Join hosts Christopher Archiopoli and Elizabeth Dahl for a heartfelt episode of King County Recovery Conversations, where community, compassion, and intentionality take center stage. Elizabeth Dahl, outgoing executive director of Aurora Commons, reflects on 11 years of transforming North Seattle through radical hospitality and a deep dedication to belonging. Dive into her journey from coffee shops to cultivating a resource hub and safe haven for neighbors facing homelessness, housing instability, and addiction.

This episode explores how Aurora Commons became a “neighborhood living room,” offering not just food and advocacy, but a vital sense of welcome. Listeners will hear how strategic partnerships, trust-building, and removing barriers have fueled real healing—and why belonging truly lasts longer than a roof. Elizabeth Dahl also shares insights on engaging the broader community and sustaining empathy, even amid funding cuts and public misconceptions.

Discover how you can support Aurora Commons and help continue the cycle of hope and healing. Tune in for stories, lessons, and inspiration from one of the region’s most impactful community leaders.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about Aurora Commons: https://auroracommons.org/

• Donate, volunteer, or buy items for Aurora Commons' holiday gift bags: https://auroracommons.org/

• Email Elizabeth Dahl: elizabeth@auroracommons.org

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message

Join hosts Christopher Archiopoli, Heather Venegas and Carolyn Presnell for a heartfelt King County Recovery Conversations episode exploring gratitude as a powerful tool in recovery. This discussion highlights personal stories from each host, sharing how gratitude transformed their lives, allowing them to find joy, serve others, and cultivate meaningful relationships in recovery.

Listeners will hear moving examples of gratitude in action—whether through daily reflection, simple acts of kindness, or creating supportive community campaigns like “Gratitude for the Front Lines.” The hosts reflect on how thankfulness has shifted their perspectives, helped them navigate hard times, and empowered them to make a difference for themselves and those around them.

Packed with relatable and actionable takeaways, this episode invites everyone, regardless of where they are in their recovery journey, to discover gratitude as a path to healing, connection, and service in King County’s vibrant recovery community.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn about Behavioral Health Apprenticeship programs: https://behavioralhealthapprenticeship.org/

• Nominate a behavioral health frontline worker or organization for Gratitude for the Front Lines: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• Washington Recovery Helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, we’re revisiting Episode 39 of King County Recovery Conversations.
Host Carolyn Presnell sits down with Scott and Loni Long to explore their inspiring journeys through addiction, recovery, and healing through cultural connection.

Scott shares the challenges of creating a safe, sober home environment while supporting family members still facing addiction. Carolyn relates to the intergenerational struggle of breaking familial cycles of substance use and working to provide a healthier upbringing for the next generation.

Loni’s story begins with a profound spiritual awakening with her baby—an experience that became the catalyst for her recovery. Through regular meetings, Native cultural practices, and spiritual healing, she found strength and purpose. Her journey underscores the importance of reclaiming cultural identity and the powerful ripple effect of sobriety within families.

This episode highlights how traditional Native practices—such as powwows, drumming circles, and spiritual ceremonies—create community, belonging, and a foundation for recovery. Scott and Loni share how they teach their children empathy and spirituality, helping nurture a new generation grounded in love, identity, and connection.

Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work we do at www.kcrecovery.org.
The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA) — www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org.

If you or someone you know is experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and 24-hour support.

🎧 King County Recovery Conversations celebrates recovery and challenges stigma by sharing real stories of hope, resilience, and community. Hosted by Carolyn Presnell, each episode explores diverse pathways to recovery through candid conversations with people in recovery, service providers, and policy leaders.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook, or on YouTube.
Got feedback or show ideas? Email Carolyn at carolyn@kcrecovery.org or send a voice message on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message.