Airing Addiction
Hosted by Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison of Spectrum Health Systems, this popular podcast discusses addiction and recovery, featuring personal stories, special guests and professional opinion.
Episodes
In this episode of Airing Addiction, we’re joined by Stephen Murray, executive leader at SafeSpot—the nation’s first and only professionalized, 24/7 peer-led overdose detection and prevention hotline.
Formerly known as the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline, SafeSpot has quietly saved lives by doing something radically simple: staying with people while they use drugs and activating help if an emergency arises.
Stephen s...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Jeremy’s story is one of transformation and resilience. Growing up in a small country town, his life spiraled from drug dealing and addiction.
After confronting his life of substance use, Jeremy completely turned his life around, embraced recovery, and discovered the joy of fatherhood.
Jeremy's story reminds us that regardless of circumstances, hope and healing are always possible, and t...
In this special Thanksgiving episode of Airing Addiction:
Hosts Lisa Blanchard, Jesse Chaison, and producer James Gangemi explore the power of gratitude in recovery and community. They reflect on the incredible stories shared on the podcast, the courage of their guests, and the unwavering support of listeners who continue to inspire the mission of this show.
Lisa and Jesse also explore what the holiday season can mean for individuals...
In this special “best-of” episode, hosts Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison take listeners on a powerful journey through four years of Airing Addiction, spotlighting the transformative role of peer recovery.
Through a curated collection of raw, heartfelt, and inspiring moments, this episode showcases how individuals in recovery use their lived experience to uplift, guide, and support others on their own paths to healing.
Listener...
On week four of Recovery Month, we are joined by guests Nancy Wright and Michelle May who are part of a special effort to use art to lift the spirits of those in active recovery.
Michelle May is the founding partner at Juniper Rag, Atelier ID Global, as well as an abstract expressionist painter
Nancy Wright is a photographer focused primarily on nature, wildlife and capturing abstract moments within these images. ...
On this special episode of Airing Addiction for week 3 of Recovery Month, Michael Earielo shares how community and peer support play an important role in supporting those in active recovery.
Michael has been the Director of Spectrum Health System’s Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center in Worcester, MA, since October 2016. He has over 20 years of experience with addiction and recovery.
He recently received his CADAC and Recovery Co...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
We are joined by Rose Gage and Lynn LeBlanc-Marrone to dive head-first into why family engagement is so important for cultivating a foundation of support for loved ones in active recovery. Join us as we explore how impactful family support is, as Jesse and Lisa tap into Rose and Lynn’s extensive clinical experience on this week's special Recovery Month episode.
Rose Gage, LMHC, is the Fa...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Rachel Sasseville, LICSW, LADC-I, is the Director of Corporate Training at Spectrum Health Systems, where she leads organization-wide efforts to improve clinical quality and support professional development across the continuum of substance use treatment.
A licensed independent clinical social worker and alcohol and drug counselor, Rachel brings over 15 years of experience in behavioral health to ...
Aileen Lovejoy is the mom of a son who suffered with the disease of addiction for 20+yrs and died on May 12th, 2013, Mother's Day, from an overdose 2 days following his birthday.
She co-facilitates the HALO 18 Grief Group in Worcester. Aileen volunteers as a group leader for grief support at the Carriage House, Worcester, and is a member of Team Sharing-MA. She is a Peer Grief Support Specialist and a Peer Grief Ally, providi...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
William Powers is a dedicated Recovery Coach at the Bridge to Hope peer recovery support center in Southbridge, Massachusetts, bringing over 18 years of experience in recovery-based programming—and a powerful foundation of lived experience—to his role.
His personal journey through recovery deeply informs his approach, allowing him to connect with individuals on a meaningful level and offer authent...
On this episode of Airing Addiction,
Associate Pastor James McGowan of New Life Community Church in Concord, MA, is driven by a passion to help people say “Yes!” to Jesus. With over 15 years of ministry experience, James has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and biblically grounded guidance. As the founder and director of True Treasure Ministries, he leads a biblical counseling and training center dedicated to equ...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Kirsten Puccio and Keri McCallum founded M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Mamas lead and empower mothers in recovery, to advocate for systematic change with support through a peer-led initiative in order to promote family reunification.
Their passion was to help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder as they once did. As they once suffered in isolation out of fear from the judgement and stigma...
Brittany Alene Jimenez started her sobriety journey on July 15, 2020.
She is a mother, friend, and outdoor enthusiast who finds solace in exercise and mountain therapy. An aspiring pilot with a passion for nursing, currently pursuing a fast-tracked DNP program. With three years of experience as a pulmonary triage nurse and Med-Surg bedside medicine at UMass, she's committed to developing skills that will shape her future in hea...
On this episode of Airing Addiction, John Marhefka and Matt Gear share details on their nonprofit GAAP Recovery:
G.A.A.P Recovery is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals and families who suffer from mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. They provide individuals with financial resources for the barriers they may face in paying for sober living.
G.A.A.P Recovery has given out 10 scholarships ...
My name is John Marhefka and I am a grateful father in recovery. I have dedicated my life to opening doors, advocating and supporting those who are recovering. I wholeheartedly feel that my success in overcoming barriers was from the support of the peers that have paved the road before me. Peer recovery service centers have played a monumental role in my recovery and continue to do so. I have been blessed with the opportunity to se...
Matt Gear shares about the recovery coaching process and its impact on individuals with substance use disorder in our communities.
Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
Ralph was a patient at New England Recovery Center December 2021 and was openminded to suggestions and motivated to change his life. He is a powerful testament of putting in the work and getting the positive results. He now works at NERC as a Recovery Specialist helping others just like he was helped. Ralph has a powerful story of experience, strength and hope to share.
Join Jesse and Lisa to hear...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
This week we highlight how feeling a sense of belonging can help people on their recovery journey. Program directors Kim Patterson and Ladonne Rogers will share how Peer Recovery Support Centers create community.
Building social supports and a caring community is essential for recovery.
• We do not recover alone. Recovery can be easier with the support of others.
• Community can include people who a...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
This week we highlight the importance of purpose as a motivator for positive change. Kathleen Wise shares her recovery story and how giving back by supporting others at New England Recovery Center helps her find her purpose.
Finding purpose in life may be a powerful driver for recovery.
• Purpose includes meaningful daily activities.
• Employment can support recovery, give a sense of purpose, and a ...
On this episode of Airing Addiction:
We all need a stable and safe place to call home.
- A home provides the foundation for a life in recovery.
- Home is a safe, stable, and soft space to land…. even on those really hard days.
- Creating safe, affordable housing for all with mental health and substance use conditions supports their recovery.
Join hosts Jesse Chaison and Lisa Blanchard for an insightful episode featuring a panel from ...
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