Ashes to Awesome Podcast - Rising in Recovery

Tia and Kelly head up a group called “Drug addiction family support Australia” and they joined Mike Miller from the Yatra Trauma Centre to talk about the importance of supporting the loved ones of people with SUD.   www.a2apodcast.com/280 Title Sponsor Yatra Centre PSA Sponsor Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre - AARC Daily Gratitude Sponsor Families for Addiction Recovery "FAR"

Caleb was lost to a dr*g poisoning at the age of 22, and his parents stopped in to not only tell us about their son and his story, but to share with us the unique kind of advocacy that they have directed their pain towards in an effort to help both themselves heal, and others to maybe avoid such tragedy in the future.  www.a2apodcast.com/279 Title Sponsor Families for Addiction Recovery "FAR" WWW.FARCANADA.ORG PSA Sponsor Yatra Centre WWW.YATRACENTRE.COM Daily Gratitude Sponsor Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre - AARC WWW.AARC.AB.CA

In the wake of the tragic passing of 13 year old, Brianna MacDonald, in British Columbia, due to a drug poisoning, Angie Hamilton from Families for Addiction Recovery, joins Dr. Lisa and I for a conversation about mandated treatment, and specifically concerning minors.  www.a2apodcast.com/278 Title Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA BY: Chad Valyear

Jason is back to talk about some of the struggles he has faced when coupling his own mental health in the 12 step community.  www.a2apodcast.com/277 Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.comPSA Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA BY: ADDICT WITH PURPOSE

Lisa shares about being the sister of someone with SUD, how that has shaped their family, some of the insight that has given her, and more. ⁠www.a2apodcast.com/276⁠ Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre ⁠ www.yatracentre.com⁠ PSA Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre ⁠www.aarc.ab.ca⁠ Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery ⁠www.farcanada.org⁠ ⁠PSA BY: Chad Valyear

Ryan and I discuss what it was like growing up in a home with addiction, how important it is for him to end the cycle, some of what he is doing these days in order to do just that, and more. www.a2apodcast.com/275 Title Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com PSA BY: Jamie Tall 

Dr. Lisa  and I talk with Tony who, along with his son with SUD, and the rest of his family graduated from the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre (AARC) Program, and some years later is still a passionate member of the supportive alumni community. This episode, and the previous ones with graduates/alumni and team members from AARC have served to show me in a sometimes profound and emotional way how compassionately intervening with SUD when people are still young, can have an obvious impact on a family, and an untold impact on literally generations to come. Granted there is a commitment from the family unlike any other program I am aware of, but as Dr. Lisa has pointed out numerous times, once a loved one is in the throes of addiction, a commitment of some kind is inevitable. AARC is offering families a chance to decide on the nature of what can turn into a lifelong commitment if not addressed in the early stages.www.a2apodcast.com/274 Title Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA Sponsor Yatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA BY: Chad Valyear

Ryan and I discuss the ego that can at times surround clean time and more.  For links to enjoy on all platforms, visit: www.a2apodcast.com/272 Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com PSA Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA BY: Addict with Purpose

Angie is back for another conversation with Dr. Lisa and I,  about recent policy around recovery and much more.  www.a2apodcast.com/272 Title Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com PSA by: Jamie Tall

Crystal survived an attempt on her own life, using fire, due to the shame of relapse. These days she is a real life ashes to awesome story. This conversation moved me in a profound way.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/271 Title SponsorYatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com PSA SponsorFAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA by Chad Valyear

Chad is back for another appearance on the show. We had a great unscripted conversation about recovery, the opioid epidemic, ADHD and more.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/270 Title SponsorFAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  PSA SponsorAARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com PSA by Addict with Purpose

Donny and Ciara from the Alberta Adolescent Recovery Center chat with Dr. Lisa and I about many things, including the Involuntary Treatment component for parents of teens with severe SUD.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/269 Title SponsorAARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA SponsorYatra Trauma Center www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org 

Ryan and I discuss an interesting way to look at steps 7,8, and 9….and more  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/268 Title SponsorYatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com PSA SponsorFAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA by: Jamie Tall 

Ev and Eric from the 12 Step Crashers Podcast join me for a conversation about recovery, podcasting and more.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/267 Title SponosrAARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centrewww.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com PSA by: Jamie Tall 

Ryan and I have an unscripted conversation that leads into loneliness vs being alone and much more.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/266 Title SponosrFAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  PSA Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA by: Addict with Purpose 

Angie from FAR Canada, and Ciara from AARC join me for a discussion about FAR’s unique peer support program how important it is for the love ones of people with SUD to look after themselves, and more.  For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com/265 Title Sponosr AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  PSA by: Jamie Tall

Ryan and I talk about making room for what matters and more For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit:www.a2apodcast.com264 Title Sponosr Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com PSA Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA by: Addict with Purpose 

Mike from the Yata Trauma Center is back to talk with Dr. Lisa and I about the differences between so called “big t and little t trauma’ and much more. For links to watch/listen on all platforms and for more about Yatra Trauma Center, visit: www.a2apodcast.com/trauma Title Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Shannon is back yet again to have a general, but great conversation about recovery, including humility, service, ego and gratitude. For links to watch/listen on all platforms and for more about AARC, visit:www.a2apodcast.com/262 Title Sponosr AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca PSA Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org PSA Delivered by Jamie Tall

Ciara from AARC is back, and this time with Spencer, who is a graduate of the AARC program and a peer counselor now too!  For links to watch/listen on all platforms and for more about AARC, visit:www.a2apodcast.com/261 Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com PSA Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca

Ryan and I talk about his ongoing recovery journey after a relapse, some shame that crept back into my mind, the hypocrisy one can face after a relapse, horrible metaphors and more. For links to listen/watch on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/260 Title Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  PSA Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Krista Flanders is better known as Sober Barbie on social media, and she joins Dr. Lisa and I for a conversation about recovery. For links to listen/watch on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/259 Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org 

Ryan and I talk about harm reduction, reintegration struggles, systemic change, and even Greyhound buses. For links to listen/watch on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/258Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.comSpecial SponsorFAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org  Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca

Ciara from AARC, brings with her the Executive Director, Dr. Vause, for a conversation about the history, the process, and of course the impressive statistics that the AARC program has in regards to both program completion and long term sobriety thereafter. For links to watch/listen on all platforms visit: www.a2apodcast.com/257 Title Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Special Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Nicole's journey has taken her from being a crown prosecutor, to being prosecuted, and so much more in between. Our conversation picks up right where her recovery began, and ends with the amazing work she is doing today with the Elizabeth Fry society. For links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit:www.a2apodcast.com/256 Title Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Special Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org

Ryan continues to share his recovery renaissance with us, with the usual laughs and gratitude's you have come to expect. For links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit:www.a2apodcast.com/255 Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Daily Gratitude Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca

In a rare conversation these days, my two dear friends and co-hosts Ryan Bathagte, and Dr. Lisa have an unscripted conversation about recovery, our journeys, and of course Ryans love of the Wham! For links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit:www.a2podcast.com/254 Title Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org Special Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Daily Gratitude Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Ryan and I get into this conversation without an agenda, and end up discussing a few things, not the least of which being our own evolving views on spirituality. For links to watch/listen on all platforms, and for more episodes with Ryan Bathgate, visit: www.a2podcast.com/253 Title Sponsor AARC - Alberta Adolescent Recovery Centre www.aarc.ab.ca Special Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Daily Gratitude Sponsor FAR - Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org

Jason is a returning guest and friend to the platform. We talk about some of the struggles in long term recovery, some of the stigma still faced by people in the “rooms”, and much more. For links to watch/listen on all platforms, and for more about FAR, visit www.a2apodcast.com/252 Title Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org  Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Sydney from Families for Addiction Recovery is back, and this to talk about some of the common things she hears from family members who are calling for the amazing kind of support that is offered by this non-profit organization For links to watch/listen on all platforms, and for more about FAR, visit www.a2apodcast.com/251Title Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org

Ryan is sliding back into his role as co-host, and this time talks about what it’s like for someone to go from long term recovery, to early recovery. For links to watch and listen on all platforms, as well as more from Ryan Bathgate, visit www.a2apodcast.com/250 Title Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org Special Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Brandon has been through the ringer. He’s been on both sides of the law, lost it all, got it back, and these days is a published author working every day to give back to the community. Alongside his wife Nicole Chatagnier aka Nicole Victorious on TikTok, they own a recovery house, and a landscaping business helping to employ some of the people who need hope and not dope.   Title Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org

Ciara is passionate about getting the message out about this unique family treatment program for people with children with SUD. That is because she, like our other guest Raynel, have experienced the program, and after a lot of work, are enjoying the benefits as a family. Dr. Lisa and I are both left more informed, and sharing some of their passion about the need for more people to know. For more links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/248 Title Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org  Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Rachael and I skip past the gorey details, and get right to recovery. We cover some of her journey, her advocacy, and we have an organic conversation about some of the hot issues, things that bug us, things we love, and more… For more links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/247 Title Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org  Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Angie Hamilton is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Families for Addiction Recovery (FAR), and is back to talk about decriminalizing personal drug use the right way, as well as responsible harm reduction, evidence based policy making, and more ….For more links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/246 Title Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com Special Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org 

Ryan has cohosted with me on many episodes, and has been absent latley. He has been dealing with consequences of a recent relapse, but more importantly he has been working hard at, and prioritizing his recovery. In this episode, we have a very honest conversation about how he got there, teh consequences, and how he is trying to learn and grow from the experience now.  For more from Ryan, and for links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/245 Title Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com Special Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org

Nicole Pearson Chatagnier aka Nicole Victorious has a story unlike any I have ever heard. For links to listen/watch on all platforms, and more about her, including where you can get her book “Victorious -My Path to Redemption”, visit www.a2apodcast.com/244 Title Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org  Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com

Mike Miller is the head clinician and co-founder at the Yatra Trauma Center. He is back on the Weekend Ramble once again. In the wake of our mutual friend and giant in the recovery community, Devin McGuire’s passing, we talk about grief in general and also how EMDR, in some cases, can be a great tool to help navigate such a powerful process. We also about the trauma that loved ones of people with SUD can be left with, and how important self care is, and how well timed therapy, can be very helpful in the decision making process. For links to listen and/or watch on all platforms visit www.a2apodcast.com/242Title Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com Special Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org 

To follow Casey Jordan is to sometimes ask WTF is going on with him. Here ya go…. For more on Casey, and to watch listen on all platforms visit www.a2apodcast.com/241 Title Sponsor -  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Sponsor FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.com

Chantel is back to have a conversation about her journey to becoming a leader in the community, and the program that is helping to get her there.  For links to watch/listen everywhere, visit www.a2apodcast.com/240 Title Sponsor:  FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org  Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com

This is a re-release of the last episode Devin McGuire appeared on with us on the Weekend Ramble. It is a small attempt at honoring Devin’s memory as someone who not only impacted my life personally, but who’s actions, both direct and indirect have steered the very course of the Ashes to Awesome Podcast. Rest in peace my friend. #YOUARELOVED For links to watch/listen everywhere, visit www.a2apodcast.com/239 Title Sponsor:  Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentrre.com Special Sponsor: FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery) www.farcanada.org #devinmcguire #sober #family #recoverycommunity #youareloved

Jenn has not only embraced recovery after spending a huge portion of her life attempting to solve her problems with various substances, but now dedicates a ton of her time sponsoring people in her chosen 12 step fellowship. She is one of the most vocal, well spoken and knowledgeable people I have ever met when it comes to 12 step programs. She is also a friend from more than 20 years ago, when we were both in active addiction, the host of her own recovery podcast, I Don’t Know Yet, and she took time out of her busy life to have a conversation that spans three continents on this episode of the Weekend Ramble with Dr. Lisa and I. For links to watch listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/238 Title Sponsor: FAR Canada www.farcanada.org Special Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Sydney is a passionate advocate for families and for changing a system that is still stigmatizing addiction and mental health, through her work at FAR Canada. Title Sponsor: FAr Canada (Families for Addiction Recoverywww.farcanada.com  Special Mention Sponsor: Yatra www.yatracentre.com For links to watch on all platforms, visit:www.a2apodcast.com/237

Joel lives in Australia and is a perfect example of coming from the ashes of addiction, into the awesomeness of recovery For links to watch/listen on all platforms, and for more about Joel: www.a2apodcast.com/236  Title Sponsor FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery)  www.farcanada.org Special Mention Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

With Dr. Lisa on a much deserved vacation, Sonya Johnson jumps on the Weekend Ramble  with her very good friend and fellow recovery advocate, Adrian K from Dear Recovery.  For links to watch listen on all platforms, and for more about Sonya and Adriana, visit www.a2apodcast.com/235  Title Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com Special Mention Sponsor; FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery  www.farcanada.org #youareloved #recoverycommunity #recovery #stopthestigma #12steps #advocacy #mentalhealth #fyp

Dr. Lisa shares some of her experience, and what it's like to have a loved one who suffers in addiction. For links to view on all platforms, visit: www.a2apodcast.com/234 Title Sponsor: FAR Canada www.farcanada.org Special Mention Sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Casey Jordan from F Around & Recover, has been MIA for a while now. Many people, including myself have been worried about him, and in this conversation Casey catches us up. For more about Casey, including his other episodes on the Ashes to Awesome Podcast, and links to watch/listen on all platforms, visit www.a2apodcast.com/233 Title Sponsor Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com

Dr. Lisa and I talk about the last 16 months, and some of the reasons that I have been able to stay the course of recovery. For links to watch and listen on all platforms, as well more from Dr. Lisa, visit: www.a2apodcast.com/232 Title Sponsor FAR Canada (Families for Addiction Recovery www.farcanada.org

Mike Miller is a certified trauma therapist, and cofounded the Yatra Trauma Centre. In this rereleased episode, we discuss some of the nuances involved in navigating what can be stormy waters when your partner has unaddressed trauma. Visit www.a2apodcast.com/231 for links to watch or listen on all platforms, as well as for more about Mike and the Yatra Centre.

Tessa and I are old friends. The loss of her mother to overdose a few tears back was too much for Tessa to bear. She ended up turning to the very thing that ended up taking her mother’s life as a way to cope with the loss. In an almost romantic twist of fate, it was becoming a mother that spurred her into embracing her recovery just over a year ago.  Learn more about Tessa, and get links to watch or listen on all the platforms at  www.a2apodcast.com/230 Title sponsor: Yatra Trauma Centre www.yatracentre.com