Archways' Threads

Hosted by Michelle Lennon

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Oct 2026

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Are you someone who cares about people? Do you seek information to support people you care about who have families? Do you care about people affected by addiction, substance use disorders, or work in the field of family support or peer recovery support? Spend about twenty minutes each month with the President and CEO of Archways Recovery Community Organization and Family Resource Centers who shares hope, strength and stories from the field and practice of Peer Recovery Support Services and Family Support & Strengthening.

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October 1, 2026Episode 2122 min

Building Good Habits – Part 2

In this second episode on habit formation, host Michelle Lennon and Wellness Initiatives Coordinator Cara LaPlante explore practical strategies for overcoming barriers, leveraging the four foundational principles of habit creation, and staying consistent. They discuss how small environmental tweaks, creative solutions, self-compassion, and celebrating incremental wins empower participants to sustain positive routines in recovery and daily life. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Intro 00:34 – Reducing Barriers and Celebrating Small Wins: Cara emphasizes that peer support coaches must help participants identify and address daily barriers to small actions. Michelle notes the importance of celebrating even small successes—like positive self-talk or a pat on the back—to reinforce new behavior patterns. 02:06 – Design Your Environment: Michelle and Cara discuss the principle of making habits easy to see and remember. Cara shares her routine of placing a reflection journal right next to the coffee pot, while Michelle notes that visual cues (like sneakers by the door or a journal on a pillow) prevent habits from failing due to simple forgetfulness. 03:57 – Finding Joy and Pairing Habits: Cara highlights that habits stick best when they are appealing, such as picking physical activities you actually enjoy. Michelle shares how she pairs less enjoyable tasks (like riding an exercise bike or taking Epsom salt baths) with watching short dramas as a built-in reward. 06:57 – Friction Reduction and Starting Small: To lower resistance, Michelle prepares essentials like socks and hair ties in advance so distractions don't get in the way. Cara suggests starting small—like reading for just two minutes—to fit habits naturally into busy or difficult days. 09:14 – Immediate Rewards and Self-Affirmation: Because brains repeat behaviors that feel good immediately, verbal self-praise or tracking metrics (like step goals on a walking pad) provides essential positive feedback. Cara notes that acknowledging these milestones prevents participants from falling into negative self-talk. 12:39 – Navigating Self-Sabotage and Task Paralysis: Michelle and Cara address how participants often focus on what they failed to do rather than what they accomplished. They discuss using "body doubling" (working alongside someone) to overcome task paralysis when tackling overwhelming chores or goals. 14:57 – Tailoring Habits Across SAMHSA’s Wellness Domains: The hosts discuss applying habit principles across various dimensions of wellness. Connecting habits to a deeper purpose, core values, or tools like toothbrush timers and step trackers helps integrate healthy rituals into everyday life. 19:14 – Low-Cost, Creative Fitness and Habit Adaptation: Responding to common resource barriers, Cara shares how filling a backpack with canned goods allowed her to build a strength routine without expensive gym equipment. Michelle emphasizes starting with short, free workouts and realistic 12-week commitments to build steady momentum. Building lasting habits relies on four foundational principles: making desired behaviors obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. By reducing environmental friction, pairing tasks with rewarding activities, starting small, and celebrating incremental progress, individuals can bypass self-sabotage and create meaningful daily routines. Peer support coaches play a vital role in helping participants recognize these wins and craft low-cost, creative solutions tailored to their unique wellness goals. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

September 1, 2026Episode 2021 min

Building Good Habits – Part 1

Building Good Habits – Part 1 In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon is joined again by Cara LaPlante to unpack the science and mechanics of habit formation. Shifting away from common myths about "3-week habit building" and rigid, all-or-nothing mindsets, Michelle and Cara explore how everyday 1% gains, neurological feedback loops, and intentional habit design serve as critical protective factors in long-term recovery and personal wellness. Key Takeaways: 00:00 - Introduction 00:28 – Debunking the Myth of 30-Day Habit Formation: Michelle shares her personal struggles with traditional habit advice as a neurodivergent adult, challenging the common misconception that new behaviors naturally become automatic in 21 to 30 days. 03:35 – Defining What a Habit Really Is: Cara defines a habit as a regularly repeated routine, practice, or behavior activated by a cue and reinforced by a reward. She emphasizes that habits still require conscious effort and do not instantly become effortless subconscious actions. 04:15 – Embracing 1% Daily Improvements: Referencing James Clear's Atomic Habits , Michelle highlights the power of getting 1% better every day. The hosts discuss how small, consistent actions build trust in relationships and create long-term transformation far better than massive, unmaintainable efforts. 05:53 – Overcoming the "All-or-Nothing" Mindset: Michelle shares how she shifted her focus from drastic fitness overhauls to sustainable daily actions. Cara adds that setting overly ambitious goals often leads to burnout, whereas small daily practices reliably shape long-term health. 07:55 – Demystifying the Four-Part Habit Cycle: Cara breaks down the neurological feedback loop behind all habits: Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward. She notes that understanding neurobiology and environmental drivers removes self-blame when analyzing why we engage in specific behaviors. 08:45 – Replacing "Triggers" with Empowering "Cues": The hosts explain why they replace the word "trigger" with "cue" (activator), noting that "cue" aligns better with suicide prevention standards and emphasizes that individuals have agency over their actions. Cues can include times of day, locations, preceding events, emotional states, or other people. 12:07 – Navigating Cravings and the Space to Choose: Cara and Michelle examine how cravings represent the perceived need for a reward. Michelle shares a story of a recovery participant who felt physical cravings driving past a liquor store, illustrating how changing one's route or reaching out for peer support creates crucial space between cue, craving, and response. 17:18 – Principle 1 of Habit Creation: Make It Obvious: Michelle introduces the first core principle of building good habits: Make It Obvious. She outlines practical strategies like placing running shoes by the door, laying out water bottles, or keeping a journal on a pillow so desired behaviors are impossible to overlook. Creating lasting behavioral change is not about willpower or achieving perfection overnight. By understanding the four-part habit loop—Cue, Craving, Response, and Reward—individuals in recovery and peer support coaches can design environments that make positive behaviors obvious and achievable. Embracing 1% daily improvements allows anyone to break free from all-or-nothing thinking and align their daily routines with their true identity. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

August 1, 2026Episode 1924 min

Identity-Based Goal Setting – Part 4

Part 1 of this discussion: YouTube - https://youtu.be/KJfInQEZy5E Transistor - https://share.transistor.fm/s/70d8538d Part 2 of this discussion: YouTube: https://youtu.be/LP8_EPvyPnk Transistor: https://share.transistor.fm/s/52173f2e Part 3 of this discussion: YouTube: https://youtu.be/YgA2f8keX5o Transistor: https://share.transistor.fm/s/58a964f7 In this final episode of Archways' Threads' four-part series on identity-based goal setting , host Michelle Lennon and Wellness Initiative Coordinator Cara LaPlante conclude their conversation by exploring how to sustain long-term growth. They discuss utilizing SAMHSA's eight dimensions of wellness, aligning actions with core personal values, managing setbacks without shame, and leveraging peer recovery coaching for long-term accountability. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Intro 00:40 – Assessing Wellness Across Life Domains: Michelle and Cara highlight SAMHSA's eight dimensions of wellness (social, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, physical, financial, occupational, environmental) as a practical starting framework. Michelle notes how picking just one area to focus on builds the consistent repetition needed to show the brain that change is possible. 03:30 – Re-evaluating Core Values and Conflict: Michelle and Cara discusses how personal values can become compromised or conflicted during active addiction or severe stress. They recommend using online values assessments to help participants gain clarity on what matters most, allowing them to anchor daily choices to their deepest priorities. 06:16 – Developing Discrepancy via Motivational Interviewing: Cara explains how recovery coaches point out gaps between a participant's stated values (e.g., family stability) and their actual behaviors. Using classic motivational interviewing skills, coaches guide participants through a self-discovery process without judgment or shame. 09:51 – Defining Results, Purpose, and Impact: Cara breaks down the "Results, Purpose, and Impact" tool, illustrating how participants establish strategic direction over 6-to-12-week and 6-to-12-month periods. Michelle adds that traditional SMART goals function as the individual tasks that drive these overarching, purpose-driven results. 14:18 – Navigating Setbacks and Normalizing Fluctuation: Michelle and Cara address what happens when individuals slip or go off track, emphasizing that ebb and flow is normal human behavior. Revisiting recovery plans, personal mission statements, or vision boards provides a constructive reminder of one's goals rather than a reason to give up. 16:52 – Long-Term Growth Beyond Crisis Management: Michelle and Cara emphasize that peer support isn't just for early recovery crisis resolution. As participants achieve major milestones—like pursuing higher education or buying a home—coaches help them maintain a lifelong growth mindset and break through self-imposed glass ceilings. 20:10 – Shifting Mindsets: From "I Am Becoming" to "I Am": They discuss how identity-based change solidifies as repeated daily habits, thoughts, and actions reshape self-talk. Michelle notes that reframing failure as an opportunity to learn dismantles destructive "all-or-nothing" mindsets. 23:00 – Reclaiming Inner Power: In closing, Cara reiterates that true behavior change stems from recognizing the power within oneself. By framing life as an ongoing learning process, individuals can construct a fulfilling life aligned with their authentic vision. Long-term transformation requires moving beyond short-term crisis management into a continuous process of self-discovery and alignment. This concluding episode outlines how tools like wellness assessments, values tests, and the "Results, Purpose, and Impact" framework help individuals bridge the gap between who they are and who they want to become. By framing setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures, peer recovery coaching empowers individuals to step into their inner strength and sustain identity-driven growth for a lifetime. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

July 1, 2026Episode 1825 min

Identity-Based Goal Setting – Part 3

Part 1 of this discussion: YouTube - https://youtu.be/KJfInQEZy5E Transistor - https://share.transistor.fm/s/70d8538d Part 2 of this discussion – YouTube: https://youtu.be/LP8_EPvyPnk Transistor: https://share.transistor.fm/s/52173f2e In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon and Wellness Initiative Coordinator Cara LaPlante progress into the third part of their four-part series on identity-based goal setting. Moving from theory to practice, this conversation highlights the tangible exercises, interventions, and tools that peer recovery coaches use to guide participants through identity shifts, build intrinsic motivation, and formulate a compelling vision for their future. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Introduction 00:28 – Crafting a Personal Mission Statement: Michelle welcomes back Cara LaPlante, highlighting a statewide training Cara led for peer recovery support workers on building a personal mission statement. They discuss how framing a mission statement around core values helps participants clearly define who they are and who they want to become. 02:18 – Shifting Control Through Intrinsic Motivation: Cara explains how writing down a mission statement shifts a participant’s focus from external pressures (extrinsic motivation, like avoiding legal consequences) to internal drivers (intrinsic motivation). This transition empowers individuals to feel a sense of internal control and self-determination over their recovery journey. 05:13 – Tailoring Exercises to the Individual: The duo emphasizes that there is no "one size fits all" tool in peer support. Cara details how a coach must gauge a participant's readiness and comfort level, explaining that some individuals connect deeply with long-form writing prompts, while others thrive using highly visual exercises. 09:30 – The Power of Visualizing the Future: Michelle and Cara discuss the practical use of vision boards and collage-making to bypass verbal or written limitations. Cara shares a story about a participant who initially struggled to express their goals but found total clarity and breakthrough by cutting out images of houses, family dynamics, and emotional milestones. 12:20 – Uncovering Subconscious Drivers: Michelle breaks down how visual imagery acts as a bridge to the subconscious mind. By selecting pictures that evoke an immediate, positive physical response before trying to analyze them logically, participants can bypass their internal critics and discover what truly matters to them. 14:52 – Navigating Resistance and Cognitive Overload: Cara addresses how a coach handles a participant who feels overwhelmed or resistant to looking at the big picture. She stresses the importance of breaking the vision down into smaller, micro-steps to prevent the cognitive overload that often shuts down progress during early recovery. 17:10 – Rewriting the Narrative of Past Coping Skills: Michelle and Cara discuss how historical behaviors (such as manipulating situations or displaying anger) were actually adaptive survival skills during active substance use. Rather than judging those traits, coaches help participants reframe and redirect those exact same strengths into positive, constructive assets for their new life. 21:05 – Transitioning to a Long-Term Compelling Vision: The conversation concludes with Michelle explaining how repetitive positive actions build the foundational belief needed to achieve monumental life milestones—such as buying a home or returning to college. Moving past short-term tasks toward a "compelling vision" is what keeps an individual in constant, lifelong motion toward long-term behavior change. Transitioning from crisis management to sustained flourishing requires practical tools that re-anchor a person's inner self-concept. This episode explores how exercises like drafting a personal mission statement, designing vision boards, and reframing past survival mechanisms can open a direct door for individuals who feel completely lost. By helping participants move beyond checking boxes to pursuing a deeply personal and compelling vision, peer support workers can empower them to create lasting, generational change. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

June 1, 2026Episode 1724 min

Identity-Based Goal Setting – Part 2

Part 1 of this discussion: YouTube - https://youtu.be/KJfInQEZy5E Transistor - https://share.transistor.fm/s/70d8538d In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon and Wellness Initiative Coordinator Cara LaPlante continue their multi-part exploration of identity-based goal setting. Following up on how belief systems impact recovery, this conversation delves into the mechanics of upgrading your mindset, interpreting failure and feedback, and how peer support serves as an essential framework for long-term behavioral change. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Intro and Shifting Identity Through Daily Habits: Michelle and Cara discuss how we can intentionally change our beliefs and upgrade our identity through daily habits. Referencing James Clear’s Atomic Habits , Michelle explains that repetitive behaviors act as "votes" for a new self-concept, noting how a past lack of structure caused her to slide backward because consequence-based goals fail to stick without a deeper identity shift. 03:03 – Growth Mindset and Constructive Feedback: Cara introduces Carol Dweck's Mindset framework, highlighting how a growth mindset transforms setbacks into learning opportunities. The duo discusses how this mindset decouples self-worth from criticism, allowing individuals to view external feedback as a tool for development rather than a personal attack. 06:49 – Peer Support and Overcoming Resentment: They examine the role of recovery coaches and Certified Recovery Support Workers (CRSWs) as real-world mentors who model a healthy recovery lifestyle. Michelle notes that by shifting from comparison to inspiration, participants can celebrate others' achievements as evidence of what is possible instead of harboring resentment. 09:30 – Auditing Personal Limits and Narratives: Michelle shares personal reflections on performing a "belief audit," challenging her own subconscious excuses around scheduling conflicts, prioritizing gym time, and the self-limiting label of "I am not a morning person". 13:10 – Mirroring Strength and Reality: Cara explains how coaches help participants upgrade their self-concept by gently refuting negative self-talk. When a participant claims they aren't strong enough, the coach can mirror back the objective, daily resilience that the participant is already demonstrating to challenge those false, limiting narratives. 17:15 – The "Secondary Gains" of Staying Stuck: Cara introduces the psychological concept of secondary gains, illustrating how a participant's subconscious might actually cling to an old, negative identity. She explains that even a painful identity can feel safe and comfortable because it provides an excuse to avoid taking the scary, vulnerable actions required to step into a new way of living. 20:45 – Statistical Success of Identity-Based Change: Michelle and Cara conclude the conversation by highlighting that identity-based goals and habits are statistically proven to be the most effective way to drive permanent, long-term change. Because recovery can last for decades, focusing on upgrading who you are ensures that your healthy habits stick for the rest of your life. True behavior modification is ultimately a byproduct of identity alteration. This episode guides listeners on how to perform a "belief audit" to uncover the subconscious blocks holding them back from long-term stability. By proactively seeking out mentors, analyzing how we process criticism, recognizing the hidden "secondary gains" of staying stuck, and consistently placing "votes" for our desired self through daily routine, anyone can break through their glass ceilings and transition from simply surviving into thriving. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

May 1, 2026Episode 1627 min

Identity-Based Goal Setting – Part 1

Welcome to Archways' Threads, a podcast exploring the tapestry of recovery and family support. In this episode, host Michelle Lennon is joined again by Cara LaPlante, now a Wellness Initiative Coordinator and peer recovery coach. This conversation marks the beginning of a four-part series exploring the shift from consequence-based goals to identity-based goal setting. They discuss the limitations of traditional task management in recovery and how our internal belief systems, both empowering and limiting, shape our ability to maintain long-term growth. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Intro: Michelle introduces Cara, highlighting her work in collegiate recovery and her national speaking engagements on youth peer support. 01:56 – Crisis Navigation and Concrete Needs: Cara describes the initial phase of recovery coaching, which often focuses on "task-driven" goals like securing housing, food security, and obtaining vital identification. 03:33 – The Intake Process: The duo discusses the use of surveys, such as the BARC-10 (Brief Assessment of Recovery Capital), to establish a baseline while remaining participant-driven. 05:05 – The Stability Plateau: Cara explains that while some participants stay connected to pursue "higher level" goals like education or careers, many disengage once their initial crisis needs are met. 07:38 – Why Tasks Don't Equal Lasting Change: Michelle notes that once a specific consequence is reached (like losing weight or finishing a program), daily actions often stop because there is no longer a target or requirement in front of the person. 11:22 – The Power of Beliefs: Michelle and Cara define "limiting beliefs" as certainties that restrict our potential, while "empowering beliefs" provide the confidence to take action. 13:07 – Auditing Your Inner Truth: Cara discusses the importance of looking past labels like "resistant" to understand the inner truths and stigmas—such as "I'm just a junkie"—that prevent participants from seeking help. 22:17 – Family Values and Recovery Lifestyles: Michelle shares personal stories about how family values regarding religion, waste, and substance use shaped her own trajectory and identity. This episode highlights the reality that while structure and "checking boxes" can help someone survive a crisis, they aren't always enough to help a person thrive long-term. Recovery is ultimately a "learning curve" about oneself. By identifying the "negative tapes" in our heads and replacing them with an identity-based "Why," we can reprogram our brains to view challenges as opportunities for progress rather than failures. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

October 1, 2025Episode 1522 min

A Family's Journey from Crisis to Stability – Part 2

Part 1 of this discussion – https://share.transistor.fm/s/fe7c6505 In this episode of Archways' Threads, host Michelle Lennon continues her previous discussion with Marina, a participant in the Archways' Family Threads program. Marina shares her journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and stability as a new mother. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries, seeking therapy, and having a supportive network to help prevent relapses. Marina and Michelle also talk about the resilience and growth mindset that helped Marina and her partner overcome obstacles and build a new life for their family. Key Takeaways: 00:00 – Intro 01:33 - Speaking Your Truth: Marina emphasizes the importance of using your voice and setting boundaries to stay in recovery, even when faced with resistance, manipulation, or guilt from others. 02:35 - The Power of Therapy: Marina discusses the value of seeking professional support, like therapy, to heal from past trauma and cope with new emotions in recovery. 04:00 - Resilience in Action: Michelle highlights the family's resilience, noting their journey from homelessness and addiction to finding a stable life and a home. 04:47 - Archways' Support: Marina explains how Archways connected her family with essential services that put them up in a hotel until they secured housing, which was a huge relief during her high-risk pregnancy. 07:52 - Breaking Generational Cycles: Marina and Michelle discuss how the family has interrupted generational cycles of poverty and violence. Marina expresses her determination to ensure her son does not experience the same struggles she went through. 09:19 - Healing Past Pain: Marina shares how having her own child helped heal the pain of feeling like she didn't fit in with her adoptive family and contributed to her feeling heard. 10:25 - Recovering as a Team: Marina and her partner's recovery journey together fostered a lot of compassion, love, and growth for each other. 11:40 - Identity-Based Motivation: Michelle explains that recovery is often more successful when tied to identity-based goals, such as wanting to be an amazing parent, rather than just checking boxes or avoiding consequences. 18:58 - Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Marina's advice for others in recovery is to not be afraid to reach out for help and to give yourself a chance. This episode offers a direct and honest look at the realities of long-term recovery. Marina's story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about abstaining from substances: it's about building a new life and healing from past trauma. It's about setting new goals, creating a safe family environment, and having a support system that sees you as a whole person, not just an addiction. Her journey from crisis to stability shows that with genuine support and unwavering effort, a family can change the trajectory of their lives and create a beautiful, sober future for themselves and their child. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

September 1, 2025Episode 1423 min

A Family's Journey from Crisis to Stability – Part 1

A Family's Journey from Crisis to Stability – Part 1 In this episode, Archway’s CEO Michelle Lennon, one of the co-authors of the Family Threads Curriculum, speaks with a family who successfully completed the program. Marina and Star share their journey from experiencing homelessness and active addiction to finding stability and hope. They discuss how peer recovery support and family support services helped them build a new life for themselves and their young son. This episode is a testament to the power of human connection, nonjudgmental support, and the unwavering resolve of families to create a better future. Key Takeaways 00:00 - Intro 01:30 - Seeking Support The family decided to join the Family Threads program out of a desperate need for resources after a period of active addiction, despite initial reluctance to ask for help. 02:15 - Post-Treatment Challenges After leaving their treatment program, the family realized they lacked the tools needed to continue their recovery and had to find housing and a vehicle on their own to prepare for their baby's arrival. 03:21 - The Leap of Faith The family completed program assessments that felt invasive, but they realized they had to take a "leap of faith" and be vulnerable in order to move forward. 06:32 - Perseverance Pays Off They endured the stressful process of submitting over 200 housing applications and receiving 12 rejections before finally securing a place to live, highlighting the importance of perseverance. 09:38 - The Power of Peer Support Having a peer recovery support worker was critical in helping them manage stress and stay on track, as their coaches provided emotional validation and treated them with humanity. 13:11 - Recovering Together The couple chose to enter recovery as a team, strengthening their relationship by supporting each other through their individual struggles despite receiving pushback from others. 17:04 - Breaking Generational Cycles Having grown up in chaotic homes, they made a conscious decision to create a peaceful environment for their son by communicating openly instead of arguing. 21:13 - Ongoing Support Recovery support workers provide the vital, long-term help needed to cope with real-life challenges and focus on personal healing and growth. This episode offers a powerful and honest look at the realities of long-term recovery. Marina and Star’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't just about abstaining from substances — it's about building a new life and healing from past trauma. It's about setting new goals, creating a safe family environment, and having a support system that sees you as a whole person, not just an addiction. Their journey from crisis to stability shows that with genuine support and unwavering effort, a family can change the trajectory of their lives and create a beautiful, sober future for themselves and their child.

August 1, 2025Episode 1327 min

Why Recovery Advocacy Matters – Part 4

A Conversation with Carina Raya – Part 4 In this episode of Archways' Threads, we conclude our four-part conversation with Carina Raya and Archways' CEO, Michelle Lennon. They explore the intricate process of integrating one's past self with their current identity in recovery, emphasizing that recovery is a dynamic and evolving journey rather than a static endpoint. The discussion dives deep into the nuances of sharing personal narratives for advocacy, highlighting the importance of strategic communication and the ongoing effort to combat pervasive societal stigma. This conversation provides invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of recovery, the critical role of peer and family support, and the necessity of fostering environments conducive to long-term well-being. Key Takeaways 00:00 - Introduction 00:46 - The Long Journey of Integration 02:40 - Value Your Whole Self, Past and Present 06:40 - Purposeful Story Sharing for Advocacy 09:15 - Leveraging Technology for Tailored Narratives 11:27 - Mentorship Refines Advocacy Stories 14:48 - Navigating Public Gratitude as an Advocate 20:51 - Recovery-Friendly Work Policies 24:20 - Recovery Education is Essential for Medical Students This episode offers a deeply personal and practical look at the ongoing process of recovery. Michelle and Carina’s candid conversation provides valuable insights into the continuous growth involved in recovery, the vital role of peer and family support, and the strategic approach to advocacy. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .

July 1, 2025Episode 1227 min

Why Recovery Advocacy Matters – Part 3

A Conversation with Carina Raya – Part 3 In part 3 of our discussion with Carina Raya, we explore the complexities of recovery and why building supportive communities is so crucial. We discuss how nonjudgmental interactions significantly impact a person's recovery journey. Carina shares her personal experiences, highlighting how genuine connections—even casual conversations—can influence someone's path to recovery, even if results aren't immediately obvious. Our conversation also highlights the often-overlooked challenges individuals in recovery face, especially when it comes to sharing their stories and advocating for themselves. We talk about how storytelling can be both empowering and expose people to the risk of being objectified. We agree it's vital to approach advocacy carefully, recognizing that recovery often intertwines with how society perceives and judges individuals. Key Takeaways: 0:00 – Introduction 2:22 – The Importance of Connection 6:16 – The Role of Advocacy in Recovery 7:09 – Cautionary Tales of Sharing Stories 9:59 – Experiences in Advocacy 17:33 – Breaking Stereotypes in Recovery 22:04 – Barriers to Accessing Care 23:38 – Uniting the Recovery Community Ultimately, this conversation reinforces that recovery is a shared community experience. Carina passionately argues that unifying diverse approaches—from substance abstinence to harm reduction—can help more people find their way into recovery. She encourages listeners to reflect on their perceptions, urging a collective effort to embrace a broader understanding of recovery, as fostering inclusion and empathy will ultimately benefit everyone. If there's a topic you'd like to see us cover, email us at podcast@archwaysnh.org or call us at 603-960-2128. Visit our website at https://www.archwaysnh.org to learn more about the Archways family of recovery and family resource centers. If your business or organization has been thinking about creating a podcast and you aren’t sure how to start, reach out to our producer at https://smithdouglass.com .