
Ashes to Awesome Podcast - Rising in Recovery
Our podcast provides light, hope, and understanding about addiction and mental health to those living within that life and the people who love them. After spending 25 years in and out of active addiction, I was able to rise out of those ashes and found my way to recovery. I'm passionate about giving back to society and started my podcast to raise awareness of some of the issues surrounding addiction. People we lose to addiction and mental health, including those in the opioid crisis, are so much more than a statistic or how they passed. They were loved. We focus on addiction from many perspectives, including professionals in the healthcare and recovery industries; people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery; and those who may still be active in an addiction, and we include the families and loved ones that are conscripted soldiers in a war no one wanted. Every day of the week is different and unique. Memorial Monday is dedicated to the people lost to overdose and/or addiction. We allow a family member or friend to share the story of who they were in better times. Tuesdays are typically dedicated to the people who have risen from the ashes of addiction into the awesomeness of recovery and/or who are trying to still fight to find their way back. Wednesdays is named kaleidoscope Wednesday, and features Ryan Bathgate, a gifted therapist who possesses a master’s degree, and helps us to understand the science and psychology around addiction, and how to come back from the chaos and maintain a fulfilled life from any trauma. His wisdom, charisma, and passion are evident as he answers questions from our listeners. He unpacks his answers in a way that is uniquely valuable to all who listen. By Thursday, we are ready for some light n laughter and take a break from the seriousness of our usual topics with "Just the Tip(s)" Thursday, we have some fun with how to navigate society with sobriety. Family Fridays are dedicated to the families and loved ones of addicts, and sharing their stories as they are too often not told, but their battles are just as fierce and heart wrenching of those who are struggling on a daily basis. On the Weekend Ramble I am joined my cohost, Karl the Atheist; Lisa, a psychiatrist specializing in addiction, and often a fourth panelist that changes week to week so as to continue offering a different perspective. As a panel, we look back at the week and discuss some of the highlights and takeaways.
Latest episodes

Oct 10, 2023 • 1h 6min
176 -MEMORIAL MONDAY -JACOB HARRISON - FOREVER 23
Jacob Harrison Aug 25 1997 - May 14 2021.
Jacobs Mom, Joy, shares not just a cautionary tale of recognizing challenges your kids might be having, but also the memory of what a great human Jacob was, and how his memory is keeping her involved in much needed education and advocacy around the realities about the opioid epidemic. Hello, I'm Chris Horder (aka Chuck LaFLange) the host of the Ashes to Awesome podcast, dedicated to illuminating the stories and challenges of those affected by addiction and related challenges. Through my personal journey, I've managed to surmount the odds, transitioning from a survivor of addiction (one year sober on Oct 21st) and PTSD to an advocate and member of a community that spans several countries, and proudly promotes stopping stigma and using love and inclusion to help both individuals who suffer in addiction and their loved ones.
I am ecstatic and humbled to share that I've been awarded a scholarship for trauma treatment at the Yatra Center in Phuket, Thailand. This incredible opportunity not only provides me with healing tools but also allows me to continue my mission in a setting that supports sustainable living, with a much lower cost of living, making my podcasting and advocacy even more impactful.
My family, ever my pillars of strength, have generously stepped in to cover my airfare.However, there's a hurdle in this otherwise amazing journey: my current podcasting setup. To ensure I continue providing quality content and stories, I need a laptop robust enough for intensive video processing. A past endeavor saw a previous laptop overwhelmed by the demands, and I'm determined not to let technical constraints deter my mission this time. My current desktop computer is just too big to take with me.
While sponsorships for the podcast have been a blessing, covering most of my expenses, I still occasionally lean on my family for essential needs.
In this new chapter, Yatra Treatment Center graciously covers my first month's living expenses in Thailand. Post that, I'm charting my path, with a heart full of determination but pockets that could use some bolstering.That's where you come in. I'm reaching out to this amazing community to help me secure the laptop that can keep up with our shared mission and maybe a safety net for those unpredictable moments.
In gratitude, every donation, whether from kind individuals or benevolent organizations, will be acknowledged in my podcast episodes.
This isn't just my calling; it's our collective journey. I've always found ways to push through, but with your support, we can make the path a little smoother. Let's turn ashes into something truly awesome, together.
Thank you for being a part of this story.
https://gofund.me/260036ce
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message.
Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously.
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible :
Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Oct 7, 2023 • 1h 16min
175- YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT ANOTHER PERSON IS GOING THROUGH
Shannon Burness is back for a one of a kind conversation. Dr. Lisa and Shannon went to school together, and when Lisa watched episode 165, she found herself getting emotional, as she had no idea that Shannon, who had a seemingly tough exterior, shared many of her own out of place feelings. After not seeing each other for almost 30 years, these two beautiful souls meet via virtual studio to talk about how we can never be sure what another person is going through. It is a powerful reminder that we just don’t know what we don’t know.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details here https://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message.
Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously.
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible :
Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 20min
174-MEMORIAL MONDAY- KATHY WAGNER
A “vivid and moving memoir” that shows the “redemptive blessing of healing and compassion.” ~ Dr. Gabor Matte, Author of The Myth of Normal
While we've moved away from our weekly Memorial Monday episodes, they remain a crucial essence of our mission. This week, we're honored to have Kathy Wagner, an author whose work has been recognized by the esteemed Gabor Maté. She joins us to reminisce about her son Tristan: the joys, the challenges, and the profound journey of loving someone entrenched in addiction. Navigating the heartbreak of losing her youngest at just 21 to fentanyl poisoning, Kathy offers insights and lessons that continue to guide her healing process.
Find a copy of this compelling read or follow Kathy's writings at
https://www.kwagnerwrites.com/
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details here https://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message.
Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously.
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible :
Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 30, 2023 • 1h 18min
173- WEEKEND RAMBLE - MICHAEL TOURVILLE
Michael is the author of a uniquely written book "Voices from the Fallen” taking us on an intimate journey inside the lives of people who have experienced the hell of addiction, the relentless defeat of relapse, and hope of recovery, which in turn spawned his non profit organization and podcast The Healing Voices Project.
Though not having suffered in addiction himself, he dedicates his time to raising awareness after personally witnessing the toll the opioid crisis is still taking on families all over the map.
You can find links to both on his website: https://www.healingvoicesproject.org/
or his book on amazon:
Voices from the Fallen: True Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery, and Courage: Tourville, Michael K.: 9781948278324: Amazon.com: Books
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details here https://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message.
Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously.
Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact. You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible :
Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 7min
172 - KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY- THE REALITIES OF LOVING AN ADDICT
Ryan and I break away from the organized format as of late, and have an off the cuff conversation about the realities faced by people who love someone who is suffering in addiction.
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details here https://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message.
Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously.
Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:
Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/
-- Chuck LaFlange aka Chris Host/Founder Ashes to Awesome Podcast - Rising in Recoverywww.a2apodcast.com

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 14min
171-MATT KEAGAN
Matt Keagan shares his journey with us. From scripts and partying with his parents, to prison, to sobriety, to relapse, to a recovery influencer on social media, Matt's story is one to inspire. https://www.facebook.com/Mattkeeganrecovery
https://www.tiktok.com/@mattkeeganrecovery
https://www.instagram.com/mattkeeganrecovery/
Chris Horder, aka Chuck LaFlange, transformed his life from a 25-year addiction to founding the "Ashes to Awesome" podcast. His journey, marked by estrangement and challenges, changed with his mother's affirmations of love and the loss of his father, Peter, in 2022. This loss and his mother's support catalyzed Chris's recovery and the birth of his podcast, initially a personal therapy tool, now a platform for spreading love and understanding to those battling addiction.
Despite financial struggles and reliance on family and sponsors, Chris's podcast has grown into a global movement. Key support came from the Yatra Trauma Centre in Thailand, leading to Chris's move there for treatment and financial relief. He now seeks funding for an Education Visa to continue his work in Thailand.
Any help you can give is much appreciated Interac Etransfer (Canada Only) or Paypal chrishorder77@gmail.com
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center - www.yatracentre.com
Together We Can Recovery Society https://twcrecoverylife.org/

Sep 24, 2023 • 1h 17min
170 WEEKEND RAMBLE - SHOULD WE FORCE PEOPLE INTO DRUG TREATMENT?
Dr. Lisa, Atika-J, and Chuck have an impromptu debate on mandated treatment, after discussing the NORS (National Overdose Response System) and how Ashes to Awesome has agreed to help get the word out.
Atika's email atika@j-initiative.org
NORS https://www.nors.ca/
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 21, 2023 • 1h 7min
169 KALEIDOSCOPE WED -PT 3 0F 3 - EMOTIONAL LEXICON
As we wrap up the Emotional Lexicon series, Ryan walks me through what turns out to be yet another profound experience, with Ryans guidance; The practice of "Locating" as instructed by the pioner of this practice Eugene Gendlin. Of course, the perfect follow up to that was to finally take a closer look at the "Feeling Wheel".
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 19, 2023 • 1h 26min
168- Donna of "Hard Knox Talks" Shares Her Powerful Journey
Dive deep with Donna, the vibrant co-host of the renowned livestream video podcast, "Hard Knox Talks" (HKT). While many of our listeners were captivated by Daniel Hearn's gripping narrative on Episode 123, it was the subtle mentions of Donna's journey that truly piqued our interest.
Now, Donna graciously joins us to unfold her profound story. While her experiences and path to recovery might differ from Daniel's, the serendipity of their journeys led them back to each other. Today, this dynamic duo stands united in their commitment to not only assist those navigating the tumultuous waters of addiction but also to enlighten their families and the global community. They aim to shed light on the complexities of addiction and to foster an environment of understanding and empathy. With their stories as the backdrop, they hope that the profound love and connection they embody can inspire a wave of empathy and healing, reaching hearts worldwide.
Join us in listening to Donna's story—a beacon of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of connection.
https://www.hardknoxtalks.com/
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/

Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 7min
166- KALEIDOSCOPE WEDNESDAY - PART 2 OF EMOTIONAL LEXICON
In the second of a three part series on Emotional Lexicon (defining feelings) we take a deeper dive into why having one is so important, and how to use it as a tool in the box when finding meaning in life
If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, Morning Cup of Kindness. Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST.COM/MCK
Click https://www.a2apodcast.com for links to Chuck's new daily 5 min podcast, "Morning Cup of Kindness", all of our socials where we have posted some great short-form content to help inspire.
If you are listening on the Spotify platform, you are able to share your thoughts about an individual episode in the interactive element that Spotify offers. Doing this tickles the fancy of the algorithm and really helps us to spread the message. Also please visit our Facebook page here, and like, share, or comment on any of the posts. Your feedback there is sincerely appreciated, and taken quite seriously. Lastly, most of our alumni guests from the podcast are members of our Facebook group. If you would like to get to know any of them, or have questions, or perhaps would like to invite them onto another show, this is a great place to interact.
You can join that group here .https://www.facebook.com/groups/79994...
Ours sponsors, that make spreading the message possible
:Rosecrest Recovery Services Call 615-484-8792 or email info@rosecrestrecoveryservices.com
Dent Kits - http://www.dentkits.com
Together We Can Recovery Society http://www.twcrecoverylife.org
Revolution Recovery - https://www.revolution-recovery.com/
Yatra Trauma Therapy Center -https://yatracentre.com/
Nate D Foundation =https://nate-d.ca/