From Darkness to Life Podcast: Stories of Recovery & Resilience

Our Collective Journey
  • 5.0 (40)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

From Darkness to Life contains the real stories of courageous individuals who have found their way out of the darkness caused by mental health challenges and substance abuse. If this podcast series resonates with you and you yourself or someone you love needs help, please reach out to Our Collective Journey on the web at "http://ourcollectivejourney.ca" or on facebook at "Our Collective Journey."

  1. S06E06 - The Fire Within: Karen Worrell's Story of Grief, Healing, and Legacy

    FEB 5

    S06E06 - The Fire Within: Karen Worrell's Story of Grief, Healing, and Legacy

    In this emotionally supercharged and heartfelt episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Poncho sits down with Karen Worrell, a member of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, to discuss her journey of healing after the devastating loss of her grandson Denver and mother in 2024. Karen delves into the cultural significance of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society, her family's role in her healing process, and the collective impact of Denver's memory, which continues to inspire many through various initiatives including Denver's Destinations on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61573938644262). The episode underscores the importance of community, family, and cultural connections in the process of grieving and healing. Listeners are encouraged to reach out for support through ourcollectivejourney.ca or on Facebook at Our Collective Journey. #Grief #HealingJourney #CommunitySupport #FromDarknessToLife. #IndigenousResilience #MentalHealth #FamilyStrength #FireKeepers #Resilience #Podcast #OCJ #FDTL #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney 00:00 Heartfelt Goodbye and Healing Tears00:37 Intro01:22 Meet Karen Worrell: A Fire Keeper's Story02:04 The Role and Formation of the Fire Keeper's Women's Society03:34 Craft Circles and Community Support05:34 Personal Loss and the Struggle to Heal06:45 The Impact of Grief on Daily Life16:04 Cultural Resilience and Family Support24:49 Reflecting on Family and Teen Motherhood27:09 The Joy and Challenges of Grandparenting27:55 The Story of 'Wear the Dress'28:59 Embracing a New Generation's Freedom30:12 Denver's Legacy and the Rise Up Festival34:08 The Healing Journey and Community Support37:30 The Importance of Emotional Expression42:52 Connecting and Supporting Each Other44:10 Final Thoughts and Gratitude45:50 Extro

    47 min
  2. S06E05 - Guided by Knowings: Jill Drader’s Quest for Self-Recovery

    JAN 22

    S06E05 - Guided by Knowings: Jill Drader’s Quest for Self-Recovery

    In this episode of From Darkness to Life, Poncho talks to transformation strategist and keynote speaker Jill Drader to discuss the importance of embracing change, intuition, and community in personal recovery. She shares her own journey through trauma, addiction, and her development of the 'Knowings' methodology. Jill emphasizes the value of mental health support, forgiving oneself, and tuning into one's intuition. She critiques the notion of a single recovery path, advocating for a personalized, multifaceted approach. Episode highlights include insights on the necessity of change, the influence of supportive communities, and the significance of nature and spirituality in healing. Visit the OCJ podcast website at https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast and Jill Drader's website at https://www.jilldrader.com/. #MentalHealth #Recovery #CommunitySupport #Intuition #HealingJourney #Transformation #OCJ #OurCollectiveJourney #FDTL

    32 min
  3. S06E04 - Beyond the Darkness: Kim Long's Journey of Resilience and Hope

    JAN 8

    S06E04 - Beyond the Darkness: Kim Long's Journey of Resilience and Hope

    In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' host Poncho talks with Kim Long, a military kid turned teacher turned psychologist, about her personal journey through mental health, addiction, and recovery. Kim shares intimate stories about her father's struggle with addiction and how it shaped her professional path. They discuss the importance of authenticity in therapy, the value of community, and the challenges of vulnerability and acceptance. The conversation covers the impact of generational trauma, the pivotal role of trust, and practical strategies for fostering genuine connections. This episode highlights the power of shared stories and collective support in the journey of overcoming personal struggles. For more information, visit https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast. #mentalhealth #addictionrecovery #communitysupport #authenticity #vulnerability #OurCollectiveJourney #FDTL

    1 hr
  4. S06E03 - Rising from Relapse: Brandi's Tale of Fearless Recovery and Freedom

    2025-12-11

    S06E03 - Rising from Relapse: Brandi's Tale of Fearless Recovery and Freedom

    In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Brandi returns from Season 4 Episode 29 to share her ongoing journey of recovery from addiction to relapse and back. She opens up about her relapse, the lessons learned, and how she rekindled her commitment to recovery. Brandi discusses the importance of humility, vulnerability, and building supportive relationships. She also highlights the lack of recovery resources in Fort McMurray and her efforts in advocating for better support systems in remote northern communities. Her story underscores the complexity and resilience required in the recovery process, illustrating that with patience and support, profound personal transformation is possible. For more on this episode and others, visit the OCJ podcast website at https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast. #Relapse #Recovery #Addiction #MentalHealth #Support #OCJ #FDTL #FromDarknessToLife

    50 min
  5. S06E02 - From Rock Bottom to Rocket Fuel: Kori Leigh's Story of Recovery and Triumph

    2025-11-14

    S06E02 - From Rock Bottom to Rocket Fuel: Kori Leigh's Story of Recovery and Triumph

    In this episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' guest Kori Lee shares her inspirational story of overcoming addiction and rebuilding her life. Kori, a globally ranked podcast host, business coach, spiritual mentor, and sobriety warrior, discusses her journey from hitting rock bottom in 2016 to finding sobriety, faith, and helping millions around the world. Kori emphasizes the importance of habit stacking, daily spiritual practices, and fitness in maintaining sobriety. She shares her top non-negotiables for a powerful life and how she has given her daughter a gift by raising her in a sober environment. The episode highlights the importance of faith, self-care, and prioritizing recovery in creating a fulfilling life. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Kori through her website, Korileigh.com, and Instagram, @KoriLeigh. For more resources on mental health and addiction recovery, visit ourcollectivejourney.ca NOTE: Guest's audio has been digitally enhanced for clarity. #RecoveryJourney #Inspiration #Sobriety #MentalHealthAwareness #FaithInRecovery #Transformation #FromDarknessToLife #FDTL #OurCollectiveJourney #OCJ

    48 min
  6. S06E01 - Beyond the Brink: Ryan Oscar's Journey of Resilience and Recovery - Part 2

    2025-10-30

    S06E01 - Beyond the Brink: Ryan Oscar's Journey of Resilience and Recovery - Part 2

    In part 2 of this moving series (and the kickoff to Season 6) of From Darkness to Life, new host Poncho Parker continues the conversation with Ryan Oscar. Ryan shares his harrowing experience of reaching rock bottom, struggling with substance abuse, and a failed suicide. A pivotal intervention from his uncle and a dedicated counselor helped him find the path to recovery. Ryan reflects on his time in treatment, the importance of honesty, open-mindedness, and accountability, and how these principles have transformed his life. Now a coordinator of an addictions counseling program at Medicine Hat College, Ryan is committed to helping others overcome their struggles and find hope. #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #Inspiration #RecoveryJourney #FromDarknessToLife #OCJ #Podcast

    36 min
  7. S05E12 - Breaking Chains: Ryan's Journey from Addiction to Awareness (Part 1)

    2025-10-16

    S05E12 - Breaking Chains: Ryan's Journey from Addiction to Awareness (Part 1)

    In this 2-part gripping episode of #FromDarknessToLife, After 5 and a half seasons, Ryan takes the hot seat to finally share his harrowing journey from the depths of addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt to his inspiring recovery and new mission in life. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to substance abuse, the devastating loss of his father, and the intense struggle for control. This raw and powerful story illustrates the catastrophic impact of addiction and the redemptive power of honesty, intervention, and professional help. This episode marks the return of From Darkness to Life after a hiatus and the hand-off of the show from former host Ryan to our new podcast host, Poncho Parker. #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration #OurCollectiveJourney #FromDarknessToLifePodcast #ComebackStory

    1h 1m
  8. S05E11 - From Addiction to Advocacy: Nicole Obrigavitch's Journey

    2025-05-29

    S05E11 - From Addiction to Advocacy: Nicole Obrigavitch's Journey

    In this episode of FDTL, Ryan welcomes Nicole Obrigavitch from Saskatoon, SK. Nicole bravely shares her remarkable journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the many "whys" that led her down this path. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, encompassing her pursuit of two degrees, law school, and the challenges of drug addiction and distribution, which ultimately led to incarceration. #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionAwareness #IncarcerationReform #TraumaRecovery #BreakingTheStigma #SaskatoonVoices #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #ResilienceAndRedemption #OvercomingAddiction #FromAddictionToRecovery #LifeAfterIncarceration #SecondChances #WomensVoicesMatter #RecoveryIsPossible #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #FDTLPodcast #OCJPodcast #RecoveryPodcast #OCJ

    1h 6m
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5
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

From Darkness to Life contains the real stories of courageous individuals who have found their way out of the darkness caused by mental health challenges and substance abuse. If this podcast series resonates with you and you yourself or someone you love needs help, please reach out to Our Collective Journey on the web at "http://ourcollectivejourney.ca" or on facebook at "Our Collective Journey."

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