Stack'n'Days: Sober Journeys from Black, Brown and other voices of color.

We’re brewing up some exciting new episodes here at Stack'n'Days headquarters, and we can’t wait to share them with you in the coming weeks! But today, we’ve got something special: an episode featuring our very own Ray Donovan on Dupe Witherick’s Thriving Alcohol Free Podcast. You might remember Dupe from her powerful appearance on our show last November. She shared how a 21-day alcohol-fr...

Podcast host, author, and coach Dupe Witherick describes herself as a “normal drinker.” Unlike common stereotypes, her relationship with alcohol didn’t involve a dramatic rock bottom—instead, she had seamlessly woven drinking into her daily life and identity. Dupe joins Ray to share how alcohol shaped her university years, professional life, and social interactions. It wasn’t until a personal loss...

Ray sits down with Jasmine Rogers, whose journey to becoming two years sober from alcohol, has been anything but straightforward. The duo explores what it truly means to live authentically — the challenges, the triumphs, and the unexpected moments of growth. This is Jasmine’s second time in sobriety. Her first lasted a year, and then when she thought she was “cured,” she relapsed even worse. The s...

Ray connects deeply with guest Andry Rakotoniaina as they share experiences from the food and beverage industry. Andry opens up about how, as the eldest in an immigrant family, he faced immense pressure, especially after his father’s passing. Alcohol became an escape from these heavy responsibilities, but over time, it took control of his life. With a career in the restaurant industry, where alcoh...

Ray catches up with Lunic Adisson-Boyd, a licensed minister, advocate for spiritual growth and entrepreneur and founder of God is Great Apparel, about her journey from addiction to recovery. Once living it up, Lunic eventually faced the harsh realities of substance abuse, especially when it comes to past trauma, and realized she needed to make a change. With a mix of humor and heartfelt honesty, s...

Grief, time, love and...pickleball. In this week's solo episode, Ray reflects on the past three years of his sobriety journey – what he considers the most challenging and deeply reflective years of his life. He opens up about the emotional weight of grief, the impact of aging family members, and the role of therapy in maintaining his sobriety. This podcast has become a therapeutic outlet. He talks...

There’s a lot happening here at Stack'n'Days headquarters, and we’re excited to share some big personal updates with you next week in a brand-new solo episode! But today, we’re re-airing a fan-favorite conversation from episode 37 with Tammi Scott. Tammi’s journey, from being a single mother of three to getting sober in a 12-step program and staying sober for 27 years, is incredibly relatable. Now...

In this episode, Ray sits down with Kristen Feemster, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and wellness coach, to talk about her powerful journey through addiction and recovery. A former college athlete, Kristen opens up about how the pressure to be perfect as a Black woman, growing up in a mostly white community, and other life stressors led her down a path of alcohol addiction. She shares th...

Certified Sober and Life Coach Leonard Murphy shares his powerful journey through alcohol use, addiction, multiple relapses, and, eventually, recovery. Growing up with an alcoholic father, Leonard witnessed the damage alcohol can cause. He began drinking in college for confidence but soon spiraled into heavy use, impacting his marriage, children, and relationships. When his wife left with their ch...

In this episode, Ray interviews married couple Alisha and Ricci who share their individual journeys with alcohol and how it eventually intertwined in their relationship. Alisha grew up with alcohol always around her and started drinking as a teenager as a way to socialize and have a good time. Ricci, on the other hand, didn't have any alcoholic influences in his family but started drinking in...

In this episode, host Ray Donovan sits down with former college basketball player and coach Anne Skriba to discuss her journey through addiction, recovery, and the healing power of therapy. Anne opens up about how the pressures of being an athlete led her to use alcohol as a coping mechanism and how the pandemic pushed her deeper into isolation. She shares the pivotal moments that led her to sobri...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Ray sits down with Lauren Anderson, a legendary prima ballerina and recovering alcoholic, to discuss her remarkable journey from hiding in plain sight to embracing her truth out loud. As one of the first African-American principal ballerinas at a major American dance company, Lauren made history when she joined the Houston Ballet in 1983 and broke bar...

Ray sits down with Dr. Philippe Douyon, a neurologist, speaker and author, to explore the profound effects of alcohol on the brain and how it impacts overall cognitive health. Dr. Douyon shares his expert insights on what actually happens in the brain when we consume alcohol, from the disruption of neurotransmitters to long-term changes in brain structure and function. They dive deep into the scie...

In this episode, Ray chats with J.T. Chestnut, a proud sober gay Black man, long-distance runner, and inarguably Whitney Houston’s #1 fan. A California transplant,  J.T. takes us through his deeply personal journey of breaking free from the cycle of addiction, a path that began with a brave decision to embrace his authentic self at age 16 in North Carolina. As he opens up about the struggles and t...

In this episode, Ray is joined by the remarkable Laura Cathcart Robbins, author of Stash: My Life in Hiding. Laura is an author, writer, speaker, and podcast host of “The Only One In The Room Podcast.” Together, they explore the powerful themes of vulnerability, transformation, and the courage it takes to break free from the shadows of addiction. Laura discusses her personal journey through addict...

Welcome to Season 3 of The Stack'n'Days Podcast out August 21st! In this new season, we continue our mission to amplify underrepresented voices in mental health, sobriety, and personal growth within communities of color. Season 3 takes you even deeper into the stories that matter—stories of resilience, healing, and empowerment. Join us as we explore the unique challenges and triumphs faced...

In this special solo episode marking the 50th and final episode of Season 2, host Ray Donovan takes a moment to reflect on the profound journey of the Stack'n'Days podcast. He delves into how the podcast has not only been a platform for exploring the sobriety experience but has also been instrumental in his own personal growth. Ray expresses deep gratitude towards the guests who have fearl...

In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan engages in a candid conversation with Nyina Muigai, exploring her personal journey with alcohol and her decision to embrace sobriety. She talks about her reasons for going sober, how she got sober and about her non-alcoholic drinks and events business.  Nyina’s Toolkit: Informing herself about alcohol abuse  Connecting with like minded indi...

In this solo episode Ray looks at three issues he has experienced in his sobriety journey. He discusses the fact that very few celebrities of color speak about sobriety and applauds those who do. He highlights that the portrayal of sobriety online and in the media is different to the reality but emphasizes that despite this difference, sobriety is one of the most rewarding and beneficial things yo...

Jeny Rodrigue is a licensed mental health professional specializing in substance abuse within the BIPOC community. She shares her journey and insights into addressing addiction and mental health within communities of color. In her discussion with Ray she highlights the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction to provide better support and understanding. Overcoming...

Loved ones play such a huge role in recovery with Ray and guests often speaking about the impact this had on their sobriety journeys. Well today in this special episode of Stack'n'Days, Ray is joined by his wife Eva. They share candid insights into their journey of love, struggle, and growth, shedding light on the complexities of navigating sobriety as a couple within BIPOC communities. Ea...

Creator of Sober Girls Houston Danay Jones joins Ray to talk about the importance of community in recovery, having role models of color, her bipolar diagnosis and how her life has changed for the better since quitting drinking. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of sobriety and self-discovery. Danay’s Toolkit Physical Activities Therapy A Sober Community Spirituality Medication C...

Vasavi Kumar is an author, podcaster, TV host, group coach, therapist, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert. She shares her personal journey of recovery and growth, offering valuable insights and tools for speaking one's truth out loud. This episode features a deep dive into Vasavi’s sobriety journey and self-love experience. This is the Stack’n’Days podcast, a platform that highlights underrepr...

Jamil, a first-generation American, opens up about his struggles with alcoholism and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He discusses his childhood with an alcoholic father, his career in law enforcement, the different things his family tried to do to help him, almost dying from alcohol abuse and his path to recovery.   Jamil’s Toolkit Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Alcohol treatment centers...

Ahead of this International Women’s Day host Ray Donovan is joined by Sweta Sansara, who shares her personal story of overcoming alcohol addiction and sugar addiction. Sweta sheds light on her experience growing up as a Nepalese immigrant in the US, feeling like she didn't fit in, an eating disorder, alcohol addiction, being in the US Marines and eventually finding out her body metabolizes sug...