ln this deeply moving episode of Own Your Story, Vanessa opens up about what it was like growing up in the shadow of a parent’s addiction. She shares the emotional and social weight of secrecy—the fear of judgment, the silence at school, and the constant need to appear “okay” even when life at home wasn’t.

Through her story, Vanessa reveals how hiding pain for so long shaped her sense of identity, trust, and relationships. She discusses the moment she finally broke the silence, how speaking her truth became the first step toward healing, and the power that comes from turning shame into strength.

The conversation reminds listeners that they are not defined by their family’s addiction and that healing begins the moment we choose honesty over silence.

Sonny, the tribal chairman for the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, shared his personal journey of growing up in a household affected by addiction, which shaped his early life experiences and relationships. Despite facing challenges including parental incarceration and family struggles with addiction, Sonny found support from his extended family and cultural connections while working to overcome his own addiction issues. Through his experiences, Sonny emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and community service, while advocating for young Native men to embrace change and take on leadership roles in their communities.

Zoey talked about her challenging upbringing in a household affected by addiction and abuse, where Zoey had to take on a parental role at a young age while managing daily struggles at home. Zoey shared her journey to sobriety at age 22 and how it helped her process past trauma, leading to improved relationships with her family and focus on setting healthy boundaries. Today, Zoey prioritizes being a present and loving mother to her own child while maintaining gratitude and finding joy despite past difficulties.