Addict to Judge: Mary Beth O’Connor’s Story | Aging with Purpose

Aging with Purpose and Passion

Mary Beth O’Connor’s life is a gripping redemption story of addiction recovery and resilience. From surviving childhood abuse, sexual assault, and decades of methamphetamine addiction to achieving 30 years of sobriety as a federal court judge, her journey inspires women over 50 to find purpose and passion.

In this Aging with Purpose and Passion podcast episode, O’Connor shares with Beverley Glazer the raw mechanics of transformation—how trauma fueled her dependency, starting with alcohol at 12 and escalating to injecting meth by 17. Despite addiction, she attended Berkeley, only to watch her potential fade. Recovery wasn’t a single rock-bottom moment but a gradual awakening at 32. She entered rehab doubting sobriety was possible, offering hope to anyone hesitant to start. O’Connor’s key insight? Address addiction andtrauma together—her PTSD proved tougher than quitting drugs.

From law school at 39 to judge at 53, her story, detailed in Junkie to Judge, proves it’s never too late to rebuild. Ready to ignite your next chapter? Tune in to discover how small steps can unlock your unstoppable potential with Aging with Purpose and Passion—the weekly podcast inspiring women over 50 to embrace bold shifts, redefine themselves, and craft a vibrant, fulfilling life.

Have you enjoyed this episode? Please drop a review and share this episode with a friend.

And you might also enjoy Fit Stong Women Over 50, a podcast for the here: Becoming Elli Community. Where fit strong women motivate eachother to stay on their goals.

Resources:

Mary Beth O'Connor

Website: junkietojudge.com

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-beth-o-connor-8aaa4b121/

X/Twitter: @MaryBethO_

Beverley Glazer

https://reinventimpossible.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverleyglazer/

https://www.facebook.com/beverley.glazer

https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenover50rock

https://www.instagram.com/beverleyglazer_reinvention/

https://calendly.com/reinventimpossible/15min

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🎁 BONUS: Take your first step to clarity, courage and momentum. Your free checklist: → From Stuck to Unstoppable – is here.
https://reinvent-impossible.aweb.page/from-stuck-to-unstoppable

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1. Introduction to Mary Beth O'Connor's Journey (00:00:00)

2. Childhood Trauma and Early Addiction (00:04:01)

3. College Years and Deepening Drug Dependency (00:09:03)

4. The Breaking Point and Road to Recovery (00:15:15)

5. Dual Recovery: Addiction and Trauma Healing (00:19:14)

6. From Recovery to Professional Success (00:22:25)

7. Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts (00:24:36)