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    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.

    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.
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    RRP 70-Founding Voices EP 04-Ben's Journey

    Episode seventy of the Real Recovery Podcast features Ben M., whose deeply honest and impactful story has made his original episode one of our most listened-to to date. As the fourth voice in our Founding Voices series, Ben M. shares his journey from a turbulent adolescence in Texas to long-term recovery and leadership in Portland. His vulnerability, humor, and commitment to service continue to inspire listeners and newcomers alike.
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    RRP 69 – Founding Voices EP 03- Izzy’s Journey

    How one man’s resilience and service sparked a movement in recovery.

    Episode sixty-nine of the Real Recovery Podcast marks the third installment in our Founding Voices series, spotlighting Izzy—a friend, mentor, and inspiration whose journey from addiction and homelessness to leadership and service has touched countless lives. First sharing his story in episode five, Izzy’s path is a testament to the power of second chances, the strength of community, and the impact of giving back. As the founder and executive director of Go the Distance (GTD), Izzy’s vision and passion not only inspired the creation of this podcast, but continue to uplift and connect the recovery community across Portland and beyond.
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    RRP 68- Founding Voices: EP 02-Roger’s Story

    From the edge of survival to a life of service—Roger’s story of hope, resilience, and giving back.

    As we continue our six-part Founding Voices series, episode sixty-eight of the Real Recovery Podcast revisits the powerful journey of Roger—one of the original voices who helped shape our community. First shared in episode four, Roger’s story is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability and the enduring impact of service. Today, Roger is not only a dedicated volunteer and mentor in the recovery community, but also a cherished friend to both of your hosts. His unwavering commitment to reaching out to newcomers and supporting others on their path to sobriety exemplifies the spirit of recovery that defines our podcast
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    RRP 67-Real Recovery Podcast Founding Voices EP 01-Colettes Story

    Revisiting the voices that shaped the heart of the Real Recovery Podcast.

    As we continue growing and connecting with new listeners, we’re taking a moment to revisit the foundation of our journey—the voices that helped launch the Real Recovery Podcast. In this special six-part Founding Voices series, we’re re-releasing the original episodes that laid the groundwork for everything this podcast has become. These early conversations captured something raw, real, and deeply resonant—and their impact still echoes today.
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    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​

    recovery podcast trauma story, shot at sixteen addiction recovery, incarceration to sobriety journey, fatherhood in recovery podcast, peer-led recovery inspiration
    ​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