King County Recovery Conversations Heather Venegas

Join Alysse Bryson for an inspiring conversation with Carolyn Presnell on King County Recovery Conversations. Carolyn is a dedicated speaker and Program Director at Weld Seattle. With personal experience in incarceration, she actively advocates for the previously incarcerated, breaking barriers and promoting positive change. Carolyn's commitment extends beyond her official roles, collaborating with organizations and policymakers to advocate for fairer policies and increased resources in criminal justice reform. Her legacy leaves a lasting impact of hope and inspiration.

Carolyn unveils her transformative journey from battling addiction and legal troubles to aiding others in similar plights. She shares how simplifying her life has brought untold richness, far exceeding her previous life's material focus, and wisdom gained in the process.

Enjoy a frank discussion about the intricacies of recovery, the pivotal role of spiritual awakening, and the liberating path of the Twelve Step program. Carolyn's story is a testament to endurance and the power of thankfulness, vividly illustrating the life-altering effect of expressing gratitude to a lenient judge who recognized her potential for change.

Resources from the episode:

- Weld Seattle and its work with King County Courts and community support. Learn more about their mission and services ⁠here⁠: https://www.weldseattle.org/ 

- Keep up with Alysse Bryson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssebryson/ and check out The Sober Curator: https://thesobercurator.com/ 

- Washington Recovery Helpline for support with substance use disorder, problem gambling, and mental health challenges. https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ 

- Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here: https://www.kcrecovery.org/. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, ⁠visit their website⁠.

-The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/. ⁠ Want to find a way to get involved? ⁠Click here⁠ to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.


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Join Heather Venegas as she delves deep into the transformative power of recovery schools with students from Seattle's Interagency Recovery Academy. Student Aiden recounts his harrowing journey from daily fentanyl use to nearly two years of sobriety, thanks to the school’s supportive community. Karis shares her story of resilience, detailing how dropping out in the 8th grade led to addiction and ultimately, a strong commitment to sobriety and guiding others.

Seth Welch, the Recovery School’s Addiction and Recovery Counselor, also shares about his own struggles along his personal recovery journey. He highlights the dire need for recovery high schools and after-school programs that save young lives. The episode uncovers how these institutions not only help prevent relapses but also foster future leaders within the recovery community.

Tune in to witness the impact of friendship, mentorship, and alternative peer groups in the world of recovery. Discover how individuals find new meaning and purpose in supporting others after triumphing over their own addictions. This episode is a beacon of hope, proving that with the right support, resilient youth can lead fulfilling lives, sober and strong.

Resources from the episode:

- Interagency Recovery Academy: https://interagency.seattleschools.org/ 

- Connect with Seth, MSW, SUDP: spwelch@seattleschools.org 

- Get information about the International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (ICYPAA) held July 4-7th in Austin: https://www.icypaa.org/#:~:text=Register%20today%20for%20the%2064th,July%204th%2D7th%2C%202024 

- Washington Recovery Helpline: Visit for resources and a 24-hour support line.

- Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, ⁠visit their website⁠.

-The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠. Want to find a way to get involved? ⁠Click here⁠ to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.

-If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline.

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast focused on celebrating recovery and breaking the stigma associated with addiction and mental health. Host Heather Venegas invites experts, professionals, and those with lived experiences to share their tales of hope and healing. The show explores various recovery paths and the services and support systems open to those affected by addiction and mental health issues. It's a podcast for everyone touched by these issues, from those seeking recovery to healthcare professionals.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

For feedback or show ideas, reach out to Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.


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Dive into King County Recovery Conversations with host Heather Venegas as she engages with the inspirational Johnny Ohta. Once a troubled youth amidst San Francisco’s chaos, Johnny’s descent into substance abuse paints a vivid portrait of struggle transformed into a beacon of hope.

In this episode, Johnny shares his powerful journey from addiction to becoming a vital support for young people fighting similar battles. His touching recollections include mentoring youth through outdoor activities, overcoming a personal relapse, and eventually spearheading initiatives at the Orion Center. Johnny’s anecdotes underscore the profound impact of relationship-building and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity.

Heather Venegas draws attention to Johnny's work at Ryther and his ability to connect with youth in crisis, emphasizing the value of meeting people where they are. Together, they discuss the significance of long-term support for individuals navigating the tumultuous road to recovery, including those affected by the fentanyl crisis.

Tune in to hear how Johnny's story encourages families grappling with substance use disorder to seek collaborative support. His message is clear: there's always hope, and change is within reach.

Resources from the episode:


Reach out to Johnny at (206)265-3924 or johnny.ohta@gmail.com.
Learn more about Ryther and the work they do.
Connect with show host Heather Venegas on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.
Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, ⁠visit their website⁠. 
The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠. Want to find a way to get involved? ⁠Click here⁠ to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.
If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline.

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.  

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠). 

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠. 


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Join host Heather Venegas on King County Recovery Conversations for an inspiring journey of redemption with guest Ryan Orrison. Ryan is the executive director of Bridges, a youth peer support group for adolescents in recovery from addiction serving the greater Seattle area. His story is a poignant narrative of a troubled past of substance use disorder and prison, reshaped into a future filled with purpose and service to youth facing similar struggles.  

Discover how alternative peer groups not only mend young lives but also provide vital support to families. Uncover personal stories that highlight the resilience of the human spirit when supported by a nurturing environment. And delve into the magic of belonging shared by Heather, Ryan, and many other listeners.  

Filled with hope and practical advice, this episode is an essential listen for those touched by substance use disorder. Learn how Ryan Orrison and his team at Bridges build strong foundations for young people to reinvent themselves and how families can navigate the recovery process together. Tune in to a story about redemption, transformation, and the unyielding power of support systems. 

Resources from the episode:


Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn.
Learn more about Bridges and the work they do here.
Connect with show host Heather Venegas on LinkedIn.
Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website. 
The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.
If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline. 

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.  

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition). 

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org. 


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Join hosts Deaunte Damper and Alysse Bryson on King County Recovery Conversations as they welcome Franklyn Smith, a guiding light in the recovery community. From dealing with substance use disorder and incarceration to helping others reintegrate into society, Franklyn's story is one of triumph over adversity.

In this episode, Franklyn shares how his struggles became a catalyst for change and the stark realities of re-entering society post-incarceration. He dispels myths about reintegration and champions the strength found in empathy and community support. Deaunte reflects on how Franklyn's guidance ignited his own path to recovery and the vital role of facing discomfort to grow. Franklyn also discusses his initiatives to equip individuals with tools for success and his impactful book "Take Charge of Your Future." 

Franklyn's experiences offer a raw look at the challenges of addiction and systemic injustice. His incredible work has been acknowledged by the Department of Corrections, and it shines through in his role as the co-founder of Fresh Start Professional Services and his work with Freedom Project Washington. This episode is not just a conversation—it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome and transform lives. Tune in for an unforgettable journey of hope and empowerment.

Resources from the episode: 


Get to know more about Franklyn and the work he does with Freedom Project Washington here. 
Buy Franklyn's book, "Taking Charge of Your Future," here. You can also purchase his newest book, "Your Future Is in Your Hands," here. 
Learn more about Freedom Project Washington and the work they do here. 
Learn more about Fresh Start Professional Services and support the work they do here. 
Deaunte Damper is the Organizer at VOCAL-WA, a nonprofit that provides leadership development and support for people whose organizing is rooted in personal experience. Learn more about the work VOCAL-WA does here. 
Connect with show hosts Deaunte Damper and Alysse Bryson on LinkedIn.
Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website.
The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state. 
If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline.

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you. 

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org.


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In this revealing episode of King County Recovery Conversations, host Tristan Seikel welcomes Javan Jones of Jones Community Solutions, unveiling the struggles and triumphs within the recovery landscape. Their conversation sheds light on the critical necessity for trauma-informed support, especially for communities of color, and tells the story of Javan's profound personal journey that led him to become a beacon of hope in the behavioral health field.  

Javan dissects the systemic challenges faced by small organizations striving to make a difference, emphasizes the perils of burnout in the field, and offers a unique, inspiring solution through physical and mental self-care practices. He also shares how Jones Community Solutions is revolutionizing peer support with a focus on cultural responsiveness.  

 

His commitment to filling service gaps without comparing to others is a lesson in leadership and unity that all can learn from. Tune in for an episode full of insight, hope, and actionable wisdom to transform the recovery for yourself and others.  

Resources from the episode:


Learn more about Jones Community Solutions and the work they do here.
Connect with show host Tristan Seikel on LinkedIn.
Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website. 
The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do here. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state.
If you are experiencing substance use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the Washington Recovery Helpline for resources and a 24-hour helpline. 

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.  

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition online, on Facebook (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition), or on YouTube (@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition). 

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at heather@kcrecovery.org.  


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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message