Recorded live at SARRCON, this From Darkness to Life (Our Collective Journey) episode features Medicine Hat business owner and city councillor Chris Hellman sharing how escalating alcohol use and worsening mental health after COVID led to isolation, depression, and not caring if he lived. He describes how his wife, parents, and especially his sister intervened with a careful plan that got him into a Vancouver Island (Duncan/Victoria area) treatment centre, where he detoxed, completed 60 days, and returned home with shame and fear of stigma before gradually rebuilding through therapy, medical support, 12-step meetings, peer support work, and community connection. Chris discusses service gaps, transitional housing, and how gentle, non-judgmental support and listening helped him find hope and sustain 17 months of sobriety.

https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast

Facebook: our collective journey.

#FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #SARRCON #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #AlcoholRecovery #Sobriety #CommunitySupport #Hope

In this emotional and candid episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Hannah, the newest member and recovery coach of Our Collective Journey (OCJ), shares her deeply personal story of battling addiction. Starting with her introduction to alcohol at the age of 12, Hannah recounts her turbulent journey through substance abuse, multiple DUIs, and her turning point moments that led her to seek help. Hannah discusses her experiences with treatment, the importance of community support, and how her past struggles have fueled her passion for helping others as a recovery coach. For more episodes, visit https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out at ourcollectivejourney.ca or on Facebook at Our Collective Journey.

#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #SubstanceAbuse #OurCollectiveJourney #RecoveryCoach #FromDarknessToLife #HannahsJourney #OCJ #FDTL

• 00:00 A Relapse and a Moment of Realization
• 00:54 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 01:33 Becoming a Recovery Coach
• 04:07 Hannah's Early Struggles with Addiction
• 04:45 High School Years and Substance Abuse
• 05:13 Transition to Hard Drugs
• 16:04 First DUI and Legal Consequences
• 25:24 Family Support and Financial Struggles
• 28:21 Continued Substance Abuse and Attempts to Help a Friend
• 30:06 Reflecting on a Pivotal Concert Experience
• 31:20 The Struggle with Alcohol and Interlock Device
• 32:15 A Moment of Clarity and Seeking Help
• 33:08 The Journey to Sobriety and Relapse
• 36:43 Entering Treatment and Facing Fears
• 39:22 Life After Treatment and Building a Support Network
• 47:15 Becoming a Recovery Coach and Helping Others
• 54:32 Moving Forward and Embracing Change
• 57:05 The Importance of Community in Recovery
• 58:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this emotionally supercharged and heartfelt episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Poncho sits down with Karen Worrell, a member of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, to discuss her journey of healing after the devastating loss of her grandson Denver and mother in 2024. Karen delves into the cultural significance of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, her family's role in her healing process, and the collective impact of Denver's memory, which continues to inspire many through various initiatives including Denver's Destinations on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573938644262). The episode underscores the importance of community, family, and cultural connections in the process of grieving and healing.

Listeners are encouraged to reach out for support through ourcollectivejourney.ca or on Facebook at Our Collective Journey.

#Grief #HealingJourney #CommunitySupport #FromDarknessToLife. #IndigenousResilience #MentalHealth #FamilyStrength #FireKeepers #Resilience #Podcast #OCJ #FDTL #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney

• 00:00 Heartfelt Goodbye and Healing Tears
• 00:37 Intro
• 01:22 Meet Karen Worrell: A Fire Keeper's Story
• 02:04 The Role and Formation of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society
• 03:34 Craft Circles and Community Support
• 05:34 Personal Loss and the Struggle to Heal
• 06:45 The Impact of Grief on Daily Life
• 16:04 Cultural Resilience and Family Support
• 24:49 Reflecting on Family and Teen Motherhood
• 27:09 The Joy and Challenges of Grandparenting
• 27:55 The Story of 'Wear the Dress'
• 28:59 Embracing a New Generation's Freedom
• 30:12 Denver's Legacy and the Rise Up Festival
• 34:08 The Healing Journey and Community Support
• 37:30 The Importance of Emotional Expression
• 42:52 Connecting and Supporting Each Other
• 44:10 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
• 45:50 Extro