In this episode of the True You Podcast, hosts Bill Tierney and Marty chat with special guest Jerry Waxler, a seasoned therapist and memoir writer. They explore Jerry's journey from addiction recovery to becoming a memoir coach. Jerry emphasizes the therapeutic power of memoir writing, its ability to reframe past experiences, articulate emotions, and foster a deeper understanding of oneself. The discussion highlights how writing can be a transformative process, aligning with principles from Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the 12-step recovery programs.
About Jerry Waxler:
Jerry Waxler hit bottom early in adulthood and began a long climb through recovery, self-help, therapy, and wisdom traditions. At fifty, he returned to school to become a therapist, only to discover that to help others, he had to keep growing. Memoir reading provided insight into the vast library of human experience offered in memoirs. And writing his own memoirs helped him rebuild shattered segments of his past. His continued interest in Twelve Step recovery, and his ongoing research into the many branches of psychotherapy, led him to Internal Family Systems, which he sees as a pinnacle of his journey toward mental wholeness. Now, 54 years sober, Jerry’s life work is helping others grow through therapy, writing, and the transformative power of turning private memories into shared stories.
Contact Jerry:
Website: www.jerrywaxler.com
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:46 Jerry Waxler's Journey and Memoir Writing
01:58 The Impact of Memoir Writing
04:19 The Evolution of Memoir as a Genre
08:22 Memoir Writing and Emotional Exploration
10:08 Therapeutic Aspects of Memoir Writing
19:56 Articulating Emotions Through Writing
24:39 The Challenge of Writing Emotions
25:33 Understanding the Memoir Genre
27:45 The Redemptive Arc in Memoirs
30:40 Connecting Through Stories
33:34 Memoirs as a Tool for Self-Discovery
39:52 Unblending and Healing Through Writing
47:34 Reducing Shame Through Storytelling
51:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Links and Resources:
• Imminent: Inside the Pentagon's Hunt for UFOs by Luis Elizondo - https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063235560
• True You Podcast Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/trueyoupodcast
• Would you like to be a guest on our podcast? Complete this form to apply: https://forms.gle/Fre2eEmiNoDPYKmp9
• Internal Family Systems - https://ifs-institute.com/
• Bill Tierney Coaching - https://www.billtierneycoaching.com/
• ‘Listening is the Key', Dr. Kettelhut’s website - https://www.listeningisthekey.com/
• Marty’s new book, ‘Leadership as Relation’ - https://amzn.to/3KKkCZO
• Marty’s earlier book, ‘Listen… Till You Disappear’ - https://amzn.to/3XmoiZd
• Parts Work Practice - Free IFS Practice Group Sessions - https://www.partsworkpractice.com
• Contact Marty - mkettelhut@msn.com
• Contact Bill - bill@billtierneycoaching.com
True You Podcast 
