Join Dr. Mei-Li Hennen in Episode 57 as she interviews Rachel Vasquez, a certified Substance Use Disorder Counselor working as a Clinical Manager at an outpatient facility with an awe-inspiring journey of resilience and personal transformation.

From a destructive path that began at the age of 12 to encounters with the criminal justice system by 22, Rachel's story takes a turn towards redemption when she decides to return to school at 37, ultimately graduating with a college degree. Having battled addiction for over two decades and now in recovery since 2014, Rachel shares her incredible journey and unwavering commitment to helping others overcome addiction, trauma, and grief.

In this episode, Rachel delves into her focus on potential, willingness, vulnerability, and surrender as crucial elements in her path to recovery and personal growth.

Tune in to explore Rachel's resilience and her passionate drive to make a positive impact, along with insightful thoughts on navigating the Holidays.

Don't miss this empowering episode that showcases the strength of the human spirit and the possibilities of a purposeful life.

I'm your host, Dr. Mei-Li Hennen, and today, we have the privilege of speaking with Charlotte Dougherty—a resilient soul, lifelong rider, and unwavering advocate for empowering overlooked populations through the incredible world of second chance horses.

Charlotte's journey is a testament to her strength, overcoming trauma, sexual abuse, two kidnapping incidents, multiple relapses, incarceration, addiction, and adversity. What sets her story apart is the profound connection she shares with a power greater than herself. In the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Charlotte discovered a guiding force that opened unexpected doors, enabling her to achieve goals against all odds.

Growing up in a family that always had horses, Charlotte's riding journey began at the age of five. By the age of 12, she harbored a dream of establishing her own horse program, a dream that became a reality. Her love for horses has taken her through diverse disciplines, including Western Pleasure, Gymkhana, and High School Rodeo, showcasing her versatility as a rider and lifelong learner.

With 30 years of riding experience and a wealth of teaching expertise, Charlotte holds certifications as a Certified Equine Health Care Instructor through SpiritHorse International, a PATH Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, and an EAGALA certification. This intensive training ensures the safety and effectiveness of the riding experiences she provides to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Charlotte's lifelong dedication to teaching and learning is evident in her multifaceted approach to riding. As the founder of the SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center in the San Francisco Bay Area, Charlotte is on a mission to create meaningful, healing connections between individuals and horses.

Charlotte emphasizes the significance of maintaining connections within a supportive community, especially as we approach the upcoming Holiday Season.

Join us in this episode as Charlotte shares her inspiring journey, guided by a power greater than herself, and discover how her passion for horses and teaching has become a catalyst for positive change. For more information about Charlotte and the impactful work at SpiritHorse, visit http://spirithorsebayarea.org, you can also reach Charlotte at 707-720-6360.

Don't miss this enriching conversation with Charlotte Dougherty, a lifelong rider, educator, and advocate for second chances!

Tune in to our inspiring podcast episode featuring Ken Guidroz, a former pastor and retirement plan expert with over two decades of experience. Discover how his life took a dramatic turn as a parent, facing unimaginable heartbreak when all his children battled substance abuse simultaneously. In the face of tragedy, when one son's actions led to incarceration, Ken found a unique channel for healing—writing heartfelt letters to his son. These letters between father and son not only transformed their relationship, but also became the cornerstone of his moving book, “Letters to My Son in Prison: How a Father and Son Found Forgiveness for an Unforgivable Crime.”

Join us as Ken shares his profound journey towards reconnection, forgiveness, and rediscovery of faith beyond the boundaries of religion. Learn how he and his wife navigated the storm, preserving their marriage amidst the trials. This episode is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the healing potential of genuine connection and making a goal to not be an asshole.

Key Podcast Highlights:

• Overcoming addiction's impact on three beloved sons
• Coping with a son's challenging journey through prison
• Discovering hope and growth after tragedy strikes through letters between a father and son
• Nurturing faith, forgiveness, and recovery
• Ability to parent and maintain a marriage through tragedy – and avoid being an asshole
• How letters inspired a book to help others
• How out of nothing, came something

More about Ken:

https://kenguidroz.com