RRP 14: From Venice Beach to Sobriety: Kiki S’s Remarkable Journey

​"I just think that everything that happens in your life happens for a reason. It doesn’t have to happen early on; it happens whenever it happens. Sometimes you don’t know what that reason is, but it will be revealed. Looking back, even from the painful experiences, I became smarter and stronger, and I deserved the good that came afterward because I worked on myself."
- Kiki S.

A Story of Resilience, Community, and Transformation

Links:

• Lunch Bunch/Extended Family AA

In Episode 14 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we are honored to feature Kiki S., whose remarkable journey through sobriety is nothing short of inspiring. Kiki opens up about her challenging childhood, the early influences of alcohol, and the profound impact of community in her path to recovery. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of support networks in overcoming addiction.

Kiki's journey is filled with unique and transformative experiences. She talks about her time on Venice Beach, where she lived in a house directly across from an AA meeting. "There was an AA meeting right in front of my house. If there's ever divine intervention, that was it," Kiki recalls. She shares how watching the meetings from her window eventually led her to join and find a supportive community.

One of the fascinating aspects of Kiki's story is her almost becoming a comedian. While working as a cocktail waitress at a hotel that hosted comedy nights, she rubbed shoulders with many comedians. "I always thought, 'Wow, being a writer for Saturday Night Live, that would be a really cool job.' But my main concern was partying," she admits, reflecting on how her addiction overshadowed her other aspirations.

Kiki also discusses her early life and how her parents' tumultuous relationship influenced her path. "My mom and dad were really unhappy with each other, and they drank a lot. I remember listening to their fights and feeling very lonely," she shares. This sense of loneliness and early exposure to alcohol set the stage for her struggles later on.

Her story is not just about the struggles but also about the victories. Kiki emphasizes the importance of community in recovery. "Just feel like it's going to be okay because you did get a lot of attention when you're the new person because if we don't have new people it'll die off," she says, highlighting the welcoming nature of AA meetings and the crucial role they played in her recovery.

Kiki's journey is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that every challenge faced can lead to greater strength and understanding. "I just think that everything that happens in your life happens for a reason. It doesn’t have to happen early on; it happens whenever it happens. Sometimes you don’t know what that reason is, but it will be revealed. Looking back, even from the painful experiences, I became smarter and stronger, and I deserved the good that came afterward because I worked on myself," she reflects.

Join us for an engaging and enlightening conversation that promises to offer hope, insight, and inspiration. Tune in this Friday to hear Kiki's full story and be part of a narrative that celebrates courage and transformation.

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Coming up next week...

​On the next Real Recovery Podcast, we dive deep into the heart of Portland's vibrant recovery community with a special feature on True Colors Recovery. Coinciding with June Pride month, this episode celebrates the resilience and strength of the LGBTQ+ community. Join us as we explore True Colors' innovative peer mentorship programs, hear inspiring personal stories, and get a glimpse into their dynamic events that foster connection and support. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode that showcases the power of community and the many pathways to recovery. Tune in to discover how True Colors is making a difference, one life at a time.

Show Notes:

Title: Discovering Strength: Kiki S’s Journey to Sobriety
Presenters: Julie L. and Peter B.
Length: 60 minutes

Key Points:

1. Introduction
   • Brief overview of Kiki's background and significance of her story.
   • Reminder of the informational nature of the podcast and the importance of seeking professional advice.
2. Kiki’s Early Life
   • Childhood experiences and early exposure to alcohol.
   • Parents' tumultuous relationship and its impact on her.
3. Venice Beach Experiences
   • Living on Venice Beach and observing AA meetings.
   • Her eventual decision to join AA and find support.
4. Almost Becoming a Comedian
   • Working at a hotel with comedy nights and meeting comedians.
   • Her aspirations and how addiction overshadowed them.
5. Struggles with Addiction
   • Various low points, including a period of relapse.
   • Challenges faced and the impact on her personal life.
6. Path to Recovery
   • The importance of community support in AA.
   • Personal reflections on recovery and resilience.
7. Key Reflections and Learnings
   • How Kiki views her journey and the lessons learned.
   • The role of divine intervention and personal strength.

Summary:
In this deeply moving episode, Julie L. and Peter B. host Kiki S., who shares her extraordinary journey through sobriety. From her challenging childhood marked by her parents' unhappy marriage to her early experiences with alcohol, Kiki provides a raw and honest account of her life. Living on Venice Beach, she observed AA meetings from her house, which eventually led her to join and find a supportive community.
Kiki also discusses her brush with the comedy world, working at a hotel that hosted comedy nights, and her aspirations of becoming a comedian. However, her addiction took precedence, leading to numerous struggles and a period of relapse. Despite these challenges, Kiki's path to recovery highlights the significance of community support and personal resilience.
Through her candid reflections, Kiki emphasizes that everything in life happens for a reason and that even painful experiences can lead to greater strength and understanding. Her story is a testament to the power of recovery and the hope that comes with it.

Conclusion:
Join us in this powerful episode as Kiki S. shares her story of overcoming addiction and finding strength in sobriety. Her journey is a reminder that recovery is possible, and with the support of a community, one can navigate through the toughest challenges to emerge stronger and more resilient.
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 Listen to Episode 14 on the Real Recovery Podcast

#RealRecoveryPodcast, #SobrietyJourney, #Inspiration, #RecoveryStories, #PodcastEpisode, #HopeAndHealing, #AddictionRecovery, #CommunitySupport, #VeniceBeach, #ComedyJourney