​Madison Shanley, a singer-songwriter, shared her personal recovery story and how it has influenced her music career. Having started singing at the age of five, Madison’s journey took a profound turn when she got clean and sober nearly three years ago. During her interview with Peter B. and Julie L. at the event, she reflected on how her sobriety gave her the space to process her emotions and create music that reflects self-discovery, healing, and spiritual growth.

Madison also emphasized the importance of the Portland recovery community in supporting her journey, particularly in her first year of sobriety. She explained that attending meetings and connecting with other individuals in recovery has kept her grounded and inspired her music. Her performances, both at the Recover Outloud event and beyond, reflect this deep connection to her own recovery and the wider community.

​This episode is the first in a series of Recover Outloud interviews. Look forward to our next episode, which will feature an interview with Futuristic, a talented rapper and advocate for the recovery community. You can follow Futuristic on Instagram and listen to his music on Spotify.

Don’t miss out on the upcoming Recover Outloud episodes! Follow the Real Recovery Podcast on Spotify and join us as we share more inspiring stories from this empowering event.

In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, co-hosts Peter and Julie sit down with Mike Marshall, the Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, for an eye-opening discussion on the addiction crisis in Oregon. Mike shares his personal recovery journey, as well as the incredible work being done to improve access to treatment, advocate for policy change, and organize the recovery community. Mike’s story is both inspiring and a powerful call to action for everyone impacted by addiction.

​Addressing the Addiction Crisis in Oregon:
Oregon faces one of the highest addiction rates in the country, yet ranks last in access to treatment. Mike explains how Oregon Recovers is tackling this crisis head-on through advocacy and organizing efforts. By engaging with policymakers, hosting events like the Walk for Recovery, and raising awareness, Oregon Recovers is empowering the recovery community to create real change.

The Role of Recovery Housing:
One of the key elements in Oregon Recovers' mission is the expansion of recovery housing. Mike explains that while traditional treatment options are important, recovery housing offers individuals a safe and supportive environment as they transition back into everyday life. By connecting recovery housing with outpatient programs like those offered through the Recovery Network of Oregon, the organization is helping more people maintain long-term sobriety.

​Preventing Addiction and Changing the Culture:
Mike emphasizes the importance of prevention and cultural change in combating addiction. He speaks passionately about the need to challenge the pervasive role of alcohol and drugs in our society, particularly in media and advertising. 

Portland Walk for Recovery 2024:
Join Oregon Recovers at the upcoming Portland Walk for Recovery 2024 on Saturday, September 28th, 2024 from 10:00am - 2:00pm at Pioneer Courthouse Square - Portland, OR. This event brings together individuals in recovery, their families, friends, and advocates to walk in support of recovery. It’s a powerful demonstration of solidarity and an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the recovery community. Register for the walk at the official Walk for Recovery page.

On the next Real Recovery Podcast, we’re excited to bring you Dr. David Bohrer! Dr. Bohrer, a chiropractor with a remarkable journey through addiction and recovery, opens up about his struggles, the turning points in his life, and how he found the strength to rebuild from the ground up. His candid story offers hope, resilience, and inspiration for anyone on their own recovery journey. Don’t miss this powerful and uplifting episode! 

In Episode 29 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Bo Brinsen, the Development Director at Oregon Recovers. Bo's story is one of resilience, transformation, and dedication to helping others find their path to recovery. From his early days in Compton, California, to his pivotal role in Oregon’s recovery community, Bo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community support in overcoming addiction.

​Bo Brinsen's Background
Bo grew up in the challenging environment of Compton, where the life expectancy for someone in his circumstances was alarmingly low. Surrounded by violence and crime, Bo found himself entangled in the gang lifestyle at a young age. His struggles with addiction began in his teenage years, with alcohol and marijuana leading him down a path of substance abuse that eventually escalated to harder drugs. Despite the odds stacked against him, Bo’s story didn’t end there.

One of the standout projects under Bo’s leadership is the Recovery Network of Oregon (RNO) app, a tool that provides real-time information on available recovery resources throughout the state. This innovative app is helping bridge the gap between those in need and the services that can support their recovery.

Tune in to Episode 29 of the Real Recovery Podcast and hear Bo Brinsen’s incredible story of recovery and leadership. His journey will inspire you to believe in the power of change and the importance of community in the recovery process. Don’t miss it--listen to the episode now.

Coming up on the next episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we welcome Mike Marshall, the driving force behind Oregon Recovers. In this powerful discussion, Mike shares his personal journey through addiction, recovery, and the inspiring work he's doing to transform Oregon's approach to addiction treatment. From his experiences in community organizing to advocating for policy change, Mike provides deep insights into the challenges facing the recovery community and the steps being taken to create lasting change. This episode highlights the importance of advocacy, community, and leadership in addressing the addiction crisis. Don't miss this eye-opening conversation filled with hope, determination, and a call to action for all those affected by addiction. Tune in and be inspired by Mike's unwavering commitment to making Oregon a place where recovery is possible for everyone.

​In Episode 28 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we explore the powerful story of Tarra McCarthy, a woman who grew up in a Catholic family where alcoholism and strict values shaped her early life. Despite her success as a competitive soccer player, Tarra faced deep internal struggles that led her down a path of addiction. This episode highlights her journey from hiding behind her achievements to embracing authenticity and finding recovery.

​In episode 27 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with Jerrod Murray, the Executive Director of Painted Horse Recovery. Jerrod’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the power of cultural connection. His journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a leader in the recovery community is nothing short of inspiring.

​In our latest episode, we celebrate six months of podcasting with an extraordinary story of transformation and resilience. We’re honored to feature Elton Frice, the Director of Development at 4D Recovery, who shares her deeply personal journey from the depths of addiction to becoming a beacon of hope for others.