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    RRP Episode 86 – Jonah’s Journey Continues

    From Hopelessness to Healing — Jonah’s Inspiring Path of Growth, Faith, and Recovery

    ​In RRP Episode 86 – Jonah’s Journey Continues, Peter reconnects with a familiar and beloved guest — Jonah W, whose story first touched listeners in RRP Episode 16: Jonah W’s Journey of Resilience, Courage, and the Transformative Power of Recovery. Joined this time by guest host and Real Recovery Podcast board member Colette, the conversation picks up more than a year later to see just how far Jonah’s recovery journey has carried him.
    From once struggling to hold a shelter bed to now living independently, maintaining a full-time job, nurturing a loving relationship, and even raising his first pet — a kitten named Gizmo — Jonah’s life has become a testament to transformation through consistency, community, and courage.
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    A Life Transformed
    When Jonah first shared his story, he was ten months sober and beginning to find his footing. Today, he has surpassed two years in recovery — and what was once survival has become a full, purposeful life. Jonah reflected on the early fear that he might “never get better,” only to discover that showing up, doing the work, and trusting the process could build a life worth living.
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    RRP Episode 85 – Jonah Revisited: A Journey of Resilience, Courage, and Renewal

    Revisiting RRP Episode 16 – Jonah W’s Journey of Resilience, Courage, and the Transformative Power of Recovery as We Prepare to Catch Up with Jonah Almost a Year and a Half Later

    ​In RRP Episode 85 – Jonah Revisited, Julie and Peter return to one of the most memorable and heartfelt stories ever shared on the Real Recovery Podcast. Originally aired in June 2024 as RRP Episode 16 – Jonah W’s Journey of Resilience, Courage, and the Transformative Power of Recovery, this episode captured the raw honesty of a man navigating the early stages of transformation. Jonah’s courage to face his pain and rebuild his life in recovery moved listeners across our community and continues to inspire new audiences today.
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    As we revisit Jonah’s story, we prepare to reconnect with him in next week’s all-new episode to hear how his journey has unfolded a year and a half later. His reflections on life, purpose, and recovery remind us that healing is not a destination—it’s an ongoing act of courage and faith.
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    RRP Episode 84 – A Legacy of Hope: Pete Kerns and Serenity Lane

    ​How compassion, science, and spirituality come together to transform recovery.

    In this powerful episode of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter sit down with Pete Kerns, President and CEO of Serenity Lane—Oregon’s respected nonprofit treatment center founded by his father, Dr. Tom Kerns, in 1973.
    From his three decades in law enforcement, including nine years as Eugene’s Police Chief, to his leadership at Serenity Lane, Pete’s journey reflects a lifelong dedication to service and healing. Together, the hosts and Pete explore the science of recovery, the importance of family and community, and the hope that drives every step of the recovery journey.
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    A Father’s Vision and a Family Legacy
    Pete shares the deeply personal story behind Serenity Lane’s beginnings. His father, Dr. Tom Kerns, lost his own father to alcoholism when he was just fifteen. That experience inspired him to dedicate his medical career to helping others recover from addiction. Working alongside counselor Sam Graves, Dr. Kerns opened Serenity Lane in May 1973 in a converted fraternity house near the University of Oregon.
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    RRP Episode 83 – From Chaos to Clarity: Joe’s Path to Redemption

    ​A powerful story of surrender, honesty, and finding peace after relapse.

    In Episode 83 of the Real Recovery Podcast, Julie and Peter sit down with Joe, whose story embodies the painful truth and powerful hope of recovery. Joe opens up about his long struggle with addiction, the chaos it brought into his life, and the humbling path toward clarity and redemption. His journey takes listeners deep into the heart of relapse, self-doubt, and ultimately the courage to start again.
    From Addiction to Awakening
    Joe’s story begins in familiar territory — experimenting with substances at a young age and watching those choices grow into something far more destructive. He recalls how quickly addiction consumed his life, destroying relationships and leaving him emotionally and spiritually broken. At his lowest point, Joe admits he had lost everything that mattered — but that loss became the beginning of something new.
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    ​The Turning Point
    After repeated relapses and the crushing guilt that followed, Joe finally faced a truth he had avoided for years: recovery begins with honesty. He describes the deep shame that often silenced him and the relief that came when he finally asked for help. This willingness to be open, to admit powerlessness, became the first step toward lasting change.
    ​Faith and Community in Recovery
    Joe speaks candidly about finding faith as the anchor that guided him out of darkness. Through prayer, connection, and accountability, he discovered a sense of peace and purpose that addiction had stolen. Community became essential to his healing — giving back, listening to others, and staying honest with himself. For Joe, recovery became less about avoiding the past and more about living truthfully in the present.
    Words of Hope
    “Every time I thought I’d lost everything, recovery showed me I still had a chance to find myself again.” — Joe
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    ​His message to others is simple but profound: relapse doesn’t mean failure. Each new beginning is another chance to grow, to learn, and to become the person you were always meant to be.
    ​Joe’s journey from chaos to clarity shows that no one is beyond redemption. His story is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the unbreakable strength of the human spirit. For anyone struggling or starting over, his words offer hope — that no matter how many times you fall, recovery is always waiting when you’re ready to rise.
    ​Listen to RRP Episode 83 – From Chaos to Clarity: Joe’s Path to Redemption now at https://mdcr1.com/83, and explore more inspiring stories of hope and healing on our blog.
    #RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #HopeAndHealing #FaithInRecovery #ResilienceAndHope #SoberLiving #CommunitySupport @4DRecovery
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    RRP Episode 82 – Oregon Recovers: Walk for Recovery

    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:
    • Eric Allen (EA): Serving as the event’s MC, Eric brought energy, humor, and heartfelt shout-outs, reminding everyone of the power of community in recovery.
    • Izzy Alvarado: From GTD – Go the Distance, Izzy encouraged unity and breaking the stigma, highlighting the importance of showing up for one another.
    • Colette: Representing the Real Recovery Podcast board, Colette shared her story and offered encouragement to those gathered.
    • Sarah from GTD: As volunteer coordinator, Sarah underscored the urgent need for volunteers and invited listeners to connect with GTD to support its mission.
    • Austin Keever: Now an addictions counselor with Fora Health, Austin shared his inspiring path from incarceration to recovery, education, and service.
    • Isaac and Georgie: A powerful mother-son duo reflecting on the impact of addiction within their family and the strength found in recovery events.
    • Rudy: From Volunteers of America’s men’s inpatient program, Rudy described the importance of structure, housing, and support in sustaining recovery.
    • Terry from The Peer Company: Formerly known as MHAAO, Terry spoke about the value of “experts by experience” and reminded everyone that recovery happens, hope happens.
    ​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.
    “Recovery happens, hope happens, and we get to show people that there is hope.”
    ​– Terry, The Peer Company 
    ​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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    RRP Episode 81 – “Live” at GTD 5K Run & Walk for Recovery

    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.
    “Recovery isn’t about running the fastest—it’s about showing up, moving forward, and finishing together.”
    ​—Izzy Alvarado
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    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.
    Links to Websites Discussed
    ​This episode of the Real Recovery Podcast is a celebration of resilience and togetherness. By combining physical activity with recovery, the GTD Go the Distance 5K demonstrates the power of community to inspire healing. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply cheering from the sidelines, this story will encourage you to keep going the distance.
    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.
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    Click to join Walk for Recovery

    Portland Walk for Recovery 2025
    ​Visit our booth!
    Saturday, September 27th 2025 • 10:00am - 2:00pm
    ​    Pioneer Courthouse Square - Portland, OR
    #RealRecoveryPodcast #GoTheDistance #RecoveryJourney #5KforRecovery #CommunityHealing #FitnessAndRecovery @GTDGoTheDistance