HEALING VOICES PROJECT PREVIOUS EPISODES
If you have a story to share, or are interested in being a guest on the podcast, please contact Mike by email.
Healing Voices Project is a registered 501c3 #93-2357377
Addressing the dire need for women's housing with Karen Blanchard, Adam Bartlett, and John Shea from the Michael J. Dias Foundation in Springfield, MA.
From Enforcer to Evangelist - A revisit with our friend Ocho, aka Michael Ochotorena. Ocho, openly talks about his past life as a gang member, heroin addict, loan shark enforcer, time in and out of prisons, and his total transformation to a professional actor, director, evangelist, and motivational speaker. And his most important role as a husband and father.
Love, support, and a safe environment. Karen Blanchard, Adam Bartlett and John Shea discuss their work and the mission of the Michael J. Dias Foundation. www.mdiasfoundation.org
From Ashes to Awesome! Chuck LaFlange's compelling story of 25 years of addiction, a serial entrepreneur, to an unmanageable life headed for tragedy. And now hosts his successful Ashes to Awesome podcast. To support go to www.a2apodcast.com and https://gofund.me/260036ce
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The healing effect of coaching: How coaching can be an essential tool to cope, connect and gain confidence through challenging times. Chris Rich, Certified Life Coach, shares how coaching can help handle emotions, connect with loved ones, and navigate the unknown.
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Transforming lives with energy and passion. Kevin Rosario from Gosnold Behavioral Health discusses the various programs at Gosnold that have helped individuals, families, and communities through recovery for over 50 years.
Fighting the battle from many fronts. Zeno Temple, current law student and Community Safety and Outreach Specialist, and Tony Simmons, Director of Community and Safety Outreach at the Hampden County DA Office in Springfield, MA, discuss a multitude of programs that address addiction, internet safety, and other pressing issues affecting our youth and communities.Audio Podcast Video Link
Two determined moms come together to address youth substance use. Amy Higgins and Chris Rich, from two completely different backgrounds, find a common cause that led to a close friendship, and their work with the CLOSE Community organization. www.closecommunity.org
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"I threw it all away!" Kevin Rosario, now with Gosnold Behavioral Health talks about his “unsettled business” and “emotional void” that led to alcohol and drug abuse, dealing drugs, jail time, and ultimately, a renewed spirit that turned his life around.
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Taking initiatives toward a a safer community with Tony Simmons and Gina Anslemo, Director and Deputy Director respectively of the Community Safety and Outreach Unit with the Hampden County DA Office. Tony and Gina provide an overview of the educational and prevention intiatives affecting youth, elderly and people with disabilities.Audio Podcast Video Link
A CLOSE Community with Paul McNeil and Catherine Mulcahy. How one Massachusetts town addresses youth substance abuse and the impact of substance use disorders.
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The disease of more, taking everything away. Shawn Martin, promising young athlete and college student describes the progression of his addiction that changed his future, and his recovery path to a new life.
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"Something bigger than me saved my life!" Josh Ouimet from Michael J Dias Foundation shares his path of recovery and his involvement with the Michael J Dias Foundation.
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"I'm ONE bad decision away!" David Baker shares his story of struggles with alcohol and drugs, incarceration, rehabs, and recovery that led to his role as Board Member at the Michael J. Dias Foundation
A warm welcome into our Living Room.
Katie Patterson and Tatiana Shearer, Certified Peer Specialists with BHN, talk about the success of the Living Room, through peer support, encouragement and guidance.
Destined to be a social worker from early childhood, Joy Ifill, VP at Behavioral Health Network, and the many facets of treatment offered at BHN.
A Clean Slate, A New Life. James Biscoe, Sr Area Manager at Clean Slate shares his personal experience and discuses treatment options and the dangers of Xylazine.
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The Ultimate Survivor: Kevin LeBeau talks about his emergence from addiction, homelessness, a life threating accident, his heart transplant, and above all, surviving an all out brawl with Chuck E. Cheese.
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A Miraculous Recovery, Mark Jachym, certified recovery coach and community outreach coordinator at the Springfield Comprehensive Treatment Center. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Spiritual Threads of Healing with author Judith Cosby. How spirituality and journaling can enhance healing through challenging times. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Life Changing Program at the Springfield Rescue Mission. Kevin Ramsdell, CEO of the Springfield Rescue Mission discusses ways the mission serves the community and turns lives around.
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A New Life Through Recovery. John Shea shares his story of recovery, and now uses his experience to help others through his position at the Michael J. Dias Foundation.
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Can you be addicted to processed foods? Fitness coach and author of The Leanness Lifestyle, David Greenwalt discusses the effect food and nutrition has for your mental health and recovery. Audio Podcast Video Link
Introducing the DART Team (Drug Addiction Recovery Team ) where Kathi Cotugno discusses how her personal experience led to her involvement with DART. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Kid from the South Bronx Who Never Gave Up, with John Giordano. John discusses his addiction, and his new Ketamine Infusion and Wellness Center. Audio Podcast Video Link
The Magic of Surrender, with Kute Blackson, inspirational speaker, transformational teacher, and author of The Magic of Surrender and You. Are. The. One. Audio Podcast Video Link
2022 Episodes
Breaking the Chains of Trauma. Jason Cunningham shares his remarkable story of recovery, from early childhood trauma and drug addiction, to his new found life helping others through substance abuse challenges.
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"Jail was the best thing that ever happened to me"! Adam Bartlett from the Michael J. Dias Foundation shares his story from a career as a police officer, his injury that led to an addiction, a desperate robbery, and his current work as a leader at a recovery center.
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Care Re-Imagined. Dr. Katie Krauskopf and Roberto Agrait from MiraVista Behavioral Health Center share their expertise and observations, and discuss the treatment programs offered at MiraVista in Holyoke MA. www.miravistabhc.care
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Learn to Cope Magda Colon, with over 20 years in the field of substance abuse treatment, talks about her current work at Learn to Cope.
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Dr. Lina Racicot, Director of Graduate Psychology at AIC College, and author of Living with the Little Devil Man.
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Michael Blanchard, award winning photographer and author of Fighting For My Life and Through a Sober Lens, shares how his personal story of recovery led to a new passion for photography and a new life helping others through addiction.
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One Cop's Journey Keith Knotek , retired CA Sheriff's Sergeant and Police Commander and author of From Sorrow to Amazing Grace: One Cop's Journey and Gunrunner: the Mario Oliveira Story, shares his experiences with alcoholsim, depression, and trauma.
Julie Rocco-Jewels courageously shares how she endured sixteen years of heroin addiction, homelessness, the death of loved ones, and the miracle of her survival.
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Cristina Rivera, Director of Outpatient Services at MiraVista Behavioral Health Center in Holyoke discusses treatment programs, and opportunities from recovery.
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Jon Cunningham shares his inspiring story of addiction struggles,
life-changing recovery, and his new found life as a succesful business owner.
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Dr. Peter Friedmann, MD, MPH, DFASAM, FACP, from Baystate Health discusses critical topics as a medical professional in addiction medicine and Substance Abuse Disorder.
State Senator John Velis discusses his thoughts and initiatives to help combat the opioid crisis, the dangers of fentanyl, and ways to prevent overdoses.
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Clay Hampton from the CT Dept of Mental Health and Addiction Services (and actor in the Jack Jonah movie) talks about his work with people in recovery.
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Rebecca Helman, Herren Project Lead Clinician, discusses her 20 years in the mental health field, and private practice specializing in treating people with addiction, trauma, and grief.
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Police Chief Paul Connor, 26 years as a police officer, including 10 years in the Narcotics Bureau, shares observations and perspectives.
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Chris Denton talks about his years of drugs and alcohol, his sobriety, and new found passion to help others through addiction.
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Keith Brodeur , RN, shares his experience with substance abuse and mental illness and the recent loss of his brother from addiction.
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Adam Bartlett from the Michael J Dias Foundation opens up about his own addiction and what led him to his current work at the Michael J Dias Foundation.
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Katie Shea bravely shares her own experience with alcoholism and the tragic loss of her son Brandon through addicition.
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Kerri O,Connor, woman in recovery, proud parent, Gulf War Veteran, Agawam School Committee member, tells her emotional story of her battles with alcoholism and how it affected her family and career.
Jonathan Hickory, 18 years as a police officer, author of Break Every Chain, courageously shares his trauma, ptsd, and what led to his sobriety.
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Paige Tourville (Mike’s mom) talks about growing up with an alcoholic father, how her sister's struggles with drugs and alcohol, and the effects on her family.
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Barry Simpson, from Superdad to Fugitive Part II. Barry talks about his altered judgment and decision making, that led to violent situations.
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Michael Ochotorena, aka Ocho, shares his transformation from gang member, heroin addict, and loan enforcer, to actor, evangelist, professional wrestler, and his main role as a husband and father.
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Cecilia Calabrese Agawam, MA City Councilor, and Jason Campbell, President, JC Films, and Bridgeport, WV City Councilor, discuss community initiatives and parenting through challenging times.
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2021 Episodes
Dave Beaudet, 25 years sober, speaks about his life and career in the military and how his life has changed since he stopped drinking.
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Courtney Soden Caruso, In honor of her brother Ryan
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Barry Simpson, From Superdad to Fugitive
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Allison Gearing, A mom with a message
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Dino Bedinelli, Executive Director, Compass Recovery and Treatment Center
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Jason Cunningham, Breaking the chains of trauma
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William Sapelli, Mayor of Agawam, Massachusetts
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Chris Bernier, M.Ed. LMHC, LSW, CADCH, A Clinician's perspective
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John C. Velis, State Senator from western Massachusetts
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Dennis and Debbie Gonzalez, Hope for Holyoke Recovery Center
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Kirk Jonah, Jack Jonah Foundation
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