Voices from the room
In their own words. The people who kept coming back.
Every word on this page belongs to somebody who showed up: members, authors, therapists and people who found us through a Taylor Swift fan page and stayed for the recovery. Nothing here is edited for marketing.
17 named reviewsPlus the notes people send after meetingsWritten by them, not us
From the recovery space
People who do this for a living.
Authors, therapists and podcasters come through Speak Now Tuesdays. Here's what they said after sitting in the room.
"The coolest peer support group I've ever participated in."
"Inclusive, meeting people wherever they are in their recovery. A space that encourages people to be fearless while feeling supported and understood."
From the room
Members, in full.
These are our Facebook reviews, posted by members under their own names and reprinted exactly as written.
"Zero judgement, and I always leave meetings feeling better than when I entered. Even if you aren't a Taylor Swift fan, it's a great group."
"I have been in recovery for 7 years but my journey started long before that. I have not had a sober community during much of that time because of various differences and outright gaslighting and other immature nonsense. Earlier this year I found Swift Steps. I have always loved Taylor, but for someone to put her music with recovery and figure out a way to help people with that is such an ingenious idea and the second I heard about it I knew I had to be a part of it. I have found my community! I have found my people, I can honestly say that I love each of them for the diversity they bring and also their perseverance and experience in their own recovery journeys. Swift Steps has given me that community I didn't even know I needed so badly, among so many other things. The benefits are endless. As is my gratitude!"
"Part of the magic in this group is the lack of separation. It doesn't matter what your issue is, we're all in the same space and in the same room, regardless of whether the struggle is with codependency, or mental health, or addiction, or food disorders. This is the first space I've encountered where it is understood that the root of discomfort is the same for everyone, regardless of how it manifests. The real magic is the interplay of emotional intelligence and shared love of the music, and lyrics, of Taylor Swift. There is an automatic lowering of barriers when you know you will be understood because of the shared love of the person who I have loved the most through everything."
"This is a community with a ton of care! The love of the facilitator for her community goes a lot further than the Taylor Swift commonality. This is an awesome safe space with lotsa love!"
"Very Uplifting and Positive Feel to the Page 🥰❤️"
"Swift Steps has become a highlight in my journey through the successes and failure of life. I have been a sober member of a 12 step program for seven years. My recovery was routine, but I didn't realize how much I craved a breath of fresh air. I found Swift Steps through one of the many Taylor fan pages I participate in. Swifties?!? In recovery?!? Sign me up!! I started by following the Facebook page. The connection and friendships were inevitable. I saw a post where jewels was asking about speakers. I had several experiences speaking at AA meetings and I felt compelled to be of service. I immediately volunteered to speak for Swift Steps. I attended the first Speak Now speaker to hear Jewels' mom share her story. I was excited because the focus was on recovery! So, it's not just another fan page. A few meetings later I was able to share my story and how Taylor has influenced so many different parts of my journey. I felt understood, listened to and appreciated. I've been coming to meetings at least once a week since. I am still a member of the other program, but Swift Steps is a valuable part of my life and my recovery. I have made friendships that feel like family. I have grown to care for people that I didn't automatically adore. I get to share my obsession with Taylor and my lifestyle as a sober swiftie with a group of like minded friends. It has enriched my life ten fold. I'm so grateful to have a space to call home. Thank you Jewels for creating this for us 🫶🏽"
"As someone who has been coming since the very first meeting, it's been a beautiful thing to watch this community grow, thrive, and flourish. Jewels has done something pretty special here by creating a safe space for Swifties to come together and support one another on their recovery journeys. I feel more stable in my recovery because this group exists. When one of us is struggling, there is always a handful of people with their inboxes open ready to listen. Sometimes that's all we need to continue to make the next best decision. I've made some great friends here and get a lot out of being part of this community. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼"
"I've been in recovery for years and mainly just coasted through it because traditional 12 step programs didn't click with me. I didn't feel part of a community. Joining Swift Steps has made a world of difference in my life. I feel like I have a community of people that support each other, don't judge one another, but hold each other accountable. I am so thankful for being part of this amazing group and couldn't think of a better person to bring us all together than Taylor. I can't wait to see where this journey takes all of us!!!"
"I love how safe swifties feel and this group does that for me. We know we all have at least 2 things in common already. The group is so inclusive and nice. Harm reduction is valued. Recovery in all forms are valid and you have to do what works for you and this group is a great place for people to be supportive of one another!"
"A positive welcoming community meeting for swifties - all are welcome regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or religious beliefs! I am glad to be part of this community. Free meetings offered for those who can't afford a membership which is very helpful to me as I'm currently unemployed and only on gig work. Thanks, Julianne for this community sober swifties group!"
"As someone who loves Taylor Swift's music and is committed to recovery, this group is the perfect blend of my two passions. The support and encouragement here are unmatched — it's such a safe and uplifting space where everyone understands and respects one another's journey. I'm so grateful for the connections I've made and the inspiration I've found in this group. 🫶🏻"
"What can I say, Swifties and community go hand in hand. There is an extra sense of generosity and authenticity found here. It provides a safe space and a place to be heard and to heal in the best way I've found. Recovery means lots of different things for every person involved but here it doesn't matter as the goal is simply support and to be heard. It's a great program and I think Julianne and all involved are doing so wonderful."
"What an amazing outlet and coming together of support this group can be. There is much love, understanding and experience here. I love that there are so many varying levels and types of addiction and recovery going on here…all brought together by the poetry and music of Taylor. There is acceptance for everyone ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🫶🫶🫶🫶"
After the meeting
Notes people send.
These come in by text, in the chat and in the group after meetings, reprinted as written.
"Thank you for all you do 🌸"
"Thanks for the meeting tonight 🫶✨"
"You are all an inspiration."
"It's definitely a bright spot in a dark world! You're doing a great job ❤️"
"Great meeting tonight!"
"You're wonderful and make such a difference 🩵"
"Loved the meeting tonight! You all are reminding me it's possible to stay the course!"
"Thanks for using pain to grow a platform for us to connect. Grateful 🫶✨"
"THE MEETING WAS SO GOOD. Thank you everyone! Love y'all to the moon and to saturn!"
"Laughed, cried and got chills tonight. Great job! Thanks for having the heart and soul to put this space together!!!"
"Such a wonderful space to just be a mess with no judgement ❤️❤️❤️"
"I have watched so many people open up and trust this group with things that they can't talk to others about. I absolutely love that this group has become a place where everyone feels heard and no one feels judged."
"I'm so glad you came up with the idea for this community, it's awesome. I've really enjoyed every meeting I've been to. 💗"
"Thanks for having these meetings!!! Love it!!!"
"You are amazing, I am so proud of you!"
"I love this group so much! And the driving purpose for this project."
"I believe in your mission"
"Julianne thank you for giving us a place where we can understand, support and lift each other up without judgement"
"can't wait!! Love this group!!"
"OMG this is amazing"
About the person running it
Two people on Jewels.
Swift Steps® is founded and run by a Certified Peer Specialist. Some reviews are less about the room and more about who holds it.
"If you're looking for someone that cares, will dive in as deep as you need & will help you as much as possible, Jewels is your girl! She's one of the most caring, compassionate & empathetic women you'll ever meet. No judgement, no hesitation on meeting you where you're at, strictly all love & a passion for helping people❤️"
"I love how everything that I've seen come from this platform is not only encouraging and gives hope to so many people who may feel alone, lost, or just safe here but also really squashes any typical judgment about addiction. Everyone is welcome and everyone has a chance. I have known Jewels for 13 years and her journey has been and continues to be an inspiration to see. Starting this space is such a testament to that. Blank Space Recovery will always have my support! ♥️"
Add yours
Come Tuesday. Write your own line later.
Speak Now Tuesdays are at 8:00 PM ET and free for anyone. If the room has done something for you, we'd love to put your words here.
