Voices In Recovery Podcast

This special episode is with Dom Yellow Sun. We talk about his connection to Black Lives Matter and his deep, ever strengthening roots with the constant struggle in Canada for Indigenous rights. If we get lost in the mire, I may forget that in some cases the indigenous rights he and others fight for are the basic rights I take for granted each day. A deep seeded fear of the government, police etc through that definite and powerful lense of intergenerational trauma. Clean water and livable conditions. And so much more.... Take a listen.

Find him on instagram @killuminati_990

We are fortunate to have Chelsea sit down with us and take us through her story.  Starting with her parents divorce when she was younger, Chelsea increased her partying and consumption.  Chelsea eventually found herself in training for the RCMP helped to escalated her drinking which continued until she moved, changed employers and found her life falling apart around her.  When she first sought help she wasn't convinced she really needed to change but it didn't take long for her to realize she had to commit to the process.  Now she is living life to the fullest in recovery.

I am joined by a current Canadian police officer, who provides us a unique and open perspective on the current climate of policing. She speaks openly about some of the areas that have room for improvement, the impacts of the changes being suggested and her thoughts on how recent events are affecting officers.

This was such a great conversation with John about workaholism and its effect on a person's life. Growing up with a constant reminder that he was never good enough managed helping John down a path of focus into complete obsession with work. Work became where he was able to feel that he had value. It was during his second marriage and recovery from an injury that he was given a copy of the book, Chained to the Desk by Bryan E. Robinson. This was where he started realizing and recognizing that his workaholic behaviour was unhealthy. When it threatened his marriage John took action and reached out for help. John went on to eventually organize the first workaholics anonymous meeting in Calgary. He continues involvement with recovery because it has brought his amazing daughters closer than ever before. He tries diligently to help others struggling with workaholism as a corner stone of that recovery. Thank you my friend.

Amber nervously joins us to share her story. At a young age Amber felt like an oddball and that she didn't really belong anywhere. She began stealing and trying substances when she was young. She eventually found a social group based on partying and substance use. After a geographical change, she began a relationship with her dealer, which eventually led to her going into drug court. Amber has been on her recovery journey since her program was completed. She now focuses on raising her son and maintaining a positive mental focus in her life. Thank you for the courage to share your story with us Amber. We appreciate you.

Nika joins us to talk about the Black Lives Matter movement in Calgary, what the next steps are, and why it is so important for people to support the fight for equality of all people and the end of systemic racism. She talks about getting educated, active, donating to the cause if possible, voting for new, fresh ideas and progressive leadership, and signing petitions that can lead to change. Obviously with systematic racism, we need to dismantle and re-work said system that sees humans oppressed as an acceptable byproduct of human "progress".

Kasey begins his story with feelings of being disconnected and alone, which led him to search for who he was. This question led him down the path of substance abuse, in which he found some sense of identity. A place where he could numb the pain of life and loss. Through a growing darkness surrounded him, he found this new path in life from the depths of his illness. He has reconnected with family, reconnected to his love of music, and he finds true purpose in helping others. We enjoyed having Kasey join us and are honoured to have him share so openly.

We had a great time sitting with my good friend Anita and her journey into recovery. She started off drinking at parties in junior and senior high school, moving on to even more drinking while attending college. Anita went on to a career where alcohol was part of the culture. Where sobriety was frowned upon if not overtly discouraged. During her career she moved around throughout Canada, witnessed and experienced harassment within the organization. She experienced trauma from the types of things she was being exposed to at work. That and the lack of supports from her organization contributed to heavier and heavier alcohol use. Finally she was able to get the help she wanted and desperately needed. Today she continues making huge steps on her road of recovery. Dealing with alcohol dependancy and PTSD has been a challenge and she faces that with great courage and openness.   Thank you Anita.