Ten Minutes of Truth with Shawn A. Barksdale

🎙 A Conversation With Sherri Wiggins
at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

In this follow-up interview, Shawn A. Barksdale reconnects with Sherri Wiggins, who spoke with 10 Minutes of Truth months ago as Region 5 was preparing for the conference. This time, she reflects on how everything came together — the teamwork, the dedication, and the sense of family that made the event such a success.

Sherri shares how Region 5 truly operates like a family, with everyone stepping in wherever needed to make the conference run smoothly. She gives a heartfelt thank-you to Conference Coordinator Kiera Moore, who led the way with excellence, and to every member who “fell in where they fit in.”

It was a proud moment for Region 5 — and they’re already looking forward to doing it all again next year. 💜

🎥 You can
 🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #ShawnABarksdale #SherriWiggins #KieraMoore #TeamworkInAction #Region5Family

💜 Special Thanks to Andrea Triplett

Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council | 2025 First Peer-Led Recovery Conference

At the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia, Conference Coordinator Keira Moore selected Andrea Triplett to serve as Shawn A. Barksdale and 10 Minutes of Truth’s personal assistant during the event — and she was nothing short of amazing.

Andrea met every challenge with professionalism, grace, and focus. She anticipated problems before they became problems, ensured each guest arrived on time, helped with release forms, and made sure everyone had what they needed — from finding restrooms to getting prepared for their interviews.

Her attention to detail and dedication kept the podcast series running smoothly from start to finish.
 We truly could not have done it without her.

Thank you, Andrea, for being a shining example of what it means to bridge the gap through service and excellence. 💜

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #BridgingTheGap #ShawnABarksdale #AndreaTriplett #Region5RAC #LeadershipInAction #Teamwork

🎙 A Conversation With Daniel Srebro
at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

Recorded live at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia, this 10 Minutes of Truth episode — produced in partnership with the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council — features Daniel Srebro, a key part of the team that made the conference possible.

Daniel was instrumental in setting up the event’s materials, backdrops, PA system, and technical equipment — all the behind-the-scenes details that helped bring the Region 5 vision to life. In this conversation, he shares how proud he was to play a role in supporting a movement that empowers peers, families, and communities through recovery.

🎥 You can watch the full conversation right here, or
🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #ShawnABarksdale #DanielSrebro #BehindTheScenes #TeamworkInRecovery

🎙 A Conversation With Christy Corbin
at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

Recorded live at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia, this 10 Minutes of Truth episode — produced in partnership with the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council — features Christy Corbin, facilitator of the breakout session “Empowering Families: The Role of Family Support Partners in Virginia.”

Christy shares how Family Support Partners play a vital role in helping families navigate the recovery process with understanding, compassion, and hope. Her message reminds us that when families are empowered, the entire recovery community grows stronger.

🎥 You can watch the full conversation right here, or
🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #FamilySupportPartners #EmpoweringFamilies #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #ChristyCorbin #ShawnABarksdale

🎙 A Conversation With Heather Peck
at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

Recorded live at Hub757 in Suffolk, Virginia, this special 10 Minutes of Truth episode — produced in partnership with the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council — features Heather Peck sharing insight on the power of lived experience, connection, and collaboration in the recovery community.

Heather talks about how working together — peers, families, and providers — helps bridge the gap and strengthen the path to recovery for everyone.

🎥 You can watch the full conversation right here, or
🎧 listen to the audio version on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, and 19+ other platforms.

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #BridgingTheGap #ShawnABarksdale #HeatherPeck

🎙 A Conversation With Shetra Colston
at the 2025 Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

Join Shawn A. Barksdale of the 10 Minutes of Truth Podcast for an insightful conversation with Shetra Colston, who led an engaging workshop on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at the Region 5 Recovery Conference in Suffolk, Virginia.

Shetra shared powerful insights on how DEI principles strengthen the recovery community—creating spaces where every voice is valued, every story is heard, and true healing can take place. Her message challenged attendees to move beyond awareness and into action.

🎧 Listen to the full audio episode now—available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, and over 19 other platforms!

#10MinutesOfTruthPodcast #Region5RecoveryConference #BootsOnTheGround #PeerRecovery #DiversityEquityInclusion #RecoveryCommunity #ShawnABarksdale

🎙️ A Conversation with Don McCourtney & The Region 5 Recovery Council

In this episode, Ten Minutes of Truth host Shawn A. Barksdale sits down with Don McCourtney from the Region 5 Recovery Advisory Council to talk about the power of connection, recovery, and—believe it or not—video games. 🎮

They explore how gaming and creative outlets can play a role in healing, recovery, and building bridges across generations.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast now — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and 19 other major platforms.

👉 Thank you for supporting real conversations that inspire and empower our communities.

#TenMinutesOfTruth #BootsOnTheGround #Region5RecoveryCouncil #BridgingTheGap #Podcast #RecoveryCommunity #GamingForGood

Workshop Facilitator Spotlight

We are honored to feature Cheryl DeHaven, CPRS, CPC, as one of our inspiring facilitators for the Region 5 RAC Recovery Conference – Bridging the Gap on September 30th at Hub757 in Suffolk, VA.

“Cheryl DeHaven, CPRS, CPC is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist and Professional Coach with over 40 years of lived experience navigating recovery, resilience, and wellness. Her personal journey has shaped her commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches that honor autonomy, connection, and hope.

As founder of Wondrous Ways, Cheryl develops and facilitates engaging professional development experiences that support the growth of the peer support workforce. While not a clinical expert in Motivational Interviewing, she brings a deep appreciation for its principles and a passion for exploring how its spirit aligns with the values of peer support. Cheryl invites others to learn alongside her in discovering how conversations grounded in respect and curiosity can inspire meaningful change.”

🎧 A Conversation with Dr. Tony Dice — 10 Minutes of Truth Podcast Series

In this powerful episode of 10 Minutes of Truth, host Sean A. Barksdale sits down with Dr. Tony Dice, keynote speaker for the 2025 Region 5 Advisory Council’s First Peer-Led Recovery Conference in Suffolk, VA. Together they explore Dr. Dice’s inspiring life journey, lessons in leadership, and his upcoming book After the Trident.

Dr. Dice shares stories of perseverance, transformation, and purpose—offering listeners a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the man who continues to motivate communities to bridge the gap between service, recovery, and hope.

🎙️ 10 Minutes of Truth is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart, Pandora, TuneIn, Castbox, Deezer, Pocket Casts, Overcast, and more.

#TenMinutesOfTruth #Region5Recovery #BridgingTheGap #DrTonyDice #AfterTheTrident #PodcastSeries

🎙 A Conversation With Raymond T. Barnes
at the 2025 Region 5 Advisory Council First Peer-Led Recovery Conference & Podcast Series

After years of dedicated service, Raymond T. Barnes reflects on his journey, his passion for helping others, and what it means to retire after a lifetime of impact. Recorded live at the Region 5 Conference, this conversation captures wisdom, gratitude, and the true spirit of Bridging the Gap.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, Amazon Music, and 15 other major platforms.

#TenMinutesOfTruth #Region5Conference #BridgingTheGap #RecoveryCommunity #PeerSupport #Leadership #Retirement #Legacy