Voices In Recovery Podcast

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!

This week's guest, Dawn, stopped by and shared her journey from a life where alcohol became medicine to cope with deep pain, anxiety, and depression. She is now trying her best to face, cope with and heal from the deep pain she carries. Like all of us, the process of healing is beautiful and messy. Painful and joyous. Like life.. Thank you Dawn!

This week's guest comes from a police department in Canada. I will give a pre-warning, warning that this episode might be incredibly triggering for anyone. We talk openly and frankly about the experiences we have had in our different capacities. I had no idea the depths of sexism/misogyny, Islamophobia, and homophobia in law enforcement culture until I was clear of it for a few months. Able to process the damage properly. With the executive branches of law enforcement failing to protect their officers so dramatically, specifically, and systematically. They do this with blatant disregard for the public, for the member, and for the members families. How could any of us know...thank you for having the courage to stand up and say something. I'm disgusted that the title of this episode is incredibly suitable for this conversation.

This week's guest, Danielle, drops in to talk about accessing mental health and addiction services in Calgary, Alberta. She is incredibly open and honest about her recent journey within the system. We talk openly about our mental illnesses and share some soothing strategies/ideas for when mental health is pushed to the limits. This is one of those episodes that may be deeply triggering for people. This is an added warning, children should not necessarily listen. Thank you for your openness, courage and vulnerability Danielle. We are lucky to have you in our world.

This week's guest, Wesam, an activist with Justice For Palestine stops by to talk about organizating and running weekly protests in an attempt to end genocide and find peace I Palestine. We talk about how deeply islamaphobia runs within western style culture. We talk about how islamaphobia is another means for western culture to continue its war on Indigenous, Black People and People of Colour. We talk about some of the systems in place within these countries that were intentionally designed to keep certain humans from achieving liberation and freedom. The fact that these systems are in place all across the planet. Thank you Wesam, you're out there in the face of such hate and yet, you continue to show your love for all humans.

This week our guests are none other than my brothers, Greg and Nathan. The three of us sat down to talk about losing our pops and how life has changed for each of us in some ways as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing. I love my brothers and honestly, what resonates the most from this is how Darcy heard our conversation. He heard different parts of pop's personality coming out in the three of us. He distinctly heard dad in how each of our personalities try to make sense of this insane, shifting world in which we find ourselves. This conversation brought up a lot of stuff for each of us and I'll only speak for myself in saying, it was triggering in a lot of ways. Thanks bro's, love you both