
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


Are you ready to transform pain into purpose? In this powerful episode, Dr. Nick Crasper shares his extraordinary journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a mental health and substance use disorder counselor, clinical director, and justice reform advocate. With over 15 years in behavioral health, Dr. Crasper has pioneered peer recovery mentor programs, diversion programs, and justice-focused mental health initiatives that are changing lives statewide.
💡 Topics Covered:
✔️ Healing from trauma & addiction
✔️ Motivational Interviewing & Positive Psychology in recovery
✔️ How peer recovery programs reduce recidivism
✔️ The impact of justice reform on mental health
✔️ Building a life worth living after incarceration
🔥 Who is this for?
Women seeking deep personal transformation, healing past wounds, and stepping into fulfilling, soul-aligned lives. If you're ready to rewrite your story and embrace your highest self, this conversation is for you.
🔔 Subscribe for More Conversations on Healing & Growth
HealingAssociates.org
Three E's of Reentry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEWUg1zeUsg
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #JusticeReform #SpiritualTransformation #PersonalGrowth #TraumaHealing #WomenEmpowerment #HealingJourney #RecoveryJourney #LifePurpose
Addiction doesn't discriminate—it can impact anyone, regardless of background, status, or upbringing. In this powerful interview,Ricardo Garcia Cisneros, Certified Drug and AlcoholCounselor (CADC), Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), and Latinx BHRN Program Manager at MHAAO, shares his raw and inspiring journey through addiction, homelessness, and redemption.
Born into a life shaped by two contrasting worlds—Section 8 housing with his mother andworking in agriculture with his rancher father in Hermiston, Oregon—Ricardo faced adult responsibilities at an early age. By 12, he was earning $500–$600 per week, navigating the pressures of independence, lack of supervision, and early exposure to substances like methamphetamine, opioids, and fentanyl.
This candid conversation explores:
✅The impact of childhood trauma, economic hardship, and addiction
✅The role offamily dynamics, early substance use, and emotional struggles
✅The turning point that led Ricardo toward recovery and transformation
✅How he overcame shame, self-loathing, and the stigma of addiction
✅Lessons on healing, resilience, and finding purpose in helping others
If you're navigating addiction, trauma, toxic relationships, or personal transformation, thisvideo is for you. Let Ricardo's story inspire hope and show thatit's never too late to heal andcreate a meaningful life.
������
Subscribe for more stories on addiction recovery, trauma healing, spiritual growth, andpersonal transformation!
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #SpiritualGrowth #TraumaHealing
___
Find out more about Andrea Love and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love
___
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements
In "Beyond The Surface: A Journey of Passion, Healing, and Authentic Living," Chantal Lusby shares her inspiring journey towards self-discovery, healing, and living by her values.
As a 27-year-old mental health counselor in training, Chantal is deeply committed to helping others uncover their authentic selves—a mission stemming from her own experiences of growth and transformation.
This heartfelt interview delves into Chantal's passions, from writing poetry and crafting herbal remedies to nurturing meaningful connections with loved ones. She reflects on her childhood, the relationships that shaped her, and the challenges she has overcome to become who she is today. Focusing on intentional living, Chantal discusses the joy of simple pleasures, the lessons she has learned, and the aspects of herself she continues to work on healing and embracing.
Ideal for women seeking inspiration, healing, and a deeper connection to their authentic selves, this video provides an intimate look at living a life of purpose, passion, and alignment.
✨ Follow Chantal on Instagram for her poetry and more: www.instagram.com/chantels_wanderings/
✨ Share your own journey of healing and authenticity in the comments!
#AuthenticLiving #HealingJourney #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthSupport #SelfDiscovery #IntentionalLiving #PassionAndPurpose #WomenEmpowerment #TraumaHealing
___
Find out more about Andrea Love and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love
___
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
In Harassment Asa Woman: What Every Woman Faces and How to Stand Strong, Kat Robinson,a proud feminist and graduate student pursuing her Master's in Professional Mental HealthCounseling, shares her deeply personal journey of navigating sexism, harassment, and systemicchallenges as a woman.
With a passion for equality and justice, Kat reflects on her experiences with sexual assault andharassment and how they have shaped her commitment to empowering others and fosteringsafe, supportive spaces.
This inspiring interview explores how societal norms perpetuate victim-blaming, the emotionaltoll of toxic environments, and the tools women can use to advocate for themselves. Kat opensup about overcoming childhood messages, outgrowing limiting beliefs, and finding strength inancestral empowerment and education. She shares strategies for addressing workplaceharassment, speaking up against injustice, and navigating fear of retaliation.
Perfect for women seeking resilience, transformation, and support, this video offers practicaladvice, validation, and hope for anyone facing toxic dynamics or struggling to reclaim theirpower.
✨Learn how to stand strong and create the life you deserve.
✨Share your own experiences of overcoming challenges in the comments.
#Feminism #HarassmentAwareness #EmpoweredWomen #TraumaHealing #MentalHealth#GenderEquality #SelfEmpowerment #Resilience #StandStrong ___ Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love ___ All production by Cody Maxwell. sharkfyn.com Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy. Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.Aleksey Podlinov has called Portland, Oregon, home since 1998, embracing the beauty and culture of the Pacific Northwest. Deeply in love with America, Aleksey cherishes his life with his wife of 22 years and their three children.
Aleksey's journey toward understanding life's deeper truths began after the sudden loss of his father to a heart attack just 15. This profound event left him with unanswered questions, prompting a spiritual awakening at the age of 22. Seeking clarity, he delved into the rich traditions of ancient Russian Christian literature, as well as Greek, Egyptian, and Hindu religious text, searching for meaning and answers to his experiences, including persistent sleep paralysis.
His passion for exploring and discussing faith led Aleksey to become a radio show host in Portland, where he engaged listeners in thought-provoking conversations about religion and challenged aspects of modern Christianity. To this day, Aleksey continues to inspire others to explore spirituality with open minds and hearts.
Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: https://thehouseofhealing.love
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
Jerome Gilgan grew up in a turbulent household marked by an abusive, alcoholic mother, two sisters, and the absence of a father figure. The emotional void and feelings of isolation from his upbringing drove Jerome to express his pain through violence—punching walls, getting into fights, and struggling academically. His school, eager to rid itself of a troublesome student, graduated him from 8th grade despite his failing grades. High school proved no different, and he was expelled after just eight months.
Jerome's struggles escalated when tragedy struck. His cousin and closest friend, Michael, died in his arms—a devastating event that led Jerome to alcohol in a desperate attempt to numb the pain. By 14, he was using and selling marijuana, and his first arrest followed soon after. A second arrest at 15 led to an ultimatum: his mother kicked him out of the house. Homeless and hungry, Jerome resorted to breaking into homes to survive.
At 18, Jerome left New Jersey for Portland, hoping to evade the police and start fresh. Instead, he fell deeper into addiction, turning to methamphetamine. For 21 years, Jerome's life spiraled into chaos as he became entrenched in meth use, serving seven years in prison and three in jail for drug-related offenses. Despite going through four drug treatment programs, nothing seemed to help.
Everything changed when Jerome was referred to the Men's Residential Center (MRC). Unlike previous programs, the MRC took a holistic approach, challenging Jerome to reevaluate his life and his self-worth.
"This program was different," Jerome reflects. "It wasn't just about taking classes. It was about learning how to see life and myself through a new lens. I learned how to communicate and even went into schools to share my story and warn students about the dangers of drugs. For the first time, I felt like my life had a purpose and could positively impact others."
In 2003, Jerome graduated from the MRC and has remained clean ever since. Motivated to give back, he accepted a job offer two years later as a residential counselor at the MRC. Jerome's determination didn't stop there—he graduated from Portland Community College in 2007 with honors and became a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. Today, he serves as the residential treatment supervisor at the MRC while pursuing a master's degree in social work at Portland State University, becoming the first person in recovery to hold a leadership role at the MRC.
"I owe my life to Greg Stone, the program director, and the MRC," Jerome says with conviction. "My loyalty to the program is unwavering. All I want is to be part of it, to help save someone else, and to give others the same hope I was given."
___
Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love
___
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
Jason Trujillo is a passionate peer support navigator with 10 years of experience focused onmentorship and peer support, dedicated to helping others with addiction.
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements
Trevor Higgins, Mental Health Empowerment Project (MHEP). Trevor is the founder of Skating is Connection, a charitable organization that works to connect families to skating through service. Trevor is a dreamer, social advocate, and classic car fanatic living in the Portland Metro Area, father, a 68 Eldorado, and his collection of Batmobiles. In his professional life, Trevor is an award-winning program planner and community trainer and has founded several projects including Empoderando Familias, Oregon's largest Spanish language substance use prevention events targeting families. Trevor is proud to be a first-generation Portuguese adopted from Brazil. Before coming to Oregon, Trevor lived in Utah and credits his hometown of South Jordan as the place where he truly learned about his love for skate culture and punk music.
@skatingisconnection
___
Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love
Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love
___
All production by Cody Maxwell.
sharkfyn.com
Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy.
Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
Jared is 24 years old and from Southern California. He is working on a masters level addiction counseling program. He has a history of addiction that has aided him on his journey towards being a professional in this field, as well as helping shape his voice as a writer. He is currently creating a book called '1017 Notes in My Notes App', containing a non-linear sequence of stories, jokes, and contemplations about general life. substack.com/@cesarmorales1 ___
Hello In There - John Prime • John Prine - Hello In There (Live Fro... ___
Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love ___
All production by Cody Maxwell. sharkfyn.com Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy. Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
Longtime Volunteers Of America Oregon employee, Greg Stone grew up in Portland amid poverty and trauma. His dad, an addict, left the family when Greg was eight, leaving his mother to raise five children with few resources. Greg experienced a childhood of poverty and violence. Yet he persevered. After graduating from Oregon State with a business degree, he volunteered for two years in Washington, D.C., working with the homeless. Later, he got his master's degree in social work at Portland State University and then joined VOA Oregon in 1990 to run the Men's Residential Center.
Get Involved With The Al Forthan Scholarship: https://www.voaor.org/get-involved/al...
Additional Resources: Book: In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Gabor Mate. http://drgabormate.com/book/in-the-re...
Protocol manual for enhancing motivation for change. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK... Book: The Residue Years, Mitchell S Jackson http://mitchellsjackson.com/books/the...
Book: The New Jim Crow http://newjimcrow.com/
Fresh Air Podcast on shame http://www.npr.org/2014/11/11/3632883... ______
First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me. —Martin Niemöller ___
Find out more about Andrea Love, and her services here: andrea.love Find out more about The House of Healing & Love here: thehouseofhealing.love ___ All production by Cody Maxwell. sharkfyn.com Artwork by Heather Grace Gordy. Opening graphic assets by arakelov and Envato Elements.
From the publisher's feed