Voices In Recovery Podcast

This week's guests are Lucas, North, and in the background Ashley. They're film students from SAIT and they came on to pitch their episodic series about addiction. They're looking for support in all manner of ways and of course financial. They seem like really good humans and they have my support. Being able to talk about addiction in a true story format without that sometimes preachy feel, I found the story, "Bus Stop" honest and thoughtful from the perspective of a friend. Thank you folks, we appreciate you.

This week's guest, Ladine stops by to share her experience, strength and hope with us. She has survived her own trauma, intergenerational trauma, and the depths that addiction took her. Her family has known colonial trauma for generations; Ladine's mother was taken during the sixties scoop and her grandparents are residential school survivors. She is a warrior, there is no doubt about it. We are grateful for you Ladine, for your light that fills this world.

This week, Michelle Robinson stops by and we talk politics, truth and reconciliation, and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and 2 Spirit. We talk briefly about our individual roles walking along side the Calgary Police Service, as they undergo, what we hope is lasting, deep change. I am reminded as to the importance of creating safe places for people. How some humans have been abused so deeply by the system and others, it is absolutely necessary to be seen and heard. Not just when our voices are quiet and inoffensive. Hearing and seeing racialized and marginalized humans - understanding the expression of anger, as a valve for a never ending pressure cooker. Thank you Michelle, I appreciate you so much.

This week Darcy and I sit down and talk about the proposed mandatory treatment. Wow, what a subject! We obviously solve nothing, but we do have, what I think, is a really good conversation about it. Thank you dude!

This week our guest, Chelsea, stops by with a couple of their friends for an audience. We had a great conversation where she shared her experience, strength and hope with us so we can share it with all of you. What was an incredibly emotional day led us into an emotional conversation. I am grateful for your openness, compassion and love. Thank you Chelsea!

This week, Tanis and Heather stop by. They share their stories of recovery with all of us and wow, thank you ladies! We talk about being queer in the rooms and how important it is to be ourselves and that really is recovery, not being afraid any longer and living life as best we can. The three of us are working together to start a new LGBTQ2S twelve step meeting! The first meeting is May 4th at 6pm - 730pm at Lutheran Church of the Cross at 10620 Elbow Drive SW

This week, Trent and Todd stop by to share their stories of recovery. I'm honored to share them with you, as these gentlemen are two of Freedom’s Path Recovery Society's board members and founders. They are exceptional humans, whom shared so much love with us that by the episode end...the room became very dusty in our eyes. Thank you gentlemen, my heart is full of gratitude.

This week's guest, Hayley, stops by and shares her experience, strength and hope with us. She survived a childhood of being bullied in school, surviving multiple sexual assaults, and mental and physical trauma as she grew up. Hayley is anything but a victim. Her recovery is a testament to continuously doing the work and always trying to be of use to others, whom suffer. Thank you so much Hayley!

This week, with Floyd on my lap and my friend Darcy sitting in my living room we talk about our dads a little bit. Darcy lost his dad 15 years ago and I recently lost my own. It seemed like we both needed to talk about it and for good or ill we did just that. Remembering how tricky and heavy grief can be, even if the loss was half a life time ago.

Our guest this week, John, from Vancouver came in and shared his story of recovery. John began drinking in junior high and he remembers liking it a lot right away. As he grew and changed, his drinking continued to be destructive. The progression of his illness provided him with increasingly challenging consequences. He began utilizing cocaine alongside the alcohol and this ultimately led him to losing his family, home, reputation, etc. John has spent more than ten years sober and working on the life that he is proud of today. If you're out in Vancouver, you might be able to catch him at the North Shore Round Up April 7-9th. Thank you John, we appreciate you sir!