SOS: Sharing our Stories

This week on Sharing Our Stories, we sit down with Mark Starcevic, host of the Beyond the Struggle Podcast.

Mark talks openly about growing up in a family affected by addiction, the choices that led him to prison, and what it actually took to build a different life. Recovery wasn't just about staying sober it meant changing the way he thought, the people he surrounded himself with, and the habits that kept him stuck.

Today, Mark uses those experiences to encourage others who are trying to move forward. 

This week on Sharing Our Stories, we sit down with Tanya Gershmel to hear her inspiring journey of recovery, resilience, and transformation.

Tanya opens up about her experiences with addiction, the challenges she faced along the way, and the courage it took to build a new life. Through recovery, she discovered not only healing for herself but also a passion for helping others find their own path forward.

After years of serving in the peer support community, Tanya took her commitment to the next level by opening The Turning Point, a sober living home dedicated to providing stability, support, and hope for individuals seeking lasting recovery. Her work is creating opportunities for others to rebuild their lives, strengthen their foundations, and believe in their futures.

Tanya's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, healing is real, and our greatest struggles can become our greatest purpose.

Join us as we talk about addiction, recovery, service, and what it means to create a turning point, not just in your own life, but in the lives of others.

David Tatum's story is one of resilience, redemption, and purpose. After spending years behind bars and navigating the challenges, trauma, and realities of incarceration, David faced obstacles that could have defined the rest of his life. Instead, he chose a different path. Today, David is a respected leader in Colorado's recovery community and serves others through his work with NAS Recovery Solutions. Drawing from his own lived experience, he helps individuals impacted by addiction, incarceration, and life's toughest challenges discover that lasting change is possible. David's journey is a powerful reminder that our past does not have to determine our future. Through recovery, accountability, and service to others, he has built a life centered on hope and purpose. Now, he stands alongside others as they rebuild their lives, proving that second chances are real and that a good life is possible when you're willing to do the work. Join us as David shares his inspiring story of transformation, recovery, and the power of choosing a new direction. 💙 #SharingOurStories #RecoveryIsPossible #SecondChances #PeerSupport #HopeInRecovery #ColoradoRecovery

Meet Ryan Schenk.
Sentenced to 32 years in Colorado prison for violent offenses, including seven counts of attempted first degree murder, Ryan spent more than five years in solitary confinement.
Most people thought his story was over.
Then a Bible with his name on it showed up.
Today, after helping distribute more than 14,000 Bibles inside Colorado prisons, Ryan leads Rebel's Redemption and helps others find a way out of the darkness he once lived in.

From prison to redemption.
https://www.rebelsreentry.org/

In this powerful episode of Sharing Our Stories, we sit down with Rob Lohman—an Addiction Interventionist, Christian Recovery Coach, bestselling author, podcast host, and the founder of Lifted From the Rut.

   Rob opens up about his long battle with addiction, mental health struggles, gambling, prison, and the moments that forced him to reevaluate everything.  Through faith, recovery, and a relentless commitment to growth, Rob found healing and purpose where he once saw none. 

   Now, with more than two decades of sobriety, Rob has dedicated his life to helping others break free from addiction and hopelessness. Through interventions, coaching, speaking, podcasts, and Christ-centered recovery work, he brings hope to individuals and families searching for a way forward. His mission through Lifted From the Rut is simple but powerful: restoring hope, identity, and purpose to people who feel stuck in the darkest seasons of life.

Lisa Fortner’s journey is one of loss, growth, and healing.

Addiction once created distance between her and her son, leaving behind broken trust and missed moments. But through her time in a therapeutic community, Lisa did the hard work by learning accountability, honesty, and how to truly show up.

Today, she’s living in recovery and working with DogStar, using her story to support others.

Even more powerful, she’s rebuilt a strong, loving relationship with her son and her family.
Lisa’s story is proof that healing is real and it’s never too late to rebuild what matters most.

Amy's story is how she became "a drunk whisperer"

After overcoming addiction, anger, and losing her spiritual connection, she turned her experience into purpose.

Today, Amy travels the world and supports individuals and families as an interventionist, bringing a trauma-informed approach rooted in compassion and lived experience.

Amy creates space for real change. In the recovery community, she’s known as a pillar for advocacy and healing.

Learn more about Amy's work at   ADrunkWhisperer.Com

Jenny Farina’s story is really powerful.

She went from addiction to coping with agoraphobia to conquering it to becoming a Certified Peer and Family Specialist with The Refinery for Change and working with the organization, Safe Places, supporting those impacted by trafficking.  A whole lot of courage and strength running thru her!

Now she’s out on East Colfax in Denver, meeting women where they are, offering prayer, presence, and real support with no judgment.


From isolation to impact, Jenny is showing what recovery can look like.

In this episode of Sharing Our Stories, we sit down with Vincent Gutierrez, whose journey is a powerful example of what real, lasting transformation looks like. There was a time when addiction pulled Vincent into serious criminal activity, leading to incarceration and a life headed in the wrong direction. Today, Vincent is living proof that change is possible and sustainable. Through his work at Step Denver, he walks alongside men who are rebuilding their lives, offering support, guidance, and hope from someone who’s been there. His story is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about getting clean, it’s about building a life worth staying clean for. And one day at a time… that life adds up.

Tonight on Sharing Our Stories, we’re excited to welcome back Denae Tovar from Thornton....better known as T-Town! 😂❤️ (we didnt make that up, she did!)

If you’ve been with us for a while, you might remember Denae from when she first shared her story on Facebook. Now, she’s back with us on the radio on Flo 107.1, to open up about how far she’s come and what recovery looks like in her life today. 

Denae’s journey is rooted in faith, family, and growth. What she’s built in recovery isn’t just for herself, it’s something she pours into the people around her. Through her strength, sharing her recovery, and her authenticity (she don't hold back), Denae continues to inspire her friends, her family, and her entire community!!!

Her story is a reminder that recovery can be something to celebrate, something that brings life, connection, and purpose. 

So tonight, we don’t just listen… we stand up and applaud our friend, Denae Tovar. 👏💛