This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome some of the cast from "Visions" a play about addiction and recovery. “Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs. Joining us on the show will be Andrew, Nate and Bob for the full hour. Be sure to catch the full interview LIVE on Talk Recovery 's Facebook page at 12-1pm PST. Show will be played on CO-OP Radio 100.5fm the next week.

“Visions” is a powerful play on substance abuse and recovery. The play depicts bottoms from the use and abuse of substances, the “awakening” or realization of the problem and coming into treatment and Twelve Step programs.

“Visions” has reached tens of thousands of people. The “Visions” troupe performs where few actors would ever dare, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, shelters, youth houses and correction centers. The cast and crew set up amidst the cafeterias, beds and conference rooms of treatment centers using the powerful medium of theater to educate about drug/alcohol addiction and show that recovery is possible. In the wake of the play the cast and crew of “Visions” are witnessing men and women, many who are caught in the wake of addiction, weeping after the performances, for they are given a renewed sense of hope. These special performances are usually “closed” to protect the anonymity of the clients. When the opportunity arises and we are able to acquire a large area with a stage for a performance, the clients are bused in from various rehabilitation centers and shelters and treated to a free night of theater, coffee and cake. It is not unusual to bring in four to five hundred people to witness a “Visions” show. If we can’t come to them, we bring them to us.

The play has also been presented to churches, schools and those at risk. It has been shown to educators and open to communities. There is rarely a fee to see the play, except to raise money for charitable organizations, and any donations received are used to bring the play to those who have nothing. to continue our work in the prevention field a not for profit organization, Visions Recovery Inc was formed in 1993 dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery education.

Visions Social Media

Website | Facebook

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two guests, first on the show is Kevin Kraussler, a person in recovery who is a registered clinical counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic, he is going to share how he helps people who struggle with addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. Second on the show Franky shares his personal story of being a gay man in recovery who is settling in Canada from Mexico. Franky will talk about his journey in recovery and what he does to enjoy his life in recovery. Join us for the full hour from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio Facebook page.

Guest one

Born and raised in Vancouver’s lower mainland, Kevin Kraussler is a compassionate and experienced Registered Clinical Counsellor at Skylark Counselling Clinic. He completed his Master of Counselling Psychology degree from Adler University and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of British Columbia.

Kevin's approach to therapy is client-centered and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual. He has a wide range of experience helping clients with a variety of issues, including addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, depression and anxiety. As a person in recovery, Kevin brings a unique perspective to his work and incorporates his personal experience with addiction to complement his professional training.

If you're looking for a therapist who is both empathetic and knowledgeable, Kevin can provide you with the guidance and support you need to overcome life's challenges.

Our team has been handpicked as the best trauma therapists throughout the Lower Mainland. We work together to ensure you receive the latest in psychological research, counselling techniques, and transparent care. We define trauma as any life circumstances that have negatively changed the way you see the world. We are the people you can talk to about anything.

Skylark Social Media

Website | Facebook |Instagram

Guest 2

Franklin is a person in long term recovery who moved to Canada from Mexico. He is part of the LGBT community in Vancouver and is very entusiastic in the recovery community helping with many events as a volunteer. Hear Franky's story live this week on Talk Recovery.

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode - Thursday March 30th @12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome Andy C a person in long term recovery and author of multiple books joins us to talk about Meditation and Addiction Recovery. Catch the whole show on our Facebook page LIVE from 12-1pm PST.

About Andy

My name is Andy C., and I am an alcoholic. I have been sober since November 3rd, 1977. I am sponsored, have sponsees, am involved in service work and use the Steps. In keeping with our traditions and principles of anonymity, I have not published my last name. But I am eager to engage with you. Send me a note by clicking on the ‘message’ button below. I will get back to you as soon as I can. You know you are in AA when you don’t know the last names of all your best friends. There can be too much anonymity. The apocryphal story of the guy showing up at the hospital admission desk asking for “Big Mike from the Monday night meeting” is a story that shows the problem with too much anonymity. We are not a secret society; we are an anonymous society. So, feel free to contact me. I will reply.

Andy's Books

“Gems: Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

Where did these GEMS come from? When I am listening to fellow alcoholics share at Meetings, I take notes. Not transcriptions, just notes of things that catch my attention. By jotting a reminder, I can later recall the thought. One night, my sponsor asked me, “what do you do with your notes?” “I keep them and reread them, often the next morning during my morning quiet time,” I replied. “They bring to mind the wisdom and humor that I heard. I meditate on the comments and see the insights that I missed. I feel grateful all over again… then I throw them away.” “You should write your thoughts down and share them,” he said, “you might have some fun and it might do some good.” So I started writing my meditations. In the beginning, I only shared them with my sponsees, who passed the notes to their sponsees, and then others in the Program. A couple of the recipients, involved in treatment centers with newsletters, reposted them in their newsletters and websites. They seemed to attract attention, so I started a website the4thdimension.ca and posted them online. One day I thought, “maybe a book is a good idea.” 

“More Gems: A Second Volume of Meditations on Addiction and Recovery”

My wife and I were walking together. I glanced at my watch as we walked along the boardwalk and took note of the time. Two steps later, she asked, “what time is it?” I could not remember; I had just looked at my watch, noted the time, but I could not recall it when asked. I had to look again. Memory is strange. I look at my watch and immediately forget the time. I hear shares at AA meetings and admire the insights, but they slip from my mind. Likewise, wisdom seen in AA conversations evaporates within minutes. These books, GEMS and More GEMS, catch and retain AA shares at meetings and thoughts that come up in conversations. We can recall the wit and wisdom and feel the love of AA meetings and conversations. Each of these GEMS is an AA share or thought among people recovering or recovered from a seemingly hopeless condition of mind and body. They are worth remembering. 

“Still More Gems: 12 Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts”

Discover the power of recovery and spiritual growth through Still More GEMS: 12-Step Meeting Shares, Notes and Thoughts. Written by alcoholic old-timer Andy C., this helpful guide provides readers with a collection of meditations on recovery in the 12-Step Recovery Community. Deepen Recovery with Still More GEMS, 12-Step Shares, Notes and Thoughts This powerful collection of reflections and insights offers a unique look at the spiritual growth that happens in 12-step programs together with ways to support and foster it. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone in recovery.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome John Clerides, a business owner downtown Vancouver who advocates that the city needs to be safer for members of the community as well as business owners. John has been a business owner for decades in the downtown core and says it has never been as bad as it has been recently when it comes to safety. You can catch the whole interview on Facebook live from 12-1pm PST on Talk Recovery Radio's Facebook page.

John was the first president of the Davie Village BIA, when it ran from Burrard to Jervis Street only. The budget was $40,000 a year so we had to save in order to spend money on capital improvements. Now it is called the West End BIA with a full time ED and a larger budget.

John is an advocate for safety in Vancouver "we all have right to walk down any street in Vancouver, like we use to, without the fear of getting attacked & helping those who need help"

John’s daughter started a Facebook group called “Vancouver Break-Ins & Crime Collective” the group purpose is the following.

“This page aims to support small businesses and citizens alike who have experienced and/or witnessed break-ins and criminal activity in the city of Vancouver.”

John's Social media

Facebook | Twitter 

Below are some articles that John has been interviewed for as a business owner in Vancouver

‘Worst I have ever seen it’: Vancouver business owner says city not taking crime seriously.

Windows smashed, storefronts vandalized in Vancouver's West End overnight

Vancouver vandalism the 'worst ever seen' by West End shop owner

Mayor claims Vancouver is one of the world’s safest cities, but is he right?

Talk Recovery Radio Next Episode – Thursday Feb 2nd, 2023 @ 12pm PST

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome two tattoo artists in recovery from addiction, Dre Gail and Riley Maten. They will both share their stories of recovery and talk about how they got into tattooing and how it has effected their recovery journey. Babydoll tattoos has been around since 2017 and has grown to a fully equipped multi artist shop in 2022. Catch it all on our Facebook page Thursday at 12pm. The show will be replayed on radio at 12pm PST on Thursday February 9th, 2023.

Dre Gail - BabyDoll Tattoos Owner

Babydoll Tattoos, as a business, originated with Dré acting as a one woman show and slowly building her brand over the first few years.  In 2017, she built and licensed her first shop in a simple office space (with a sink of course).  From there, in 2020, miraculously post lock-down, Dré expanded the studio and moved it into a location where multiple artists could work.  Finally, in January of 2022, Babydoll Tattoos recognized their opportunity to achieve their five-year goal of opening a storefront, fully-equipped, multi artist shop. Meet Dré Gail aka Babydoll of Babydoll Tattoos. After a long relationship with art, Babydoll Tattoos was born out of a simple desire - to tattoo one’s knuckles.

Dré had a love for the movie Sucker Punch and identified with the character, Babydoll’s, descent into dreamy fight scenes at times of discomfort. While exploring appearance modification, Dré wanted to tattoo “baby” and “doll” on her knuckles but her resumé at the time did not accommodate such tattoos. Wanting to maintain employment, and with her qualifications thus far landing mainly in the corporate professional world - she decided to build her own empire that suited her own wants and needs and to spread that empowerment to others. She created a job that would allow her the flexibility to express her creativity in a financially beneficial way. On a deeper level, after struggling with severe body dysmorphia and a feeling of displeasure within her own skin, Dré changed the means by which she tried to take control of her body. Rather than starving, belittling and hating - she embraced it with art. Treating her body as a partner and an expression of her experiences was therapeutic and a love for tattoos began.

Her dream grew and she transferred her artistic education, corporate experience, and empathic nature, to tattooing. Babydoll Tattoos intends to offer all clients an opportunity to embrace their bodies and physical appearances in which ever way they choose and coach them through the process. Tattoos are a personal and often spiritual experience and as an artist, Dré respects and appreciates her involvement in such an intimate experience. The client’s comfort and individual needs are put first and foremost by our skilled artist and she holds her artists to the same standards, hunting out employees who share her values and can embrace the shop philosophy.

Riley's Vision

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we talk with Reed McCaskill about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery program followed by David Pavlus on his 39 years in recovery.

Reed McCaskill was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He went through the Back2Basics program along with the Transition program in 2020. During that time he found a deep appreciation and level of gratitude for the community and values of the program. He took a three month internship with Back2Basics while in the Transition program and decided to join full time upon completion, to give back as best as he can. Working toward building his life further in Flagstaff, Reed plans to attend NAU in pursuit of a BA in Social Work while exploring new avenues to live a fulfilling sober life.

Back2Basics is an outdoor adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males, from 18-35, with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program clients are exposed to a weekly combination of wilderness therapy and addiction treatment program that have proven to be successful in recovery.

Beyond the Basics is an additional 6-month transition program that follows the Back2Basics program and is focused on transitioning our clients into ‘real life’. In Beyond the Basics we provide for the groundwork to gradually transition our clients from rehabilitation and recovery into living real life with long-term sobriety.

Back2Basics is committed to the recovery of our clients through a series of concentrated hands-on therapy and life-skill building that is rooted by our unique programs, daily in-depth study of the 12-steps, and innovative and traditional therapeutic counseling modalities. Back2Basics is dedicated to providing personnel and professional expertise, along with the concrete recovery infrastructure, that is essential to the long-term transformation of our clients into a self-sustaining AND sober adult.

David Pavlus is the founder of the Last Door Recovery Society, a New Westminster non-profit organization that has been providing long term residential addiction treatment and adjunct family services for over 30 years. David is a man who embodies both vision and the will to execute that which he believes in. His approach to all thing is life is equal measures of practicality and common sense. While others are still considering ideas David is well on his way to making his ideas a reality. While it can and has been said that David’s leadership style is unorthodox, the success of Last Door and its clients under his leadership is undeniable.

David has innate charisma tempered with humility and strong will; he is able to readily inspire others to his vision and excite them to action. He is man who is able to stay true to a course of action despite the incessant winds of change. Last Door itself is a reflection of his unusual leadership style. It is program filled with folks who produce excellent results while operating from the heart.

This week on Talk Recovery Radio we welcome five amazing woman who are making sure parents in early recovery have gifts to give to their kids this Christmas. Alexis, Kimberlea, Britt, Linda and Amanda from Recovery Kidz are talking about the importance of helping parents get gifts to their kids at Christmas. Join us Thursday from 12-1pm PST on Facebook Live and on 100.5fm Co-op Radio Recovery Kidz

WHO DOES RECOVERY KIDZ HELP?

Recovery Kidz is an organization that strives to provide resources to parents seeking a new way of life in recovery from addiction. We see parents in recovery as a people of worth and dignity and worthy of assistance in their journey.  We also see addiction as a family disease and seek to help normalize the holiday season for children affected by addiction. Your donations of toys, gift cards and cash will bring a smile to so many children whose parents are, in some cases, unable to see them because they are in a treatment facility this year.

OUR HISTORY

Since 2013, Recovery Kidz has helped thousands of children by providing gifts for kids that have parents residing in recovery centres over the holiday season. This year our goal is 300 kids spanning over 7 recovery houses and treatment centres and we are asking for your support to create joy for them on Christmas morning regardless of what they might be experiencing.

OUR VISION Our vision is to see parents and families set free from addictions and relieved of the stress that comes when you’re not able to provide gifts for the holidays.   It is our hope that every child will experience the joy of opening at least one Christmas gift on Christmas morning.  In past years, with your support we have been able to do much more and we hope that this year is even better, but we need your help!