Voices In Recovery Podcast

This week's guest, Daphne stops by and shares all about Black Pride YYC and their own personal journey. They came to Canada from Nigeria where it is still illegal to be Queer. Once here, they set out intent on being their truest self. I won't give spoilers; however, we talk about the beginnings and the why's Black Pride YYC was necessary and formed they have grown incredibly in a year and throw incredible events. We talk a lot about racism in Canada and around the world. Thank you for coming on, Daphne, we appreciate all that you do out there!

This week's guests, Comrade Yulia Borscht and Dani Phantom stopped by to share their stories and we talk everything under the beautifully queer sun! I'm not going to lie, most people will just fall in love with them so beware. I was able to attend their show, Housing Crisis, before sitting down with them and chatting away so I already fell in love with the humans they are. Thank you both!!!

This week's guest, Karrie-Lynn, stops by and opens up about their journey. We talk about very adult subject matter, please consider this a content warning. Our conversation is one of those that I think about long after we are done talking. Thank you for your inspiration, bravery, and for your service!

This week's guest, Mohamed stops by to talk about Palestine. He is from there and a lot of his family and many friends still live there under constant threat of annihilation. We talk about the ongoing genocide in Palestine  and we talk a about the Congo and the Sudan as well. Knowing colonialism and it's resulting genocide can continue under any guise in any country is awful. Thank you for sharing what must be difficult to live through in the telling.

This week, Michelle and I sit down, helping each other sort through and essentially process our shifts in perspective on the Calgary Police. We are angry and we are among many, who feel just as we do. I'm sure even angrier considering having been victimized by the police on May 9th, 2024 at the University of Calgary and May 11, 2024 at the University of Alberta. We all have a right to our anger and I hope we honour that in whatever way we need to.

Our guest this week, James, survived 9 conversion therapy counsellors from the ages of 6 - 13. It is no wonder that they found themselves working towards queer liberation for most of their life. They have been involved in the drag show troupe, "Fake Mustache" for twenty years! Thank you for coming on and for opening up your vault of our queer history. My heart and brain are filled.

This week's guest, Mahmoud Abi Samaan comes to us from Rafah after his entire family was displaced by the IDF and their home was destroyed in Gaza by Israeli bomb/rocket strikes. All this after he lost his  best friend to an Israeli bombing at 17 years old. Mahmoud was in hospital for months having his body put back together. As much brutality as they have suffered and survived to have such a gentle spirit and compassionate heart is inspiring. Insha'Allah my friend and thank you for sharing with us all.

This week Darcy and I try and understand all that's been happening in our vast, hurting world. We both came out confused, somewhat sleepy and laughing so the episode is probably ok. One thing I try and keep in mind, as we discuss topics from the universe around us and across the planet is my very privileged position. Not only am I a middle aged, white male living in North America - I was also born into the middle class. I try to consider the idea that just because it hasn't happened to me, doesn't mean it isn't happening to others. Best way I've found to learn about what others go through is to listen and get involved. I also had to learn how to stay quiet and not defend my biases but allow them to fade away as I get to know real living humans. I feel this is a lifelong process for someone like me coming from so much privilege.

This week's guest, Wendy, is a wonderful musician and long time indigenous activist. They share their often difficult journey through life - emphasizing both their gritty, protest-folk-rock music (I made that up) and their continued activism for human rights.

This week's guest, Kat, stops by and shares their story. Kat comes to Calgary via California and the beautiful San Jose area.   Although they also grew up in  twelve step rooms from the time they can remember. Through the years, they began to experience and witness the violence and shame based approaches within the justice and recovery communities in both the United States and in Canada. They came here for graduate studies and stayed to fall in love. They are tirelessly working in the harm reduction community to save lives. Thank you Kat!