Unseen Atlanta

 In this episode, Dexter shares his incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and incarceration to long-term recovery and purpose. Arrested 52 times, with 17 felonies and six prison sentences, Dexter experienced the darkest depths of addiction. After decades of struggle, he found transformation through faith, community, and Atlanta Mission’s Potter’s House program. Now, as a vocational manager at Atlanta Mission, Dexter dedicates his life to helping others overcome addiction and rebuild their futures. This conversation is a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of second chances.  

Joining the discussion are subject matter experts Dan Phelan, a long-term recovery advocate and Atlanta Mission board member, and Emily Riblett, an alumna of My Sister’s House who now works in long-term recovery support. Together, they provide critical insights into addiction, recovery, and the power of lived experience. 

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In this impactful episode of Unseen Atlanta, Alisha shares her journey from homelessness to healing at Atlanta Mission. She recounts the struggles of being unseen and unsafe, the relief of finding shelter, and how faith and community restored her sense of hope and purpose. 

This episode also features Sarah Stein, Senior Advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, who touches on the systemic barriers contributing to housing insecurity and what we can do as a community to address them. Together, these stories shed light on both the personal and structural challenges of homelessness and inspire us to take action. 

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In this episode, Ryan tells his powerful story of addiction and recovery. He opens up about the struggles he faced, the moments of despair, and his journey into community. Through his story, you will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges of addiction and the impact of compassion, connection, and faith in building a new life. With subject matter expert David Consoli, a PhD neuroscientist, we explore the connections between addiction and the brain. This heartfelt conversation highlights the devastating effects of addiction on morale, community, and the brain. Join us for Ryan’s heartfelt story of the beautiful change recovery brought in his life.  

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In this episode of Unseen Atlanta, Kisha shares her inspiring journey of resilience, faith, and transformation after a devastating medical crisis led to homelessness. Her story highlights the power of community and the support she found at Atlanta Mission. We’re also joined by subject matter expert Breanna Lathrop, CEO of Good Samaritan Health Center, who shares how compassionate healthcare can create pathways to renewal. Tune in for a moving discussion about the intersection of health, homelessness, and hope.

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Welcome to Unseen Atlanta, an Atlanta Mission podcast that brings you into the heart of our city's most pressing challenges—homelessness, addiction, and the human stories behind them. In this special teaser episode, hosts Rachel Reynolds and Jonathan Miller introduce the mission and vision of the podcast.

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