences, and the challenges of letting go and asking for help.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>yes00:00:00113FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 13 (FLEXIBILITY)trailer<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 13 (FLEXIBILITY)]]>The episode focuses on the theme of flexibility and its importance in finding serenity. Rhonda and JD discuss the impact of inflexibility on serenity, the role of childhood experiences, and the challenge of letting go of control. They also explore the concept of simultaneous truths and the value of asking for help and being vulnerable.

Takeaways

  • Flexibility is essential for finding serenity
  • Simultaneous truths: More than one thing can be true at the same time

]]>e1370e58-bcab-4141-998b-7f1721c7a303Tue, 15 Sep 2026 14:06:53 GMT<p>The episode focuses on the theme of flexibility and its importance in finding serenity. Rhonda and JD discuss the impact of inflexibility on serenity, the role of childhood experiences, and the challenge of letting go of control. They also explore the concept of simultaneous truths and the value of asking for help and being vulnerable.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Flexibility is essential for finding serenity</li><li>Simultaneous truths: More than one thing can be true at the same time</li></ul><p></p><p></p>no00:28:321FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 13 (FLEXIBILITY)full<![CDATA[HOPE]]>The conversation explores the struggle between self-pity and gratitude, the choice to share and use gratitude to combat negative emotions, and the importance of critical self-awareness in building hope.

Takeaways

  • Self-pity vs. gratitude
  • Using gratitude to combat negativity

]]>205638ba-2860-4156-a141-2f8436699863Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:05:03 GMT<p>The conversation explores the struggle between self-pity and gratitude, the choice to share and use gratitude to combat negative emotions, and the importance of critical self-awareness in building hope.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Self-pity vs. gratitude</li><li>Using gratitude to combat negativity</li></ul><p></p>no00:00:471HOPEfull<![CDATA[EPISODE 12: HOPE]]>This episode of the Finding Serenity Podcast explores the concept of hope, its sources, and its role in recovery and healing. Rhonda and JD discuss the challenges of finding hope, the impact of spirituality and nature, and the importance of perseverance and critical self-awareness in nurturing hope.

Takeaways

  • Hope as a guiding principle
  • The importance of perseverance and critical self-awareness in nurturing hope

Chapters

  • 00:00 Practical Steps to Nurturing Hope
]]>dd8fe6aa-3b4f-41c2-b1ca-714f1df79c42Fri, 21 Aug 2026 15:02:09 GMT<p>This episode of the Finding Serenity Podcast explores the concept of hope, its sources, and its role in recovery and healing. Rhonda and JD discuss the challenges of finding hope, the impact of spirituality and nature, and the importance of perseverance and critical self-awareness in nurturing hope.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Hope as a guiding principle</li><li>The importance of perseverance and critical self-awareness in nurturing hope</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Practical Steps to Nurturing Hope</li></ul>no00:23:44112EPISODE 12: HOPEfull<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 11 (LOVING AN ALCOHOLIC IS HARD)]]>The journey to self-honesty and recovery from addiction.

Takeaways

  • Self-honesty is the first step to recovery
  • Recovery takes time and effort

]]>a7a43e94-82ff-467f-a853-8cd05f536721Sat, 08 Aug 2026 01:19:47 GMT<p>The journey to self-honesty and recovery from addiction.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Self-honesty is the first step to recovery</li><li>Recovery takes time and effort</li></ul><p></p>no00:00:291FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 11 (LOVING AN ALCOHOLIC IS HARD)full<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode 10 (Black and White Thinking)]]>This episode explores the concept of black and white thinking, its impact on addiction and relationships, and the role of gratitude and empowerment in overcoming it. The conversation delves into personal experiences, examples, and the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing black and white thinking.

]]>f02ab4db-df6a-4887-bec3-0ccffe05cd18Sun, 19 Jul 2026 01:14:36 GMT<p>This episode explores the concept of black and white thinking, its impact on addiction and relationships, and the role of gratitude and empowerment in overcoming it. The conversation delves into personal experiences, examples, and the importance of self-awareness in recognizing and addressing black and white thinking.</p>yes00:27:32110Finding Serenity: Episode 10 (Black and White Thinking)full<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode 8 (Denial)]]>The conversation delves into the concept of denial as a defense mechanism and its impact on children in foster care. It explores the nuances of denial and its role in coping with high levels of anxiety and emotional pain. The discussion highlights the destructive nature of denial and its impact on children's well-being, self-esteem, and sense of self.

]]>5076fd79-14d0-42b4-9223-f07df9d424d3Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:59:44 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the concept of denial as a defense mechanism and its impact on children in foster care. It explores the nuances of denial and its role in coping with high levels of anxiety and emotional pain. The discussion highlights the destructive nature of denial and its impact on children's well-being, self-esteem, and sense of self.</p><p></p>yes00:28:2418Finding Serenity: Episode 8 (Denial)full<![CDATA[Denial and Gaslighting]]>Denial and Gaslighting in Caregiving

Takeaways

  • Denial in caregiving can exacerbate a child's loneliness and suffering.
  • Gaslighting by caregivers can lead to the denial of a child's reality.

]]>5201fe07-c7b4-4326-970d-1858e158b204Thu, 09 Jul 2026 18:53:47 GMT<p>Denial and Gaslighting in Caregiving</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Denial in caregiving can exacerbate a child's loneliness and suffering.</li><li>Gaslighting by caregivers can lead to the denial of a child's reality.</li></ul><p></p>no00:00:431Denial and Gaslightingfull<![CDATA[EPISODE 8 (EXPECTATIONS)]]>The conversation delves into the impact of expectations on personal well-being, relationships, and spiritual growth. It explores the discovery of expectations, the bondage of self, and the power of semantics in shaping perceptions. The weight of dread and negativity, entitlement, and the role of gratitude as an antidote are also discussed, along with the connection between anxiety, depression, and spiritual growth.

Takeaways

  • The impact of expectations on personal well-being and relationships
  • The role of gratitude as an antidote to negativity and entitlement

]]>ce6da27f-f7e8-427d-951b-51af8481be2dThu, 18 Jun 2026 00:55:10 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the impact of expectations on personal well-being, relationships, and spiritual growth. It explores the discovery of expectations, the bondage of self, and the power of semantics in shaping perceptions. The weight of dread and negativity, entitlement, and the role of gratitude as an antidote are also discussed, along with the connection between anxiety, depression, and spiritual growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>The impact of expectations on personal well-being and relationships</li><li>The role of gratitude as an antidote to negativity and entitlement</li></ul><p></p>yes00:26:3718EPISODE 8 (EXPECTATIONS)full<![CDATA[Epissode 7: The Serenity Prayer]]>The conversation explores the significance of the serenity prayer in finding serenity, delving into the themes of spirituality, acceptance, change, and self-awareness. It emphasizes the flexibility and balance provided by the prayer, as well as the power of reflection and self-responsibility in achieving serenity.

Takeaways

  • Serenity prayer offers flexibility and balance
  • Reflection and self-responsibility are key to achieving serenity

Chapters

  • 00:00 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Responsibility
]]>12df2caf-b00d-4619-902e-65420b7e19feMon, 15 Jun 2026 16:40:08 GMT<p>The conversation explores the significance of the serenity prayer in finding serenity, delving into the themes of spirituality, acceptance, change, and self-awareness. It emphasizes the flexibility and balance provided by the prayer, as well as the power of reflection and self-responsibility in achieving serenity.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Serenity prayer offers flexibility and balance</li><li>Reflection and self-responsibility are key to achieving serenity</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Embracing Self-Acceptance and Responsibility</li></ul>yes00:28:0617Epissode 7: The Serenity Prayerfull<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode4 (Overidentification as a VIctim)]]>The conversation delves into the impact of victimhood and self-pity on individuals, the journey to finding serenity, overcoming victim mentality, and concluding thoughts on the topic.

Takeaways

  • Victimhood and self-pity can have long-lasting effects on individuals and their interactions.
  • The journey to finding serenity involves self-awareness, inner work, and the ability to change perspectives.

]]>7a899128-ba90-48af-b8a2-63885345f72fFri, 22 May 2026 01:39:35 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the impact of victimhood and self-pity on individuals, the journey to finding serenity, overcoming victim mentality, and concluding thoughts on the topic.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Victimhood and self-pity can have long-lasting effects on individuals and their interactions.</li><li>The journey to finding serenity involves self-awareness, inner work, and the ability to change perspectives.</li></ul><p></p>yes00:23:1914Finding Serenity: Episode4 (Overidentification as a VIctim)full<![CDATA[OverIdentification as a Victim]]>Overcoming victim mentality and conditioned hopelessness to find happiness and contentment.

Takeaways

  • Victim mentality leads to self-fulfilling prophecy.
  • Conditioned hopelessness can result from addiction and trauma.

]]>5f63d636-427a-4501-88db-25ac1dc3c56aFri, 22 May 2026 01:24:22 GMT<p>Overcoming victim mentality and conditioned hopelessness to find happiness and contentment.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Victim mentality leads to self-fulfilling prophecy.</li><li>Conditioned hopelessness can result from addiction and trauma.</li></ul><p></p>no00:00:381OverIdentification as a Victimfull<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode 5 (Detachment)]]>The conversation delves into the complex nature of detachment, exploring its relationship with dissociation and trauma responses. It also highlights the concept of detachment with love in Al-Anon and the challenges of letting go of control over a loved one's behavior. The discussion emphasizes that detachment is a lifelong journey and involves self-reflection, self-care, and the exploration of family dynamics.

Takeaways

  • Detachment and dissociation are closely related and can be trauma responses.
  • Detachment with love is a concept frequently discussed in Al-Anon and involves letting go of control over a loved one's behavior.

]]>38f60ef5-f442-45eb-b4b3-f987116db71eFri, 01 May 2026 00:58:52 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the complex nature of detachment, exploring its relationship with dissociation and trauma responses. It also highlights the concept of detachment with love in Al-Anon and the challenges of letting go of control over a loved one's behavior. The discussion emphasizes that detachment is a lifelong journey and involves self-reflection, self-care, and the exploration of family dynamics.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Detachment and dissociation are closely related and can be trauma responses.</li><li>Detachment with love is a concept frequently discussed in Al-Anon and involves letting go of control over a loved one's behavior.</li></ul><p></p>yes00:22:3415Finding Serenity: Episode 5 (Detachment)full<![CDATA[PRIMITIVE NARCISSITICWOUND]]>The conversation delves into the concept of primitive narcissistic wounds and their impact on individuals. It also explores the challenges of seeking help, the role of denial, and the importance of self-awareness and consciousness in healing and recovery.

]]>67c8f2f7-24a5-40c1-9b3a-5bbdcf375e1bWed, 08 Apr 2026 15:39:56 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the concept of primitive narcissistic wounds and their impact on individuals. It also explores the challenges of seeking help, the role of denial, and the importance of self-awareness and consciousness in healing and recovery.</p><p></p><p></p>yes00:04:1714PRIMITIVE NARCISSITICWOUNDfull<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 3 (LETTING GO)]]>The conversation explores the themes of acceptance, awareness, action, and surrender within the context of recovery and personal growth. It delves into the challenges of letting go, self-pity, and the importance of community and spirituality in the recovery process.

]]>03053dae-0114-4050-b1b8-3d15f3aae306Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:02:02 GMT<p>The conversation explores the themes of acceptance, awareness, action, and surrender within the context of recovery and personal growth. It delves into the challenges of letting go, self-pity, and the importance of community and spirituality in the recovery process.</p><p></p>no00:22:2513FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 3 (LETTING GO)full<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 2 (DEPENDENCE ON OTHERS)]]>Giving the master key to your serenity to somebody else is dependence.

]]>661aa596-11b5-462a-b51b-c44277b367dbSat, 04 Apr 2026 17:42:47 GMT<p>Giving the master key to your serenity to somebody else is dependence.</p>no00:22:4012FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 2 (DEPENDENCE ON OTHERS)full<![CDATA[FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 6 (PROJECTION SERENITY)]]>The conversation delves into the concept of projection as a defense mechanism and its impact on destroying serenity. Personal examples of projection are shared, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and pausing to overcome projection.

]]>3343a762-4d5e-4c9d-a4be-191b90e01146Sat, 04 Apr 2026 17:19:07 GMT<p>The conversation delves into the concept of projection as a defense mechanism and its impact on destroying serenity. Personal examples of projection are shared, highlighting the importance of self-awareness and pausing to overcome projection. </p><p></p>no00:22:1816FINDING SERENITY: EPISODE 6 (PROJECTION SERENITY)full<![CDATA[Finding Serenity: Episode 1 (Freedom from Self Bondage)]]>

Unlock the secret to lasting serenity-despite life's chaos and your own inner turmoil. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by self-criticism, control struggles, or shame, you're not alone—and there’s a way out.

]]>a0dc2ab2-d5b4-4efd-b3f3-79c0db062b19Sat, 04 Apr 2026 15:05:36 GMT<h6></h6><p> Unlock the secret to lasting serenity-despite life's chaos and your own inner turmoil. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by self-criticism, control struggles, or shame, you're not alone—and there’s a way out.</p>no00:23:0211Finding Serenity: Episode 1 (Freedom from Self Bondage)full