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The scariest day in my life was pulling into treatment, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made.
Nicole Amendola shares her story of recovery from alcohol and cocaine and her path to becoming a Treatment Advocate at Swift River Addiction Campus.
Breaking free from trauma, addiction, and death. The chapter Breaking the Chains of Trauma, from the book Voices from the Fallen. Jason Cunningham's courageous story is told by the author.
Overcoming infidelity and a manipulative sex addict. Vernon Baumrind, author of Deceit, tells his story of perseverance through his custody battles against formidable odds using wiretapping. And the devastating effects of infidelity, sex addiction, and a manipulative gynecologist. www.deceitthebook.com
Turning childhood trauma into a career of changing lives. Christina Dillon, a mom, a wife, and Program Director at the Springfield Impact Center, shares her moving story of how she turned her childhood trauma, abuse, and constant disruption into a career of helping young adults connect to community services, including mental health, recovery support, housing, building productive lives.
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Emerging from the depths of despair. Mark Jachym shares his incredible journey from his darkest days to becoming a recovery coach and outreach work.
Coalitions, Community, and Connections… Anaamika Nair from the Gandara Center and the Stop Access Coalition imagines a world without addiction and how coalition building, community engagement, and connecting people are helping to make a difference in the world.
Finding freedom from the depths of depression and alcoholism. Ken Zulu talks about his transformation from a life full of burdens and boundaries, to freedom and fulfillment.
Hopeless, homeless, and invisible, Leigha discusses her childhood trauma, addiction, incarceration, and how she turned her life around to make a positive impact on others.
Where behavioral health and addiction meet nature, and spiritual healing. Tracy McManmon from Hilltown Behavioral Health discusses his practice and the healing effect of nature at the Healing Hearts Sanctuary in Worthington, MA.
"So much to learn and talk about." 20 years of abuse to Advocacy, Narcan Trainer, and Peer Grief Support. Gabriel Quaglia speaks about his addiction, work at SADOD, and what to expect when administering Narcan.
"You are more than your circumstances." Richard Johnson from Springfield, MA, shares the “scenic route” he took to turn his life around from drugs, alcohol and incarceration to Program Director of the New North Citizens' Council, Overdose Prevention Master Trainer and Harm Reductionist, and member of several State, Regional, and Local Planning and Advisory boards. www.newnorthcc.org
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"Honesty was the antidote to my disease." Matty O'Malley, shares his incredible journey through addiction, recovery, and what led to forming the Empower Health Group in Northampton, MA. www.empowerhg.com
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Who are our teenagers listening to? Ananda Lennox, a mom of 3 teenagers and CARE Coalition Coordinator in West Springfield MA, shares her insights and initiatives, and effective ways to get our teens' and young adult's attention.
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How can we keep up with the need for grief support? Laura Vargas from Support After a Death by Overdose (SADOD) discusses peer grief support for bereaved families, people with SUD, and frontline car providers. www.sadod.org
A personal approach to recovery, and exploring EMDR Therapy. Kayla Rigali and Hayley Pepin from Northstar Recovery Center discuss innovative therapeutic approaches and outpatient services at Northstar (www.northstarecoverycenter.com).
Addressing the dire need for women's housing with Karen Blanchard, Adam Bartlett, and John Shea from the Michael J. Dias Foundation in Springfield, MA.
From Enforcer to Evangelist - A revisit with our friend Ocho, aka Michael Ochotorena, who openly talks about his past life as a gang member, heroin addict, loan shark enforcer, prisons time, and his total transformation to an actor, evangelist, motivational speaker, and husband and father.
Love, support, and a safe environment. Karen Blanchard, Adam Bartlett and John Shea discuss their work and the mission of the Michael J. Dias Foundation. www.mdiasfoundation.org
From Ashes to Awesome! Chuck LaFlange's compelling story of 25 years of addiction, a serial entrepreneur, to an unmanageable life headed for tragedy. And now hosts his successful Ashes to Awesome podcast. To support go to www.a2apodcast.com and https://gofund.me/260036ce
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The healing effect of coaching: How coaching can be an essential tool to cope, connect and gain confidence through challenging times. Chris Rich, Certified Life Coach, shares how coaching can help handle emotions, connect with loved ones, and navigate the unknown.
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Transforming lives with energy and passion. Kevin Rosario from Gosnold Behavioral Health discusses the various programs at Gosnold that have helped individuals, families, and communities through recovery for over 50 years.
Fighting the battle from many fronts. Zeno Temple, and Tony Simmons, with Community and Safety Outreach at the DA Office in Springfield, MA, discuss programs that address addiction, internet safety, and other pressing issues affecting our youth and communities.
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Two determined moms come together to address youth substance use. Amy Higgins and Chris Rich, from two completely different backgrounds, find a common cause that led to a close friendship, and their work with the CLOSE Community organization. www.closecommunity.org
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"I threw it all away!" Kevin Rosario, now with Gosnold Behavioral Health talks about his “unsettled business” and “emotional void” that led to alcohol and drug abuse, dealing drugs, jail time, and ultimately, a renewed spirit that turned his life around.
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Taking initiatives toward a a safer community with Tony Simmons and Gina Anslemo, Director and Deputy Director respectively of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit with the Hampden County DA Office. Tony and Gina provide an overview of the educational and prevention intiatives affecting youth, elderly and people with disabilities.Audio Podcast Video Link
A CLOSE Community with Paul McNeil and Catherine Mulcahy. How one Massachusetts town addresses youth substance abuse and the impact of substance use disorders.
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The disease of more, taking everything away. Shawn Martin, promising young athlete and college student describes the progression of his addiction that changed his future, and his recovery path to a new life.
Part 1: Audio Podcast Video Link
Part 2: Audio Podcast Video Link
"Something bigger than me saved my life!" Josh Ouimet from Michael J Dias Foundation shares his path of recovery and his involvement with the Michael J Dias Foundation.
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"I'm ONE bad decision away!" David Baker shares his story of struggles with alcohol and drugs, incarceration, rehabs, and recovery that led to his role as Board Member at the Michael J. Dias Foundation
A warm welcome into our Living Room.
Katie Patterson and Tatiana Shearer, Certified Peer Specialists with BHN, talk about the success of the Living Room, through peer support, encouragement and guidance.
Destined to be a social worker from early childhood, Joy Ifill, VP at Behavioral Health Network, and the many facets of treatment offered at BHN.
A Clean Slate, A New Life. James Biscoe, Sr Area Manager at Clean Slate shares his personal experience and discuses treatment options and the dangers of Xylazine.
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The Ultimate Survivor: Kevin LeBeau talks about his emergence from addiction, homelessness, a life threating accident, his heart transplant, and above all, surviving an all out brawl with Chuck E. Cheese.
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A Miraculous Recovery, Mark Jachym, certified recovery coach and community outreach coordinator at the Springfield Comprehensive Treatment Center. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Spiritual Threads of Healing with author Judith Cosby. How spirituality and journaling can enhance healing through challenging times. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Life Changing Program at the Springfield Rescue Mission. Kevin Ramsdell, CEO of the Springfield Rescue Mission discusses ways the mission serves the community and turns lives around.
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A New Life Through Recovery. John Shea shares his story of recovery, and now uses his experience to help others through his position at the Michael J. Dias Foundation.
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Can you be addicted to processed foods? Fitness coach and author of The Leanness Lifestyle, David Greenwalt discusses the effect food and nutrition has for your mental health and recovery. Audio Podcast Video Link
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Introducing the DART Team (Drug Addiction Recovery Team ) where Kathi Cotugno discusses how her personal experience led to her involvement with DART. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Kid from the South Bronx Who Never Gave Up, with John Giordano. John discusses his addiction, and his new Ketamine Infusion and Wellness Center. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Magic of Surrender, with Kute Blackson, inspirational speaker, transformational teacher, and author of The Magic of Surrender and You. Are. The. One. Audio Podcast Video Link
2022 Episodes
Breaking the Chains of Trauma. Jason Cunningham shares his remarkable story of recovery, from early childhood trauma and drug addiction, to his new found life helping others through substance abuse challenges.
Audio Podcast Video Link
"Jail was the best thing that ever happened to me"! Adam Bartlett from the Michael J. Dias Foundation shares his story from a career as a police officer, his injury that led to an addiction, a desperate robbery, and his current work as a leader at a recovery center.
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Care Re-Imagined. Dr. Katie Krauskopf and Roberto Agrait from MiraVista Behavioral Health Center share their expertise and observations, and discuss the treatment programs offered at MiraVista in Holyoke MA. www.miravistabhc.care
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Learn to Cope Magda Colon, with over 20 years in the field of substance abuse treatment, talks about her current work at Learn to Cope.
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Dr. Lina Racicot, Director of Graduate Psychology at AIC College, and author of Living with the Little Devil Man.
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Michael Blanchard, award winning photographer and author of Fighting For My Life and Through a Sober Lens, shares how his personal story of recovery led to a new passion for photography and a new life helping others through addiction.
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One Cop's Journey Keith Knotek , retired CA Sheriff's Sergeant and Police Commander and author of From Sorrow to Amazing Grace: One Cop's Journey and Gunrunner: the Mario Oliveira Story, shares his experiences with alcoholsim, depression, and trauma.
Julie Rocco-Jewels courageously shares how she endured sixteen years of heroin addiction, homelessness, the death of loved ones, and the miracle of her survival.
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Jon Cunningham shares his inspiring story of addiction struggles,
life-changing recovery, and his new found life as a succesful business owner.
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Dr. Peter Friedmann, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FACP, from Baystate Health discusses critical topics as a medical professional in addiction medicine and Substance Abuse Disorder.
State Senator John Velis discusses his thoughts and initiatives to help combat the opioid crisis, the dangers of fentanyl, and ways to prevent overdoses.
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Clay Hampton from the CT Dept of Mental Health and Addiction Services (and actor in the Jack Jonah movie) talks about his work with people in recovery.
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Rebecca Helman, Herren Project Lead Clinician, discusses her 20 years in the mental health field, and private practice specializing in treating people with addiction, trauma, and grief.
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Police Chief Paul Connor, 26 years as a police officer, including 10 years in the Narcotics Bureau, shares observations and perspectives.
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Chris Denton talks about his years of drugs and alcohol, his sobriety, and new found passion to help others through addiction.
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Keith Brodeur , RN, shares his experience with substance abuse and mental illness and the recent loss of his brother from addiction.
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Adam Bartlett from the Michael J Dias Foundation opens up about his own addiction and what led him to his current work at the Michael J Dias Foundation.
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Katie Shea bravely shares her own experience with alcoholism and the tragic loss of her son Brandon through addicition.
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Kerri O,Connor, woman in recovery, proud parent, Gulf War Veteran, Agawam School Committee member, tells her emotional story of her battles with alcoholism and how it affected her family and career.
Jonathan Hickory, 18 years as a police officer, author of Break Every Chain, courageously shares his trauma, ptsd, and what led to his sobriety.
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Paige Tourville (Mike’s mom) talks about growing up with an alcoholic father, how her sister's struggles with drugs and alcohol, and the effects on her family.
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Barry Simpson, from Superdad to Fugitive Part II. Barry talks about his altered judgment and decision making, that led to violent situations.
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Michael Ochotorena, aka Ocho, shares his transformation from gang member, heroin addict, and loan enforcer, to actor, evangelist, professional wrestler, and his main role as a husband and father.
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Cecilia Calabrese Agawam, MA City Councilor, and Jason Campbell, President, JC Films, and Bridgeport, WV City Councilor, discuss community initiatives and parenting through challenging times.
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2021 Episodes
Dave Beaudet, 25 years sober, speaks about his life and career in the military and how his life has changed since he stopped drinking.
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Courtney Soden Caruso, In honor of her brother Ryan
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Barry Simpson, From Superdad to Fugitive
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Allison Gearing, A mom with a message
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Dino Bedinelli, Executive Director, Compass Recovery and Treatment Center
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Jason Cunningham, Breaking the chains of trauma
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William Sapelli, Mayor of Agawam, Massachusetts
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Chris Bernier, M.Ed. LMHC, LSW, CADCH, A Clinician's perspective
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John C. Velis, State Senator from western Massachusetts
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Dennis and Debbie Gonzalez, Hope for Holyoke Recovery Center
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Kirk Jonah, Jack Jonah Foundation
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