Healing Voices Project: Sharing Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery and Courage.

Keith Knotek shares his story of alcoholism, depression, and trauma, through his 30 years experience as a police officer and commander, his book From Sorrow to Amazing Grace: One Cop's Journey and how his experiences are portayed in the new movie One Cop's Journey.

Our two guests today are Cecilia Calabrese (CC), an 18-year Agawam City Council member and mom of two young adults, and Jason Campbell, President of JC Films, newly elected Bridgeport City Council member, and most importantly, a dad with sons and daughters ranging from 5 to twenty something.  CC and Jason share observations, concerns, and ideas to help children during the most critical and vulnerable years, when peer pressure and other outside influences can steer adolescents in the wrong direction. 

Dave Beaudet, 25 years sober, speaks about his life and career in the military and how his life has changed since he stopped drinking.

Courtney Soden Caruso talks about how her family's life was affected after her younger brother Ryan passed away from an overdose. Courtney also discusses her own bout with cancer and how her brother's passing gave her the determination to beat her illness. 

Barry Simpson talks about how alcohol turned his life upside down, and how he went from being an involved dad, little league coach, and a successful chef and restaurant owner to living in a tattered tent in the woods on the run from the law.  Barry also shares the effects drinking had on his family, his experiences in prison, getting "arrested" in his jail cell for making wine, and other bad decisions that came from excessive alcohol consumption.  
In the end, Barry expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to turn his life around, his unlikely transformation from being a staunch atheist to a Christian, and his path to sobriety. 

Allison Gearing shares her thoughts and memories about her son Alex, who passed away in January 2021.  And also how she and her family are coping with their loss, how they move forward, and the importance of listening to others who have experienced the loss of a family member.
"You are not alone, although you might FEEL alone...if other families are reaching out, embrace that. There are so many people out there who care"

Dino Bedinelli, Executive Director of the Compass Recovery Treatment Center in Agawam, Mass, shares his experience as a counselor, clinician, and program director and discusses the challenges facing individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Jason Cunningham shares his experiences of drug use through his adolescent years to adulthood, and how his bi-polar disorder, anxiety, and turbulent family life led to a heroin addiction.  And more importantly, how he overcame his challenges, started a new productive life, and his mission to help others struggling with addiction.

Mayor Bill Sapelli shares the changes he's observed in the area of substance abuse over the years as a hockey coach, teacher, school superintendent, and mayor, as well as current challenges, and initiatives to combat the problem.   

Chris Bernier shares his thoughtful insights and valuable experience from a professional perspective, and also as a concerned parent.  Chris provided commentary after each chapter in the book, Voices from the Fallen: True Stories of Addiction, Grief, Recovery and Courage, and also a summary at the end of the book.  
Chris' contribution to the book and the podcast are very much appreciated!

Dennis and Debbie Gonzalez share their personal story of addiction and recovery, and discuss their work at the Gandara Center and the Holyoke Hospital ED where they work every day to help people and their families overcome the challenges of addiction. 

State Senator John Velis discusses substance use in our communities as well as legislative initiatives to combat the epidemic and support those struggling.

DR. Racicot shares her personal story, and discusses her programs at American International College that address addiction.

Listen to Kevin share his story of recovery from the depths of alcoholism, desperation, and homelessness, through surgeries, heart transplants, and a car accident.   And to today, with his work through the Gandara Center, and Hope for Holyoke, where he provides support for others through addiction and recovery. 

Join us in a discussion with Kirk Jonah, founder of the Jack Jonah Foundation as he shares his experience about losing his 19 year old son to a heroin overdose, and the work that the Jack Jonah Foundation is doing to combat addiction.