Redefining Recovery: A Recovery Revolution

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp sit down with Sean and Molly to unpack the day-to-day realities of the Recovery Corps program. The discussion highlights how individuals with lived experience are building new career paths as peer recovery support specialists. You’ll learn the specific ways this AmeriCorps initiative provides training and helps participants transition back into…

Caddy Frink sits down with Wendy Jones to explore Wendy’s unexpected career shift from a historical society tour guide to leading Minnesota’s recovery movement. Wendy opens up about her personal journey to sobriety outside the traditional 12-step model and why finding the right community support is a game-changer. They also share details about the upcoming…

Cynthia Mungia and Ed Hovelman explore the deeply personal spiritual component of the recovery journey. They break down the real differences between following a structured religion and having an internal connection with the universe. The conversation also covers how putting effort into your spiritual core directly impacts your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Caddy Frink sits down with certified peer recovery specialist Kimberlee Lawson to explore the realities of peer support and meeting justice-impacted individuals exactly where they are. They dig into the complexities of adverse childhood experiences, how early trauma influences substance use, and why the language we use around healing matters. Kimberlee also shares her personal…

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp dig into the often-overlooked connection between mental health and substance use disorder. They dive into real-world struggles with conditions like depression and anxiety while sharing practical coping strategies ranging from coloring to leaning on peer support. They wrap up the conversation by highlighting upcoming community events including the Walk for…

Cynthia Mungia welcomes Ed Hovelman to Redefining Recovery for an inspiring conversation about his 20-year healing journey and his groundbreaking work building bilingual support programs. Ed opens up about the deep impact addiction had on his son and brother, highlighting why love, compassion, and a good sense of humor are so essential to finding a…

Join Caddy Frink and Patricia Carter for a candid chat about the dangerous resurgence of inhalant use disorder and how it impacts a whole new generation. Patricia gets real about her own long-term recovery journey, opening up about the childhood trauma and search for belonging that initially led her to substance abuse. The two break…

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp get real about the messy, uncomfortable, and totally normal feelings of uncertainty that pop up during the recovery journey. They chat about why instantly reaching for our smartphones to solve problems doesn’t always work when you’re trying to figure out who you are after addiction.

Join Caddy Frink for a heartfelt catch-up with Wendy Hack from the Minnesota Recovery Connection. The duo dives into the unique joys and challenges of navigating recovery in the “fourth quarter” of life, specifically focusing on the 55-plus community. From overcoming loneliness to finding new ways to connect, you’ll hear inspiring stories about how it’s…

Caddy Frink unpacks the tricky relationship between nicotine habits like vaping or smoking and the journey through substance use disorder. We dive into fascinating takeaways from the Lung Mind Alliance conference, exploring how these everyday chemicals affect our brain’s dopamine levels and act as hidden hurdles to total healing. Grab a comfy seat and get…

Sarah Kemp welcomes Josie to share her inspiring five-year recovery journey and her impactful work as a recovery core navigator. The duo dives into the unique challenges that summertime brings to maintaining sobriety, highlighting the importance of solid safety plans and supportive communities. They also explore Josie’s exciting path toward becoming a licensed counselor, showing…

Hosts Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp talk about a lot of the fun things coming up this summer at Minnesota Recovery Connection.

Caddy Frink and Cynthia Mungia switch seats in the studio for an engaging conversation about the heart of Minnesota Recovery Connection’s education programs. Cynthia takes over the interviewer’s chair to ask Caddy all about the transformative  46 hour Recovery Coach Academy and the profound impact of peer-to-peer support in the community. Tune in to learn…

Join Sarah Kemp and the crew as they dive into the vital world of peer recovery support and the unique challenges of working in intensive outpatient treatment. They’re also breaking the silence on food addiction, sharing personal stories about how trauma and grief can shift dependencies from substances to food. It’s a heartfelt look at…

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp are back behind the mic to celebrate the life and legacy of recovery pioneer Nell Hurley while sharing some big inspiration from the recent Marco summit. They dive into the “backpack” analogy for early recovery and discuss why finding your own unique pathway—whether it’s baking bread or joining a support…

This episode originally aired July 13, 2024: This week hosts Caddy Frink and Erin Fitzgerald discuss the importance of self-care with recovery.

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp are taking a moment to celebrate a massive milestone as they hit the big 100-episode mark. They spend this hour shouting out the incredible guests, funders, and community partners who have turned this dream of a recovery-focused radio show into a reality. It’s a heartfelt look back at the people…

Caddy Frink is joined for a conversation with Kenzie Johnson about her journey to recovery and her participation in outreach in the community of South Minneapolis.

Caddy Frink sits down with Rachel from Minnesota Recovery Connection to dive deep into what life really looks like once you step out of a treatment center. They get real about the “baby deer” phase of early sobriety and the heavy lifting required to rebuild a life after years of struggle. Whether you’re navigating your…

Sarah Kemp is flying solo today to get real about a topic that’s played a huge role in her own recovery journey—the messy world of codependency. She dives deep into why we sometimes get stuck in “relationship addiction” and shares the warning signs that suggest you might be losing yourself just to keep someone else…

Caddy and Sarah have a wide-ranging in-depth conversation today.

Caddy Frink and Eli York dive into the vibrant world of finding new hobbies and activities during the recovery journey. They share a massive list of local Minnesota gems, from exploring the Minneapolis Institute of Art to hitting the pickleball courts at the YMCA. It’s an encouraging conversation about breaking out of old routines, building…

Caddy Frink and Cynthia Munguia, the Executive Director at Minnesota Recovery Connection, get real about the burnout that often hits servant leaders and how compassion fatigue can quietly derail your progress if you aren’t paying attention. They dive into the different seasons of life and recovery, reminding us that it’s okay to be a late…

Host Sarah Kemp sits down with Eli York to chat about his wild transition from the Southern California desert to the snowy streets of Minnesota, all while navigating the shift from the isolation of mechanic work to a meaningful career in peer recovery. Eli gets real about the “shame” that can come with active addiction…

Lorraine Lynch stops by to share how she’s navigated nearly 20 years of recovery through faith, resilience, and a serious commitment to community outreach. We dive deep into her personal journey—from her early struggles to her current role at Minnesota Recovery Connection—and talk about the vital role recovery homes and “those people” play in our…

It’s a just Caddy episode today! Whether the world outside feels heavy or community tensions are hitting close to home, finding a safe place to land is essential for staying grounded in your journey. We’re diving into the power of peer support and the small, human connections—like sharing a conversation or a warm hat—that remind…

This episode originally aired December 7, 2024: Caddy and Sabrina talk about Sabrina’s story as well as community and culture with recovering from addiction.

This episode originally aired November 23, 2024: Host Caddy Frink is joined by Dr. Sue Hoisington from Nuway Alliance. Dr. Hoisington is a leader in the field of treating co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders with over 30 years of experience in the field.

In this episode, Caddy and Sarah navigate the challenges of finding hope and calm amidst a chaotic and uncertain world. They share personal strategies for managing stress, from watching Hallmark movies to simply being grateful for “having a glass,” whether it’s half-full or half-empty. With humor and heart, they encourage you to lean on their…

This episode originally aired January 11, 2025: This week Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp talk about New Years resolutions and goal setting and how to realistically manage those goals.

This episode originally aired July 26, 2025: Caddy is joined by Cynthia Munguia, Executive Director of Minnesota Recovery Connection. They talk about the imortance of how Minnesota Recovery Connection helps those overcoming addiction and how you can support their work going forward. Donate today at: https://engage.minnesotarecovery.org/give/236716/#!/donation/checkout

Host Caddy Frink is joined by Darnell Cox, the Operations Director for Minnesota Recovery Connection, to discuss the organization’s recent rebranding and new website launch. They explore the vital role of peer-to-peer support and provide a comprehensive guide to various Recovery Community Organizations (RCOs) across Minnesota. The conversation highlights how these diverse organizations offer unique…

Caddy Frink sits down with Molly Posey, a Program Manager at Recovery Corps, to discuss her harrowing yet inspiring journey through addiction, which began in high school and spiraled into a severe opioid dependency that cost her custody of her children. Molly shares a raw and honest account of her troubled relationships, lack of family…

You’ll hear Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp dive into the holiday season, helping you navigate a time of year that can bring both joy and stress, especially if you’re part of the recovery community. They share practical tips, like how listening to uplifting music, enjoying a walk, or engaging in a new hobby can help…

This episode originally aired November 27, 2024: This week Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp have a pre-holiday conversation!

Caddy Frink and Cynthia Munguia, Executive Director of Minnesota Recovery Connection, share an exciting report from the Dominican Republic, where Cynthia introduced MRC’s peer recovery services to an international audience. They discuss the powerful need to share Minnesota’s “gold standard” recovery models globally, emphasizing that true wellness is a worldwide revolution. You’re also invited to…

Host Caddy Frink is joined by Patricia Carter, who shares her inspiring journey of 39 years in recovery and her work with the Minnesota Alliance of Recovery Community Organizations. They discuss the unique challenges of maintaining long-term recovery while navigating the emotional and physical demands of being a primary caregiver for an aging parent with…

This episode originally aired May 31, 2025: Host Caddy Frink was joined by Colin Cash for a conversation about recovery within Native American communities. Collin is also the co-founder of Sober Squad.

Sarah Kemp welcomes Leila Hussein and Alex Merrit from Twin Cities Rise to the show. They discuss their organization’s mission to end generational poverty through personal empowerment, career training, and meaningful employment. The conversation also highlights the program’s powerful impact on the recovery community, its “Fair Chance” hiring advocacy, and the importance of emotional intelligence…

On episode 76 of Redefining Recovery, host Caddy Frink sits down with Navigator peer Josie Olson. Josie shares her powerful journey of finding recovery, becoming a mother of two, and navigating the professional world with a justice-impacted past. She discusses her work in the Recovery Corps program and her goals of breaking generational curses and…

Caddy Frink welcomes back recovery navigator Rachel from Minnesota Recovery Connection. They discuss advocacy, focusing on Rachel’s personal story of securing housing while in recovery, which highlighted gaps in community services. Rachel shares how self-advocacy—a key to her success—led her to investigate and expose these service issues. She emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their struggle,…

On this episode of Redefining Recovery, host Caddy Frink is joined by Emanuel Roberts from the organization Anything Helps to share his story and discuss the mission of his work.

Host Caddy Frink sits down with Farhia Budul, founder of the Niyyah Recovery Initiative, to discuss tailored recovery services for the East African community.

This week Sarah speaks with Brianna Mitchell about how she found her way to Minnesota Recovery Connection, her story about experiencing recovery and her work with Minnesota Recovery Connection’s peer advisory council.

Eddie Warner joins Caddy to share his recovery journey.

This week it’s all about previewing Minnesota Recovery Connection’s Walk for Recovery this Saturday, September 13th at 10 a.m. at the Minnesota State Capitol grounds! Learn more at: https://minnesotarecovery.org/walk/. Plus the Rally (Caps) for Recovery Minnesota Twins game on Tue., Sep. 16. Learn more at: https://minnesotarecovery.org/twins/

Caddy is joined by Josuhua Fuss of Just Hope, a St. Paul organization that helps people that are struggling with substance use disorder.

Caddy Frink and Sarah Kemp dive into the transformative journey of what you truly gain from recovery, from developing patience with the process to retraining your brain for lasting change. They discuss the importance of personal empowerment in building a strong foundation for long-term success and share insights into how you can take your own…

Caddy Frink is joined by co-host Sarah Kemp to talk about perr advocacy and how Minnesota Recovery Connection can help you or a loved one.