Ashes to Awesome Podcast - Rising in Recovery

Jacob Harrison Aug 25 1997 - May 14 2021. Jacobs Mom, Joy, shares not just a cautionary tale of recognizing challenges your kids might be having, but also the memory of what a great human Jacob was, and how his memory is keeping her involved in much needed education and advocacy around the realities about the opioid epidemic.  Hello, I'm Chris Horder (aka Chuck LaFLange) the host of the Ashes...

Shannon Burness is back for a one of a kind conversation. Dr. Lisa and Shannon went to school together, and when Lisa watched episode 165, she found herself getting emotional, as she had no idea that Shannon, who had a seemingly tough exterior, shared many of her own out of place feelings. After not seeing each other for almost 30 years, these two beautiful souls meet via virtual studio to talk ab...

A “vivid and moving memoir” that shows the “redemptive blessing of healing and compassion.” ~ Dr. Gabor Matte, Author of The Myth of Normal While we've moved away from our weekly Memorial Monday episodes, they remain a crucial essence of our mission. This week, we're honored to have Kathy Wagner, an author whose work has been recognized by the esteemed Gabor Maté. She joins us to reminisce...

Michael is the author of a uniquely written book " Voices from the Fallen” taking us on an intimate journey inside the lives of people who have experienced the hell of addiction, the relentless defeat of relapse, and hope of recovery,  which in turn spawned his non profit organization and podcast The Healing Voices Project.  Though not having suffered in addiction himself, he dedicates his ti...

Ryan and I break away from the organized format as of late, and have an off the cuff conversation about the realities faced by people who love someone who is suffering in addiction. If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Ki...

Matt Keagan shares his journey with us. From scripts and partying with his parents, to prison, to sobriety, to relapse, to a recovery influencer on social media, Matt's story is one to inspire.  https://www.facebook.com/Mattkeeganrecovery https://www.tiktok.com/@mattkeeganrecovery https://www.instagram.com/mattkeeganrecovery/ Chris Horder, aka Chuck LaFlange, transformed his life from a 25-yea...

Dr. Lisa, Atika-J, and Chuck have an impromptu debate on mandated treatment, after discussing the NORS (National Overdose Response System) and how Ashes to Awesome has agreed to help get the word out.  Atika's email atika@j-initiative.org NORS https://www.nors.ca/ If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the wo...

As we wrap up the Emotional Lexicon series, Ryan walks me through what turns out to be yet another profound experience, with Ryans guidance; The practice of "Locating" as instructed by the pioner of this practice Eugene Gendlin. Of course, the perfect follow up to that was to finally take a closer look at the "Feeling Wheel".  If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you woul...

Dive deep with Donna, the vibrant co-host of the renowned livestream video podcast, "Hard Knox Talks" (HKT). While many of our listeners were captivated by Daniel Hearn's gripping narrative on Episode 123 , it was the subtle mentions of Donna's journey that truly piqued our interest. Now, Donna graciously joins us to unfold her profound story. While her experiences and path to re...

In the second of a three part series on Emotional Lexicon (defining feelings) we take a deeper dive into why having one is so important, and how to use it as a tool in the box when finding meaning in life If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Product...

Shannon was a high functioning alcoholic with an emotional rock bottom, that wasn't stereotypical, but it was every bit as powerful. If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Kindness. ⁠ Details herehttps://WWW.A2APODCAST....

He is a trailblazer in Internal and Addiction Medicine from Alberta. He stands out for his unwavering advocacy for vulnerable groups, including the Indigenous, LGBTQ, refugees, and those confronting addiction and homelessness.  He’s a respected academic at the University of Alberta, he has pioneered vital health initiatives, from virtual interventions to detox programs.  Celebrated for his publish...

This is (part one of our next series; Emotional Lexicon (words for feelings) Chuck honors a friend's passing by dedicating the episode to him. RIP Scott Provincial. If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Kindness. ⁠ Det...

Todd is the host of the hit podcast. Bunny Hugs and Mental Health, and author of a children's book designed to help children understand when an adult is wrestling with mental health called, Sometimes Daddy Cries. He is an obvious empath, a man in recovery, a father, a husband,  a great guy, and a  local celebrity in his hometown where he grew up and lives, Indian Head, Saskatchewan. This was a...

Ryan Bathgate and I wrap our 3 part series on connection, and answer some great mailbag questions. If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Kindness. ⁠ Details here: https://ashes-to-awesome.podcastpage .... Click https://www...

Dr. Lisa, Atika-J and I talk about ADHD and it's relation to addiction, but also my personal struggle, and how its made relapse that much hard to avoid. Also we go look at Atika-J's mini docu-series "Solace in the Alleys" We talk about Lisa's considerable fund raising efforts for Mike Walks Again www.soberfriendssociety.org Solace in the Alley's https://www.instagram.com/...

Nefertari Guice has been involved off and on for a very long time to with someone who suffers in addiction, but not being familiar with the "drug scene", he was able to hide it for years from her. She is now coming to terms, and learning how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is unique to to being the partner or spouse of an addict. Her book: Serve The Silent: Activity and Adul...

Ryan Bathgate is back for the middle of our 3 part series on connection.  Last week we talked about what connection is, and how it has always been a part of our evolution. This week we work on understanding, loneliness, and how it can be used as an asset to strengthen connections. If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free and spread a five-minute dose of kindn...

Amanda Staller is indeed a woman in recovery that walks with dignity and pride. She also recovers out loud, using her own recovery capital. She has walked the life of an addict in active, seen and been through the worst of times, and has suffered losses to the opioid epidemic, including a child and two partners, as recently as this year. Still, though, she walks with the talk, by helping others ra...

If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free, and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Kindness. ⁠ Details ⁠HERE We observe Memorial Monday by delving into the heartfelt story of Paige Mazurek, a young life that continues to inspire. Join us in this intimate conversatio...

Dr. Tanguay is a Psychiatrist who completed two fellowships, one in Addiction Medicine and one in Pain Medicine. He is a clinical assistant professor with the departments of Psychiatry and Surgery at the Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary. Most recently Dr. Tanguay helped found and is the Chief Medical Officer of The Newly Institute, a disability and rehabilitation program dedicated...

In the first of a 3 part series about connection, Ryan and I discuss what connection really is. Also the mail bag with a couple big questions, and Ryan temps fate by messing with my exit monologue.  If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free, and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production,...

Benjamin Lerner, the Great-grandson of Irving Berlin (composer of such iconic tunes as “God Bless America” and “White Christmas”), is a Vermont-based Composer, Writer, Radio Host, and Recovery Advocate. Benjamin started his musical career as a classical piano prodigy. By his early twenties, he was an IV heroin and crack cocaine addict. Now sober since June 13, 2016, he journals his journey in addi...

I am joined by my Co-Host Dr. Lisa, Devin McGuire From Revolution Recovery, and Atika J, Harm Reduction Advocate, from the J Healthcare Initiative for a conversation about the different aspects and views on Harm Reduction. Atika J's Links www.j-initiative.org https://instagram.com/jinitiativeorg?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free...

Atika J is passionate about harm reduction, and she spends pretty much all of her working and personal time. Www.j-initiative.org If you have a nonprofit or fundraiser that you would like to advertise for free, and spread a five-minute dose of kindness to the world while doing it, you can on the latest Chuck LaFLange Production, ⁠Morning Cup of Kindness. ⁠ Details ⁠HERE⁠ Remember if you are listen...