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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
    ​
    ​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.
    Picture

    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
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    RRP Episode 80 – Lance Orton: A Journey of Faith, Recovery, and Service at City Team

    From the streets to service, Lance’s story shows how faith and giving back can transform lives.

    ​In episode 80 of the Real Recovery Podcast, we welcome Lance Orton, whose powerful testimony is a beacon of resilience and redemption. Once caught in addiction and homelessness, Lance found healing through faith, mentorship, and recovery. Today, as part of City Team, he dedicates his life to helping others find hope and a path forward.
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    From Struggles to a Turning Point
    Lance’s story begins with years of addiction and time on the streets. He reflects on the pain and hopelessness that defined his early years, but also on the pivotal moments when he realized that change was possible. For Lance, faith became a foundation for healing and direction.
    The Power of Mentorship and Community
    A critical part of Lance’s journey was the guidance of mentors who supported him during his most vulnerable moments. Their encouragement helped him believe in himself when he struggled to see a way out. This support system was vital in keeping him grounded and committed to recovery.
    Links to Websites Discussed:
    “Faith gave me the strength to change, but serving others gave me the purpose to keep going.”
    ​– Lance Orton
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    City Team: Meeting Needs, Offering Hope
    Lance shares how City Team not only provided him with practical help like food and shelter, but also the spiritual and emotional support he needed to rebuild his life. Today, City Team continues to serve countless individuals who are walking the same difficult path Lance once traveled. Their programs provide holistic support, focusing on recovery, stability, and long-term transformation.
    Living a Life of Service
    Now in a leadership role, Lance is giving back to the very community that once carried him through his darkest days. By serving others, he has found lasting purpose. His reflections remind us that recovery is not only about personal change, but about becoming a source of strength for others.
    ​Lance’s story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and community. From the streets to service, his journey with City Team illustrates that no one is beyond hope, and that serving others can bring meaning and healing. His message resonates with all who are seeking a way forward: transformation is possible.
    ​Listen to Lance’s incredible story by visiting this link. To explore more inspiring recovery journeys, check out our blog post.
    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.
    Picture

    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 #AddictionRecovery #CityTeam #FaithAndRecovery #RecoveryJourney #HopeAndHealing #CommunitySupport #SobrietyStories @CityTeam
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    RRP Episode 79 – Amber & Bo Part Two: Building a Foundation Through Struggle and Hope

    How love, faith, and resilience transformed chaos into recovery and healing

    ​In this second part of her story, Amber is joined by her husband, Bo, to continue the journey that began in episode 78. Together, they open up about finding each other in the depths of addiction, the separation of prison time, and the resilience it took to build something real. Their conversation is raw, honest, and filled with the kind of hope that only comes from walking through the fire.
    ​Meeting in Chaos
    Amber and Bo first crossed paths during Amber’s last relapse, in the middle of a life defined by chaos, drugs, and survival. Despite the darkness around them, they both felt an immediate sense of safety when they were together. What began as a connection in addiction soon revealed the foundation of something much stronger.
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    Building Through Separation
    When Bo was incarcerated, the relationship faced its greatest test. Instead of falling apart, Amber and Bo used that time to communicate through letters and visits, laying the groundwork for a healthier partnership. Amber shares how she reached her breaking point in jail, dropped to her knees, and asked God to guide her, marking a turning point in her recovery.
    The Power of Structure and Support
    Both Amber and Bo highlight the role that structure and community played in their healing. Oxford House became a place of accountability and consistency, providing the framework they needed to sustain recovery. They also speak about the importance of individual growth before being able to build something lasting together.
    ​A Family and a Mission
    Now parents and leaders in the recovery community, Amber and Bo are committed to breaking generational cycles of addiction. Bo reflects on his role as Executive Director of Oregon Recovers, emphasizing the need for advocacy, community power, and hope. Their story shows how resilience, faith, and honesty can change not just individual lives, but the lives of entire families and communities.
    Links to Websites Discussed
    “We had to grow individually before we could build something real together.”
    ​ — Amber
    ​Amber and Bo’s journey reminds us that recovery is not just about abstaining from substances but about building a new way of life. Their story of love, struggle, and resilience offers hope to anyone who has felt lost in chaos, proving that healing and transformation are possible when we walk the path together.
    ​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.
    Picture

    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
    Listen to Bo’s Story here: https://mdcr1.com/29
    Listen to Amber & Bo’s story here: https://mdcr1.com/79
    Read the full blog post here: https://mdcr1.com/79b
    #RealRecoveryPodcast #RecoveryJourney #AddictionRecovery #FamilyHealing #Resilience #OregonRecovers @4DRecovery