Voices In Recovery Podcast

We are joined by the amazing and talented Amy Lee Owens. She joins us to talk about her journey into recovery, as well as her musical journey. She and friend, musician Marvin Kee honour us with a few of her beautiful songs.  To find out more about Amy or to listen to more of her music head to https://www.amyleeowens.comOn guitar was Marvin Kee which you can find on instagram @theflymuse

We are happy to have Tony join us to talk about how he came to recovery and how he has changed in some ways dramatically through the process. Tony's story starts with divorced parents, bullying, and the discovery of substances to numb out feelings at an early age. Tony kept things together, as best as he could, but with the loss of custody of his child he went back to a life he didn't want. With some setbacks along the way, he was able to rebuild some relationships, and is still working on rebuilding others. He spends a lot of time today giving back to other humans in many different ways. Thank you Tony, for your story and for all you do.

This week we are joined by Derek who talks in great detail about his frame of mind regarding recovery during his early attempts. From thinking he could simply will himself into sobriety and his belief that he can do it all on his own to understanding that he needs to be honest and seek peer support. He talks about how he has been able to build up his self esteem while also pushing himself to work through his own fears during recovery. He continually strives to get better; sharing his experience, strength and hope as an outstretched hand. Thank you Derek!

Jon takes us through a quick body scan meditation and into a meditation with the focus being acceptance.  Acceptance dissolves our resistance and allows us to get honest with ourselves about what is working and what isn't.

This week we share Vee's story. He talks about being indigenous in Canada and how important it is to stand up and get our citizens and government to listen to the people. He is deeply passionate about his life and the course he's chosen. Despite challenges within and without the indigenous community, he remains steadfast in his purpose. It is amazing seeing the incredible passion at work in his life! Thank you Vee, I appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. Keep your eyes peeled for his rallies coming up in August!

Maddy Joins us and tells her journey through addiction, violence in her family and early experiences with alcohol. Enduring a great deal of bullying during her school years led her to move on to other substances and eventually dropping out of school and becoming homeless by grade 8. During homelessness, she experienced exploitation, violence, a number of attempts to get sober with no support, and thoughts of self harm. Finding herself in her first meeting at 17 years old she began to make a new life in recovery. Now she is happy in recovery and continuing her education in post secondary as a social worker. Her life has been pretty incredible.

A soothing loving-kindness meditation with a focus on breath, centering, and sending loving-kindness to people in your life for your benefit.  Redirect yourself towards sending positive, loving kindness to everyone.  A wonderful meditation when you're feeling agitated

This week I met with Kemoh Mansaray. He is the Lloydminster Local Immigration Partnership Coordinator, a board member and community engagement chair of the Africa Centre, past president of the Sierra Leone Association of Alberta and founding board chair of the Clareview Multicultural Centre. He is presently a member of the Black Coalition Against Racism Black-CAR recently formed due to the out cry of Black Lives Matter.  

We are joined by Tara, an active volunteer for Calgary Beyond the Blue.  Beyond the Blue is a peer-led, non-profit organization with Chapters across the country.  They are dedicated to strengthening and supporting families of law enforcement officers in Canada. We strive to promote an awareness of our officer's worth as well as an understanding of the joys and struggles that are uniquely experienced in life in law enforcement. To find out more about Calgary Beyond the Blue head to https://www.calgarybeyondtheblue.com

Long time friend, Nicole joins us to talk about her life in recovery, which has not been an easy path, but the healthiest for Nicole. She found herself in meetings at 24 where she discovered the people there were talking about things she was feeling, but could not articulate. Throughout all of the challenges, she now finds purpose in her life and devotes as much time as she can to helping others. Thank you my friend, it was a lovely time sitting and talking with you.