Voices In Recovery Podcast

This week's guest is Cheryl. It was over a year ago when she lost her son Jacob due to a drug overdose. Jacob was a kind, compassionate, and caring man, who found himself fighting an incredible fight for the last few years of his life. Within Jacob's story is a young man, whom was bullied in school, confused by mental health difficulties, and tortured by a deep pain. Cheryl talked about compassion being such a vital necessity and the lack of it within the medical community at times when dealing with mental illness/addiction. Cheryl watched, as the system repeatedly let her son down until his death. Where Cheryl began her outspoken mission to end stigma and mistreatment by speaking with all of the wonderful staff, who had helped Jacob in his final days. She is hoping to help and encourage creating compassionate environments for healing our fellows with unseen wounds. Those with wounds running much deeper than our eyes can see. Thank you Cheryl.

Darcy and I sit down to say goodbye to 2021. A huge thank you to our listeners, viewers, and supporters of all kinds. We are excited to begin another year of incredible stories. To our guests we can't thank you enough for having the courage to be on the show and share yourselves with everyone. You are the reason that we love doing this show so much.

Our guest this week is a friend of ours, Vicki! She shares her incredible life story from a total lack of security and safety as a child she weathered the storms of racism, bullying, and violence against some incredible odds. She now finds herself, due to hard work and constant effort, sober and building a life of serenity through service and step work. Thank you so much Vicki, you're story is amazing just as you are!

This week, one of our favourite humans, Vanisha Breault drops by. She talks about her brand new book, "Ordinary Courage", The Terminator Foundation's second annual recovery summit in February 2022, and the excitement over the work on the second book! Vanisha talks about her family and the struggle for recovery her sons are experiencing. Our thoughts go out to her children, as we know the road is difficult and dark at times. She is a blessing in the world, full of compassion, understanding, and acceptance. Thank you Vanisha.

This week's guest is Mary. She tells us her incredible story of sobriety and we follow her  twists and turns, as she makes her way through life. Gratefully she is able to articulate the effects of intergenerational trauma and racism in present day Canada. She talks about how much racism is faced by people of color and immigrants specifically coming to Canada. We learn about the racism and bigotry, which effected her parents when they first arrived here amny years ago. She talks about how the impact plays out in her life today. Thank you Mary, we appreciate you!

Mitch stopped by and shared his incredible journey from near death, prison, sobriety, and his wonderful family that he credits to recovery. He spends a great deal of time sharing his experience, strength and hope to help others. I cannot believe his courage! Thank you Mitch!

This week we share Shea's story and what a journey he has been on. He started his pathway of sobriety over a year ago and he's continued to keep himself open to growth and whatever may be next in his evolution. As we discuss, more and more will be revealed. From one survivor to another, thank you my friend. We appreciate your vulnerability and courage in the face of it.

This week Darcy and I talk about the "justice system" as it pertains to sexual assault and rape. This was a difficult chat for he and I, it stands to reason it may be triggering for others. Please, if you find yourself struggling or in need of help, reach out. You are welcome to email us at david@davidlewry.com or direct message on Instagram or our Facebook page Freedom's Path Recovery Society.

We talk about some of my own experiences with working through stressful situations, tools I use that help my recovery and healing.  We dig into what it means to get out of your own way to allow healing and growth.  

Based on our guests that have been on the show we have noticed that many of them talk about spirituality and religion in some way.  This made us want to discuss this in a bit more depth so today we did just that.