​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.

Jerrod's Journey:
Jerrod’s path to recovery was deeply intertwined with his Indigenous heritage. From a young age, he faced unimaginable hardships, including severe abuse and abandonment. These experiences left deep scars that fueled his addiction for years. Yet, through the practices and spiritual traditions of his Native American culture, Jerrod found the strength and support he needed to reclaim his life.

​Reflecting on his journey, Jerrod shared, “I was soaring like a bird, lost in addiction, believing I was flying high, but really, I was just trying to escape my pain. It wasn’t until I reconnected with my roots, with my spirit, that I found the ground I needed to stand on.” This powerful metaphor captures the essence of his transformation—moving from a life of aimless flight to one grounded in purpose and healing.

Painted Horse Recovery: 
At the heart of Jerrod’s work is Painted Horse Recovery, an organization dedicated to providing culturally specific, peer-delivered recovery services. Painted Horse Recovery offers a safe and welcoming space where individuals can reconnect with their identity, spirituality, and community. Jerrod discusses the unique approach that Painted Horse Recovery takes, focusing on the whole person and their cultural heritage as key components of the recovery process.

The Importance of Culturally Specific Support: 
In our conversation, Jerrod also emphasizes the importance of culturally specific support in the broader recovery community. Painted Horse Recovery is not just a place for recovery—it's a place where Indigenous individuals can find a sense of belonging, purpose, and connection. This is crucial in helping people heal from the deep-seated traumas that often accompany addiction.

Wellbriety: 
Jerrod also discusses the importance of Wellbriety meetings, which provide a culturally relevant recovery path for Indigenous people. Wellbriety combines the 12 steps of AA with Indigenous traditions and values, offering a holistic approach to sobriety. You can find Wellbriety meetings through the Wellbriety website.

​In our upcoming episode, we sit down with Tarra McCarthy, whose story of resilience and transformation will touch your heart. Raised in a family where feelings were hidden and struggles were silent, Tarra's journey through addiction is both raw and inspiring. She bravely shares how she overcame the darkest moments, including her battles with shame and the life-changing power of peer support. Tarra's story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, and her message of hope and authenticity will resonate with anyone seeking recovery or supporting a loved one through it. Don’t miss this powerful episode!

​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.

​Elton’s story begins in a place many of us could hardly imagine—existing in a storage unit, surrounded by the chaos of addiction. Desperate to sustain her habit, Elton hid needles in her car and even under her bed, planning for the next high. Despite these dire circumstances, Elton found her way to recovery, thanks in no small part to her mother’s unwavering love and determination. At her most desperate moment, it was her mother’s gentle but firm persuasion that helped Elton take the first steps off the streets and into recovery.

Now, as a leader at 4D Recovery, Elton uses her lived experience to support young people facing similar battles. Her journey from barely surviving to thriving in recovery is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Elton discusses the importance of Certified Recovery Mentors, the emotional toll of working in recovery, and the incredible impact of finding purpose and community.

Tune in to hear Elton’s powerful story, and join us as we reflect on the first six months of the Real Recovery Podcast—a journey of healing, growth, and hope.

#RealRecoveryPodcast #6MonthsOfPodcasting #AddictionRecovery #4DRecovery #YoungPeopleInRecovery #Resilience #LivedExperience #RecoveryJourney #PodcastingMilestone

​Coming up next on the Real Recovery Podcast, episode 27 features Jerrod Murray, Executive Director of Painted Horse Recovery. Jerrod shares his powerful story of overcoming addiction and the vital role that Indigenous cultural and spiritual practices played in his healing journey. In this episode, he also discusses how Painted Horse Recovery offers culturally specific support to the recovery community, providing a safe and welcoming space where individuals can reconnect with their identity, spirituality, and community. Don't miss this inspiring conversation about resilience, the importance of cultural connection, and the transformative power of recovery.

​In this heart-wrenching episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we sit down with Jesse D., a man whose journey through addiction, loss, and recovery is nothing short of inspiring. Jesse opens up about his struggles with alcoholism, which began at the tender age of 12, and the profound impact it had on his life and relationships.

As we dive deep into his story, Jesse shares the pivotal moments that shaped his path to sobriety. From the comforting embrace of the Menucha Retreat Center, where he found solace and support, to the unwavering strength of his family during his darkest days, Jesse’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community and connection in recovery.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in Jesse's journey was the loss of his wife to a terminal illness. During this devastating period, Jesse faced unimaginable pain, leading to a desperate act of drinking Roundup. Yet, through the love and support of his family and the recovery community, Jesse found the strength to continue his journey toward healing.

Throughout the episode, Jesse speaks candidly about the duality of his life—being a caregiver while battling his own demons, the challenges of relapse, and the strategies he employed to maintain long-term sobriety. His reflections on spirituality, emotional vulnerability, and the power of honesty in recovery offer valuable insights for anyone on the path to sobriety.

Jesse's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a journey filled with heartache, hope, and ultimately, transformation. We hope this episode resonates with you as much as it did with us and provides you with the inspiration to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles.

​#RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #SobrietyJourney #CommunitySupport #FamilyDynamics #Resilience #Inspiration #JesseMessyMiles #RecoveryStories

Next week's episode of the Real Recovery Podcast features Elton Frice, a dedicated advocate and director at 4D Recovery. Elton shares her incredible journey from addiction to becoming a Certified Recovery Mentor and now a leader in the recovery community. Her story highlights the power of lived experience, resilience, and the importance of giving back. Tune in to hear how Elton's personal struggles have shaped her commitment to helping others find hope and healing in recovery. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!