King County Recovery Conversations

Healing in the Outdoors: Taylor Richards on Recovery Beyond

Join host Christopher Archiopoli in conversation with Taylor Richards, a recovery coach and SUDP at Recovery Beyond, whose powerful story is rooted in resilience through loss, trauma, and transformation. Taylor Richards shares the impact addiction had on their family, the journey out of darkness, and the importance of finding trust and community along the path to healing. Listeners will hear how Recovery Beyond and peer support were lifelines, and how outdoor adventures – from hiking to mountaineering – became tools for connection and growth. Taylor Richards reflects on the many ways recovery is possible, the gifts it brings, and the value of showing up for others. The conversation is honest, uplifting, and filled with hope, offering takeaways for anyone touched by addiction or mental health challenges. Resources from the episode: * Get to know Recovery Beyond and their outdoor-focused recovery programs ⁠here⁠: https://recoverybp.org/ [https://recoverybp.org/] * Learn more about Evergreen Treatment Services ⁠here⁠: https://www.evergreentreatment.org/ [https://www.evergreentreatment.org/] * Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/ [https://www.kcrecovery.org/] * 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/ [https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/] * 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: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] 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. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message]

Peer Power: Inside the Recovery Navigator Program Transforming Lives in King County

Join host Heather Venegas as she sits down with shining lights from the Recovery Navigator Program—Cody, Valentina, Selena, and Mo—to explore their inspiring paths in recovery and how lived experience shapes their work. Each guest shares powerful stories of resilience: from overcoming trauma, addiction, and systemic obstacles to finding meaning in service to others. Hear how their journeys through hardship, recovery, and giving back fueled a passion to support those facing similar challenges. This conversation goes beyond the traditional recovery narrative, highlighting the innovative peer model at Recovery Navigator—meeting participants where they're at, embracing harm reduction, and breaking the cycle of stigma. Listen to unforgettable moments of hope, the ripple effect of empowering others, and why programs like RNP are vital for individuals, families, and the wider community. Don’t miss this deeply moving episode filled with courage, compassion, and real-world solutions. Resources from the episode: * Learn more about the Recovery Navigator Program: https://peerwa.org [https://peerwa.org/] and https://recoverynavigatorprogram.org [https://recoverynavigatorprogram.org/] * Washington Recovery Helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] * Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/ [https://www.kcrecovery.org/] * 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/ [https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/] * 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: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] 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). Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message]

From Trauma to Belonging: Marjorie Drieu on Second Chances, Drug Court, and the Power of Community

Join host Heather Venegas as she welcomes Marjorie Drieu, whose journey from France to King County is a powerful testament to resilience and hope in recovery. Marjorie shares how childhood upheaval, the loss of her gymnastics career, and confronting past traumas led to substance use disorder—and ultimately to profound transformation through recovery, drug court, and peer support. In this episode, Marjorie dives deep into her experience navigating addiction, criminal justice, and the healing power of community. She emphasizes the importance of honesty in recovery, rebuilding trust with her family, and finding new purpose through recovery coaching and peer work. Listeners will be inspired by Marjorie’s commitment to helping others, her passion for therapeutic court advocacy, and the full-circle moments that define her path. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about recovery capital, the value of supportive networks, and reclaiming lost dreams. Marjorie’s story is a reminder that with strong support and unwavering hope, anyone can build a new foundation for their life. Resources from the episode: * Connect with Marjorie Drieu on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marjorie-drieu-ba37962b8/] * Learn about WA State Therapeutic Drug Court Alumni Association: https://www.wstcaa.org/ [https://www.wstcaa.org/] * Learn about Peer Kent: https://peerkent.org/ [https://peerkent.org/] * Learn about Peer Washington and its sites: https://peerwa.org/ [https://peerwa.org/] * Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/ [https://www.kcrecovery.org/] * 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/ [https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/] * 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: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] 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. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message]

Human Helping Humans: Kristine Moreland’s Heartfelt Mission at The More We Love

Join host Christopher Archiopoli on King County Recovery Conversations as he sits down with Kristine Moreland, Executive Director of The More We Love. Kristine’s journey from a childhood shaped by homelessness, addiction, and trauma, to becoming a passionate advocate for women and children in crisis, is deeply moving and rooted in personal experience. In this candid episode, Kristine opens up about her commitment to being “somebody’s constant” and the healing power of turning pain into purpose. Listeners will be drawn into stories of street outreach, the challenges of leading with authenticity, and the creation of a recovery-based crisis center that welcomes women and children where they are. Her reflections on willingness, faith, and the necessity of empathy in service are both honest and inspiring. Takeaways include the importance of partnership, embracing multiple pathways to recovery, and building community through love and accountability. Kristine’s dedication is a reminder that real change happens when we show up, listen, and walk alongside others—no matter where they’re starting from. Resources from the episode: * Learn more about The More We Love and support their mission: https://www.themorewelove.com/ [https://www.themorewelove.com/] * Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/ [https://www.kcrecovery.org/] * 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/ [https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/] * 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: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] 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. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message]

Transforming Pain into Purpose: The Story of Hussein Ugas and Rahma Recovery Center

Join host Brad Finegood as he welcomes Hussein Ugas, founder and executive director of Rahma Recovery Center, to King County Recovery Conversations. Hussein’s powerful journey—from personal struggles with addiction, to founding the first culturally responsive and faith-aligned sober living home for the Somali community—offers insight into breaking stigma and finding purpose through recovery. Hussein shares how Rahma Recovery Center has become both a sanctuary and a catalyst for change, drawing on lived experience and community activism to empower others. This episode explores the unique challenges faced by immigrant and Muslim communities in accessing support, the importance of culturally competent care, and Hussein’s vision for expanding recovery resources—including a new women’s house and a Recovery Cafe. Tune in to hear how Hussein’s story, grounded in mercy and connection, is reshaping recovery conversations and services for South King County and beyond. About Hussein: Hussein Ugas is the founder and executive director of Rahma Recovery Center, an organization born from his own journey through long-term recovery. After spending a decade struggling with substance use in a community deeply affected by stigma, Hussein recognized how isolation and shame had kept him in the shadows. Motivated by personal loss and a desire to break the silence surrounding addiction, Hussein launched Rahma Recovery in 2023, especially after the heartbreak of attending several funerals in just two weeks. Driven by his experience and a strong sense of responsibility, Hussein is dedicated to bringing hope, support, and understanding to communities facing similar crises. Resources from the episode: * Learn more about Rahma Recovery Center https://rahmarecoverycenter.org/ [https://rahmarecoverycenter.org/]  * Follow them on Instagram, Facebook , and TikTok  * Connect with Living Well Kent Collaborative ⁠https://livingwellkent.org/ [https://livingwellkent.org/] * Find out about Washington Alliance for Quality Recovery Residences https://www.waqrr.org/ [https://www.waqrr.org/] * Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/ [https://www.kcrecovery.org/] * 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/ [https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/] * 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: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/ [https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/] 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. Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message [https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message]