Recovery Stories Have Power

Recent episodes

1. Ted Perkins - Recovery Movie Meetups

   Jul 22, 2026

   In this interview, Nick and Patrick speak with Ted Perkins, founder of Recovery Movie Meetups, about how he developed the format, revisit representation of addiction & recovery in media, and adiscuss the role film can play in recovery. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

2. Representation of Addiction and Recovery in Film

   Jun 17, 2026

   In this episode, Nick and Patrick discuss the nuances of how both addiction and recovery are represented in movies and TV. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

3. Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development

   Mar 2, 2026

   Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development with Joseph Sanchez In this powerful episode of Recovery Stories Have Power , host Nick DeMott sits down with Joseph Sanchez to explore the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis and the critical role of Peer Recovery Support Services in building stronger recovery ecosystems. Joseph brings insight from the front lines of recovery work, breaking down how PRSS programs are evolving, why workforce development matters, and what it takes to build sustainable recovery infrastructure in communities hit hardest by substance use disorder. Together, they unpack: • The current state of the opioid crisis • Why peer support professionals are essential to recovery systems • Challenges and opportunities in PRSS workforce development • How lived experience strengthens policy, programming, and community response • What’s needed next to create long term, community driven change This conversation goes beyond statistics. It centers people, possibility, and the power of recovery leadership. Whether you are a peer professional, policymaker, advocate, or someone passionate about expanding recovery support, this episode offers insight, strategy, and hope. 🎧 Listen now and be part of building a recovery ready nation. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

4. From Stigma to Support: Expanding Access to Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

   Oct 30, 2025

   In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power , we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Weimer , Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Service, and John O’Neil , Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor. Together, they share powerful insights from their work in the field of addiction medicine breaking down stigma, centering compassion, and exploring evidence-based approaches to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD) . Hosted by Nick DeMott and produced by Faces & Voices of Recovery in collaboration with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) , this episode also highlights the Provider Clinical Support System for Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD), a national initiative designed to expand access to effective treatment and recovery support. Tune in to learn how clinical expertise and lived experience intersect to strengthen recovery pathways and empower communities. 🎧 Because recovery stories have power—and together, we can change the conversation around alcohol use disorder. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

5. Leadership Transitions in RCOs with USARA

   Sep 30, 2025

   On today's episode, Nick DeMott visits with Mary Jo McMillen, Becca Brown and Evan Done, who are on the leadership team at Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, or USARA. USARA is preparing to undergo a leadership transition in the near future, with Mary Jo stepping away and Becca and Evan taking her place. During this interview, they discuss preparation for the leadership transition process, and they each share powerful insights on how RCOs can best navigate similar transitions gracefully. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

6. Danny O'Connor - Championship Boxing, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose

   Mar 13, 2025

   Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. Today, I’m talking with Danny O’Connor—a former U.S. Olympic boxing team member and world title contender. But his biggest fight wasn’t in the ring. Danny battled anxiety, substance use, and personal struggles that nearly took everything from him. Now, he’s using his experience to help others through DO Boxing Academy , a program that combines boxing, fitness, and mindfulness to support young people. You can follow Danny on Instagram @therealdannyoconnor and learn more about his program at doboxingacademy.com . This is a story about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose. Please note: this episode contains explicit content. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

7. Morgan Godvin - Incarceration, Advocacy, and Public Health

   Feb 27, 2025

   In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power , Oliver Books sits down with Morgan Godvin—a writer, public health advocate, and researcher focused on drug policy and overdose prevention. Morgan shares her journey from opioid use and four years in federal prison to working on policy reform, touring with Minnesota hip-hop group Atmosphere to distribute naloxone, and traveling internationally—even with a felony record—to support community health efforts. They discuss her experience in the legal system, the challenges of rebuilding life after incarceration, and the barriers that persist long after a sentence is served. Content warning: This episode includes discussions about substance use, overdose, and incarceration. Follow Morgan on social media at @MorganGodvin and learn more about her work at beatsoverdose.com . Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

8. Joseph Green - Storyteller, Educator, Advocate - CEO LMSvoice

   Feb 13, 2025

   Kicking off Season 3! In this powerful premiere episode of Recovery Stories Have Power , host Oliver Books sits down with Joseph Green, CEO of LMSvoice—a spoken word artist, educator, and advocate for recovery. Joseph shares his deeply personal journey, from his early days in theater and poetry to his struggles with substance use disorder and ultimate path to long-term recovery. Through his art and advocacy, he illuminates the power of storytelling in healing and social change. Together, they discuss the intersection of creativity and recovery, the importance of self-reflection, and the impact of fostering hope in difficult times. Start the season with this inspiring conversation about resilience, purpose, and the transformative nature of speaking your truth. Listen now on your favorite podcast platform! Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

9. Recovery Stories Have Power - New Year's Special

   Dec 26, 2024

   Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power! This is the year-end clipshow extravaganza! Thanks so much for listening to our show all year, we really appreciate you. We have great things lined up for 2025, so stay tuned! Visit us online at https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast This is also available as a video episode, so check it out our YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/SRihzhBzYmc You can stream recovery Stories Have Power on any podcasting platform, or right here on YouTube. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

10. Episode 24 - Shannon Egan, Recovery Movement Consulting

    Dec 12, 2024

    Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power ! In this episode, host Tyler Brandon interviews Shannon Egan, who shares her inspiring journey from substance use recovery to becoming a trailblazer in the recovery movement. Sober since 2011 and a breast cancer survivor, Shannon is the founder of Recovery Movement Consulting (RMC), where she has helped secure nearly $15 million in funding to expand addiction recovery services nationwide. With a background as a journalist covering global crises like the Darfur genocide and a former UN press officer advocating for women’s health, Shannon’s unique experiences fuel her mission to empower recovery organizations and reduce stigma surrounding addiction. Balancing her impactful career with a love for her rescue pets in Utah, Shannon’s story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of recovery Be sure to check out Shanon's website https://www.recoverymovementconsult.com and give her a follow on instagram @shannonmaeegan Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

11. Episode 23 - Mark Rosman, Director for Film & TV

    Nov 27, 2024

    Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power ! In this episode, host Oliver Books speaks with Mark Rosman, a film and TV industry veteran with a career spanning three decades. From directing for Disney, Lifetime, and Hallmark to teaching at UCLA, Mark opens up about the intersection of his personal life and professional work. He shares insights into his latest project, Keep Coming Back , a deeply personal film inspired by his journey to becoming a supportive ally for a family member with Substance Use Disorder. This inspiring conversation highlights the healing power of storytelling and the importance of compassion in recovery. Learn more about Mark’s upcoming film at keepcomingbackfilm.com , and don’t miss this heartfelt episode! Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

12. Episode 22 - Tim Snyder & Mike Oxley, Talkin' Trash Podcast

    Nov 14, 2024

    Hello and welcome to another episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode our host, Tyler Brandon, interviews Tim Snyder and Mike Oxley of the "Talkin' Trash" Recovery podcast. "Talkin' Trash" is self-described as an "honest" and "raw" podcast that's pretty off-the-cuff. Tyler joined them on their show recently as well. Content warning for this episode: Some of the language our guests use to self-identify is not language that Faces & Voices of Recovery recommends using around Substance Use Disorder. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

13. Episode 21 - Dr. Jerome Adams, Former US Surgeon General

    Nov 1, 2024

    Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode I had the privilege of speaking with former US Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams. Dr. Jerome Adams is a Presidential Fellow and the Executive Director of Purdue’s Health Equity Initiatives as of October 1, 2021. He is also a Distinguished Professor of Practice in the departments of Pharmacy Practice and Public Health. As the 20th U.S. Surgeon General and a prior member of the President’s Coronavirus task force, Dr. Adams has been at the forefront of America’s most pressing health challenges. A regular communicator via tv, radio, and in print, Dr. Adams is an expert not just in the science, but also in communicating the science to the lay public, and making it relevant to various audiences. Dr. Adams is a licensed anesthesiologist with a master’s degree in public health, and ran the Indiana State Department of Health prior to becoming Surgeon General. In the State Health Commissioner role he managed a $350 million dollar budget and over 1000 employees, and led Indiana’s response to Ebola, Zika, and HIV crises. Notably, Dr. Adams helped convince the Governor and State Legislature to legalize syringe service programs in the state, and to prioritize $13 million in funding to combat infant mortality. As Surgeon General, Dr. Adams was the operational head of the 6000 person Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and oversaw responses to 3 back to back category 5 hurricanes, and to a once in a century pandemic. In addition to his recent COVID19 work, Dr. Adams has partnered with and assisted organizations as they navigate the opioid epidemic, maternal health, rising rates of chronic disease, the impacts of rising suicide rates in our Nation, and how businesses can become better stewards and stakeholders in promoting community health. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

14. Bonus Episode - National Rally for Recovery and Mobilize Recovery Bus Tour Clip-Show

    Oct 21, 2024

    Hello and Welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today’s bonus episode we’ve got our host Tyler Brandon on the ground at last September’s event the National Rally for Recovery which took place in Chicago. Tyler interviewed some of the volunteers and attendees about the event. After that we’ll jump into some clips from my trip down to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where I talked with folks at the Mobilize Recovery bus tour stop. Thanks for listening! Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

15. Recovery Month Podcast Special #4 - Libby Jones, Program Director Overdose Prevention Initiative

    Sep 26, 2024

    Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations cover several parts of the recovery advocacy and activism space, and all have one very important through-line. You can help. This work is not out of reach. This affects all of us and we need your help. On today’s episode I chat with Libby Jones, program director of the Global Health Advocacy Initiative’s Overdose Prevention Initiative. Libby leads their advocacy efforts with the goal of reducing the overdose death rate in the US. We talk about what advocacy means on a federal level, some of the Overdose Prevention Initiative’s goals, and real steps people can take to get involved at every level. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

16. Recovery Month Podcast Special #3 - Garrett Hade, co-founder of Mobilize Recovery

    Sep 19, 2024

    Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations cover several parts of the recovery advocacy and activism space, and all have one very important through-line. You can help. This work is not out of reach. This affects all of us and we need your help. During this episode I had the opportunity to chat with Mobilize Recovery co-founder, Garrett Hade. Mobilize is a giant in the advocacy space, and we chatted about the history of the organization, and how he, and his other co-founder, “cold-called” themselves into the advocacy space, all the way to hosting some of the largest entertainment and advocacy events in the recovery field. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

17. Recovery Month Special #2 - Dr. Felecia Pullen on Community Based Care

    Sep 12, 2024

    Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations cover several parts of the recovery advocacy and activism space, and all have one very important through-line. You can help. This work is not out of reach. This affects all of us and we need your help. In this episode I sit with Safe in Harlem and Pillars founder and CEO Dr. Felecia Pullen. Dr. Pullen is a recovery scientist, activist, advocate, and change maker. We chat about how her lineage has informed her perspective on change and what believing in a person-first approach to healing mean in the Substance Use Disorder field. We get deep. Stay tuned! Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

18. Recovery Month Podcast Special #1 - Keegan Wicks on Recovery Advocacy

    Sep 6, 2024

    Throughout the month of September we’ll be releasing video podcast episodes every week to celebrate Recovery Month with you. We have several terrific guests from all around the recovery field who will share their journey into advocacy with us while sharing info from behind the scenes of some major change making organizations. These conversations cover several parts of the recovery advocacy and activism space, and all have one very important through-line. You can help. This work is not out of reach. This affects all of us and we need your help. On the first episode of the series, I sit down with our advocacy and outreach manager here at F&V, Keegan Wicks. We chat about his work in national advocacy, what got him here, and what drives him to make change in this space. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

19. Episode 15 - Lionel Oglesby - Equity Officer, Legal Action Center

    Aug 29, 2024

    Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today's episode I had the chance to interview Lionel Oglesby, Equity Officer for the Legal Action Center. Lionel has been in the advocacy field for quite some time, and we dive into how his work has evolved throughout his time at the Legal Action Center. We get into how equity practices can influence better recovery outcomes, no matter where you are, and how intersectionality can bridge sociocultural divides. We had a great talk! Enjoy. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .

20. Episode 14 - Tara Moreno-Wallen, Serenity House Founder

    Aug 15, 2024

    Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. On today’s episode, our host, Psalm Bigham interviews Tara Moreno-Wallen, executive director of Serenity House in Flint, Michigan. If you’ve attended one of our Recovery Leadership Summits you might recognize Tara from a leadership breakout, or from the opening session meditations. Tara and Psalm dive into the story of serenity house, creating safe space and resources for women in recovery spaces, and a boundaries approach to communication. For more information, and to donate to Serenity House, visit flintserenityhouse.org Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast .