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

In this episode Ray welcomes Miles Orman. Miles opens up about his struggles with alcohol and addiction, shedding light on his past experiences and how he found his way to recovery. He discusses generational alcohol abuse, being a high functioning alcoholic, holistic healing and the importance of community in healing. Miles’ Toolkit  Personal development podcasts, e.g. Recovery Elevator podcast Be...

What is the worst thing you have done under the influence of alcohol? Is it manslaughter? Martin Lockett shares his story of becoming aware of systemic racism from a young age, a yearning to fit in, being in a gang and eventually doing something that would put him behind bars for almost 20 years. He took his time in prison as an opportunity to work on himself, heal and help others.  Martin’s Toolk...

In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan interviews Kelvin Young, a recovery coach and entrepreneur, about his path to sobriety. Kelvin's story highlights transformation and liberation from addiction, emphasizing the importance of community support and holistic approaches to healing. Kelvin’s sobriety toolkit Drug treatment program: Kelvin participated in a drug treatment program while in...

Childhood sexual abuse, undiagnosed bipolar disorder, a teenage preganancy, postpartum depression, a turbulent home life and losing a number of loved ones were all challenges Ami Hall faced in her early life. Alcohol and drugs offered her an escape from all of these things as Ami didn’t have the coping skills or a support network to help her out.  She speaks openly and honestly with Ray about her...

After 27 years of sobriety Tammi Scott has definitely learned a few things. She shares her experience and advice with Ray in this week’s Stack’n’Days podcast. She talks about her journey from being a single mother of three to getting sober in a 12 step program, from connecting with herself through yoga to becoming a teacher and a mentor in the sobriety space and eventually comin home to herself. T...

Alcohol and music go hand in hand, especially for singer songwriters. Conversely it is music that enabled Aliah Sheffield to pursue a life of sobriety by providing her with an outlet for her feelings.  In this episode Aliah vulnerably discusses her music career, her big feelings, social anxiety and stage fright finding community in a way that works for her.  Aliyah unfolds her story, starting with...

You don’t have to be “an alcoholic” to benefit from cutting out alcohol. In this episode Ken Makimsey Middleton talks about how quitting alcohol radically increased the positives in his life, and caused his business to grow exponentially. He also talks about how quitting alcohol has positively impacted his mental clarity, his health and his professional life.  Ken's Journey with Alcohol Ray an...

This episode features a compelling and inspiring conversation with recovery coach Caleb Harris. Joining host Ray Donovan Caleb share’s his history of alcohol starting aged 10, feeling too black for the white kids and too white for the black kids, pornography addiction and navigating the difference between spirituality and organized religion.  Early Introduction to Alcohol Caleb opens up about his...

In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan sits down with Chris Marshall, a remarkable individual on a transformative journey of sobriety and recovery. Recorded, once again, in Kenya, this conversation delves into Chris's experiences with alcohol, his desire for connections, the challenges he faced as a black man in the recovery community, and the inspiring creation of Sans Bar....

Welcome back to the second part of Joanne's extraordinary journey. In this episode of the Stack’n’Days podcast Joanne continues her chat with Ray. Joanne share’s about getting out of one last harmful relationship, her suicide support organisation and starting a non-alcoholic wine business.  In part 1, Joanne shared about her childhood, her early experiences with alcohol, her son's death an...

Welcome to Stack'n'Days, the podcast that illuminates experiences of sobriety within the BIPOC community. In this special episode, the host, Ray Donovan, is recording in Lamu, Kenya, joined by guest Joanne.  This is part 1 of a 2 part series with Joanne. This episode provides an in-depth exploration of Joanne's journey with alcohol—navigating trauma, abusive relationships, and the prof...

In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan engages in a profound conversation with Stephanie, co-host of the So What Are You Reading? podcast. The focus is on Stephanie's journey through sobriety, motherhood and the culture around alcohol. Join us as Stephanie candidly shares her experiences, offering insights into her transformation and the positive impact sobriety has had on h...

In this episode of Stack'n'Days, host Ray Donovan sits down with Brandon Jackson to explore his transformative journey from early exposure to alcohol to the creation of the Recovery Road online community and Santana's Foundation. Brandon opens up about the challenges he faced, detailing the downward spiral into addiction and the profound impact it had on his life. The conversation delv...

Host Ray Donovan engages in a profound conversation with Daryl Palmer, a 43-year-old from Arlington, Virginia, who bravely shares his tumultuous journey through addiction and the path to sobriety. The Normalization of Alcohol Daryl unveils the roots of his struggles, recounting how alcohol was normalized in his family and community from a young age. The episode delves into his teenage years, where...

Welcome to another empowering episode of Stack'n'Days, the podcast that delves deep into the sobriety experience within BIPOC communities. In today's installment, your host, Ray Donovan, engages in a candid conversation with Eddie Randle, a journalist and news anchor. Eddie unveils his journey through sobriety and the profound impact it has had on his life. Childhood issues leading to...

The Stack'n'Days podcast is back, this time with video. In the first episode of season 2 host Ray Donovan chats with guest Chris Elliot to delve into her powerful journey of sobriety as a  mixed race person. Chris's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, as she triumphs over a tumultuous past and paves the way for a brighter future. Chris Elliot share’s her story w...

The Stack ‘n’ Days Podcast explores and highlights the stories of people of color on their individual pursuits of an alcohol free lifestyle. Host Ray Donovan, along with his guests, will discuss how alcohol disproportionately affects communities of color and lend perspective on how the macro issues relate to our micro experiences. It is a place to listen to an underrepresented group in the sober u...

In the last episode of season 1 of the Stack’n’Days podcast host Ray speaks to Charles Harrison Jr. Charles shares his experience of quitting alcohol before quite hitting rock bottom- although he did lose his marriage to his addiction, about why it is important for people to come to sobriety themselves, and how the support of the people around him was so important in his journey.  Charles’ backgro...

Alcohol abuse and culture, sweeping things under the rug and healing from trauma experienced as a teenager are some of the key things discussed on this week’s Stack’n’Days podcast by host Ray and guest Prakruti. Prakruti shares her story from her upbringing in the US with her Indian parents to being a mother teaching her children about boundaries and emotional intelligence. She also shares the too...

In this episode of the Stack'n'Days podcast, host Ray Donovan welcomes Leia Baez, an author, speaker, and sobriety advocate. Leia shares that she has been sober for four years and talks about her journey overcoming childhood trauma and the societal expectation to drink alcohol.  Struggles with binge drinking and unhealthy relationships  Leia opens up about her experiences with binge drinki...

In this episode of the Stack’n’Days podcast host Ray speaks to Crystal Alston Nobles,long term sober wife, mom, higher education worker and sobriety advocate. She speaks to Ray about her journey with alcohol from getting drunk for the first time at 16 to using alcohol to ease her anxiety to her life now.  Crystal's early relationship with alcohol Crystal recalls her first experience getting dr...

On this week’s Stack’n’Days podcast host Ray is speaking to Ryann Cooke, founder of Rys. Rys (Radiate your sobriety) is a BIPOC-centered app for those who are sober or sober-curious and is in the development stages. Ryann shares her journey with alcohol and how it started as a means of escape and fun in high school. Struggles with alcohol and seeking help  Ryann recounts a New Year's Eve incid...

In this episode of the Stack'n'Days podcast, host Ray Donovan interviews Wilner Joseph, a motivational speaker, community leader and activist who uses sport to help children with various challenges. Wilner talks about his background, his mission with his different organizations, and his efforts to bring resources to his community. Wilner and Ray discuss the importance of spirituality, self...

In this episode of the Stack'n'Days podcast, host Ray interviews Shari Hampton, who has been sober for eight years and runs a nonprofit called Served Up Sober that offers holistic services to marginalised communities. Shari is also a life and recovery coach and group facilitator. The episode covers a range of topics related to addiction and recovery, including personal experiences with add...

In this compelling episode of the Stack'n'Days Podcast, host Ray engages in a heartfelt conversation with podcaster, entrepreneur and sober advocate Glenn Dougherty. Glenn shares his personal journey of overcoming alcohol addiction and finding sobriety. Together, they delve into the challenges, insights, and transformational experiences that shaped Glenn's path towards a healthier, alc...