Recovery Stories Have Power

Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development

Opioid Crisis & PRSS Development with Joseph Sanchez In this powerful episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, host Nick DeMott sits down with Joseph Sanchez to explore the ongoing impact of the opioid crisis and the critical role of Peer Recovery Support Services in building stronger recovery ecosystems. Joseph brings insight from the front lines of recovery work, breaking down how PRSS programs are evolving, why workforce development matters, and what it takes to build sustainable recovery infrastructure in communities hit hardest by substance use disorder. Together, they unpack: • The current state of the opioid crisis  • Why peer support professionals are essential to recovery systems  • Challenges and opportunities in PRSS workforce development  • How lived experience strengthens policy, programming, and community response  • What’s needed next to create long term, community driven change This conversation goes beyond statistics. It centers people, possibility, and the power of recovery leadership. Whether you are a peer professional, policymaker, advocate, or someone passionate about expanding recovery support, this episode offers insight, strategy, and hope. 🎧 Listen now and be part of building a recovery ready nation. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast [https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast].

From Stigma to Support: Expanding Access to Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, we’re joined by Dr. Melissa Weimer, Associate Professor at Yale School of Medicine and Medical Director of the Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Service, and John O’Neil, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Counselor. Together, they share powerful insights from their work in the field of addiction medicine breaking down stigma, centering compassion, and exploring evidence-based approaches to treating alcohol use disorder (AUD). Hosted by Nick DeMott and produced by Faces & Voices of Recovery in collaboration with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), this episode also highlights the Provider Clinical Support System for Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder (PCSS-MAUD), a national initiative designed to expand access to effective treatment and recovery support. Tune in to learn how clinical expertise and lived experience intersect to strengthen recovery pathways and empower communities. 🎧 Because recovery stories have power—and together, we can change the conversation around alcohol use disorder. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast [https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast].

Leadership Transitions in RCOs with USARA

On today's episode, Nick DeMott visits with Mary Jo McMillen, Becca Brown and Evan Done, who are on the leadership team at Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness, or USARA. USARA is preparing to undergo a leadership transition in the near future, with Mary Jo stepping away and Becca and Evan taking her place. During this interview, they discuss preparation for the leadership transition process, and they each share powerful insights on how RCOs can best navigate similar transitions gracefully. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast [https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast].

Danny O'Connor - Championship Boxing, Mental Health, and Finding Purpose

Hello and welcome to Recovery Stories Have Power, my name is Oliver Books. Today, I’m talking with Danny O’Connor—a former U.S. Olympic boxing team member and world title contender. But his biggest fight wasn’t in the ring. Danny battled anxiety, substance use, and personal struggles that nearly took everything from him. Now, he’s using his experience to help others through DO Boxing Academy, a program that combines boxing, fitness, and mindfulness to support young people. You can follow Danny on Instagram @therealdannyoconnor and learn more about his program at doboxingacademy.com. This is a story about resilience, recovery, and finding purpose. Please note: this episode contains explicit content. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast [https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast].

Morgan Godvin - Incarceration, Advocacy, and Public Health

In this episode of Recovery Stories Have Power, Oliver Books sits down with Morgan Godvin—a writer, public health advocate, and researcher focused on drug policy and overdose prevention. Morgan shares her journey from opioid use and four years in federal prison to working on policy reform, touring with Minnesota hip-hop group Atmosphere to distribute naloxone, and traveling internationally—even with a felony record—to support community health efforts. They discuss her experience in the legal system, the challenges of rebuilding life after incarceration, and the barriers that persist long after a sentence is served. Content warning: This episode includes discussions about substance use, overdose, and incarceration. Follow Morgan on social media at @MorganGodvin and learn more about her work at beatsoverdose.com. Thoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at podcast@facesandvoicesofrecovery.org. Find more episodes of Recovery Stories Have Power at facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast [https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/podcast].