Recovery on Rucker: Recovery from Substance use Disorder

In this episode hosts Jack and April reconnect in Everett to explore how people find joy in recovery — from the early "pink cloud" and the power of laughter to rediscovering hobbies like music, dancing, roller skating, crafting, and open mic nights. They highlight community events (including the upcoming Inclusion Infusion), local resources, and practical steps to get involved and rebuild a life w...

Jack from the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition tells his personal story of childhood trauma, long-term substance use, multiple heart attacks, and the turning point that led him into treatment and nearly ten years of recovery. He shares how faith-based programs, peer support, and the Recovery Cafe helped him rebuild his life, become a case manager and advocate, and offers hope and practical enco...

On this episode of Recovery on Rucker, host Jack speaks with Nikki Speaks — a clinician, advocate, and longtime peer in recovery with 27 years of sobriety — about her work in behavioral health, co-occurring disorders, and the importance of lived experience in supporting others. They discuss system gaps from detox to housing, the power of peer support as a bridge to long-term recovery, Nikki’s Seed...

"What now?" It’s the biggest question facing anyone completing inpatient SUD treatment. In this episode, Jack and April Provost explore the vital "bridge" between rehab and long-term self-sufficiency, highlighting the diverse community resources available to help you stay on track. In this episode, we dive into: The "All the A’s" Guide: Navigating everything from AA, NA, and CA to specialized prog...

What does accountability actually look like in recovery? Jack sits down with April Provost of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition to move past the "buzzword" and talk about the hard work of owning your story. In this episode, we discuss: A Story from the Inside: April shares a powerful reflection from her time in jail and how a single conversation changed her perspective on helping others. The...

In this moving episode, Jack interviews Debbie Warfield, a board member of the  Snohomish County Recovery Coalition  and the visionary behind the annual “A Night to Remember, A Time To Act” vigil. In this episode, we discuss: A Mother’s Mission:Debbie shares the story of her son, Spencer, and how his memory fuels a decade of advocacy in Snohomish County. The MAT Conversation:A deep dive into Medic...

"It’s not just a vigil; it’s a movement." This week, Jack sits down with Debbie Warfield, founder of “A Night to Remember, A Time To Act” and board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition. Debbie shares the deeply personal story of losing her son, Spencer, and how that loss sparked a ten-year journey of community healing and advocacy. In this episode, we explore: The Origin Story: How a...

Recovery happens "faster than you think, but not as fast as you want." In this episode, Jack is joined again by Eric Velez and April Provost to go behind the scenes of the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event and the deep community roots that make it possible. In this episode, we explore: The Power of Story: Eric and April share their own experiences with early recovery and the danger of "compariso...

How can a baseball game save lives? In this episode, Jack sits down with Eric Velez and April Provost—co-chairs of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition—to discuss the heart behind the upcoming Spring Into Recovery event. In this episode, we dive into: The "Why": The history and mission of the yearly community resource fair. Vital Services: What's available on-site, from walk-in dental care and...

Jack interviews Andrea Mankey and Sydnee Vacura of Community Medical Services about their experience working to provide MAT (medication assisted treatment) for Opioid Use Disorder. They discuss the stigma surrounding MAT as well as misconceptions about it. They talk about the soft opening of their new location in Everett, non-scheduled intakes, and transportation solutions they offer including fir...

Jack interviews Andrea Mankey and Sydnee Vacura of Community Medical Services. They talk about their experience working to provide MAT (medication assisted treatment) for Opioid Use Disorder. They discuss the medication, counseling and peer support they are offering at their new location. They also discuss the history of MAT and the stigma and misunderstanding behind it. They provide free training...

April interviews Kalei Kaneaiakala of the Recovery Café, and board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition. She talks about her new role with the Recovery Café and some of the work that she has been doing. Together they discuss what the Everett Recovery Café is all about. Please join us March on 17 at The New Mexicans Restaurant for a “Dine With Us” Event from 5pm to 9pm where 15% of the...

April interviews Kalei Kaneaiakala of the Recovery Café, and board member of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition. She talks about her role with the coalition and some of the work that they do. Together they discuss the upcoming Spring Into Recovery Event on June 5th from 10am to 4pm at the Everett Aquasox Stadium. For more info, visit: www.everettrecoverycafe.org   www.snocorecovers.org

April interviews Daniel Seat of the Recovery Café on Mental Health how it relates to recovery. They talk about stigmas, medication, therapy, and resources. Daniel talks about how exercise has been a helpful addition to his recovery. For more info, visit: www.everettrecoverycafe.org   www.snocorecovers.org

April interviews Daniel Seat of the Recovery Café about his multiple roles including Recovery Coach. As DEI coordinator, he strives to ensure people feel included at the Recovery Café. Daniel talks about how they celebrate cultural holidays such as Chinese New Year and Ramadan. He speaks about trauma informed care and lists the core commitments of the Recovery Café Network.  For more info, visit:...

In this part 2, Jack interviews Lynn Zielasko: Founder of Kennedy’s Place. Lynn tells a little of her story, what led up to the forming of her non-profit, and the process to get into her houses. She goes over the importance of breaking things down into smaller steps. She explains how  housing managers she employs are trained at the Recovery Café to become Recovery Coaches. She now has 20 houses in...

In this part 1, Jack interviews Lynn Zielasko: Founder of Kennedy’s Place. Lynn tells a little of her story, what led up to the forming of her non-profit, and the process to get into her houses. She goes over the blackout period and meetings required per week. She explains how they will help newcomers by pointing them to local resources that can help with securing funding, support and training. Sh...

In this part 2, April interviews Lucinda Rowley, LMFT and SUDP about her upcoming group in partnership with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: Invitation To Change - a skills and support group for family members or friends of individuals struggling with substance use.  Invitation To Change is a framework based in science and kindness that provides skills that will help you stay connected wit...

In this part 1, April interviews Lucinda Rowley, LMFT and SUDP about her upcoming group in partnership with the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition: Invitation To Change - a skills and support group for family members or friends of individuals struggling with substance use.  Invitation To Change is a framework based in science and kindness that provides skills that will help you stay connected wit...

Jack interviews EV, founder of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition about his most recent project: Invitation To Change - a skills and support group for family members or friends of individuals struggling with substance use.  Invitation To Change is a framework based in science and kindness that provides skills that will help you stay connected with your loved one while creating an environment...

On this special episode, Jack interviews Eric Velez: Founder of the Snohomish County Recovery Coalition. Eric tells a little of his own story, how he progressed into a career of supporting others, and what he does now for the therapeutic courts. Together they discuss upcoming events, how the coalition started, and how you can get involved!    For more information, visit www.snocorecovers.org or ww...

Jack and April interview Dr. Devin who is a pediatric and family chiropractor who specialized in neural processing disorders including Autism, ADHD, and OCD. He shares his story and insights from his own life, as well as the information he has gained from his professional career. In part two, he digs more into neuroplasticity and shares about how he made an extraordinary life change that helped to...

Jack and April interview Dr. Devin who is a pediatric and family chiropractor who specialized in neural processing disorders including Autism, ADHD, and OCD. He shares his story and insights from his own life, as well as the information he has gained from his professional career. In this first half of the interview, he shares some of the benefits that come from chiropractic work including neuropla...

From Recovery Coaches to Peer Support Specialists, there are different names that these helpers in similar types of roles are called. Jack and Chance deliver more context into what "Peer" means in different contexts, along with different roles that "Peer Support Specialists" can fill. They discuss burnout and secondary trauma, along with other considerations and shed light on the magical rewards t...

Jack interviews JR who currently at time of interview has 71 days clean. He provides some fresh insights from his early recovery and details the camaraderie and support he has found in the recovery community.