RRP Episode 66 – Dontae Mathis: From Trauma to Triumph—A Father's Fight for Recovery

A powerful journey of surrender, resilience, and reclaiming life through fatherhood​

Listen to Part 1

Listen to Part 2

​In Episode 66 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter sit down with Dontae Mathis—a father, a survivor, and a voice of strength within the recovery community. Dontae’s story is one of trauma, transformation, and the courageous choice to step into the light after years of addiction, incarceration, and personal loss.

​“I got shot when I was sixteen, and that kind of changed the trajectory of my life.” —Dontae Mathis 

From Trauma to Addiction
At just sixteen years old, Dontae was shot in a life-altering incident. This violent trauma marked the beginning of a painful path—one that led to self-medication, criminal justice involvement, and over a decade in and out of prison. His experiences speak to the deep impact of unresolved trauma and the survival mechanisms many turn to in the absence of healing.

Share with your Friends & Family

Share with your Friends & Family

​A Moment of Surrender
One of the most heartfelt moments in the episode comes when Dontae describes standing in front of a mirror and finally acknowledging the truth.

​“I looked in the mirror and I was like, man, I don’t want to die like this.” 

​That moment of clarity marked the beginning of his recovery. It wasn’t just about getting clean—it was about becoming the man his children deserved, and finally giving himself permission to live with purpose.

The Power of Fatherhood
Fatherhood became the foundation of Dontae’s transformation. His desire to be present for his children gave him the motivation to change—and it’s now one of the greatest sources of strength in his continued recovery.

“I wanted to be there for my kids. That was a big part of why I got clean."

Using His Voice to Help Others
Today, Dontae uses his lived experience to serve others. Whether it’s through speaking, mentoring, or simply showing up for someone in early recovery, he knows the power of presence and truth.

Links to Websites Discussed

• 4D Recovery – Peer Services & Support
• Harmony Academy
• 4D Youth Center – 1206 SE 11th Ave, Portland, OR
• Oregon Recovers – Advocacy for Recovery
• MHAAO – Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon
• Real Recovery Podcast

“I share my story not for me anymore… but for the guy sitting in the back who thinks he’s alone.”

His words are a reminder that healing is not only possible—it’s contagious.

​Dontae Mathis’s story is more than a testimony—it’s a roadmap for resilience. From trauma and addiction to surrender and service, he embodies what real recovery looks like when it’s rooted in honesty, community, and love. This episode will resonate with anyone who’s felt broken and dared to believe in something better.

Listen to Dontae’s powerful story: https://mdcr1.com/66.1 & https://mdcr1.com/66.2  
Read more reflections on this episode: https://mdcr1.com/66b

---

#RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #FromTraumaToTriumph #FathersInRecovery #RecoveryJourney #ResilienceAndHope #PeerSupport #RedemptionStory @4DRecovery @OregonRecovers @mhaoforegon

Show Notes

RRP Episode 66 – Dontae Mathis: From Trauma to Triumph—A Father's Fight for Recovery
Presenters: Julie and Peter 
Length: 2 hours, 26 minutes, 38 seconds

Summary
In this deeply personal episode, Dontae Mathis joins Julie and Peter to share a powerful story of transformation. After surviving a traumatic shooting at sixteen, Dontae’s life spiraled into addiction and incarceration. But fatherhood became a turning point, pushing him to seek change not only for himself but for his children. Through honesty, service, and community, Dontae has found healing—and now helps others find it too. This is a story of strength born through struggle, and the enduring hope recovery can bring.

Key Points with Time Stamps

• [00:08:05] Dontae recounts being shot at sixteen and how that trauma changed everything.
• [00:23:40] Reflecting on 12 years in and out of prison and active addiction.
• [00:29:15] A moment of surrender in the mirror—“I don’t want to die like this.”
• [00:38:02] The deep influence of fatherhood on his decision to recover.
• [01:44:10] How sharing his story gives others the courage to speak up.
• [01:51:33] On being of service and using his experience to help others heal.

Quote
“I share my story not for me anymore… but for the guy sitting in the back who thinks he’s alone.” —Dontae Mathis

Links to Websites Discussed

• 4D Recovery – Peer Services & Support
• Oregon Recovers – Advocacy for Recovery
• MHAAO – Mental Health & Addiction Association of Oregon
• Listening Link: https://mdcr1.com/66
• Blog Link: https://mdcr1.com/66b
• Real Recovery Podcast: https://www.realrecoverypodcast.com

Hashtags and Mentions
#RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #FromTraumaToTriumph #RecoveryJourney #FathersInRecovery #PeerSupport #ResilienceAndHope #RedemptionStory @4DRecovery @OregonRecovers @mhaoforegon