RRP 72 – Tony Z’s Story: Founding Voices Series, Episode 6
Presenters: Peter and Julie
Length: 1 hour, 4 minutes
Summary
Episode seventy-two of the Real Recovery Podcast features Tony Z sharing his journey from an idyllic childhood in Oregon through addiction, hitting bottom, and finding recovery through the 12 steps. Tony discusses his struggles with heroin, music, community, and service, and his ongoing commitment to sobriety and helping others[1].
Key Points with Timecodes
- [00:00:00] Emily welcomes Tony Z and previews his extraordinary journey through addiction and recovery.
- [00:05:21] Tony describes his early life on the Willamette River in Salem, Oregon.
- [00:10:32] Tony reflects on his unique sense of style, being bullied in school, and finding support among creative peers.
- [00:17:06] Tony details his progression into addiction, struggling to afford drugs and using to avoid getting sick.
- [00:21:30] Tony shares how his friend Mike introduced him to AA and the challenge of getting clean from heroin.
- [00:30:13] Tony is introduced to the 12 steps, commits to 90 meetings in 90 days, and finds structure in recovery.
- [00:50:01] Tony discusses his involvement in music, playing bass and singing, and how hitting bottom coincided with his creative pursuits.
- [00:56:11] Tony talks about his outreach work, bringing resources to unhoused individuals and the importance of service.
- [01:00:04] Tony celebrates three years free from all substances, including cigarettes, and the impact of this milestone.
- [01:03:12] Tony shares a message from his sponsor: “You are not a piece of shit. You don’t have to be alone,” underscoring the importance of self-worth and community support[1].
Links
Quote
You are not a piece of shit. You don't have to be alone. That's the best I can do on any given day.
– Tony Z
Hashtags and Mentions
#FoundingVoices #RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #ServiceInRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible
@RealRecoveryPodcast
Popular Podcasts
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.