No Thanks But Yes: Recent Episodes
Donald McDonald
The behavioral health recovery podcast ‘No Thanks But Yes‘ features chill conversations with splendid people who‘ve overcome problematic relationships with substances and behaviors via many pathways. Donald McDonald, a behavioral health recovery expert and person thriving in sustained recovery from severe mental & substance use disorders, connects with people who’ve found freedom from bondage and have made their lives extraordinary.
After recovering from substance use disorder, Sarah Laurel sought to offer resources to women like herself. What began organically grew into a program providing housing, street-based outreach, and nationwide training. She's the founder and executive director at Savage Sisters Recovery, a nonprofit whose mission is loving ferociously, in a judgment-free space while honoring the autonomy of those it serves.
- Recorded 10.01.2024 in Raleigh, NC and Philadelphia, PA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Dive into the fascinating world of Ralf Rasmussen, a singing sober Danish kinkster in London, who believes in embracing life's pleasures with clarity of mind and quality of connection. As the creative force behind RealClearFetish, he's crafted a welcoming space for gay, queer, bi, and trans men to explore their kinks without the opaqueness of intoxication. On his YouTube channel, Ralf hosts captivating conversations with the global sober kink community, offering insight and inspiration to all who tune in. His social media presence is equally engaging – don't miss out on following @RealClearFetish for a dose of his unique perspective. Ralf is also a cherished member of the London Gay Men's Chorus, lending his splendid voice to its harmonies. In fact, you might have caught a glimpse of him in fierce LGBTQ+ ally Hannah Waddingham's (Ted Lasso) heartwarming AppleTV+ film, "Hannah Waddingham: Home for Christmas."
- Recorded 3.19.2024 in Raleigh, NC and London, UK on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Jessica Anne Pressler is a social worker, author, and all around lovely human. Her upcoming novel, The Traitor Within, creatively shares her story of toxic relationships, physical and emotional abuse, erotic misadventure, and a host of traumas – all in the company of her personified inner saboteur. We talk about trauma, attachment, and how we come about our adaptive behaviors honestly. I was moved by her compassionate embracing of this endogenous force as they eventually become one and The Traitor is invited to rest. Brilliant. We chat about complex people, loving partners, even more loving dogs, beaches, and mountains. Learn more and read Jessica's blog at JessicaAnnePressler.com and enjoy her digital content at @JessicaAnnePressler.
- Recorded 2.16.2024 in Raleigh, NC and Los Angeles, CA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Shannon Cason has told stories all over the country with The Moth, Snap Judgment, and other popular storytelling platforms. He hosts his own long-running podcast, ShannonCason's Homemade. He is the chief educator for the Brutally Honest Storytelling workshop series. Shannon is originally from Detroit. Find him at shannoncason.com. I caught one of his stories regarding a critical turning point in his relationship with gambling and invited him over for some chill conversation. Dude’s a gifted storyteller, and I’m delighted to introduce him to listeners.
- Recorded 1.31.2024 in Raleigh, NC and Detroit, MI on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Join me for an extraordinary episode featuring Braunwyn Windham, a proud queer mother of seven and a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ equity. As she approaches four years of sustained recovery, Braunwyn takes us on a captivating journey through her growth since her days on The Real Housewives of Orange County. From overcoming behavioral health disorders to discovering the healing power of joy, Braunwyn shares her experiences with refreshing honesty and contagious energy. Discover the power of connection, the transformative journey to becoming a peer recovery support specialist, and the destigmatizing potency of living out loud in our authentic identities. Her final message encourages listeners on any pathway to resolving problematic relationships with substances and behaviors to hang in there until you “get to the good part.”
- Recorded 1.12.2024 in Raleigh, NC and Franklin, TN on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Ariel “Air” Britt received her Master of Social Work from The University of Michigan. Most of her career has been focused on substance use prevention, intervention, and recovery support services. In 2019, she created an award-winning podcast Beauty in the Grit. It shares true stories from her own journey in recovery and others that have inspired her along the way. In 2021, she served as a political appointee for the Biden-Harris Administration at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Currently, Air is an Adjunct Professor and the Associate Director of Policy and Community Impact at the Addiction Research Institute (ARI) in the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at The University of Texas at Austin.
- Recorded 11.27.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Kalamazoo, MI on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
I met Darius Christian at Mobilize Recovery 2021 in Las Vegas after he performed with Macklemore during the #RecoverOutLoud concert. In this episode, discover the multifaceted elements of Darius's recovery, from the soulful collaborations with fellow "behind the fame" artists to the transformative power of meditation. Uncover the unexpected joy of pickleball and the profound impact of the simple yet sublime act of listening. We explore Darius's unique journey, where his natural recovery pathway intertwines seamlessly with his roles as a captivating performer, visionary artist, and groove-infused producer. Tune in and let the rhythm of Darius's story resonate, inspiring you to embrace your own unique pathway of recovery. Just listen, as we embark on a journey that transcends boundaries, celebrating the transformative power of music, connection, and the art of living in recovery.
- Recorded 12.04.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Los Angeles, CA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Annemarie Ward is the Chief Executive Officer at Faces & Voices of Recovery UK. She’s a courageous, passionate, and intense advocate for people experiencing substance use disorder. We’ve been Twitter (X) mates since I entered the field and looking to connect with leading voices on social change. Annemarie is currently focused on promoting equitable policies to save lives and advance thriving wellness for people in recovery. We talk about recovery walks, health policy, the emotional regulation and depth of relationships that recovery brings, and haggis. That’s right.
- Recorded 11.20.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Glasgow, Scotland, UK on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Bryan Black is a SoCal surfing tattoo artist with a big heart. He opened up about his recovery status on Paramount+'s Ink Master, so I hit him up for a chill conversation. On this Thanksgiving episode (literally recorded right before we smashed turkey & pie), we talk about gratitude, memorable tattoos, the transformative power of love from strangers, and our imperative to roll deep on this recovery journey.
- Recorded 11.23.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Orange County, CA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Dziko Singleton is a social norms disrupter, harm reductionist, community activist, racial equity consultant, public speaker, and as she says, “most importantly, a Black woman in recovery.” She is a certified peer support specialist, HIV/HCV testing counselor, and the comprehensive harm reduction program co-coordinator,with the Health Brigade in Richmond, VA. We talk about everything from collegiate recovery to comprehensive harm reduction services to massages versus facials.
- Recorded 11.13.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Richmond, VA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Joanna Free is the author of BUTTKICKERS: Twenty Ways to Leave Tobacco and a writer for Journey Magazine. Find a copy of the 10th anniversary edition of this little red book at your indie bookstore or library today. Joanna is an Army veteran, grounded in trauma-informed education and post-traumatic grown with over 30 years of experience and passion in tobacco and nicotine cessation. We have a delightful conversation about everything from uncovery to finding freedom from nicotine to walking in cemeteries.
- Recorded 11.6.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Portland, ME on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
We’re off to a great start with this splendid fellow. Mario Bonds is a singer, songwriter, author, motivational speaker, and advocate. We had a “chance” encounter last month at the 2023 Addiction Professionals of North Carolina Fall Conference in Beaufort, NC. We hit it off right away, and I’m optimistic we’ll be getting into good trouble again very soon. Listen to his ethos of courage, creativity, and determination on this pathway of learning to love ourselves more. Learn more about Mario at http://mabspeaks.com/.
- Recorded 10.30.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Bowie, MD on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
In this lovely season finale, join me as I sit down with the remarkable Valerie (Vimalasara) Mason-John, a co-founder of Eight Step Recovery, an alternative to the 12-step program for addiction and a founding facilitator of Compassionate Inquiry. With 10 books to their credit, including the best-selling & award-winning Eight Step Recovery: Using The Buddha’s Teachings to Overcome Addiction and Detox Your Heart: Meditations for Emotional Trauma, Valerie has helped countless people to find freedom and wellness from chaotic relationships with substances & behaviors. We delve into the profound concept of recovery as an empowering journey towards uncovering authentic joy, and Valerie shares their insights on how we can find purpose and fulfillment (even in our jobs) by helping others discover their own joy. In Joy!
- Recorded 7.2.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Gibson, BC on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
In this captivating episode, you’ll meet Jose Nicolas Flores, a remarkable man who has not only overcome his own struggles with the trauma of incarceration, extended solitary confinement, and behavioral health disorders but has also emerged as an advocate for others. Currently thriving in his roles as reentry peer specialist and addictions counselor, Jose is passionate about helping individuals navigate the challenges of reentering society after incarceration. His dedication extends beyond his profession, as he actively engages in policy advocacy as a Texas citizen, tirelessly striving to improve the lives of incarcerated and returning citizens. Our paths crossed through the national advocacy work we do together, collaborating on important initiatives via the Recovery Policy Collaborative at O’Neill Institute at Georgetown Law. His story is one of resilience, recovery, and an unwavering commitment to removing barriers to freedom and wellness for his fellows.
- Recorded 6.30.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Austin, TX on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Sheila ‘SheShe’ Powell is making history in the new new recovery advocacy movement. She meets people where they are at the digital intersection of recovery & harm reduction and helps to mobilize our massive constituency of consequence to demand what we deserve. We talk about harnessed anger, salt life self-care, deepening concepts of recovery, and continuing Bill White’s charge to “go make some history.”
- Recorded 5.30.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Matawan, NJ on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Mrs. Kasha Davis (she/her) is the stage name chosen by Ed Popil (he/him), best known for competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race season seven and, most currently, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Kasha’s tag line used to be, “There’s always time for a cocktail!” Now, coming up on eight years of sustained recovery, she’s best known for saying, “There’s always time for kindness.” We discuss childhood trauma, profoundly beautiful recovery experiences, and how more kindness may help heal our country’s sickness of fear and hate.
- Recorded 5.22.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Rochester, NY on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Andrea Haddox is the founder and executive director of Oklahoma Harm Reduction Alliance (OKHRA), a social worker, passionate harm reductionist, and budding painter. We talk about everything from saving lives to finding our people to one of the greatest albums of all time.
- Recorded 4.26.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Tulsa, OK on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Ryan Hampton is the best-selling author of American Fix — Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis and How to End It (2018) and Unsettled: How the Purdue Pharma Bankruptcy Failed the Victims of the American Overdose Crisis (2021). In 2019, Ryan also created the national advocacy initiative, Mobilize Recovery, an annual experience now in its 5th year, that brings participants together to build capacity for organized community engagement for people in recovery, family members, and recovery allies.
- Recorded 4.14.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Las Vegas, NV on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Patti Heffernan is the co-owner of Helios Recovery Services and the executive director of Helios Heuristic in Appleton, Wisconsin. It is a wraparound support service for families who find themselves at the intersection of substance use and child welfare. We talk about everything from compassionate and realistic care for people who use substances to roller derby and cheese.
- Recorded 3.15.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Appleton, WI on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Dana Knowles is the inventor of “The Hanging Shower Caddy,” a mentor for women’s empowerment, and the first lady of Martinsburg, WV. Her book The P.A.U.S.E. Method will be available on Amazon very soon.
- Recorded 2.03.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Elaine Alec (she/her) is an author, political advisor, women’s advocate, and spiritual thought leader and teacher. Her book Calling My Spirit Back contains stories as teachings, prophecy, and protocols shared throughout the years by Elders, language speakers, Medicine People, and helpers. We talk about decolonizing healing practice from a place of fear & control to faith, trust, & love. Learn more about her training Cultivating Safe Spaces and the inaugural conference of the same name happening this June in Canada.
- Recorded 1.17.2023 in Raleigh, NC and Kamloops, BC on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth? by Zen Groove Arkest
Amber Lavin is a relationship coach and co-owner of Asheville, NC’s True Nature Counseling & Coaching. Her practice focuses on mindfulness in relationships, particularly working with women to reframe experiences, so that they can have the healthy partnerships they deserve. Amber believes that we are more than our past stories, and we can become the author today. Full disclosure – Amber is my beloved niece, and I’m her Uncle Don. I enjoyed this conversation so very much, and I hope you do as well.
- Recorded 1.12.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Asheville, NC on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Diana (Dee) Mauricio is about decolonizing sobriety, recovery, and healing. Dee’s heritage springs from the Indigenous people of Guatemala. She discusses how her sobriety is attached to her indigeneity as she reconnects with culture and custom in her recovery, including plant medicines like cannabis. Dee describes alcohol as a tool of colonialism and how even solutions like some traditional mutual aid settings can further separate people from their indigeneity. Follow her on Instagram @SoberPempen to be inspired and learn more.
- Recorded 12.30.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Ensenada, MX on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Austin, TX concert manager, model, veteran, baker, and fellow Pagan Andi Cole is a splendid person thriving in recovery. I’ve been following her Instagram (@Ciao.Andi) for a minute and was delighted when she agreed to join me for a chill conversation. We talk about live music, baked goods, the dark side, exercise, the road to Mordor, and reasons for recovering out loud.
- Recorded 12.14.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Austin, TX on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Kiola Raines is a self-proclaimed wellness geek who shares things she believes in as a coach, speaker, and facilitator in the sober and recovery communities. I discovered her on Instagram and found her presence and passion to be inspiring. After our chill conversation, I discovered just how splendid she is. I’m delighted to introduce you to my new friend. Please listen and share. Learn more about Kiola by following her on Instagram @KiolaRaines.
- Recorded 12.06.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Los Angeles, CA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Michael Botticelli is a person thriving in over three decades of sustained recovery from substance use disorder. Also key to his identity are his heritage as an Italian American and his status as a married gay man. Michael served as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy under the Obama administration – the first openly in recovery person to receive that appointment. I met Michael at the 2016 Big Texas Rally for Recovery, and he continues to inspire me to serve. We finally had the opportunity to work together as members of the O'Neill Institute's Recovery Policy Collaborative at Georgetown Law Center. Together, we welcomed the first cohort of Addiction Policy Scholars this September. Among all the fun stuff typical to NTBY, we talk a fair amount about this deliberate process of keeping policy leadership "in good hands" with lived expertise.
- Recorded 11.15.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Miami, FL on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Harry Cunnane and his mother, PA Rep. Madeleine Dean, wrote two books together. Under Our Roofis the memoir illustrating their family journey of recovery from substance use disorder. Harry's quick to tell you that it's not a how to; it's just their story. You Are Always Loved is a wonderful companion to the memoir, focused on helping children have conversations about healing emotions and to understand that it's not their fault; they are loved no matter what. This is such a great conversation about the importance of telling our stories to engender hope and effect positive change.
- Recorded 11.07.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Philadelphia, PA on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Kyle Johnston wants us to drop the label, love on each other, and stand up for what's right. He says hope shows up when we put people first. It's not a mystery. Y'all, this cat is a disruptor, and I want to share him with you. We met in a digital Harm Reduction Works meeting and finally hugged in-person at Recover-Con 2022. Now, our chill conversation is documented forever. Check it out.
- Recorded 10.31.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Lorain, OH on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Charlotte Wincott is a nuroscientist, filmmaker, and woman thriving in her 2nd decade of recovery. We met a few years ago in DC at a screening of one of her shorts, and I've been following her work ever since. We talk about the immense change-making power we harness when we merge science and narrative. You can watch her latest work Fall Fight Shine on Tubi. It brings together the brain science of substance use disorder (SUD) with her husband's recovery story – film actor and martial artist Jeff Wincott. We nerd out on the complexity of SUD and wonder at how well people can get with appropriate resources and the will to fight.
- Recorded 10.25.2022 in Raleigh, NC & Washington, DC on Zoom
- Hosted & produced by Donald McDonald, MSW
- Theme Music: Truth?by Zen Groove Arkest
Tom Hill is an artist, recovery advocate, and exquisite man. After a career working to increase opportunities for people to find freedom and wellness, he served as senior policy advisor at SAMHSA and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Now, he fills his retirement with revisiting ideas & pieces from his early recovery and incorporating them into larger works with greater wisdom and confidence. We also discuss getting serious about contributing positive change to world that's hurting. I'm delighted to share this episode.
- Recorded 10.24.2022 in NC & MD on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
China Darrington is the Director of Advocacy & Public Policy at Thrive Peer Recovery Services in Ohio. She also serves on the board of directors for a brand new recovery community organization, Summit Recovery Hub in Summit County. We talk about advocating for pregnant and parenting people who use drugs, teaching people that ROSC isn't rocket science, BMX freestyling, and fostering vulnerable kittens. Yup. She's all that.
- Recorded 10.17.2022 in NC & OH on Zoom.
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
It was a delight finally to launch season 2 LIVE at Recover-Con 2022 in Dixon, IL. Gerald Lott is a rural health champion and recovery community leader. He's the executive director of Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery - the RCO that organized this 2nd annual event. We laughed a lot. Check it out.
- Recorded 9.23.2022 in Dixon, IL.
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Honesty Liller is the CEO of the McShin Foundation, a newly published author, wife, mother, entrepeneur, and a woman thriving in recovery. We talk about everything from authentic recovery support services, to the writing process, to paddle boarding with sharks. You don't want to miss this lively conversation with my splendid friend, Honesty. Purchase her memoir 'Scattered Pink: A Diary of a Woman in Recovery' from BookShop.org. They support local, independent bookshops.
- Recorded 2.17.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Richmond, VA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Alex Rosenberg is a Philly artist, teacher, and glass studio director at Wheaton Arts College in Millville, NJ. He appears on Blown Away's season 1 on Netflix and Blown Away: Christmas most recently. A splendid and lovely fellow, he's a person thriving in his 4th year of sustained recovery, and we had so much fun on this episode - so did his cat, Søren. Learn more about Alex & purchase his beautiful glass art at AlexanderRosenberg.net.
- Recorded 2.8.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Philadelphia, PA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Morgan Godvin is a writer, editor, harm reductionist, drug policy advocate, and formerly incarcerated person thriving in her 7th year of recovery. We talk about her cool gig as an editor at JSTOR Daily, where she creatively shares wisdom from over two centuries of prison-based newspapers. We discuss her advocacy to reform drug policy, including her role in the oversight of Oregon's historic move to decriminalize drugs. Finally, we get into Beats Overdose, her collaboration with Atmosphere to being harm reductino to hip hop. Learn more at MorganGodvin.com.
- Recorded 2.4.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Portland, OR on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Please, enjoy this episode, featuring my friend Greg Williams. He's the managing director at Third Horizon Strategies, leading the Alliance for Addicti0n Payment Reform. He's also one hell of a film producer with The Anonymous People, Genration Found, and, most recently, Tipping the Pain Scale to his credit. This is such a rich episode with an undeniably splendid fellow. Learn more about his advocacy for addiction treatment patients at ThirdHorizonStrategies.com and IncentivizeRecovery.org. Find a Tipping the Pain Scale screening near you at TippingThePainScale.com.
- Recorded 1.19.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Danbury, CT on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with my special guest Shauntelle Hammonds. We talk about everything from dismantling discriminatory barriers to doing laundry for self-care. She's the executive director at Peter's Place RVA. Its mission is to provide compassionate and accessible housing, resources, and trauma-informed care to LGBTQIA+ individuals seeking individualized recovery support. Learn more at PetersPlaceRVA.org.
- Recorded 1.17.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Richmond, VA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music: 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
My new friend Kristin "Gypsy" Schloesser is a woman thriving in some seriously contagious recovery, and we had a gret conversation. Gypsy's a tour manager for Obsessed Intl. - a new platform by Five Senses Reeling. It helps you discover where your favorite LGBTQ+ talent, including drag, music, and comedy are performing, buy exclusive merchandise, watch engaging content, and more. Find out more at ObsessedWith.co.
- Recorded 1.13.2022 from Raleigh, NC & Reading, PA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Tracey Helton, featured in the 1999 HBO documentary "Black Tar Heroin: The Dark End of the Street," author of 2016's "The Big Fix" (Seal Press), and San Francisco's "Naloxone Lady" joins me for a discussion about harm reduction, recovery, hardcore music, and the chaos of cats. She is @TraceyH415 on Reddit, TikTok, and Instagram. Check her out.
- Recorded 12.22.2021 from Raleigh, NC & San Francisco, CA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Kaya Littleturtle is the Cultural Enrichment Coordinator for the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. He also provides community-based recovery support services in the form of talking circles and is a splendid singer-songwriter as well. Come get you some good medicine.
- Recorded 12.22.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Lumberton, NC on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Maia Szalavitz has written or co-written around eight books, including the seminal work 'Unbroken Brain'. Her latest release, 'Undoing Drugs', is the first history of the harm reduction movement. We talk about harm reduction & recovery, music & dancing, and lifting weights & cake! This is my longest episode so far, but I didn't want leave anything on the cutting room floor. Find out what Maia is up to next at Maiasz.com.
- Recorded 12.06.2021 from Raleigh, NC & New York, NY on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Seek Healing co-founder and executive director Jennifer Nicolaisen joins me for a love-filled conversation about the good medicine that is authentic connection and keeping pleasure & playfulness in recovery. Learn more about Seek Healing's mission and services at SeekHealing.org.
- Recorded 12.10.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Asheville, NC on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (Joan Jett & The Blackhearts), Recovery Coach, & man thriving in 34 years of recovery Ricky Byrd joins me for a super chill conversation about a bunch of things & stuff. We talk about everything from the healing power of music to the chaos of Chrismas decorations. Find out what the Recovery Troubadour is up to at RickyByrd.com. His latest album Sobering Times is bomb. Check it out.
- Recorded 12.3.2021 from Raleigh, NC & New York, NY on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Best selling author Brian Cuban shared his memoir 'The Addicted Lawyer' in 2017, and his legal thriller 'The Ambulance Chaser' hit shelves Dec. 7th. He's a man thriving in recovery who leverages his story to address stigma and increase help-seeking, particularly among those in the legal profession - a population disproportionately impacted by alcohol use disorder. Please, enjoy our conversation about everything from our pet peeves to our pets to the phenomenon of recovery evolution. Find out more about Brian's work and passion at BrianCuban.com.
- Recorded 11.29.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Dallas, TX on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Enjoy this chill conversation with my old friend Joseph Hogan-Sanchez, Director of Programs at Faces & Voices of Recovery. We talk about everything from keeping peer recovery support services authentic to not folding your laundry to finally having fun at the gym. Like, subscribe, & share. Thanks. Learn more abour ARCO & CAPRSS at FacesAndVoicesOfRecovery.org.
- Recorded 11.22.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Austin, TX on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Meghan Hetfield is pretty freaking awesome. She's a recovery coach, harm reductionist, and mushroom afficionado. At the intersection of harm reduction & recovery, she's an important voice. Meghan does such strong work with WEconnect Health Management's person-centered digital health app, particularly its Harm Reduction Works (HRW) and All Recovery mutual support meetings. Check out some creative approaches to supporting many pathways to freedom and wellnes at WEConnectRecovery.com.
- Recorded 11.12.2021 from NC & NY on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
This conversation really filled my cup. My exquisite friend Sazha Alexandra Ramos: Navy veteran, social worker, & Kundalini Yoga guide is the co-founder & CEO of Recovery Organization Resources (RecoveryOrganization.com) and host of Breathe Network (Breathe-Network.mn.co). She's also a woman thriving in her 7th year of recovery. We talk about our Navy experience (squaring away racks, gig lines, & heads), the joys of yoga, and being kind to yourself.
- Recorded 10.29.2021 from NC & NJ on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Chris Marshall is a passionate & kind fellow and founder of Sans Bar, an alcohol-free bar in Austin, TX. We talk about having a life filled with fun and how recovery is a daily decision to love yourself. I love that. I just bought my early bird ticket to Sans Bar's Tour 2022 when they roll into Charlotte, NC on 1/22. Follow this link to see if & when they'll be in your neck of the woods with an amazing night of alcohol-free fun: https://www.thesansbar.com/tour-2022
- Recorded 10.27.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Austin, TX on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
I really enjoyed this conversation with the absolutely splendid Kateri Coyhis, executive director of White Bison. We talk about stepping out into the great mystery with perseverance, not perfection, and what we get to do in recovery.
- Recorded 10.20.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Colorado Springs, CO on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
My old friend, recovery coach & professional stand up comic, Roxanne McDonald joins me for a quirky discussion about recovery high schools, recovery coaching, stand up comedy, and this business of #SoulCare.
- Recorded 10.13.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Charlotte, NC on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)
Music artist & old friend Eric Jennings joins me for a lively discussion about coffee, music, vacuum cleaners, & 'running to life' in recovery. Keep up with Eric's projects at GeishaHitSquad.com.
- Recorded 10.12.2021 from Raleigh, NC & Atlanta, GA on Zoom
- Hosted & Produced by Donald McDonald
- Theme music 'Truth?' by Zen Groove Arkest (that's me on trumpet!)