RRP Episode 90 – Holiday Message: Rest, Reflection, and Recovery During the Holidays

Taking time to recharge while remembering what keeps us connected.

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In this special Real Recovery Podcast holiday message, Peter and Julie come together to share a heartfelt update with listeners. As the team takes a short break during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, they reflect on the importance of self-care, connection, and community during the holidays.

​The episode reminds us that while the podcast will be dark for a few weeks, the spirit of recovery continues — and help is always available. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or navigating difficult emotions, Real Recovery Podcast invites you to stay connected and revisit some of the most powerful stories shared this year.

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​You’re Not Alone This Holiday Season
Peter and Julie open the conversation with a simple message: you are not alone. They discuss how holidays can bring joy but also stress and isolation — especially for people in recovery. Together, they share resources for finding connection, both locally and online.

​Julie highlights that many recovery clubs, including the Alano Club of Portland, host 24-hour meetings throughout the holidays. Peter adds that other organizations, such as Another Chance Recovery, Fora Health Treatment & Recovery, and 4D Recovery, keep their doors open to provide support for anyone in need.

​For those unable to attend in person, online meeting apps make it easy to join recovery communities anywhere in the world — even in Australia, as Julie jokingly points out.

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​Top 5 Most-Streamed Real Recovery Episodes
If you’re looking for inspiration while the show is on break, here are the five most-streamed Real Recovery Podcast episodes to revisit this holiday season:

1. RRP Show 004: Embracing the Journey – Colette’s Powerful Story of Overcoming Addiction and Rediscovering Hope
   A moving story of courage and renewal as Colette shares her transformation through recovery.
2. RRP Show 003: Julie’s Journey – From Darkness to 30 Years of Light on the Real Recovery Podcast
   Julie opens up about her decades-long path to sobriety and the lessons learned along the way.
3. RRP Episode 005: From Shadows to Summit – Izzy’s Journey of Recovery and the Founding of “Go the Distance”
   Izzy Alvarado’s story of turning pain into purpose through Go the Distance is both raw and uplifting.
4. RRP Show 007: Triumph Over Trials – Ben’s Path from Addiction to the Courtroom
   Ben’s journey from addiction to becoming an advocate and attorney demonstrates resilience and redemption.
5. RRP Episode 006: Roger’s Story – Finding Strength and Stability in Recovery
   Roger’s episode offers a grounded look at the daily work of maintaining sobriety and the power of persistence.

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Peter and Julie’s Personal Favorites
After sharing the top five listener picks, Peter and Julie each reflect on their own favorite episodes.

Peter highlights guests like Skyler Ray, Jonah W., and Elton Frice, calling them some of the most powerful voices of the year. Julie agrees, noting how Elton’s honesty and grace in her episode left a lasting impact. Together, they celebrate the diversity of stories that make up the Real Recovery community — each unique, but all connected by hope.

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A Message of Gratitude and Support
Peter and Julie take time to thank listeners for their continued support. As Peter shares, every donation, download, and encouraging message helps keep the podcast alive.

Julie adds that the show remains a “labor of love and service” — powered by passion, not profit — and that every contribution directly supports production, guest outreach, and community engagement.

​Listeners are encouraged to make a tax-deductible donation or sponsor an episode at RealRecoveryPodcast.com to help keep the stories going strong into the new year.

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​Finding Connection and Hope
For anyone struggling during the holidays, Peter and Julie remind listeners to visit the Resources Page for links to 24-hour meetings and support organizations, including:

• Alano Club of Portland
• Lunch Bunch / Extended Family
• Another Chance Recovery
• 4D Recovery
• Fora Health Treatment & Recovery

These spaces remain open and ready to welcome anyone who needs support, connection, or simply a place to be among friends in recovery.

​The Real Recovery Podcast Holiday Message reminds us that recovery doesn’t pause for the holidays — it grows stronger through gratitude, community, and connection.
From Peter, Julie, and the entire Real Recovery team:

“Take care of yourselves, reach out to others, and remember — you’re not alone.”

We’ll see you in the new year with more stories of hope, healing, and transformation.

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