From Darkness to Life Podcast: Stories of Recovery & Resilience

Our Collective Journey
  • 4.7 (3)
  • 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. 4d ago

    S07E02 - When PTSD Comes Home: Alison’s Story of Love, Struggle, and Hope

    In this episode of From Darkness to Life, Poncho sits down with Alison for a candid look at the side of trauma we don’t hear about enough: life as the partner of a first responder. As her husband’s world changed, Alison found herself holding the family together, protecting her children, and pushing her own needs aside—until she reached a breaking point. With honesty and vulnerability, Alison shares the guilt of wanting more, the moment she nearly walked away, and the small signs that began to bring hope back into their home. Their conversation explores treatment, finding support, and learning that caring for someone else doesn’t mean your own happiness stops mattering. If you’ve ever wondered who supports the person supporting everyone else, this conversation is for you. Listen to Alison’s story of finding her voice—and a way forward. From Darkness to Life | S07E02 | Alison TABLE OF CONTENTS (41:11). 00:00 Opening hook: “I can’t do this” 00:15 Introduction and reaching out for support 00:37 Poncho introduces Alison and the hidden side of PTSD 03:12 What partners wish people understood 05:36 The day everything changed 09:02 Holding the family together 12:31 When your own needs disappear 15:48 Nearly leaving—and reaching a breaking point 19:44 Guilt, resentment, and whose feelings matter 21:04 Protecting the children without losing yourself 23:06 When past wounds resurface 24:55 Finding support and healing for yourself 26:30 Choosing treatment and a way forward together 28:35 Small victories: smiles, affection, and reconnection 31:43 Navigating triggers and everyday challenges 34:26 What peace looks like now 36:20 Family pride, support, and deserving happiness 38:24 Alison’s message: you are not alone 40:22 Closing message, support information, and credits

    S07E02 - When PTSD Comes Home: Alison’s Story of Love, Struggle, and Hope

  2. Oct 1

    S07E01 - Never Quit Quitting: Cody Lawrence’s Journey from Addiction to Purpose

    In this inaugural episode of Season 7 of From Darkness to Life, Poncho Parker is joined by Cody Lawrence in the beautiful, historic Monarch Theatre... Canada’s oldest purpose-built movie theatre in Medicine Hat Alberta. Cody shares an unflinchingly honest story of addiction, overwhelming grief, and the night he reached his personal rock bottom. After surviving a suicide attempt and experiencing relapse, he discovered that recovery was not a single decision, but a daily commitment to honesty, gratitude, connection, and growth. Today, Cody draws on his lived experience, his art, and his work at the Medicine Hat Recovery Centre to help others find their own path forward. His journey is a powerful reminder that our darkest chapters do not have to define how our stories end—and that even the smallest grain of hope can illuminate the way back to life. His message to anyone struggling is simple: “Never quit quitting.” Table of Contents 00:00 — Opening teaser: “Never quit quitting” 00:16 — Our Collective Journey support message 00:38 — Episode introduction and Cody Lawrence’s story 02:59 — Meeting “Cody 2.0” 04:50 — Cody’s early life and substance use 06:30 — Recognizing the warning signs 08:06 — When addiction began to catch up 08:44 — Grief, suicide, and repeated loss 11:46 — Losing hope and facing an uncertain future 14:44 — Cody’s suicide attempt and survival 16:59 — Rock bottom, honesty, and asking for help 17:34 — The unwavering support of Cody’s mother 18:01 — Addiction as a coping mechanism 19:59 — Resilience and the power of the human spirit 21:14 — Waking up alive: clarity and a grain of hope 22:44 — Why asking for help can be so difficult 24:05 — Entering treatment for the first time 26:28 — Wanting recovery versus being ready 28:11 — Returning home and repairing relationships 31:24 — Relapse and trying to outrun the problem 31:53 — The 2023 turning point 33:12 — The gratitude practice that changed everything 35:35 — Grieving the old Cody 36:52 — Turning pain into purpose 38:41 — The value of lived experience 39:47 — Rediscovering art through recovery 42:02 — What gives Cody hope today 43:02 — His daughter’s essay and the impact on his family 45:43 — Cody’s final message of hope 46:06 — “Never quit quitting” 46:24 — Closing reflections 47:20 — Our Collective Journey outro and credits

    S07E01 - Never Quit Quitting: Cody Lawrence’s Journey from Addiction to Purpose

  3. Mar 26

    S06E08 - Breaking Through: Chris Hellman’s Journey from Isolation to Community

    Recorded live at SARRCON, this From Darkness to Life (Our Collective Journey) episode features Medicine Hat business owner and city councillor Chris Hellman sharing how escalating alcohol use and worsening mental health after COVID led to isolation, depression, and not caring if he lived. He describes how his wife, parents, and especially his sister intervened with a careful plan that got him into a Vancouver Island (Duncan/Victoria area) treatment centre, where he detoxed, completed 60 days, and returned home with shame and fear of stigma before gradually rebuilding through therapy, medical support, 12-step meetings, peer support work, and community connection. Chris discusses service gaps, transitional housing, and how gentle, non-judgmental support and listening helped him find hope and sustain 17 months of sobriety.  https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast Facebook: our collective journey.  #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #SARRCON #Recovery #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #AlcoholRecovery #Sobriety #CommunitySupport #Hope

    S06E08 - Breaking Through: Chris Hellman’s Journey from Isolation to Community

  4. Feb 19

    S06E07 - Breaking Free: Hannah's Journey from Addiction to Hope

    In this emotional and candid episode of 'From Darkness to Life,' Hannah, the newest member and recovery coach of Our Collective Journey (OCJ), shares her deeply personal story of battling addiction. Starting with her introduction to alcohol at the age of 12, Hannah recounts her turbulent journey through substance abuse, multiple DUIs, and her turning point moments that led her to seek help. Hannah discusses her experiences with treatment, the importance of community support, and how her past struggles have fueled her passion for helping others as a recovery coach. For more episodes, visit https://ourcollectivejourney.ca/podcast. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out at ourcollectivejourney.ca or on Facebook at Our Collective Journey. #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealth #SubstanceAbuse #OurCollectiveJourney #RecoveryCoach #FromDarknessToLife #HannahsJourney #OCJ #FDTL 00:00 A Relapse and a Moment of Realization00:54 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest01:33 Becoming a Recovery Coach04:07 Hannah's Early Struggles with Addiction04:45 High School Years and Substance Abuse05:13 Transition to Hard Drugs16:04 First DUI and Legal Consequences25:24 Family Support and Financial Struggles28:21 Continued Substance Abuse and Attempts to Help a Friend30:06 Reflecting on a Pivotal Concert Experience31:20 The Struggle with Alcohol and Interlock Device32:15 A Moment of Clarity and Seeking Help33:08 The Journey to Sobriety and Relapse36:43 Entering Treatment and Facing Fears39:22 Life After Treatment and Building a Support Network47:15 Becoming a Recovery Coach and Helping Others54:32 Moving Forward and Embracing Change57:05 The Importance of Community in Recovery58:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    S06E07 - Breaking Free: Hannah's Journey from Addiction to Hope

  5. 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

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

  6. 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

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

  7. 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

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

  8. 12/11/2025

    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

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

4.7
out of 5
3 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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