Voices In Recovery Podcast

This week Darcy and I examine the constant racism within law enforcement and the government as G7 approaches us all. We examine the trauma of disconnecting from systems once becoming a part of them. The doubt, fear, confusion, and uncertainty of resisting the systems in power based on history. We have been shown time and time again what happens when people stand up against government powers and the henchmen they employ to protect THEIR interests only. I share about my own struggles with knowing police officers and refusing to talk to them in any capacity. As I mentioned to one or two of them this past week, I will be talking about them and at them, but not with them. I point out the obvious privilege that I carry being able to yell at the poe poe the way I do. We aren't sure if it's run of the mill nepotism and white privilege that protects me or if there are individuals within the police service watching out for me? I haven't been beaten up by members of the service yet so I'm thinking someone is watching my back in there and for that, we thank you, as I'm old and fragile.

This week's guest, Agnes, stops by and shares a bit of their journey and how it led them to starting Starlings Community. She was a nurse working within the broken system and as her life journey progressed she knew she needed to move into a different compassionate place to be of use to other humans. Thank you Agnes, we appreciate you and all that you do.

This week our guest, Sonny stops by with his husband, Wes and we hear about their individual and sometimes collective journeys together. They are a part of the Gay Druze Community, which has members from all over the world. We talk about shedding the different, and similar dogmas we were hampered with from childhood. As we become more and more ourselves, dogma often simply slides off of us. Other times there is a need for directed effort to rid ourselves of the consequences of said dogmas. Thank you Sonny and thank you Wes for being there and supporting our conversation with kindness and love.

Since the recording of this episode, myself and other folks involved in the pro Palestine, end the Genocide movement have been approached by members of police intelligence officers from both the Calgary Police Service and the RCMP. They've approached most of us under the guise of "building community". Due to the RCMP's continued violence against indigenous people of Canada and the world, I refused to speak with them. If you're wondering whether you have to speak with them, you do not. No matter how nice they seem to be. It's always your choice in this country. This week, our friend and regular guest, Wesam stops by and we talk about the continuous genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestine, ongoing exploitation of African countries, protesting even though it might feel overwhelming, police violence in the name of state security, and many other subjects. We talk about the bogus charges the Calgary Police Service laid against him. How through constant pressure and fighting in court, he has had some conditions removed while awaiting trial. The Calgary Police Service has unlimited funds to punish anyone standing up against oppression. In the end we know the police service are performing for the cameras as they always do - as we approach the one year anniversary of the brutal attacks by both Calgary and Edmonton police services on unarmed students and supporters, including women and children. These departments have sold out the people of Alberta. Thank you for coming back on my friend. We appreciate all of the your work and presence in the community. The people united, will never be defeated.

This week, Lia stops by and shares her incredible journey as a young, 14 year old entering into the volatile world of politics. We talk about her discovery of alcohol as a coping mechanism. She talks about her understanding of alcohol as a problematic part of her and her partner's life a few months into their collective journey years ago. She talks about living life and continuing to grown and evolve. Thank you for taking the time Lia, we appreciate you.

This week Darcy and I sit down to chat about the complicated task of maintaining empathy in a world where it's seen and treated as a weakness and a defect. We talk about government tactics to destroy morale, connectivity, and solidarity of protestors. The obvious and unapologetic imbalance in police response to Black, Indigenous and People of Color protesting in our cities. The audacity of local law enforcement as we approach the one year anniversary of the attack by police on peaceful protestors at the University of Calgary. Ordered by the school administration and our provincial government.

This week, Darcy and I sit down and chat about millennial scoop and the continued use of the child welfare system to enforce racist and colonial control over indigenous peoples of turtle Island. We talk about the foster care system which continues the policy of "killing the indigenous" within every indigenous child in order to assimilate them to colonial kkkanada. We also discuss the continued genocide in Palestine, Congo, Syria, etc. We talk about forced incarceration in Alberta, which is dressed up as treatment.

This week's guest, Steve from Stonewall Recovery Centre here in Calgary stops by and shares portions of his journey. He talks about not only his life in active addiction, but through his coming out as a queer man in a fuller recovery for himself. I won't share too much, we have a great conversation and it is always lovely sitting down with members of the queer communityWe are full of love for Steve and of course Stonewall Recovery Centre as the first 2SLGBTQi+ treatment centre in Canada. We at Freedom's Path Recovery Society are so pleased to announce that we have been working closely with Steve and could not be more excited about the present and future.

This week artist, frontline worker, activist, and advocate; Nikk Goodswimmer also known as PunkIndigenous (they/she 2S) is Stoney Nakota and Cree from Treaty 8 Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation. They share their incredible, painful and harrowing journey starting with the millennial scoop of 2000's. Where the federal government continued its awful practice of removing indigenous children from their families. Now it isn't to send away to residential schools, but into the very same system under the guise of foster care. Then to be placed in white, Christian foster care where as recently as ten years ago they held Nikk down and cut their hair. Our governments are apologetic about abuse and genocide, all the while committing atrocities under different names and guises. https://www.interruptingcriminalization.com/defundpolice-toolkithttps://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/End genocide

This week's guest, Kyle, stops by and shares his journey through addiction into recovery. Kyle essentially grew up working in the restaurant and bar industry while working and studying finance. There were times when working in the bar industry when his alcoholism simply took over after multiple times of sobriety. Kyle's story is an illustration of how what once was fun and exciting can quickly turn into darkness. I won't spoil it for you, thank you Kyle!

This week my friend and all around amazing human, Michelle Robinson stops by and we discuss the very real, ongoing world of racism - not only policing. We discuss how other government bodies police Black, Indigenous, People of Color, the unhoused, identifiable queer folkx, and those engaged in active drug use. We examine a recent altercation that I had with police, as a witness to them "dealing" with a victim of serious crime. We also talk about many different ways privilege, nepotism, and my own race played a role in how the occurrence played out from start to finish. Thank you Michelle. https://www.interruptingcriminalization.com/defundpolice-toolkithttps://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/End genocide***If you are interested in coming on the podcast please direct inquiries to david@davidlewry.com******If you are interested in making a donation to Freedom's Path Recovery Society please visit our website*** www.freedomspathrecoverysociety.ca*Produced by Darcy Robinson

This week's guest, Aidan stops by and shares about his life. He talks about the violence he experienced when the Calgary police attacked and assaulted peaceful protestors and students May 9th, 2024. We are sharing some of the photos of his injuries taken directly after being released. We talk about his life and the journey which brought him to activism. Thank you Aidan, don't ever stop standing up for what's right.

Welp, 2024 is over and now what... 2025!? Darcy and I try to turn our frowns upside down with a year end episode. We do talk about loss and the awfulness of some humans in our world. We also talk about something neither of us have had in plenty this last year. Hope. Opportunity to work harder on ourselves so that we can be of more use to others in our daily lives. Whomever we may encounter. Happy new year, take good care ❤️Thank you for all of the support and love

This week, Jasmine stops by to share their journey into and within their life of recovery. She could not imagine a life without drinking and using, as that was her modelling as a child. She believes that her life would always be like the lives of her family. Her mother was a victim of the 60's scoop and we learn that every step the government took to eradicate her family, led her to recovery. She has been sober for 6 years and works hard everyday to be of use to other humans. Thank you Jasmine, we appreciate you and all of the work you're doing in our communities. End genocide

This week Darcy and I sit down to approach our emotions and thoughts about so many things happening within and without us. We recognize that, as we talked from our point of privilege; genocide is happening across our planet. Colonial powers attempt to tighten their grips in several countries not their own. Trans Rights are being taken away in private, silenced government rooms. Local activists are being harassed by police daily. Our government with the help of state financed thugs, is making and defending a world of darkness for so many. We are still angry. Trying to process the pain and inviting you to share in that with us. Maybe you're feeling that heaviness too. End genocide.  Land Back - Free Palestine! 

This week's guest, Kenna Burima stops by and shares her incredible journey into advocacy and activism using her art and creative energy. I won't try and tell you that we have a linear conversation because neither of us are linear thinkers. I think she is a bundle of love and positive, healing energy. After sitting and chatting with Kenna, I also recognize someone who has survived and is trying to turn that pain into love for herself and others. There's something about humans trying to change the world and create space for everyone's liberation. There's nothing perfect about us humans and that is our gift if we can remember as we engage with others. Thank you Kenna, we appreciate you!

This week, Karla Marx stops by and shares her beautiful journey. She has been involved in activism for about ten years and is a beautiful, talented performer. An hour with Karla could never do them justice, as you will find out when you listen. I appreciate your work in our community and your continued pursuit of equality for all humans. We are incredibly lucky to have you out here standing up for yourself and others. Recognizing that we can never be perfect, but being willing to grow and change is what we really need.

This week's guest, Abir, stops by and shares her incredible journey through this life. She shares her family's journey from the Middle East in the 90's when Islamophobia and xenophobia was really hitting its stride across the west and even the east. We talk about the Canadian dream and the emptiness felt when folks realized they traded one form of militant idealism to another. Canada is something else and we examine some of the niceties presented before arrival to the stolen lands where we now reside and live. Thank you for your openness and vulnerability Abir, we could have talked all afternoon! Sending you and your family love.

This week, Jon stops by and shares about his life. We talk about many parts of his life and look at the current situation of our fellow suffering humans across the planet. That is how we met in fact, gathering to support folks, who are demonized in the western media. This of course allows us to explore and condemn the history of racism, the Crown and the Canadian government have created and perpetuated within the very system they call humanitarian. We discuss the Canadian government's complicity in national apartheid to this day! We appreciate you dude, all the love!

This week's guest and one of our favorite humans ever, Taylor Dumais stops by and shares about their incredible journey. She is the president of Sacred Turtle Women's Healing Centre https://www.facebook.com/share/NWeY4YPqUvQVB3xD/ and is a part of the great, growing movement across Turtle Island returning us to the guidance of grandmothers. Thank you for sharing your light with us, we appreciate you so much.

This week, Darcy and I sit together and talk about turning 50 and the continued, escalating genocide against Palestinians and so many others in our world, as I write this. We share about grief, loss, change, aging, police violence, racism and our provincial government, and the general feeling that everyone is on simmer and soon there'll be some kind of catastrophic event. We as usual, just run wild on some topics and in that process we move through different stages of our lives... Thank you all for your support 

This week's guest, Mike, comes to us from a SMART Recovery perspective and i found it refreshing. Chatting with him about recovery, evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology, etc gave my brain an incredible boost of really nice chemicals as I learned quite a lot - just enough to know that I really know nothing. I hope it does the same for all of you. Mike explains some of the finer points of SMART Recovery and how he's found it working daily in his life. Thank you sir! I'll get reading!

This week our friend, Wesam from Justice for Palestinians Calgary stops by with a UofC student to share about continued police brutality, violence, and ongoing bullying. We talk about May 9th, 2024 when the Calgary police escalated and attacked unarmed students and protestors at the University of Calgary. We talked about how Edmonton police doubled down on the violence and brutality May 11th at the University of Alberta. Wesam and friend, share the details as to what happened then and what has been happening behind the scenes as a result of police targeting their protests, gatherings and fund raisers. The violence was again furthered by the Calgary police on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 at Tomkins Park when they attempted to interrupt a peaceful protest. Police deployed 4 horses, twenty bike officers, and a solid 20-40 mixed law enforcement officers as back up. There were barely fifty protestors on scene when the police escalated to violence as a show of force to strike fear in anyone contemplating future action against the state. Even though our conversation was very open and we share a lot of vulnerability. We fully understand that the police watch, listen and follow us on line and in person at times so we are incredibly vulnerable to them. We share our anger, fear, and confusion at times. If you don't think "your police" would do certain things to keep people silent, criminalize poverty/unhoused, and weild the constant threat of your loss of liberty/finances all the while they convince you they're acting in your best interest...think again. We recognize that many activists through the years in Calgary have faced and been subjected to this type and worse violence, suppression, and surveillance.

This week, our friend, Peter, returns and shares about the last few very tumultuous years in recovery - since covid. He shared about how deeply his connections have shifted and adjusted through medical distress, emotional upheaval, and incredible learning. I appreciate being able to sit down and talk about the sometimes debilitating road to happy destiny. Talking about recovery is one thing, living it is another. Thank you Peter

This week, Aline stops by and shares their incredible journey through early trauma, continued trauma, into addiction, and today where she's living a life in recovery. Her openness and vulnerability are a sign of her courage moving forward through recovery. She tries to utilize her journey to inspire and encourage others. Thank you Aline, we appreciate you.

This week, I sit down with my close friends Michelle and Darcy Robinson. We talk about twenty years of sobriety, anti racism work, racism, literature, and the huge concept of cancelling people. I have said this before and I am sure that I will say it again at some point; it always comes back to how many people did not cancel me when I was living like a man with no relations and the result has been my continued survival and continued education. The support by other humans is not only essential, but often includes humans who may not see the world as I do. They may even see the world dramatically different, yet still somehow are able to care for others along their path. I encourage everyone to find their way through the mire. Allow anger to be real and treat it as the gift it really is. Through the anger, there is more light to be found. This journey is never ending. Thank you my friends for taking the time with me 

This week, Pulkit and Dhaniket stop by and literally blow our collective minds. The world feels so ugly these days - it made sense to bring them on the podcast because these fellows are trying to inject hope wherever they can. I am going to let them speak for themselves, as throughout the episode I find myself in awe of what they're doing and are trying to do. We talked about some of the harsh things going on and we all realized that in so many countries, so many people are in danger every minute of every day. Thank you both for coming down to jump on the podcast and really, thank you for what you're doing out there for physical and mental health

This week, we share part two of Karrie-Lynn's story. This week we dive deeper into the process of their transition. I open up about my own queerness and we have a wonderful conversation. You are a gift to our world - thank you for coming back on.

This week's guest, Daphne stops by and shares all about Black Pride YYC and their own personal journey. They came to Canada from Nigeria where it is still illegal to be Queer. Once here, they set out intent on being their truest self. I won't give spoilers; however, we talk about the beginnings and the why's Black Pride YYC was necessary and formed they have grown incredibly in a year and throw incredible events. We talk a lot about racism in Canada and around the world. Thank you for coming on, Daphne, we appreciate all that you do out there!

This week's guests, Comrade Yulia Borscht and Dani Phantom stopped by to share their stories and we talk everything under the beautifully queer sun! I'm not going to lie, most people will just fall in love with them so beware. I was able to attend their show, Housing Crisis, before sitting down with them and chatting away so I already fell in love with the humans they are. Thank you both!!!

This week's guest, Karrie-Lynn, stops by and opens up about their journey. We talk about very adult subject matter, please consider this a content warning. Our conversation is one of those that I think about long after we are done talking. Thank you for your inspiration, bravery, and for your service!

This week's guest, Mohamed stops by to talk about Palestine. He is from there and a lot of his family and many friends still live there under constant threat of annihilation. We talk about the ongoing genocide in Palestine  and we talk a about the Congo and the Sudan as well. Knowing colonialism and it's resulting genocide can continue under any guise in any country is awful. Thank you for sharing what must be difficult to live through in the telling.

This week, Michelle and I sit down, helping each other sort through and essentially process our shifts in perspective on the Calgary Police. We are angry and we are among many, who feel just as we do. I'm sure even angrier considering having been victimized by the police on May 9th, 2024 at the University of Calgary and May 11, 2024 at the University of Alberta. We all have a right to our anger and I hope we honour that in whatever way we need to.

Our guest this week, James, survived 9 conversion therapy counsellors from the ages of 6 - 13. It is no wonder that they found themselves working towards queer liberation for most of their life. They have been involved in the drag show troupe, "Fake Mustache" for twenty years! Thank you for coming on and for opening up your vault of our queer history. My heart and brain are filled.

This week's guest, Mahmoud Abi Samaan comes to us from Rafah after his entire family was displaced by the IDF and their home was destroyed in Gaza by Israeli bomb/rocket strikes. All this after he lost his  best friend to an Israeli bombing at 17 years old. Mahmoud was in hospital for months having his body put back together. As much brutality as they have suffered and survived to have such a gentle spirit and compassionate heart is inspiring. Insha'Allah my friend and thank you for sharing with us all.

This week Darcy and I try and understand all that's been happening in our vast, hurting world. We both came out confused, somewhat sleepy and laughing so the episode is probably ok. One thing I try and keep in mind, as we discuss topics from the universe around us and across the planet is my very privileged position. Not only am I a middle aged, white male living in North America - I was also born into the middle class. I try to consider the idea that just because it hasn't happened to me, doesn't mean it isn't happening to others. Best way I've found to learn about what others go through is to listen and get involved. I also had to learn how to stay quiet and not defend my biases but allow them to fade away as I get to know real living humans. I feel this is a lifelong process for someone like me coming from so much privilege.

This week's guest, Wendy, is a wonderful musician and long time indigenous activist. They share their often difficult journey through life - emphasizing both their gritty, protest-folk-rock music (I made that up) and their continued activism for human rights.

This week's guest, Kat, stops by and shares their story. Kat comes to Calgary via California and the beautiful San Jose area.   Although they also grew up in  twelve step rooms from the time they can remember. Through the years, they began to experience and witness the violence and shame based approaches within the justice and recovery communities in both the United States and in Canada. They came here for graduate studies and stayed to fall in love. They are tirelessly working in the harm reduction community to save lives. Thank you Kat!

This week's guest, Dawn, stopped by and shared her journey from a life where alcohol became medicine to cope with deep pain, anxiety, and depression. She is now trying her best to face, cope with and heal from the deep pain she carries. Like all of us, the process of healing is beautiful and messy. Painful and joyous. Like life.. Thank you Dawn!

This week's guest comes from a police department in Canada. I will give a pre-warning, warning that this episode might be incredibly triggering for anyone. We talk openly and frankly about the experiences we have had in our different capacities. I had no idea the depths of sexism/misogyny, Islamophobia, and homophobia in law enforcement culture until I was clear of it for a few months. Able to process the damage properly. With the executive branches of law enforcement failing to protect their officers so dramatically, specifically, and systematically. They do this with blatant disregard for the public, for the member, and for the members families. How could any of us know...thank you for having the courage to stand up and say something. I'm disgusted that the title of this episode is incredibly suitable for this conversation.

This week's guest, Danielle, drops in to talk about accessing mental health and addiction services in Calgary, Alberta. She is incredibly open and honest about her recent journey within the system. We talk openly about our mental illnesses and share some soothing strategies/ideas for when mental health is pushed to the limits. This is one of those episodes that may be deeply triggering for people. This is an added warning, children should not necessarily listen. Thank you for your openness, courage and vulnerability Danielle. We are lucky to have you in our world.

This week's guest, Beau stops by and shares their incredible journey through this life. The path was wrought with suffering through the hate of others in many ways. He brings a deep passion for justice and human rights with him wherever he goes. I heard them speak at an end Genocide/Free Palestine rally in Calgary. I am going to let the episode speak for itself as I could not do it justice... Thank you Beau! 

This week's guest, Wesam, an activist with Justice For Palestine stops by to talk about organizating and running weekly protests in an attempt to end genocide and find peace I Palestine. We talk about how deeply islamaphobia runs within western style culture. We talk about how islamaphobia is another means for western culture to continue its war on Indigenous, Black People and People of Colour. We talk about some of the systems in place within these countries that were intentionally designed to keep certain humans from achieving liberation and freedom. The fact that these systems are in place all across the planet. Thank you Wesam, you're out there in the face of such hate and yet, you continue to show your love for all humans.

This week our guests are none other than my brothers, Greg and Nathan. The three of us sat down to talk about losing our pops and how life has changed for each of us in some ways as we approach the one year anniversary of his passing. I love my brothers and honestly, what resonates the most from this is how Darcy heard our conversation. He heard different parts of pop's personality coming out in the three of us. He distinctly heard dad in how each of our personalities try to make sense of this insane, shifting world in which we find ourselves. This conversation brought up a lot of stuff for each of us and I'll only speak for myself in saying, it was triggering in a lot of ways. Thanks bro's, love you both

This week's guest, Bill, shares some of his experiences working in Palestine, Gaza, Israel, and more. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come on to share some first hand experiences.

This week's guest, Saima Jamal, is an amazing human being. She's one of those strong activists out here despite the often harsh consequences they face from the authorities. Regardless of the opposition she faces every day, she stands up for what is right. For what is human. You may not understand her point of view and you may not agree with it. Try and remember that who she is standing up for is you and I as well. Her voice and the courage to use it for people. For all people. "No one of us can be free until everybody is free."Maya Angelou

This week's guest, Kimberly, comes to us from the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia. Not only is she a person in recovery, but she is a recovery coach and support human. Her story is a journey through alcoholism in a career where drinking was not only encouraged but supported in some respects. Thank you so much Kimberly, we appreciate you. If you're interested check her out on all the socials: IG: @spiritualrecovery @lastcallcoaching

This week Michael and Nazia stop by and we talk about an end to genocide and war. We talk about love, humanity, and a need for us to love one another regardless of whatever we may believe in. The answer remains to be love. Thank you Nazia and Michael for joining us and engaging in a talk about recognizing our humanity and making decisions from a place of love.

This week's guest, Juan Castro, stops by and I get to do something I really enjoy - listening to artists talk about art is heart and mind  opening. Juan is going to be performing at Freedom's Path Recovery Society's open house fund raiser in March. Details to follow! Thank you Juan, we appreciate you.

This week, Michelle and Darcy sit down with me and we take a look back over 2023. We talk about how difficult it can be to keep pushing forward when the world appears like it's imploding. When our fellow humans commit genocide on women, children, whole families, and bloodlines across the ocean and call it war. 2023 saw the whole world grieving.

This week's guest, Joey, shares his unbelievable journey with us. In this episode we discuss adult themes that may not be suitable for all ages. Joey's openness about the life he's lived and how he came to be living in Calgary, Alberta Canada is commendable. Without giving away too much, I'll say that my pops was always right, love is the most transformative power there is. Love can bring the light from a long buried darkness even after people tried to extinguish the light as a child. Thank you Joey, we appreciate your courage, strength and hope.