From Darkness to Life Podcast: Stories of Recovery & Resilience

In this episode, Ryan talks to Janice, a Licensed Master Social Worker from Alabama, who shares her inspiring story of recovery from addiction and trauma. Janice reveals how she overcame her past struggles and found her passion for helping others heal their wounds. 

She also discusses her focus on helping recovering individuals repair their relationships with family and friends, and offers some practical tips and resources for anyone who wants to improve this area of their journey.  

In addition, Janice opens up about how she did almost as much damage to her relationships in early recovery as she did in active addiction, and how she learned to forgive herself and others.  

Janice also announces her upcoming book, which will be released in 2024. You can find more information at www.janicejohnsondowd.com.  

Tune in to hear Janice’s insights on how to move from darkness to life with courage and compassion.  

Follow Janice on Instagram @parenting_in_recovery. 

🎧 Listen now on our website:

https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast

or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #therapy #normalizetherapy #substanceuse #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #resilience #rosc #community #connection #resiliency #healing

In this episode, we talk to Alissa, a woman who has faced unimaginable challenges in her life. Alissa shares her story of losing a stillborn daughter, having thoughts of suicide, and witnessing her sister struggle with addiction and overdose. She also reveals how she coped with these traumas, how she found strength and support, and how she learned to embrace vulnerability, courage, and resilience.

Alissa’s journey is one of pain, grief, and despair, but also of hope, healing, and transformation. She shows us how we can overcome the darkest moments of our lives by opening our hearts, reaching out for help, and finding meaning and purpose. She also inspires us to be more compassionate, empathetic, and supportive of others who are going through similar struggles.

This episode is a powerful and moving conversation that will touch your soul and make you think about your own life. It is also a testament to the human spirit and the power of love. Join us as we listen to Alissa’s story and learn from her experience and insights.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #substanceuse #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #resilience #rosc #community #connection #resiliency #healing

In this episode, Ryan and his guest, Chris Shorrock, a registered psychologist, explore the power of therapy and how it can improve your life. They discuss what therapy is, how it works, and what makes it effective. They also share their insights and stories about the key elements of a good therapeutic relationship, such as trust, honesty, and feedback.

Whether you are curious about therapy, looking for a therapist, or already in therapy, this episode will give you valuable information and tips to make the most of your experience. Tune in and discover how therapy can change your life for the better.

Interested in connecting meeting with Chris or one of the many therapists at Keys to Hope? Find them at: keystohopecounsellingservices.com

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #therapy #normalizetherapy #substanceuse #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #resilience #rosc #community #connection #resiliency #healing

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Trevor Stewardson, a former Olympic boxer and a Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame inductee, who now shares his knowledge with gymgoers in Medicine Hat, AB. Ryan and Trevor openly talk about navigating many of life’s challenges and the helpful tools they have gathered along the way. They discuss topics such as trauma, motivation, control, and resilience, and how they apply to both sports and life.

This episode is a candid and inspiring conversation that will make you think about your own goals and struggles, and how you can overcome them with courage and determination. Tune in and learn from Trevor’s story and insights.

If you are interested in learning more about how to get connected with Trevor, please visit https://www.badlandstraining.com/badlands-staff.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #substanceuse #recoverycommunity #recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #resilience #rosc #community #connection #resiliency #healing

In this episode, we welcome Graham, a radio personality from Edmonton, who shares his journey through life, radio, and alcoholism with Ryan. Graham opens up about how alcohol affected his personal and professional life, how he realized he had a problem, and how he decided to change his habits and lifestyle. He also talks about the challenges and rewards of sobriety, the support he received from his family and friends, and the lessons he learned along the way.

This episode is a candid and inspiring conversation that will make you reflect on your own relationship with alcohol and other substances. It is also a story of strength, courage, and resilience that shows how anyone can overcome addiction and reclaim their life. Join us as we listen to Graham’s story and celebrate his recovery and redemption.

If you or someone you know needs support with their recovery, contact OCJ today.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #substanceuse #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #resilience #rosc #community #connection #resiliency #healing

Welcome back to 'From Darkness to Life,' the podcast of real-life stories of hope, inspiration, and resilience! Your host, Ryan, has Amber as his co-pilot for this episode, as they embark on an exciting Season 4.

First, a huge shout out to you, our incredible FDTL supporters – you are the heart and soul of this show. Please continue to share the show and help these powerful messages get out to whoever may need to hear them!

Now, the good stuff! We're stoked to catch you up on what’s happening at OCJ since we last connected and to unveil our latest projects.

• OCJ Recovery Coaching is thriving in Alberta with coaches stationed in both Medicine Hat and Calgary.
• RiseUp Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024 planning is well underway. Southern Alberta’s Hot Air Balloon Festival brings community, connection, and hope to everyone who comes out!
• OCJ’s Pathways to Recovery Community support meeting is discussed. This is a very unique and beneficial solution-focused meeting for anyone who is impacted by addiction.
• OCJ's 'Resiliency Coaching' service has been developed and is being utilized within the local public school division.

But there's more! Get ready for a heart-to-heart with our founder, Ryan. With over 8 years of recovery, countless hurdles, and profound transformations – his story is a beacon of hope. Ryan's sharing his lessons, blessings, and wisdom from personal experience and education in this episode, guiding you on your journey to a fulfilling life.

This episode? It's a dose of inspiration, motivation, and empowerment. You're not alone; you're not defined by your past. A bright future awaits. A better, more resilient, quality of life is possible, and it starts right here.

Lastly, From Darkness to Life now has its own Instagram page @fdtlpodcast. Please Follow and Share.

Thanks for tuning in. Let's roll!

www.ourcollectivejourney.ca

Kevin joins Ryan in the studio this week to share is inspirational story!

Kevin takes us on a journey through his youth and shares how substance use took over his life.

Once a star athlete, Kevin describes how substances and addiction slowly made everything else obsolete. As his goals and dreams were vanishing in smoke and liquid, Kevin shares how he didn’t realize the consequences of using until it was almost too late.

After losing someone very close to him due to addiction, Kevin now uses that as motivation to continue his new way of life and help people who are put in his path.

🎧 Listen now on our website:

https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast

or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!

If you or someone you know needs support with their recovery, contact OCJ today.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #substanceuse #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #rosc #community #yxh #medicinehat #connection #resiliency #healing

In this episode, a founder of Last Door Recovery Centre sits down with Rick and Ryan to talk recovery.

Decades of experience in both personal recovery and working in the recovery field sets the backdrop for this in-depth, entertaining conversation.

Tune in to hear David share:

• about his recovery journey with addiction and cancer,
• his purpose and passion,
• a glimpse at what makes the Last Door a special place

Learn more about The Last Door at https://lastdoor.org.

🎧 Listen now on our website:

https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast

or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!

If you or someone you know needs support with their recovery, contact OCJ today.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #addictionrecovery #recoverycommunity

#recoveryadvocates #recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #rosc #community #thedoor #connection #wellness #cleanandsober #healing

Our guest this week is Sonja Riddle, founder of Legacy West Healing, a non-profit organization providing programs and services designed exclusively for those who have ever witnessed someone they care about engaged in active addiction, whether they remain active, are currently in treatment, have found recovery, or did not survive.

Sonja takes time to share her personal experience with a family member struggling with addiction. Being their first brush with addiction, her and her family coped the best they could and she shares the subsequent events that unfolded.

Sonja talks about her healing journey which led to her passion for supporting families impacted by addiction.

If you or someone you know is supporting a loved one struggling with addiction, this episode is for you!

Learn more about Legacy West Healing at https://legacywesthealing.ca. They have many healthy programs that are available virtually across the country.

🎧 Listen now on our website:

https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast

or wherever you get your favourite podcasts!

If you or someone you know needs support with their recovery, contact OCJ today.

#ourcollectivejourney #ocj #fromdarknesstolife #fdtl #addictionrecovery #recoverycommunity

#recoveryispossible #recoveroutloud #rosc #community #familydisease #legacywesthealing #connection #wellness #cleanandsober #healing

Part two of this special podcast series introduces two dynamic recovery coaches who will be working with students and staff within School District 76. Nathan moved to Medicine Hat at the age of 14 to play AAA hockey within the MHMHA and has called the city home ever since. He has been in recovery from substance use disorder for the last 18 years and left a prosperous career in the energy sector to become a Recovery Coach with OCJ. Michelle brings a unique perspective to the OCJ Recovery Coach Team. She has experienced the loss of loved ones due to substance use disorder and in her young life has found the power of speaking with others when struggling with loss or emotional turmoil. Tara also has experience with substance use disordered from an early age where drinking was normal in her home. She has been in recovery for the last 17 years and brings extensive experience in working with people affected by addiction or dependence upon alcohol. She will be guiding this exciting new collaborative program between OCJ and School District 76. Tara, Michelle and Nathan’s life experience and their connections to many youths in the city will be of utmost value in supporting the students and staff within School District 76.

If you have any questions with regards to what Our Collective Journey is, what Recovery Coaching looks like or any other concerns please reach out to Our Collective Journey at www.ourcollectivejourney.ca, 403-800-1191 or Facebook Messenger.