Lisa, from Riverton, WY, has struggled with addiction since she was 14, along with an eating disorder. She never acknowledged her problems until her 40s. Adopted at birth, she grew up with religious adoptive parents, but met her biological mother, who had a very different lifestyle. Lisa was active in sports and started drinking with friends, influenced by insecurities about her body and fear of being judged, especially seeing her adoptive brother's obesity. Despite her struggles, she had no one to support her. Her drinking led to 10 DUIs and eventually, prison, which she credits with saving her. At her lowest, Lisa felt isolated and trapped in a lonely existence, believing that was just how life was. Her oldest son hasn't spoken to her in 8 years due to her past decisions, a consequence she accepts. After finding the Gathering Place, Lisa gained hope and direction, which helped her achieve 5 years of sobriety today.

Jason Enstad has lived in Cheyenne, WY for 18 years and is a registered nurse, having previously worked as an EMT. While in nursing school, he worked at multiple detox facilities. Although he started in the ICU, Jason realized it wasn't his true calling. He later took a nursing job at the jail and became more involved in ministry through his church’s men's group, where he helped feed homeless people. One of the most challenging parts of his work was seeing individuals he helped on Sunday end up back in jail by Monday. Drawing from his experience, Jason believes it's important to read people, be attentive to their body language, and show that others care. He acknowledges that often, you plant seeds for others to nurture. Currently enrolled in a seminary master's program, Jason finds the most difficult aspect of his career to be broken relationships, particularly with family and God.

Sarah Langley, originally from Tuscan, Arizona, and later moving to Sheridan, Wyoming, had a childhood filled with anxiety and fear. Growing up in a strict Baptist home, she was taught that alcohol was forbidden, but she first tried it in her younger years with friends and quickly developed a desire for more. Despite her early experiences, Sarah didn't rely on alcohol until later in life, after college, when she entered the food and beverage industry.

Her addiction escalated during this time, although she didn't initially identify as an alcoholic, believing that she could quit drinking for months at a time. However, a pattern of broken promises and a series of "God help me" prayers left her feeling spiritually lost, believing she wouldn't be forgiven. Her father had spoken openly with her about drugs during her childhood, but it wasn’t until after attending rehab in 2015 that Sarah began to understand her struggles. Though sober for eight months after rehab, she relapsed when she began tasting wine for her restaurant.

It wasn't until she attended a 12-step meeting during a visit to her parents that she found true belonging, feeling connected to others through their vulnerability. This was a turning point for Sarah, as she finally felt she was in the right place. Today, Sarah is sober, meditates daily, and no longer experiences anxiety, having found peace and clarity in her life.

In this powerful episode of the Recovery Podcast, host Nick Angeloff sits down with JR Booker, who shares his transformative journey from addiction to recovery. JR opens up about his struggles with gaining trust from others after a turbulent past, including time spent in prison for attempted murder. He recounts the harrowing experience of nearly losing his life due to a brutal beating while incarcerated and the profound impact it had on him.

JR discusses the personal tragedies he faced, including the loss of his marriage, and reveals the moment of clarity he experienced when he heard a voice from God guiding him onto a new path. Now, working with VOA’s ministry, JR is committed to helping others navigate their own recovery journeys.

Contact Us:
For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at Ministry@VOANR.org or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.

Donate to Support:
If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support.

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At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast.

Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.

Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more.

We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.

Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

In this insightful episode of The Recovery Podcast, presented by VOA Northern Rockies, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Dr. Alison Cook to delve into her latest book, I Shouldn’t Feel This Way. This compelling discussion tackles the struggle of reconciling feelings that don’t align with who you want to be.

Dr. Cook’s book provides a roadmap for understanding and navigating conflicting emotions, helping you to:

- Tame feelings of false guilt

- Trade mental chaos for clarity

- Stop numbing your emotions

- Make empowering decisions that break cycles of defeat

Change begins when you learn to stop being hard on yourself. Discover how to name, tame, and transform your feelings into clear solutions that propel you forward with purpose and confidence.

Learn More:

To explore more of Dr. Cook’s work, visit her website at www.dralisoncook.com . Don't forget to check out her podcast, The Best of You, where she offers weekly guidance through life’s toughest challenges with wisdom and encouragement.

Contact Us:
For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at Ministry@VOANR.org or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.

Donate to Support:
If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:
We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support.

- - -

At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast.

Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.

Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more.

We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.

Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

In this powerful episode of The Recovery Podcast, brought to you by VOA Northern Rockies, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Tina Davis, a life-long Christian whose faith was put to the ultimate test after the tragic loss of her son to suicide. Struggling with grief, Tina turned to alcohol as a way to cope, leading her down a dark path.

Join us as Tina shares her journey of resilience and healing, revealing how she navigated her pain to rediscover her faith and purpose. Now, she dedicates her life to counseling others who are experiencing similar losses through her church community. Tina’s story of transformation and the unwavering strength that can emerge from even the deepest trauma is truly inspiring.

Contact Us:
For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at Ministry@VOANR.org or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.

Donate to Support:
If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support.

- - -

At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast.

Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.

Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more.

We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.

Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

Welcome back to The Recovery Podcast, brought to you by VOA Northern Rockies. We have an incredibly inspiring story to share with you. Stephanie Buckstead, a woman who faced the challenges of opioid and alcohol addiction head-on, joins us to tell her story of strength and resilience. Stephanie's journey to recovery was guided by the programs at VOA Northern Rockies, and she'll share the pivotal moments and the support that helped her reclaim her life. Join host Nick Angeloff as he sits down with Stephanie to learn more about her path to healing and the incredible power of recovery.

Contact Us:
For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at Ministry@VOANR.org or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.

Donate to Support:
If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support.

- - -

At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast.

Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.

Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more.

We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.

Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.

On this episode of Recovery Podcast, host Nick Angeloff sits down with Dr. Zachary Moon Ph.D. Dr. Moon serves as Professor of Theology and Psychology at Chicago Theological Seminary. He has published widely and is the author of four books, including Coming Home: Ministry That Matters with Veterans and Military Families, and Warriors between Worlds: Moral Injury and Identities in Crisis. On this episode Nick and Zach discuss Moral Injury and how it impacts daily life for so many. The Recovery Podcast is brought to you by VOA Northern Rockies.

Contact Us:

For further information, support, or inquiries, you can reach out to us at Ministry@VOANR.org or call 1-866-Get-2-VOA. Explore more about Volunteers of America Northern Rockies at VOANR.org.

Donate to Support:

If you're moved by our conversations and the impactful work we do, consider contributing to our cause. Your support helps us make a difference in the lives of those on the journey to recovery. To learn more, please visit our website at www.voanr.org.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline:

We recognize the importance of mental health. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please call the 988 Lifeline. It provides 24/7 free and confidential support.

- - -

At Volunteers of America Northern Rockies, we engage those we serve with an intentional focus that meets needs, educates, uplifts, and inspires. We also recognize how much we all need to hear positive stories of lives transformed. That’s why we created the Recovery Podcast.

Recovery Podcast is a collection of interviews designed to share stories of recovery and faith from Volunteers of America Northern Rockies past and present. It is our honor to share them with a belief they will enlighten and encourage. From amazing testimonies of hope to educating around serving our community in need, our podcast will inform, engage, and inspire.

Many of our leaders are among the top professionals in their field, navigating their teams through the changing landscape of human services. In the coming months, we’ll hear interviews from many of them, sharing their expertise in the world of addiction treatment, homeless services, veteran support, moral injury and so much more.

We also have a diverse portfolio of partners who have joined forces with us to provide practical self-care education and spiritual direction and helped bring a deeper understanding of what it means to be true servant leaders. We will bring you special interviews with many of our current and past partners, offering insight into how they helped us grow, and we trust it will help many of you as well.

Today’s music is courtesy of the Free Music Archive. This week you heard tunes by Ketsa who also composed our theme music.