On this episode of Airing Addiction:

William Powers is a dedicated Recovery Coach at the Bridge to Hope peer recovery support center in Southbridge, Massachusetts, bringing over 18 years of experience in recovery-based programming—and a powerful foundation of lived experience—to his role.

His personal journey through recovery deeply informs his approach, allowing him to connect with individuals on a meaningful level and offer authentic, empathetic support.

William is trained in Restorative Justice, Recovery Coaching, Alternatives to Violence, Nurturing Fathers, and at-risk youth engagement. His lived experience, combined with professional training, enables him to guide others with insight, compassion, and credibility—helping them navigate the complexities of recovery and personal transformation.

In addition to his coaching work, William is a published author and committed community advocate. He is the founder and president of Crossing the Rubicon, a self-development program designed to help individuals overcome personal barriers and achieve lasting growth. He also serves as a board member for two nonprofit organizations, reflecting his ongoing dedication to creating positive change in the lives of others.

Join Athena and Lisa to hear of William's powerful experience. Only on Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction,

Associate Pastor James McGowan of New Life Community Church in Concord, MA, is driven by a passion to help people say “Yes!” to Jesus. With over 15 years of ministry experience, James has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and biblically grounded guidance. As the founder and director of True Treasure Ministries, he leads a biblical counseling and training center dedicated to equipping individuals and churches to make disciples for Christ.

James’ journey was not without struggle. Growing up, he faced confusion and pain from his parents’ divorce and sexual abuse, which led him to become a “relational escape artist” and battle an addiction to prescription painkillers. Despite repeated attempts to change, it wasn’t until 2007, when a friend asked him if he understood his relationship with Jesus, that James embraced God’s gift of life, finding true freedom.

Before his current roles, James served as a Chaplain at the Springfield Rescue Mission in Massachusetts for eight years. In 2016, he earned certification from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), with a specialty in addiction counseling, further deepening his ability to minister to those in need.

In his free time, James enjoys tinkering with new and vintage wristwatches, learning the piano, and cheering for Boston sports teams. He lives in Marlborough with his wife, Amy, and their three young daughters.

Connect with James at www.awakendiscipleship.com to learn more about his ministry and how he can help you grow in Christ.

Join Lisa and Jesse to hear James's story and triumph over substance use, only on Airing Addiction.

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Kirsten Puccio and Keri McCallum founded M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Mamas lead and empower mothers in recovery, to advocate for systematic change with support through a peer-led initiative in order to promote family reunification.

Their passion was to help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder as they once did. As they once suffered in isolation out of fear from the judgement and stigma people with SUD often face especially being a mother, they knew they wanted to help another mother never to have to feel that way. When they looked around their community, they saw there was a lack of spaces for mothers to go comfortably to discuss issues they were experiencing such as substance use during pregnancy, involvement with the department of children & families, losing custody of their children, etc. They decided then and there to create that space, which they did at Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Support Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

You can visit their website at https://miracle-mamas.com/

Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction.