A powerful day of unity, resilience, and voices of hope in downtown Portland.
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter take listeners inside the Oregon Recovers Walk for Recovery at Pioneer Courthouse Square in Portland. As both sponsors and participants, they captured the energy, connection, and heartfelt stories that made this event unforgettable.
A Community Gathering for Recovery
Julie and Peter reflect on the growth of the Oregon Recovers Walk, noting the crowds, the surge of participating organizations, and the joy of seeing friends of the podcast showing up in support. From kids proudly wearing their Real Recovery Podcast shirts to people sharing how much the show means to them, the day was filled with meaningful moments of encouragement.
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Bo Brinson, Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, set the tone, emphasizing collaboration and the importance of bringing people together to face the addiction crisis. His words captured the mission of the walk: to build community power, promote pride in recovery, and remind everyone that recovery is possible.
Voices from the Recovery Community
The Walk featured a lineup of voices that highlighted the depth and diversity of recovery stories:
The Oregon Recovers Walk was more than an event—it was a vivid demonstration of community, resilience, and the collective strength that drives recovery forward. Julie and Peter captured the heart of the day, bringing listeners stories of hope, unity, and determination.
Listen to this inspiring episode now: https://mdcr1.com/82
Read more about the stories we share: https://mdcr1.com/82b
#RealRecoveryPodcast #OregonRecovers #WalkForRecovery #RecoveryCommunity #HopeAndHealing #GTD #ForaHealth #ThePeerCompany @OregonRecovers @4DRecovery @GTDGoTheDistance
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Celebrating fitness, recovery, and community at the Go the Distance 5K.
In episode eighty-one of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter bring you straight into the heart of the GTD Go the Distance 5K Run & Walk for Recovery. Recorded live at the event, this episode captures the voices, stories, and energy of participants, volunteers, and leaders who came together to celebrate recovery through physical fitness and community.
Izzy Alvarado’s vision
Founder Izzy Alvarado shares how GTD began with a simple but powerful idea—creating safe and inclusive spaces where recovery and physical activity go hand in hand. His reflections highlight how fitness can be a life-changing tool, offering people in recovery new ways to heal, connect, and grow.
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Participants share their “why”
Throughout the episode, Julie and Peter speak with runners and walkers who share what brought them to the event. Some are honoring loved ones who struggle with addiction, while others celebrate milestones in their own recovery. Each story carries a unique reminder that recovery isn’t a solo journey—it thrives in community.
The healing power of movement
From walking side by side with family to pushing through the final stretch of a run, participants describe how physical activity helps them cope, find focus, and build resilience. Fitness, as Izzy explains, becomes more than exercise—it becomes a metaphor for recovery itself: step by step, mile by mile.
Volunteers and community support
Volunteers and supporters reflect on the joy of seeing entire communities come together for this cause. The atmosphere of encouragement, from cheers along the course to heartfelt conversations at the finish line, reflects the true spirit of recovery: connection, compassion, and celebration.
Closing reflections
As the event winds down, Izzy and participants leave listeners with a powerful reminder: recovery is about showing up, moving forward, and finishing together.
Looking ahead, we invite you to join us at the Oregon Recovers Walk for Recovery on September 27th. The Real Recovery Podcast will be there in person, and we’d love for you to stop by our booth, connect with Julie and Peter, and share your own experiences. Your stories are the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to capture more voices of hope and resilience at this incredible community event.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #GoTheDistance #RecoveryJourney #5KforRecovery #CommunityHealing #FitnessAndRecovery @GTDGoTheDistance
From the streets to service, Lance’s story shows how faith and giving back can transform lives.
In episode 80 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we welcome Lance Orton, whose powerful testimony is a beacon of resilience and redemption. Once caught in addiction and homelessness, Lance found healing through faith, mentorship, and recovery. Today, as part of City Team, he dedicates his life to helping others find hope and a path forward.
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From Struggles to a Turning Point
Lance’s story begins with years of addiction and time on the streets. He reflects on the pain and hopelessness that defined his early years, but also on the pivotal moments when he realized that change was possible. For Lance, faith became a foundation for healing and direction.
The Power of Mentorship and Community
A critical part of Lance’s journey was the guidance of mentors who supported him during his most vulnerable moments. Their encouragement helped him believe in himself when he struggled to see a way out. This support system was vital in keeping him grounded and committed to recovery.
City Team: Meeting Needs, Offering Hope
Lance shares how City Team not only provided him with practical help like food and shelter, but also the spiritual and emotional support he needed to rebuild his life. Today, City Team continues to serve countless individuals who are walking the same difficult path Lance once traveled. Their programs provide holistic support, focusing on recovery, stability, and long-term transformation.
Living a Life of Service
Now in a leadership role, Lance is giving back to the very community that once carried him through his darkest days. By serving others, he has found lasting purpose. His reflections remind us that recovery is not only about personal change, but about becoming a source of strength for others.
Lance’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community. From the streets to service, his journey with City Team illustrates that no one is beyond hope, and that serving others can bring meaning and healing. His message resonates with all who are seeking a way forward: transformation is possible.
Listen to Lance’s incredible story by visiting this link. To explore more inspiring recovery journeys, check out our blog post.
Looking ahead, we invite you to join us at the Oregon Recovers Walk for Recovery on September 27th. The Real Recovery Podcast will be there in person, and we’d love for you to stop by our booth, connect with Julie and Peter, and share your own experiences. Your stories are the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to capture more voices of hope and resilience at this incredible community event.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #CityTeam #FaithAndRecovery #RecoveryJourney #HopeAndHealing #CommunitySupport #SobrietyStories @CityTeam
How love, faith, and resilience transformed chaos into recovery and healing
In this second part of her story, Amber is joined by her husband, Bo, to continue the journey that began in episode 78. Together, they open up about finding each other in the depths of addiction, the separation of prison time, and the resilience it took to build something real. Their conversation is raw, honest, and filled with the kind of hope that only comes from walking through the fire.
Meeting in Chaos
Amber and Bo first crossed paths during Amber’s last relapse, in the middle of a life defined by chaos, drugs, and survival. Despite the darkness around them, they both felt an immediate sense of safety when they were together. What began as a connection in addiction soon revealed the foundation of something much stronger.
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Building Through Separation
When Bo was incarcerated, the relationship faced its greatest test. Instead of falling apart, Amber and Bo used that time to communicate through letters and visits, laying the groundwork for a healthier partnership. Amber shares how she reached her breaking point in jail, dropped to her knees, and asked God to guide her, marking a turning point in her recovery.
The Power of Structure and Support
Both Amber and Bo highlight the role that structure and community played in their healing. Oxford House became a place of accountability and consistency, providing the framework they needed to sustain recovery. They also speak about the importance of individual growth before being able to build something lasting together.
A Family and a Mission
Now parents and leaders in the recovery community, Amber and Bo are committed to breaking generational cycles of addiction. Bo reflects on his role as Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, emphasizing the need for advocacy, community power, and hope. Their story shows how resilience, faith, and honesty can change not just individual lives, but the lives of entire families and communities.
Amber and Bo’s journey reminds us that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but about building a new way of life. Their story of love, struggle, and resilience offers hope to anyone who has felt lost in chaos, proving that healing and transformation are possible when we walk the path together.
Looking ahead, we invite you to join us at the Oregon Recovers Walk for Recovery on September 27th. The Real Recovery Podcast will be there in person, and we’d love for you to stop by our booth, connect with Julie and Peter, and share your own experiences. Your stories are the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to capture more voices of hope and resilience at this incredible community event.
Listen to Bo’s Story here: https://mdcr1.com/29
Listen to Amber & Bo’s story here: https://mdcr1.com/79 Read the full blog post here: https://mdcr1.com/79b
#RealRecoveryPodcast #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #FamilyHealing #Resilience #OregonRecovers @4DRecovery
A story of childhood trauma, addiction, and the first steps toward honesty
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, we begin the first of a two-part conversation with Amber Brison. Amber takes us back to her childhood, opening up about the chaos, abuse, and instability that marked her early years. Her raw honesty reveals how trauma shaped her identity, led her to seek escape through substances, and pulled her into destructive cycles of relationships and survival.
Amber’s Background and Early Struggles
Amber grew up surrounded by instability and abuse. From a young age, she felt unsafe in her home and carried trauma that would follow her into adulthood. These painful beginnings created patterns of self-doubt and survival that set the stage for her struggles with addiction.
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Turning Points and Coping Through Substances
As she grew older, Amber began using substances as a way to silence the pain of her past. Drugs and alcohol became both an escape and a trap, pulling her further away from her true self. Her story illustrates how trauma and addiction often go hand in hand, feeding each other in a cycle that feels impossible to break.
Cycles of Destructive Relationships
Amber reflects on how her relationships mirrored the abuse she had already experienced. Instead of healing, she found herself caught in cycles of toxicity, further deepening her sense of loss and disconnection from who she was.
Facing the Breaking Point
By the time she reached her lowest points, Amber describes feeling like she had completely lost herself. Yet in these moments, there were also glimmers of truth—moments where she recognized the need to face her reality and begin a journey of accountability. “Recovery begins when we tell the truth — even when it hurts.” — Amber
Amber’s story in part one is not yet about the victory of recovery, but about the courage to confront pain and speak truth. Her willingness to share openly reminds us that healing often begins in the darkest places. Part two, airing next week, will continue her journey and reveal how she began to rebuild her life in recovery.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #TraumaRecovery #HopeAndHealing #SobrietyStories
Emily’s journey through struggle, resilience, and the power of community in recovery.
In this episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, Emily F. shares her courageous story of breaking free from the cycles of addiction that ran through her family. With honesty and heart, she opens up about her struggles, the turning point that led her toward recovery, and the role of community and peer support in her healing.
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A childhood marked by addiction
Emily’s story begins in a home where addiction shaped much of her early life. Growing up surrounded by its challenges, she carried those struggles into her own journey, confronting unhealthy patterns that felt inescapable.
The weight of her own struggles
As she moved into adulthood, Emily turned to substances herself, repeating the very cycles she had witnessed. Recognizing the growing consequences was painful, but she bravely shares that it became the catalyst for her eventual transformation.
The turning point
Emily recalls the moment of clarity when she realized something had to change. It wasn’t easy—recovery never is—but she leaned into that moment of decision and sought the support she needed.
Finding strength in community
Recovery for Emily has been defined not only by personal determination but also by the support of others. She describes the essential role that community and peer connections played in helping her find stability, belonging, and hope.
Breaking generational cycles
Today, Emily is committed to living differently and building a life grounded in resilience and service. Her journey reminds us that healing is not just about overcoming the past—it’s about creating a new future and inspiring others to believe that recovery is possible.
Emily’s story is a testament to the truth that recovery is never a solitary journey. It takes courage, community, and the willingness to break cycles that have held generations captive. Her message is clear: no matter where you come from, it is always possible to start again.
#RecoveryJourney #BreakingCycles #RealRecoveryPodcast @4DRecovery @AnotherChance @SkylarRay
From addiction to service: Chris shares the lessons and tools that sustain his sobriety.
In Episode 76 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter sit down with Chris G. to hear his story of addiction, relapse, and ultimately finding a path through recovery. Chris opens up about the struggles he faced, the turning points that kept him going, and the ways service, connection, and humility continue to shape his sobriety.
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Chris’s Early Struggles
Chris describes the years he spent in active addiction, how substances impacted his relationships, and the cycles of relapse he went through before beginning to find stability. His honesty highlights the reality of how challenging it can be to stay in recovery without community and accountability.
Lessons in Humility and Surrender
One of the themes Chris shares is learning humility—accepting help, following guidance from others in recovery, and admitting that he couldn’t do it alone. Surrendering his way of doing things was a turning point that allowed him to start building consistency and trust in his life again.
The Role of Service
Chris emphasizes that service has become a cornerstone of his recovery. Whether it’s showing up at meetings, supporting newcomers, or giving back to the community, he finds that helping others keeps him grounded and reminds him of where he came from.
Staying the Course
Recovery for Chris is not about perfection but about persistence. He discusses practical tools that help him stay on track—routine, accountability, and the willingness to start again when he stumbles. His story is a reminder that recovery is built day by day, one decision at a time.
Chris’s story illustrates the power of humility, service, and perseverance in recovery. His honesty about setbacks and his commitment to giving back show that even through challenges, lasting sobriety is possible when we stay connected and engaged in the process.
#RecoveryJourney #Sobriety #AddictionRecovery #FromStreetsToSobriety #RealRecoveryPodcast @4DRecovery @TrueColorsRecovery
RRP Episode 75: Navigating Online and Real-World Recovery — Alex G’s Journey to Authentic Connection8/14/2025 Bridging Digital and In-Person Support to Find True Belongin
In Episode 75 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter welcome Alex G., whose story exemplifies how recovery communities—whether virtual or face-to-face—can be life-changing. Alex shares his path from isolation and internal struggle to finding meaningful connection through a blend of online support groups and in-person meetings. His journey sheds light on the evolving landscape of recovery and how hybrid models are offering people new avenues to authentic belonging.
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Early Struggles and Searching for Connection
Growing up, Alex often felt out of place, battling internal conflicts around his identity while navigating substance use. Like many, he turned to alcohol and drugs in an attempt to feel connected, yet found himself increasingly isolated. His story echoes a common theme in recovery: the deep human need for authentic connection and the pain of not knowing where to find it.
The Power of Hybrid Recovery Models
While online meetings provided an accessible entry point, Alex emphasizes the importance of balancing virtual support with in-person interactions. For him, hybrid recovery isn’t just a convenience—it’s essential. Service commitments, coffee meet-ups, and face-to-face fellowship became pillars in his recovery foundation, teaching him the value of “showing up” and building trust through consistency.
Advice for Newcomers: "Your People Are Out There"
For those feeling disconnected, Alex offers a simple but powerful piece of advice: “Keep showing up, whether it’s online or in person. Your people are out there.” His journey is a reminder that recovery is not one-size-fits-all and that the right community can be found in unexpected places.
Alex G’s story is a testament to the transformative power of hybrid recovery communities. His path from isolation to connection illustrates that whether online or in-person, what truly matters is finding spaces where you can show up as your authentic self. His experience challenges the old notion of recovery being confined to physical rooms, opening doors for a more inclusive and flexible approach.
Listen to Alex’s full journey by tuning in to RRP Episode 75. For more inspiring stories and resources, visit our blog.
#RealRecoveryPodcast #HybridRecovery #RecoveryJourney #AuthenticConnection #PeerSupport #OnlineRecovery #CommunityMatters @ExtendedFamilyAA @LunchBunchAA
The Real Story of Showing Up—Through Relapse, Loss, and Hope
Episode 74 of the Real Recovery Podcast features Andrea L., a social worker whose story of functional alcoholism, repeated relapse, and ultimate resilience re-examines what recovery really looks like. Hosts Julie and Peter guide a candid conversation that trades perfectionism for persistence and celebrates the healing power of community.
From “Functional” to Facing the Truth
RRP Episode 73 - Back from the Fight: How Recovery Tools Carried Us Through Cancer and Crisis7/31/2025 A powerful testament to how recovery principles become life-saving tools during major health crises and personal challenges.
After four months away from the microphone, Julie and Peter return to the Real Recovery Podcast with one of their most powerful episodes yet. What began as a routine recording schedule was interrupted when Peter received a life-changing cancer diagnosis, requiring 36 radiation treatments and months of chemotherapy. This deeply personal update episode reveals how the tools learned in recovery became essential for navigating not just addiction, but life's most challenging moments.
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AboutThe Real Recovery Podcast Inc.: Empowering journeys to sobriety with inspiring stories, expert advice, and a supportive community. Join us for hope, healing, and real talk on addiction recovery. Archives
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