RRP 71-Real Recovery Podcast: Founding Voices EP 05-Don M

How Don M’s story of overcoming adversity, grief, and addiction became a guiding light for the recovery community.

Listen to this Episode

Episode seventy-one of the Real Recovery Podcast brings you the fifth chapter in our Founding Voices series, featuring Don M—a cherished friend, mentor, and father figure to so many in our community. With over forty-five years of sobriety, Don’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of chosen family, and the impact of unwavering service. His story, marked by a turbulent childhood, a groundbreaking career as a flight attendant, and decades of helping others, continues to inspire listeners and newcomers alike.

Share with your Friends & Family

Don M’s early life was shaped by instability, frequent moves, and family struggles with addiction and mental illness. Despite these challenges, he found support in church and the kindness of friends’ families, which helped him survive the chaos of his upbringing. Coming out as gay in a less accepting era, Don faced the pain of losing his church community and turned to alcohol for courage and escape.

His professional life took flight as a pioneering male flight attendant, but addiction soon threatened everything he had built. A turning point came after a powerful out-of-body experience in a bar, which led him to seek help, get a sponsor, and commit to recovery. Don’s journey through treatment and early sobriety was marked by setbacks, but also by the discovery of purpose in service—first volunteering, then working in addiction treatment and employee assistance programs for over twenty-five years.

Links

• Listen to this episode
• Read the blog post
• Lunch Bunch & Extended Family AA Online
• Real Recovery Podcast website

“Recovery is about touching lives and being there for others. It's been a journey I wouldn't trade.”
— Don M.

Don’s story is also one of enduring love and loss. After meeting his partner Doug, they built a life together until Doug’s passing, which brought new grief and challenges. Through it all, Don leaned on his recovery community, especially the Lunch Bunch group—a cornerstone for many, including co-host Peter, whom Don introduced to the meeting and mentored through recovery.

Today, Don is celebrated for his wisdom, compassion, and willingness to support newcomers. He has become a father figure to many, embodying the spirit of acceptance, humor, and hope that defines the Real Recovery Podcast community.

Listen to Don M’s full story on RRP Episode 71 and discover more inspiring journeys at the Real Recovery Podcast. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates and join our supportive community.

Don M’s journey reminds us that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances, but about building a life of meaning, connection, and service. His resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to helping others continue to light the way for all who seek hope and healing.

---

#FoundingVoices #RealRecoveryPodcast #DonM #AddictionRecovery #ServiceInRecovery
@RealRecoveryPodcast