A Heartfelt Celebration of Sobriety, Friendship, and the Journey of Recovery
In this monumental 52nd episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we celebrate an incredible milestone—one year of weekly episodes! Every week, we’ve brought you stories of resilience, strength, and hope, and today, we are so grateful to celebrate this anniversary with two amazing guests, Al H. and Larry W. Together, they have just over 90 years of sobriety, and their insights on recovery, friendship, and staying connected in sobriety are truly inspiring.
Larry W., Al H., Julie L., Colette M., and Peter D.
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Insights and Wisdom
As they reflect on their just over 90 years of sobriety, Al and Larry share valuable insights for those in recovery or considering recovery. Their advice is grounded in years of lived experience and offers practical, heartfelt guidance for anyone on a similar path. They remind us that recovery is an ongoing process—a commitment to showing up each day, no matter what. Their message is clear: stay connected, embrace the journey, and lean into community.
Gratitude for the Community
Peter and Julie take a moment to express their deep gratitude for the recovery community that has shaped the Real Recovery Podcast into what it is today. The podcast not only shares stories of recovery but also serves as a space where listeners can find support, understanding, and connection. This episode celebrates the individuals who make recovery possible—those who show up, support each other, and foster a sense of belonging in the world of sobriety. "We’d love to hear from you! Your feedback helps us grow and bring you the best stories of recovery. Drop us a message, share your thoughts, or let us know what topics you'd love to hear next!"
As we celebrate one year of the Real Recovery Podcast, we are reminded of the incredible power of stories, friendship, and community in recovery. Al H. and Larry W.’s inspiring journey is a testament to the strength that comes from long-term sobriety and the unwavering bond of friendship. We’re so grateful to have had them on this special episode to celebrate not only a year of podcast episodes but also the ongoing journey of recovery that continues to unfold every day.
#RealRecoveryPodcast, #SobrietyStories, #90YearsOfSobriety, #RecoveryJourney, #CommunitySupport, #AnniversaryCelebration, #HopeAndHealing, #RecoveryMilestones
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Celebrating One Year of Recovery Stories, Resilience, and the Power of Community
A Year of Stories, Growth, and Connection
One year. Fifty-two episodes. Countless stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Real Recovery Podcast has reached an incredible milestone, and in this special check-in episode, Julie and Peter reflect on the journey, sharing the highs, the challenges, and the incredible moments that have shaped their first year behind the mic.
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Looking Back: The Power of Storytelling
Since launching the Real Recovery Podcast, Peter and Julie have had the privilege of sitting down with some of the most inspiring voices in recovery. They’ve covered everything from personal journeys of overcoming addiction to powerful insights from advocates, treatment professionals, and community leaders. Each guest has brought a unique perspective, reinforcing the truth that recovery is not one-size-fits-all.
They also discuss the emotional toll of hearing some of the most difficult stories. Some episodes left them deeply impacted, reminding them just how important these conversations are—not just for listeners, but for themselves as well.
Challenges and Triumphs
Producing a weekly show takes dedication, and Peter and Julie open up about the behind-the-scenes struggles, from financial concerns to balancing podcasting with their personal lives. They’ve pushed through because of their commitment to spreading hope and showcasing the different ways people find recovery.
But with challenges come triumphs. They recall some of the most uplifting moments from the past year, like meeting listeners at recovery events, seeing Real Recovery Podcast T-shirts being worn proudly in the community, and hearing from people who say the podcast has helped them stay sober or find support.
What’s Next? The Future of Real Recovery Podcast
As they step into year two, Julie and Peter are setting their sights on growth. They want to:
But to make these things happen, they need the support of their listeners. They invite everyone to leave feedback at mdcr1.com/feedback and consider making a donation to help sustain and grow the podcast at donate.realrecoverypodcast.com.
Join the Conversation
Peter and Julie are beyond grateful for the listeners who have supported them from the beginning and for those just joining the journey. Whether you’ve listened to every episode or are just getting started, you are part of this recovery community.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #OneYearReflections #PodcastAnniversary #RecoveryJourney #Resilience #HopeAndHealing #CommunitySupport #PeerDrivenRecovery
Valerie Martinez’s journey from addiction to advocacy showcases the power of running and community in transforming her life.
In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Valerie Martinez, whose journey through addiction, recovery, and advocacy has been nothing short of inspiring. Valerie's story is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the life-changing role of running. Through the challenges she faced growing up, including family trauma and substance abuse, Valerie found strength in herself and the communities that supported her. From overcoming the darkest moments to running toward hope, Valerie is a true example of recovery's transformative power.
Early Struggles and Addiction:
Valerie's early life was marked by family struggles, with addiction running through her household. Her father’s addiction was a silent presence, only visible when her parents' relationship began to unravel. At the age of nine, Valerie's family was torn apart, and the trauma would set her on a path to addiction. She began using drugs at the tender age of 11, finding solace in substances that numbed the pain and gave her a temporary escape. For years, her life spiraled as she struggled to balance family life, school, and the pull of addiction.
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The Turning Point:
When Valerie turned 13, she met her oldest child’s father, who, in her eyes, was everything she needed at the time—a stable figure who could offer a sense of security. However, the relationship quickly became toxic and abusive. Despite the chaos, Valerie took on the role of mother, sister, and protector at a young age. She had her first child at 16 and her second at 17, but the emotional and physical abuse from her partner led her back to drugs as a way to cope with the overwhelming pain. Valerie’s story took another devastating turn when her children were taken from her by their father, leading to years of deep shame and regret.
Recovery and Running:
The pivotal moment in Valerie’s recovery came when she was introduced to Fora Health, a treatment center that played a significant role in her journey to sobriety. It was here that Valerie discovered the healing power of running. Through her involvement with GTD – Go The Distance, Valerie began running to clear her mind and heal her body. As she shared with us, running became her metaphor for recovery—each mile represented a step away from her past and closer to the person she was becoming. "Recovery is about growing every day," Valerie shares, and running was her tool for personal growth.
Community Support:
Valerie credits much of her success in recovery to the supportive communities she found at Fora Health and through programs like GTD – Go The Distance. Peer-driven recovery programs like GTD provided her with the accountability and encouragement she needed to stay on track. She learned to trust herself and others, a lesson she continues to carry with her as she navigates life and sobriety. Running with a community of like-minded individuals helped Valerie form lasting bonds that reinforced her commitment to her recovery.
Giving Back and Advocacy:
Today, Valerie works as an outreach worker, helping individuals who face challenges similar to those she once did. Through her work at 4D Recovery, Valerie helps those in need find resources, advocate for themselves, and build a life beyond addiction. She now shares her story widely, offering encouragement and hope to those who feel lost or alone in their journey. "You are not alone. Come home to recovery," Valerie emphasizes. Her work reminds us that recovery is not just about personal transformation; it’s about using your experiences to help others find their way.
Valerie Martinez’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is not a destination, but a lifelong journey. Through the darkest times, Valerie found hope and strength through community, support, and the simple yet transformative act of running. Her story is proof that no matter where you start, with perseverance, self-compassion, and the right support, you can always run toward hope.
#RealRecoveryPodcast, #AddictionRecovery, #ForaHealth, #GTD, #PeerDrivenRecovery, #RecoveryJourney, #HopeAndHealing, #CommunitySupport, @GTDgothedistance, @ForaHealth
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