From Darkness to Life Podcast: Stories of Recovery & Resilience

Theoren Fleury... NHL Stanley Cup champion and Olympic Gold Medal winner; but... that’s not what this episode is about. Theo joins OCJ to discuss addiction, mental health, trauma and the subsequent work that goes into continuous recovery. Now a mental health and addiction advocate, Theo shares experiences around the emotional, physical, and spiritual work he has done and continues to do today. He...

In the aftermath of a friend's suicide, Nolan and Intek discuss the repercussions of the death of a close friend, and how coping through conversation was the best way to deal with their loss. Reaching out to Our Collective Journey could be an important step if you don't know where else to turn to help a loved one in crisis. Reach out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourcollectivejourn...

As a high school vice-principal, Shauna has a unique perspective on the vulnerability of the teenage mindset. Shauna takes a proactive (not a reactive) approach to dealing with impressionable young minds, and knows how fragile they can be. Reaching out to Our Collective Journey could be an important step if you don't know where else to turn to help a loved one in crisis. Reach out on Facebook:...

Mark T. joins Damyan and Rick to share a glimpse into his journey into recovery. Mark is a recovered alcoholic who has extensive knowledge of the history of the program that gave birth to all 12 step programs. Many know the concept of AA, but what may not be so well-known, however, is the history of AA and the events that have occurred to make the organization what it is today. Mark shares his vas...

Celina is the Executive Director of the Medicine Hat Food Bank, and she joins Poncho, and the guys at OCJ to talk about the Food Bank and its role in helping people with mental health and addiction issues. Reaching out to Our Collective Journey could be an important step if you don't know where else to turn to help a loved one in crisis. Reach out on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ourcolle...

In the wake of yet another suicide in Medicine Hat, Nathan (Damyan's brother) talks about the importance of releasing emotional stress through conversation, especially when coping with a difficult situation like the loss of a friend to suicide.

Leah is an extreme example of an inspiring individual who had to hit rock bottom before realizing that her life was worth something. She now has a family, is working on a Bachelor of Arts, is a manager/trainer for a major corporation, and is the president of the board for the Canadian Mental Health Association in her local region. Leah is a prime example that, once you realize your life has value....

This week we welcome Brent Secondiak, Operations Inspector for the Medicine Hat Police Service, and involved in PACT (Police and Crisis Team) and the Addiction Crisis Team. Brent talks about the role of Law Enforcement when it comes to addiction crisis management, and how the Police are there to help. Reaching out to Our Collective Journey could be an important step if you don't know where els...

The follow up to Damyan's Story (Part 1). Damyan's wife, Julie joins us in the discussion and talks about her struggles with Damyan's journey and how their lives have been impacted both negatively and positively. If Damyan or Julie's story resonate with you, and you or someone you love is in a life and death struggle with drugs, mental abuse, or anything else, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Re...

In this episode, Rick and Ryan are joined by Plugged-In-Media producers Rob and Dave, for a discussion about addiction from the point-of-view of a non addict. If you don't understand what addiction is, or need help with someone you believe is going down the dark path of alcoholism or drug abuse, this is a must-hear. Reaching out to Our Collective Journey could be an important step if you don&#...

In our uncertain world, where abnormal is the new normal, it becomes increasingly difficult to cope with loneliness, anxiety, stress, and it becomes easier and easier to choose coping methods that can lead to catastrophe. This episode, Poncho talks to Allysa and Kallyn about their own struggles and juggling those with their careers in social work. Poncho is recording from his "Covid Safe"...

In this heart-wrenching two part series, Damyan, one of the founding members of Our Collective Journey, tells his story of hitting rock bottom, and how he managed to save himself from letting go of everything. If Damyan's story resonates with you, and you or someone you love is in a life and death struggle with drugs, mental abuse, or anything else, YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Reach out to Our Collecti...

In our pilot episode, our host Poncho gets to know the 'Guys' Rick, Ryan and Damyan, and discuss the "Our Collective Journey" movement and the reason for the podcast. From Darkness to Life contains the real stories of courageous individuals who have found their way out of the darkness caused by mental health challenges and substance abuse. If the following episode resonates with yo...