From Darkness to Life Podcast: Stories of Recovery & Resilience

Recorded live at SARRCON, this From Darkness to Life (Our Collective Journey) episode features Medicine Hat business owner and city councillor Chris Hellman sharing how escalating alcohol use and worsening mental health after COVID led to isolation, depression, and not caring if he lived. He describes how his wife, parents, and especially his sister intervened with a careful plan that got him into...

In this emotional and candid episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Hannah, the newest member and recovery coach of Our Collective Journey (OCJ), shares her deeply personal story of battling addiction. Starting with her introduction to alcohol at the age of 12, Hannah recounts her turbulent journey through substance abuse, multiple DUIs, and her turning point moments that led her to seek help...

In this emotionally supercharged and heartfelt episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Poncho sits down with Karen Worrell, a member of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, to discuss her journey of healing after the devastating loss of her grandson Denver and mother in 2024. Karen delves into the cultural significance of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, her family's role i...

In this episode of From Darkness to Life, Poncho talks to transformation strategist and keynote speaker Jill Drader to discuss the importance of embracing change, intuition, and community in personal recovery. She shares her own journey through trauma, addiction, and her development of the 'Knowings' methodology. Jill emphasizes the value of mental health support, forgiving oneself, and tu...

In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' host Poncho talks with Kim Long, a military kid turned teacher turned psychologist, about her personal journey through mental health, addiction, and recovery. Kim shares intimate stories about her father's struggle with addiction and how it shaped her professional path. They discuss the importance of authenticity in therapy, the value of comm...

In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Brandi returns from Season 4 Episode 29 to share her ongoing journey of recovery from addiction to relapse and back. She opens up about her relapse, the lessons learned, and how she rekindled her commitment to recovery. Brandi discusses the importance of humility, vulnerability, and building supportive relationships. She also highlights the lack...

In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' guest Kori Lee shares her inspirational story of overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life. Kori, a globally ranked podcast host, business coach, spiritual mentor, and sobriety warrior, discusses her journey from hitting rock bottom in 2016 to finding sobriety, faith, and helping millions around the world. Kori emphasizes the importance of hab...

In part 2 of this moving series (and the kickoff to Season 6) of From Darkness to Life, new host Poncho Parker continues the conversation with Ryan Oscar. Ryan shares his harrowing experience of reaching rock bottom, struggling with substance abuse, and a failed suicide. A pivotal intervention from his uncle and a dedicated counselor helped him find the path to recovery. Ryan reflects on his time...

In this 2-part gripping episode of #FromDarknessToLife, After 5 and a half seasons, Ryan takes the hot seat to finally share his harrowing journey from the depths of addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt to his inspiring recovery and new mission in life. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to substance abuse, the devastating loss of his father, and the intense struggle for control. T...

In this episode of FDTL, Ryan welcomes Nicole Obrigavitch from Saskatoon, SK. Nicole bravely shares her remarkable journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the many "whys" that led her down this path. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, encompassing her pursuit of two degrees, law school, and the challenges of drug addiction and distribution, which ultimately led to...

This week, Ryan sits down with Joe Roberts, who shares his remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and motivational speaker. For over 25 years, Joe has shared his powerful story with thousands of people in every industry imaginable. Joe opens up about his struggles with opiate addiction and mental health issues, largely stemming from childhood traum...

This week, Ryan sits down with the incredible Katy Margison from upstate New York. Katy opens up about her inspiring journey into coaching, where she helps busy professional women conquer their health, nutrition, and fitness goals. Katy's athletic background is nothing short of impressive, with her experience in CrossFit and her remarkable achievements in Olympic weightlifting at the national...

In this emotional episode of FDTL, Ryan welcomes Rachel St. Jean, who courageously opens up about the devastating loss of her husband to an overdose three years ago. Rachel shares the profound impact this tragedy has had on her and her young son, offering a raw and honest account of the contributing factors that led to that fateful day. Rachel's vulnerability shines through as she discusses he...

In this episode of From Darkness to Life , Ryan welcomes Sanar Alixandyr, an Empowerment Coach and best-selling author of "Becoming Sanar - From Shadow to Light: A Journey of Self-Discovery." With over 35 years of experience in the Healing Arts, Sanar shares her profound journey of overcoming PTSD, depression, and eating disorders. Sanar's story is one of resilience and empowerment. Sh...

Today on FDTL, Ryan is joined by Crystal from Oklahoma. Her story takes us through a harrowing journey - generational substance use, waves of various trauma, death of a parent, incarceration of another, and a breaking point in Alaska, where a drug-induced suicide attempt nearly ended it all. #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #OCJPodcast #RecoveryJourney #HealingTogether #SubstanceAbuseReco...

In this powerful episode of  From Darkness to Life , Ryan sits down with Stacey Bleemaster, a mental health advocate, author, and licensed professional counselor. Stacey shares her deeply personal journey through bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and the struggle of living with an “as if” personality—where she felt like she was constantly performing rather than truly being herself. Through co...

In this episode, Ryan welcomes Tyler Smith, a mental health advocate, Amazing Race Canada winner, and survivor of the Humboldt Broncos hockey bus crash. Tyler shares his incredible journey of turning personal tragedy into a mission of advocacy and healing. After surviving the devastating bus crash, Tyler found strength in his experiences, winning Amazing Race Canada with his partner Kat Kastner an...

In this powerful episode of From Darkness to Life , Ryan sits down with Brandon Chase, a resilient survivor of a life-altering impaired driving crash. Brandon shares his harrowing experience of the day that changed his life forever, leaving him with a permanent brain injury. He recounts the emotional and physical challenges he has faced since the accident and how he has found strength and purpose...

In this uplifting episode of From Darkness to Life , Ryan welcomes Jessica Janzen, a dynamic keynote speaker, mindset coach, and philanthropist. Jessica shares her incredible journey of transforming profound personal loss into a mission of spreading joy and resilience. After losing her son, Lewiston, to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Jessica co-founded The Love for Lewiston Foundation, raising ove...

Welcome to Season 5!! In this episode of "FDTL", Ryan sits down with renowned mental health advocate and speaker, Allan Kehler. Allan shares his personal journey through the shadows of mental illness and addiction, revealing how he found light and purpose in the darkest of times. With raw honesty and heartfelt stories, Allan discusses the importance of vulnerability, the strength in seekin...

Join Ryan as he sits down with Trevor Moore, a neurodivergent speaker, coach, and mental health advocate from Alberta, Canada. Trevor shares his unique approach to managing stress and adversity through engaging analogies, metaphors, and storytelling. This week, Trevor highlights his upcoming role as a keynote speaker at SARRCon 2024 in September in Medicine Hat, AB. Tune in to hear Trevor's in...

Join Ryan as he welcomes Andrew McKay, a Recovery and Resilience Coach with OCJ, to the show. In this episode, Andrew shares his personal journey into recovery, shedding light on the challenges he faced and the resilience he discovered.  Over the past 12 years, Andrew's experiences have shaped his perspective, offering hope and inspiration to others navigating their own path from darkness to l...

In this week’s installment of From Darkness to Life , Ryan welcomes long-time friend, Janna Purdy to the show. Janna candidly shares parts of her powerful story, delving into her struggles with addiction and, more importantly, her courageous journey toward recovery. Throughout the conversation, Janna reflects on the challenges she faced, pivotal moments in her life, and the support systems that pl...

In this episode of FDTL , Ryan sits down with Derrick from OCJ to discuss their transformative Pathways to Recovery Community Support Meeting. They dig into the essence of the meeting, its intended audience, and its exciting transition to the virtual world for the summer. Additionally, Derrick shares the exciting news of his promotion to Community Engagement Coordinator, complementing his impactfu...

Ryan sits down with Brandi in Calgary, Alberta, for a deeply moving and inspiring conversation. Brandi bravely opens up about her tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and neglect, shedding light on how these early experiences shaped her belief system and influenced the trajectory of her life. She candidly discusses her struggles with addiction, recounting the pivotal moment that sparked her desire...