Voices In Recovery Podcast

This week our brand new friend, Dakshima, drops by and shares her journey. She comes from Sri Lanka where it is against the law to be yourself if you happen to be a lesbian and she proudly is. In Sri Lanka, the consequences of being found out as a lesbian can be ten years in prison. Not only could she not be herself, she was raised believing that who she was, was wrong and a crime. Her life was an incredible challenge for many reasons when she first arrived in Canada. One of these was being a lawyer when she arrived. Once in Canada, she had to work multiple jobs while she went back to university. Recognizing that she would basically have to start at the beginning if she was to practice law, Dakshima went into social work. She runs a program for new immigrants to Canada, who are also experiencing difficulty with identity. After sitting with her, there is no doubt that if you are struggling with identity and the multiple challenges facing immigrants coming to Canada, she is someone who can help. Thank you for your bravery and for being you!

Taylor stops by for her second visit on the show and we have another wonderfully complex conversation about her journey so far. There is no question she is a presence; full of spirit, strength, kindness, toughness, and the list goes on. It is always such a pleasure to to talk with and listen to. I feel better off for knowing her and knowing she is out there digging into life. We talk sobriety and how different that can look for different people. We talk a lot about codependency and many of the ways it can interfere with and destroy any relationship. I know that I have many difficulties with codependency at times and it really does help me talking about these things openly.

Our guest this week is Shayne. His story begins in an alcoholic, abusive household where he found himself experimenting with both alcohol and cannabis at an extremely early age. His addiction took him in and out of prison until he came to Calgary for a fresh start. For a few months it seemed as though the geographical change was working. He found himself in and out of treatment centers living the street life in Calgary, drinking and using whatever drug he could and he was unable to stay clean and sober. When he found himself ready to do the work it takes to get and stay sober, he did exactly that. In sobriety today, he chooses to clean house, trust God, and help others and it seems to be working big time in his life today. Thank you Shayne, we appreciate you!

This week we sit down with mister Chris B. I cannot say enough kind things about him although his kindness stands out. Not because he's perfect because he is not, but because he's genuine, compassionate and searching. He works hard to keep learning and share all that he's gained in life and his 9 year journey in recovery. He was a fire fighter until PTSD intervened, which was when drinking became the real problem it was meant to be. I'm grateful to call him a friend and someone I look up to. Today, he works hard building the life he dreamt of and one that goes beyond what he could imagine! If you are one of those humans, who wonders whether or not they can? After listening to Chris, I believe a little bit more in possibilities. Thank you Chris, we appreciate you my friend.

Our friend, Chelsea stopped by to share her recovery journey. Early on in her life she experienced the loss of her father. She survived multiple life altering challenges to find herself fighting for her life in recovery, as an adult, from alcohol and drug use. As her illness progressed, she found herself not only fighting for her life, but for the lives of her children as well. Her continued desire to live a clean and sober life has her trying to help others any way she can and staying connected to the resources that she has surrounded herself with. Thank you so much for your openness Chelsea and good luck with the new town and job!

We were fortunate to have Dusty and Katherine Miller on for a second time discussing PTSD and the ongoing journey of recovery. They talk about accumulated stress on the family when PTSD goes unidentified and untreated. They share about how different and beautiful life looks when acceptance and treatment become a part of day to day life. There is little doubt that a family healing together can thrive together! Thank you Dusty and Katherine, we appreciate your service and your openness.

Long time friend Kenny stops by and shares his challenging journey into and through recovery. We appreciate his honesty and openness with us and all of you! He continues to work with newcomers and those struggling, as a part of his and their recoveries. Kenny works diligently on his daily path including the other aspects of his life like his son and family. He is a restaurant owner and chef, who recently went through huge changes with his work due to the last twelve months. He doesn't shy away from any challenges and is facing the newness with eyes and mind wide open. Sometimes these episodes really hit me hard and hit home. This one was no different, as he and I share parts of our journey that are often challenging to talk about. We appreciate you Kenny!

This week we have a returning guest and one of my good friends Adam Trotsky. He talks about recovery and trying to live better each day and what that looks like for him. We talk about our experiences incorporating many sources of practice into our lives and recoveries. He talks about his budding new business and about his upcoming wedding to an amazing human. I won't ruin it for you, we hope enjoy. Thank you Mr. Trotsky you're one of the good ones buddy.

This week's guest is James Bellamy. He shares his incredible story including surviving conversion therapy, Christianity, and a world that constantly projects negativity to anyone outside of the "norms" of society. Not only has he survived, but today he thrives! He is heavily involved in educating and changing systems of bigotry and exclusion. For what you have done and for your work everyday, we thank you James! It was an honor sitting with you; your vulnerability, courage and intelligence inspire us.

Our friend Charli stopped by and shared her incredible journey before and into recovery. She survived multiple instances of abuse, neglect, as well as; suicidal ideations, attempts and an attempted kidnapping by one of Robert Pickton's associates. She survived a horrible car crash, which left her with Chronic difficulties. Her recovery is full speed ahead working on herself and working with other women trying to be sober and clean! She is also a part of mentorship programs for women in trades and loves working to empower others. Today her life is content and happy, as she lives a life of service to others. Thank you Charli, keep up the incredible work!