Today we sit down and talk with advocate and all-around recovery warrior, Randy Anderson. You may recognize him as the "guy in the felon shirt" or the guy yelling into a megaphone at recovery events. He has been a fighter for those with a criminal record, and those with substance use disorders. Join us as we sit down and talk with Randy about how he became "the guy in the felon shirt", and the amazing work he does advocating not just in Minnesota, but across the country. 

Today we sit down and talk with advocate and all-around recovery warrior, Randy Anderson.  You may recognize him as the "guy in the felon shirt" or the guy yelling into a megaphone at recovery events. He has been a fighter for those with a criminal record, and those with substance use disorders.  Join us as we sit down and talk with Randy about how he became "the guy in the felon shirt", and the amazing work he does advocating not just in Minnesota, but across the country.

An interview with Randy Anderson; Advocacy and Breaking Down Barriers

What happens when an Agnostic, an Atheist, and a Christian sit down and talk about faith, spirituality, and a higher power in recovery?Find out on today's episode as Patrick and Kyla sit down to interview Del Bacon; The Recovery Atheist. We talk about the stigmatization of Atheists, how Del moved beyond his upbringing in a Christian home, and why he speaks out about being an Atheist in Recovery. All 3 have different beliefs but one common understanding; ANYONE can recover. 

What happens when an Agnostic, an Atheist, and a Christian sit down and talk about faith, spirituality, and a higher power in recovery? Find out on today's episode as Patrick and Kyla sit down to interview Del Bacon; The Recovery Atheist.  We talk about the stigmatization of Atheists, how Del moved beyond his upbringing in a Christian home, and why he speaks out about being an Atheist in Recovery.  All 3 have different beliefs but one common understanding; ANYONE can recover.

The Recovery Atheist with Del Bacon

Kris Kelly

Shes been called the "Brene Brown" of recovery, and one of our favorite humans; KRIS KELLY!Kris is a passionate pioneer in the recovery community. She has influenced both of our recovery journeys and we are so excited to be able to sit down and talk with her about the work she is doing in Recovery Community Organizations and Peer Support Services. On today's episode, we talk about her journey into recovery, how she found what worked for HER, and how she found her passion for work in recovery. She is always full of wisdom and laughter, so make sure to tune in!

Shes been called the "Brene Brown" of recovery, and one of our favorite humans; KRIS KELLY! Kris is a passionate pioneer in the recovery community. She has influenced both of our recovery journeys and we are so excited to be able to sit down and talk with her about the work she is doing in Recovery Community Organizations and Peer Support Services.  On today's episode, we talk about her journey into recovery, how she found what worked for HER, and how she found her passion for work in recovery.  She is always full of wisdom and laughter, so make sure to tune in!

Kris Kelly on Recovery Community Organizations and Peer Support Services

Pets have been instrumental in a lot of people's recovery, especially in Kyla's and Patrick's recovery. Join us this week where we talk about the fur babies who saved our lives!

Pets have been instrumental in a lot of people's recovery, especially in Kyla's and Patrick's recovery. Join us this week where we talk about the fur babies who saved our lives!

Pets!

Addiction is a family disease. When one is person sick, usually the family gets sick, or the ones closest to the person using.In this episode we discuss the reality many families face, their loved one struggling with substance use disorder. How do you save them? Can you save them? Is there hope? Yes, there's definitely hope!As always we pull from our lived experience and look at this through two lenses: that of a concerned family member, and that of a peer recovery specialist. Tune in!

Addiction is a family disease. When one is person sick, usually the family gets sick, or the ones closest to the person using. In this episode we discuss the reality many families face, their loved one struggling with substance use disorder. How do you save them? Can you save them? Is there hope? Yes, there's definitely hope! As always we pull from our lived experience and look at this through two lenses: that of a concerned family member, and that of a peer recovery specialist. Tune in!

20. When a loved one returns to use

Jason Rudeen

This weeks episode we sit down with Jason Rudeen, co-host of The Way Out Podcast and most importantly a person in recovery!Jason shares his journey through addiction and what lead him to live and maintain a life in recovery. Be sure to tune in!

This weeks episode we sit down with Jason Rudeen, co-host of The Way Out Podcast and most importantly a person in recovery! Jason shares his journey through addiction and what lead him to live and maintain a life in recovery. Be sure to tune in!

19. An interview with Jason Rudeen from The Way Out Podcast

So now that we know all about the laundry list, what do these behaviors look like in a HEALTHY model? Join us today as we talk about the flip side of the ACA Laundry list. What these learned behaviors look like after the work has been done to correct them. 

So now that we know all about the laundry list, what do these behaviors look like in a HEALTHY model?  Join us today as we talk about the flip side of the ACA Laundry list. What these learned behaviors look like after the work has been done to correct them.

18. ACA Part 2: The flip side of the laundry list

Today we sit down and talk about the program Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families! Yay!As children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families, we sit down and talk through the "laundry list". A list of traits held by those who grew up in homes that were affected by alcoholism, addiction and dysfunction. We talk about how each has shown up in our lives, and how being an adult child has impacted us.When going through the list after every statement was a resounding "YEP!". We checked just about every box. Its like this list was made for us. You dont have to be someone who struggled with addiction or alcoholism to be a part of the ACA, just someone who grew up either around it, or in a dysfunctional home. Tune in! This is a good one. 

Today we sit down and talk about the program Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunctional Families!  Yay! As children of alcoholics and dysfunctional families, we sit down and talk through the "laundry list". A list of traits held by those who grew up in homes that were affected by alcoholism, addiction and dysfunction. We talk about how each has shown up in our lives, and how being an adult child has impacted us. When going through the list after every statement was a resounding "YEP!". We checked just about every box. Its like this list was made for us. You dont have to be someone who struggled with addiction or alcoholism to be a part of the ACA, just someone who grew up either around it, or in a dysfunctional home.  Tune in! This is a good one.

17. Adult Children Of Alcoholics Part 1

Today we interview the two most important women in our lives; our Mothers. We ask them the tough questions as they talk about their journey mothering an addicted child. They talk about the paths they took to their own personal recovery (from our disease) and the parallels are quite interesting! (try and guess whose Mom took a very faith-based approach and whose did the steps)Being a Mom brings its own set of challenges, but being a Mother to a child struggling with a substance use disorder adds a whole other level of pain. Though we didn't care to see the damage and pain we were inflicting upon them during our use, and it's painful to remember, it's important to understand what they went through. And to also talk about what recovery has done to mend our relationship. We are so infinitely grateful to these women who raised us. Take a listen! And remember to Subscribe! 

Today we interview the two most important women in our lives; our Mothers.  We ask them the tough questions as they talk about their journey mothering an addicted child. They talk about the paths they took to their own personal recovery (from our disease) and the parallels are quite interesting!  (try and guess whose Mom took a very faith-based approach and whose did the steps) Being a Mom brings its own set of challenges, but being a Mother to a child struggling with a substance use disorder adds a whole other level of pain. Though we didn't care to see the damage and pain we were inflicting upon them during our use, and it's painful to remember, it's important to understand what they went through. And to also talk about what recovery has done to mend our relationship.  We are so infinitely grateful to these women who raised us.  Take a listen! And remember to Subscribe!

16. Meet our Moms! 

What happens when there is no police presence in a community? When addiction has made it's way into the depths of that community and overdoses are taking away the members? That's what happened in 2016 when the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lost their Joint Powers Agreement, which mean their tribal police could no longer arrest or investigate crimes. What happened next was a response from the recovery community. Specifically a group called "Sober Squad". Join us this week as we talk with Colin Cash and Lucia Diaz-French. A conversation that focuses on community buy-in, progressive change, and sustainable alternatives to the current system all through the lens of recovery.What would it look like if we had to rebuild communities with no police? What if funding could be reallocated to behavioral health services? And what if we could pull from examples such as Sober Squad?So what can this look like for Minneapolis in 2020? You wont want to miss this one!

What happens when there is no police presence in a community? When addiction has made it's way into the depths of that community and overdoses are taking away the members? That's what happened in 2016 when the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe lost their Joint Powers Agreement, which mean their tribal police could no longer arrest or investigate crimes. What happened next was a response from the recovery community. Specifically a group called "Sober Squad". Join us this week as we talk with Colin Cash and Lucia Diaz-French. A conversation that focuses on community buy-in, progressive change, and sustainable alternatives to the current system all through the lens of recovery. What would it look like if we had to rebuild communities with no police? What if funding could be reallocated to behavioral health services? And what if we could pull from examples such as Sober Squad?So what can this look like for Minneapolis in 2020? You wont want to miss this one!

15. Community Action Groups

As we are uniquely woven we must be uniquely unwoven. On the wagon, off the wagon, chasing the wagon, what wagon? Join Minnesota's own recovery duo, Kyla Olson and Patrick Farley, as they talk about and celebrate the many pathways of recovery.

Thank you for sharing your journeys.  It is refreshing to hear encouragement in finding the path of recovery that works best for each individual.  You each have unique journies that can really help others.

Thank you

I love how real and raw and inspiring this podcast is!!

Amazing and so helpful!

The Wagon

We hear ALL THE TIME that we are in the midst of an Opioid Epidemic. And we are! On today's episode we talk about Just Alcohol. Why is it that a disease that kills so many people is so socially accepted by society, and oftentimes treated differently by other people in recovery?We don't think twice about asking someone why they no longer smoke crack, so why do people in recovery from alcohol use disorder constantly need to justify being in that space?Today, Kyla talks about her experience as a person with alcohol use disorder in treatment, and in recovery. The good, the bad, and the unnecessary. 

We hear ALL THE TIME that we are in the midst of an Opioid Epidemic. And we are! On today's episode we talk about Just Alcohol. Why is it that a disease that kills so many people is so socially accepted by society, and oftentimes treated differently by other people in recovery? We don't think twice about asking someone why they no longer smoke crack, so why do people in recovery from alcohol use disorder constantly need to justify being in that space? Today, Kyla talks about her experience as a person with alcohol use disorder in treatment, and in recovery. The good, the bad, and the unnecessary.

Episode 3: Just Alcohol

It's been around for a minute; AA and the 12 steps. For years AA as a program has been understood to be THE only way to recover from substance use disorder. Courts are mandating attending meetings, and entire treatment centers are developed around the fundamentals. As time has progressed AA as a program has undergone a shift. With the progression of science and medicine, it is no longer the only way to recover from substance use disorder. People are becoming vocal about the need to recognize that AA is not for everyone, and if it's not for you, THAT'S OKAY!Patrick, whose program DOES include AA, sits across from Kyla, who has never worked a step in her life,. Together they talk about their experiences with the AA program, what works for Patrick and what does not align with Kyla. ** Disclaimer; we understand the anonymity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will NEVER identify a person, story, or experience that is beyond our own. We CHOOSE to speak openly about AA because there are a lot of harmful beliefs about AA and we believe in candid and honest conversations.  

It's been around for a minute; AA and the 12 steps. For years AA as a program has been understood to be THE only way to recover from substance use disorder. Courts are mandating attending meetings, and entire treatment centers are developed around the fundamentals.  As time has progressed AA as a program has undergone a shift. With the progression of science and medicine, it is no longer the only way to recover from substance use disorder. People are becoming vocal about the need to recognize that AA is not for everyone, and if it's not for you, THAT'S OKAY! Patrick, whose program DOES include AA, sits across from Kyla, who has never worked a step in her life,. Together they talk about their experiences with the AA program, what works for Patrick and what does not align with Kyla.  ** Disclaimer; we understand the anonymity of Alcoholics Anonymous. We will NEVER identify a person, story, or experience that is beyond our own. We CHOOSE to speak openly about AA because there are a lot of harmful beliefs about AA and we believe in candid and honest conversations.

Episode 4: The 12 Steps

Join us this week as Patrick and Kyla talk about what recovery looks like. We are shifting from a space of shame, guilt and anonymity to a culture of proud, vocal and visible people in recovery.  As we all know, with that comes a strong social media presence. What we’re seeing on social media is the great, the beautiful and the edited. It is important to show others who may be struggling as we once were, that there is a beautiful light on the other side. By doing so we are showing the world that people are recovering and we are no longer ashamed. We are also breaking the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorders. But what DOES recovery look like? It looks different for every person.What we talk about in episode 2 is #thisiswhatrecoverylookslike. We see this ALL the time on social media and it's great. But it's also misleading. It's important to captivate the true essence of each journey to recovery, and it's not all roses and wins. 

Join us this week as Patrick and Kyla talk about what recovery looks like. We are shifting from a space of shame, guilt and anonymity to a culture of proud, vocal and visible people in recovery.  As we all know, with that comes a strong social media presence. What we’re seeing on social media is the great, the beautiful and the edited. It is important to show others who may be struggling as we once were, that there is a beautiful light on the other side. By doing so we are showing the world that people are recovering and we are no longer ashamed. We are also breaking the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorders.  But what DOES recovery look like?  It looks different for every person. What we talk about in episode 2 is #thisiswhatrecoverylookslike. We see this ALL the time on social media and it's great. But it's also misleading. It's important to captivate the true essence of each journey to recovery, and it's not all roses and wins.

Episode 2: #ThisIsWhatRecoveryLooksLike

Spirituality and religion is a hot topic and one that fuels passionate opinions. As people in recovery, we are dedicated to better understanding ourselves, our true and authentic selves. Both Kyla and Patrick benefit from spiritual practices, religion is another topic. Going through an intense faith-based treatment, Kyla talks about her journey as a Christian and what it means for her. She touches on how it has impacted her recovery journey, and the moment she surrendered. Patrick is a skeptic, yes we know him. As a person who is full of logic and facts he grapples with religion; its history, rules, and governing. He talks about his resistance, but how his faith and higher power play out in his journey. Listen in as we dip our toes into the topic of Religion and Spirituality. A topic we will surely be diving deeper into in future episodes. 

Spirituality and religion is a hot topic and one that fuels passionate opinions. As people in recovery, we are dedicated to better understanding ourselves, our true and authentic selves. Both Kyla and Patrick benefit from spiritual practices, religion is another topic.  Going through an intense faith-based treatment, Kyla talks about her journey as a Christian and what it means for her. She touches on how it has impacted her recovery journey, and the moment she surrendered.  Patrick is a skeptic, yes we know him. As a person who is full of logic and facts he grapples with religion; its history, rules, and governing. He talks about his resistance, but how his faith and higher power play out in his journey.  Listen in as we dip our toes into the topic of Religion and Spirituality. A topic we will surely be diving deeper into in future episodes.

Episode 6: Spirituality

Dating sucks in general. Dating in recovery is on a whole different level. We no longer have that nice social lubricant to ease us into the dating world. With modern-day dating apps being the primary way to find a date, what do we disclose on our profile? Every person wants to meet for drinks, I cant still go and just drink water right? It weird out there folks. We had always met our significant others at parties, bars or through drug connections. We were blacking out of the game when dating apps started to take trend, and navigating them is not in our wheelhouse. In fact, it took us to some odd places. Join Patrick and Kyla this week as they talk about dating in recovery. From bad tinder stories and catfishes, we share our experiences as sober people in the dating world. 

Dating sucks in general. Dating in recovery is on a whole different level. We no longer have that nice social lubricant to ease us into the dating world. With modern-day dating apps being the primary way to find a date, what do we disclose on our profile? Every person wants to meet for drinks, I cant still go and just drink water right?  It weird out there folks.  We had always met our significant others at parties, bars or through drug connections. We were blacking out of the game when dating apps started to take trend, and navigating them is not in our wheelhouse. In fact, it took us to some odd places.  Join Patrick and Kyla this week as they talk about dating in recovery. From bad tinder stories and catfishes, we share our experiences as sober people in the dating world.

Episode 7: Dating

Ken McCarthy

Join us this week as we talk with Journalist and Author Ken McCarthy! Not all alcoholics drink the same. Some binge a few days a week, some know when the liquor stores open, some drink only a few times a month but when they do..... well you know the rest. Yet each shares a common trait, as Ken explains it. “Once that key was turned, the launch sequence could not be stopped.” or as the less elegant (Kyla) likes to say, “once you pop, the fun dont stop!” On today’s episode Ken talks about his journey to recovery, and the experience behind his book One Hand on the Sink. Ken paints a picture of that defining moment when you’re forced to look at yourself, and make a change. Don’t miss out! 

Join us this week as we talk with Journalist and Author Ken McCarthy!  Not all alcoholics drink the same. Some binge a few days a week, some know when the liquor stores open, some drink only a few times a month but when they do..... well you know the rest. Yet each shares a common trait, as Ken explains it. “Once that key was turned, the launch sequence could not be stopped.” or as the less elegant (Kyla) likes to say, “once you pop, the fun dont stop!”  On today’s episode Ken talks about his journey to recovery, and the experience behind his book One Hand on the Sink. Ken paints a picture of that defining moment when you’re forced to look at yourself, and make a change.  Don’t miss out!

One Hand On The Sink with Ken McCarthy

Jay Pee

Jay Pee came to Minnesota with $200 and a dream. A dream to make a better life for himself. He is a dope dealer gone hope dealer. A man who now uses his lived experience to help other people find a better way of life.Jay Pee is a rock star in the recovery community here in the Twin Cities. He is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, owner/operator of Tree Moire LLC, founder of Minnesota Hope Dealerz, and soon to be a Licensed Alcohol and Drug counselor.You don't want to miss this episode where Jay shares his story of recovery, from both drugs and the lifestyle. He is now making a name for himself in the community and he is dedicated to spreading hope and empowering others. 

Jay Pee came to Minnesota with $200 and a dream. A dream to make a better life for himself. He is a dope dealer gone hope dealer. A man who now uses his lived experience to help other people find a better way of life. Jay Pee is a rock star in the recovery community here in the Twin Cities. He is a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, owner/operator of Tree Moire LLC, founder of Minnesota Hope Dealerz, and soon to be a Licensed Alcohol and Drug counselor. You don't want to miss this episode where Jay shares his story of recovery, from both drugs and the lifestyle. He is now making a name for himself in the community and he is dedicated to spreading hope and empowering others.

Minnesota Hope Dealerz with Jay Pee

Join us for our 11th episode we recap season one and introduce season 2. For us recovery in a pandemic has required redefining our pathway to wellness, but we keep chugging along and the wagon keeps rolling.

Join us for our 11th episode we recap season one and introduce season 2. For us recovery in a pandemic has required redefining our pathway to wellness, but we keep chugging along and the wagon keeps rolling.

Welcome To Season 2!

Step 1: Meet at a coffee shop. Step 2: Start a podcast.Tune in for a bonus episode this week as Kyla and Patrick reflect back on their experiences with starting a podcast. Their passion for recovery drove this project into fruition, but it didn't come easy. They learned a lot about themselves throughout this process. And they're still learning. The message of this episode is to keep saying yes, to keep showing up, and to keep doing.

Step 1: Meet at a coffee shop. Step 2: Start a podcast. Tune in for a bonus episode this week as Kyla and Patrick reflect back on their experiences with starting a podcast.  Their passion for recovery drove this project into fruition, but it didn't come easy. They learned a lot about themselves throughout this process. And they're still learning. The message of this episode is to keep saying yes, to keep showing up, and to keep doing.

Episode 10: Season 1 Recap

Jesse Harvey

When we apply harm reduction principles to typical life scenarios, nobody bats an eye. For instance: wearing your seat-belt while driving, wearing a helmet while riding a bike, or putting on sun screen before spending time on the beach. But when we apply this same philosophy to people who use drugs, society pushes back. Why? It's an age-old question: Isn't harm reduction enabling addicts more? If we give them more needles they'll just get MORE drugs! If we allow open use spaces they'll do more and never seek help. Take it all away, watch em hit rock bottom. That's the only way, right?Wrong.Harm reduction is a path of recovery with quite the stigma. Its advocates fight to protect active users from preventable diseases and death, but it is often met with opposition. Why?Join us today as we talk with Jesse Harvey! Jesse founded the Church of Safe injection, Journey House Sober Living, and Portland Overdose Prevention Society. His views are educated and radical and his path to recovery unique.The treatment-industrial complex, respectability politics, the failing drug war.. lets talk about it!

When we apply harm reduction principles to typical life scenarios, nobody bats an eye. For instance: wearing your seat-belt while driving, wearing a helmet while riding a bike, or putting on sun screen before spending time on the beach. But when we apply this same philosophy to people who use drugs, society pushes back. Why?  It's an age-old question: Isn't harm reduction enabling addicts more? If we give them more needles they'll just get MORE drugs! If we allow open use spaces they'll do more and never seek help. Take it all away, watch em hit rock bottom. That's the only way, right? Wrong. Harm reduction is a path of recovery with quite the stigma. Its advocates fight to protect active users from preventable diseases and death, but it is often met with opposition.  Why? Join us today as we talk with Jesse Harvey! Jesse founded the Church of Safe injection, Journey House Sober Living, and Portland Overdose Prevention Society. His views are educated and radical and his path to recovery unique. The treatment-industrial complex, respectability politics, the failing drug war.. lets talk about it!

Episode 9: Harm Reduction with Jesse Harvey

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best podcast episodes on non-current politics. Covering topics such as universal basic income, democracy, poverty & justice and more. For anyone interested in learning more about politics that affect that world, not just now, but in the longer term. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!