Recovery Stories Have Power

Hosted by Faces & Voices of Recovery

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Latest episode

Mar 2026

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About the show

Life after addiction isn't just possible - it's the norm. Studies show 3 out of 4 people who experience addiction eventually recover. The Recovery Stories Have Power podcast aims to center that hopeful message through authentic conversations that bring together people from all pathways of recovery and recovery allies.Through these conversations, we’ll build awareness, challenge societal stigma, and celebrate the role that recovery plays in improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

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41 recent

March 2, 2026Episode 659 min

Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development

Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development with Joseph SanchezIn this powerful episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, host Nick DeMott sits down with Joseph Sanchez to explore the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis and the critical role of Peer Recovery Support Services in building stronger recovery ecosystems.Joseph brings insight from the front lines of recovery work, breaking down how PRSS programs are evolving, why workforce development matters, and what it takes to build sustainable recovery infrastructure in communities hit hardest by substance use disorder.Together, they unpack:• The current state of the opioid crisis • Why peer support professionals are essential to recovery systems • Challenges and opportunities in PRSS workforce development • How lived experience strengthens policy, programming, and community response • What’s needed next to create long term, community driven changeThis conversation goes beyond statistics. It centers people, possibility, and the power of recovery leadership.Whether you are a peer professional, policymaker, advocate, or someone passionate about expanding recovery support, this episode offers insight, strategy, and hope.🎧 Listen now and be part of building a recovery ready nation.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

October 30, 202541 min

From Stigma to Support: Expanding Access to Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Weimer, Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Service, and John O’Neil, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor. Together, they share powerful insights from their work in the field of addiction medicine breaking down stigma, centering compassion, and exploring evidence-based approaches to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD).Hosted by Nick DeMott and produced by Faces & Voices of Recovery in collaboration with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), this episode also highlights the Provider Clinical Support System for Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD), a national initiative designed to expand access to effective treatment and recovery support.Tune in to learn how clinical expertise and lived experience intersect to strengthen recovery pathways and empower communities.🎧 Because recovery stories have power—and together, we can change the conversation around alcohol use disorder.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

September 30, 20251 hr 15 min

Leadership Transitions in RCOs with USARA

On today's episode, Nick DeMott visits with Mary Jo McMillen, Becca Brown and Evan Done, who are on the leadership team at Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, or USARA. USARA is preparing to undergo a leadership transition in the near future, with Mary Jo stepping away and Becca and Evan taking her place. During this interview, they discuss preparation for the leadership transition process, and they each share powerful insights on how RCOs can best navigate similar transitions gracefully.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

March 13, 2025Episode 31 hr 0 min

Danny O'Connor - Championship Boxing, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books.Today, I’m talking with Danny O’Connor—a former U.S. Olympic boxing team member and world title contender. But his biggest fight wasn’t in the ring. Danny battled anxiety, substance use, and personal struggles that nearly took everything from him.Now, he’s using his experience to help others through DO Boxing Academy, a program that combines boxing, fitness, and mindfulness to support young people.You can follow Danny on Instagram @therealdannyoconnor and learn more about his program at doboxingacademy.com.This is a story about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose.Please note: this episode contains explicit content.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

February 27, 2025Episode 250 min

Morgan Godvin - Incarceration, Advocacy, and Public Health

In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, Oliver Books sits down with Morgan Godvin—a writer, public health advocate, and researcher focused on drug policy and overdose prevention. Morgan shares her journey from opioid use and four years in federal prison to working on policy reform, touring with Minnesota hip-hop group Atmosphere to distribute naloxone, and traveling internationally—even with a felony record—to support community health efforts.They discuss her experience in the legal system, the challenges of rebuilding life after incarceration, and the barriers that persist long after a sentence is served.Content warning: This episode includes discussions about substance use, overdose, and incarceration.Follow Morgan on social media at @MorganGodvin and learn more about her work at beatsoverdose.com.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

February 13, 2025Episode 146 min

Joseph Green - Storyteller, Educator, Advocate - CEO LMSvoice

Kicking off Season 3! In this powerful premiere episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, host Oliver Books sits down with Joseph Green, CEO of LMSvoice—a spoken word artist, educator, and advocate for recovery. Joseph shares his deeply personal journey, from his early days in theater and poetry to his struggles with substance use disorder and ultimate path to long-term recovery. Through his art and advocacy, he illuminates the power of storytelling in healing and social change. Together, they discuss the intersection of creativity and recovery, the importance of self-reflection, and the impact of fostering hope in difficult times.Start the season with this inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the transformative nature of speaking your truth.Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

December 26, 202418 min

Recovery Stories Have Power - New Year's Special

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! This is the year-end clipshow extravaganza! Thanks so much for listening to our show all year, we really appreciate you. We have great things lined up for 2025, so stay tuned! Visit us online at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcastThis is also available as a video episode, so check it out our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/SRihzhBzYmcYou can stream recovery Stories Have Power on any podcasting platform, or right here on YouTube.Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

December 12, 202438 min

Episode 24 - Shannon Egan, Recovery Movement Consulting

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! In this episode, host Tyler Brandon interviews Shannon Egan, who shares her inspiring journey from substance use recovery to becoming a trailblazer in the recovery movement. Sober since 2011 and a breast cancer survivor, Shannon is the founder of Recovery Movement Consulting (RMC), where she has helped secure nearly $15 million in funding to expand addiction recovery services nationwide. With a background as a journalist covering global crises like the Darfur genocide and a former UN press officer advocating for women’s health, Shannon’s unique experiences fuel her mission to empower recovery organizations and reduce stigma surrounding addiction. Balancing her impactful career with a love for her rescue pets in Utah, Shannon’s story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of recoveryBe sure to check out Shanon's website https://www.recoverymovementconsult.com and give her a follow on instagram @shannonmaeeganThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

November 27, 202442 min

Episode 23 - Mark Rosman, Director for Film & TV

Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! In this episode, host Oliver Books speaks with Mark Rosman, a film and TV industry veteran with a career spanning three decades. From directing for Disney, Lifetime, and Hallmark to teaching at UCLA, Mark opens up about the intersection of his personal life and professional work. He shares insights into his latest project, Keep Coming Back, a deeply personal film inspired by his journey to becoming a supportive ally for a family member with Substance Use Disorder.This inspiring conversation highlights the healing power of storytelling and the importance of compassion in recovery. Learn more about Mark’s upcoming film at keepcomingbackfilm.com, and don’t miss this heartfelt episode!Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.

November 14, 2024Episode 221 hr 25 min

Episode 22 - Tim Snyder & Mike Oxley, Talkin' Trash Podcast

Hello and welcome to another episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode our host, Tyler Brandon, interviews Tim Snyder and Mike Oxley of the "Talkin' Trash" Recovery podcast. "Talkin' Trash" is self-described as an "honest" and "raw" podcast that's pretty off-the-cuff. Tyler joined them on their show recently as well. Content warning for this episode: Some of the language our guests use to self-identify is not language that Faces & Voices of Recovery recommends using around Substance Use Disorder. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org.Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast.