On this episode of Airing Addiction, Associate Pastor James McGowan of New Life Community Church in Concord, MA, is driven by a passion to help people say “Yes!” to Jesus. With over 15 years of ministry experience, James has earned a reputation for providing compassionate care and biblically grounded guidance. As the founder and director of True Treasure Ministries, he leads a biblical counseling and training center dedicated to equipping individuals and churches to make disciples for Christ. Ja...
Jun 24, 2025•47 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Kirsten Puccio and Keri McCallum founded M.I.R.A.C.L.E. Mamas lead and empower mothers in recovery, to advocate for systematic change with support through a peer-led initiative in order to promote family reunification. Their passion was to help other mothers who are struggling with substance use disorder as they once did. As they once suffered in isolation out of fear from the judgement and stigma people with SUD often face especially being a mother, they kne...
May 08, 2025•48 min
Brittany Alene Jimenez started her sobriety journey on July 15, 2020. She is a mother, friend, and outdoor enthusiast who finds solace in exercise and mountain therapy. An aspiring pilot with a passion for nursing, currently pursuing a fast-tracked DNP program. With three years of experience as a pulmonary triage nurse and Med-Surg bedside medicine at UMass, she's committed to developing skills that will shape her future in healthcare. She takes pride in the relationships she's built through rec...
Mar 07, 2025•49 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction, John Marhefka and Matt Gear share details on their nonprofit GAAP Recovery: G.A.A.P Recovery is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that works with individuals and families who suffer from mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. They provide individuals with financial resources for the barriers they may face in paying for sober living. G.A.A.P Recovery has given out 10 scholarships in 2024 and we are seeking to expand that with your help... All proc...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min
My name is John Marhefka and I am a grateful father in recovery. I have dedicated my life to opening doors, advocating and supporting those who are recovering. I wholeheartedly feel that my success in overcoming barriers was from the support of the peers that have paved the road before me. Peer recovery service centers have played a monumental role in my recovery and continue to do so. I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the Town of Marlboro as the Program Director here at The Reco...
Dec 21, 2024•57 min
Matt Gear shares about the recovery coaching process and its impact on individuals with substance use disorder in our communities. Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Nov 22, 2024•55 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Ralph was a patient at New England Recovery Center December 2021 and was openminded to suggestions and motivated to change his life. He is a powerful testament of putting in the work and getting the positive results. He now works at NERC as a Recovery Specialist helping others just like he was helped. Ralph has a powerful story of experience, strength and hope to share. Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Ralph's story, only on Airing Addiction!
Oct 11, 2024•46 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: This week we highlight how feeling a sense of belonging can help people on their recovery journey. Program directors Kim Patterson and Ladonne Rogers will share how Peer Recovery Support Centers create community. Building social supports and a caring community is essential for recovery. • We do not recover alone. Recovery can be easier with the support of others. • Community can include people who accept us and encourage us to grow. • Family, friends, peers, ...
Sep 24, 2024•46 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: This week we highlight the importance of purpose as a motivator for positive change. Kathleen Wise shares her recovery story and how giving back by supporting others at New England Recovery Center helps her find her purpose. Finding purpose in life may be a powerful driver for recovery. • Purpose includes meaningful daily activities. • Employment can support recovery, give a sense of purpose, and a way to provide for yourself and your family. • Purpose may in...
Sep 18, 2024•45 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: We all need a stable and safe place to call home. - A home provides the foundation for a life in recovery. - Home is a safe, stable, and soft space to land…. even on those really hard days. - Creating safe, affordable housing for all with mental health and substance use conditions supports their recovery. Join hosts Jesse Chaison and Lisa Blanchard for an insightful episode featuring a panel from the MetroWest Care Connection Housing Coalition, Greater Worces...
Sep 12, 2024•44 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: This week we highlight aspects of well-being and their importance to recovery with Katie Heinrich and Sydney Durand from the National Sober Active Community - The Phoenix National Sober Active Community We can strive to be healthier and achieve our wellness goals. • We can overcome challenges related to mental health and substance use conditions. • It is OK to reach out for help with substance use and mental health conditions. • Making informed healthy choice...
Sep 05, 2024•46 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction; Jesse and Lisa will discuss overdose and options available for treatment such as access to mobile MAT care with Regional Program Director Heidi DiRoberto, Director of Nursing Amanda Bouchard, and RSN Mariana Valera. Guest bios: Heidi DiRoberto, LMHC, Regional Executive Director for Spectrum Health Systems Outpatient Division. Heidi oversees the central region which includes Spectrum’s largest OTP, Spectrum’s first mobile unit, as well their rapid access Hub a...
Aug 28, 2024•45 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Sharif Nankoe, MD, MPA, MA, FASAM is the Chief Medical Director for Department of Corrections (DOC) Programs at Spectrum Health Systems, a nonprofit behavioral health organization based in Massachusetts. His area of expertise is the treatment of opioid use disorder in jails and prisons, and he has been involved in the establishment of over 20 correctional MOUD programs. Dr. Nankoe provides oversight, direction, and implementation of medical operations for the...
Jul 30, 2024•43 min
Danny is a person in recovery originally from Oklahoma who relocated to Massachusetts three years ago. While his recovery journey began in August of 2000, his first experience with treatment was at an eating disorder unit at 15 years old. He continues his recovery journey in Worcester and in his new hometown of Charlton, MA where he and his husband of 20 years reside. Through practicing recovery principles, he has been able to become a data scientist and is currently an AI software product lead ...
Jun 11, 2024•48 min
Jim is a Recovery Support Assistant at Alyssa’s Place in Gardner, MA and will be sharing his recovery story with the hope that it will help others on their own journey to recovery. Join Jesse and Lisa as Jim shares his experience, only on Airing Addiction!
Jun 02, 2024•47 min
A Worcester native, Chris has experienced many triumphs and hardships throughout this life and is hoping by sharing his story he will help inspire and educate others on the often-misunderstood world of #mentalhealth . Tune in to listen to Chris's story with your hosts Jesse and Lisa. Only on Airing Addiction!...
Apr 30, 2024•38 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Craig has been in recovery for 8 months and is originally from the Worcester area. Craig has been working at Perennial Recovery to give the opportunity to help others as an effort to give back to those who helped him on his recovery journey. Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Craig's story, only on Airing Addiction!
Mar 19, 2024•49 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Jarrett J. Krosoczka, known since boyhood as "JJK," is the New York Times bestselling author/illustrator behind more than forty books for young readers, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars™: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers—qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on ...
Feb 15, 2024•44 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Dr. Corrie Vilsaint serves as the Associate Director of Recovery Health Equity at the MGH Recovery Research Institute and Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Vilsaint is a community psychologist and an international speaker. Her research endeavors have focused on reducing recovery-related discrimination, building recovery capital, and the effectiveness of recovery support services. Join Jesse, Lisa, and Dr. Corrie on this episode of Airing Addiction!...
Jan 05, 2024•51 min
On this episode: Ken has been a certified Recovery Coach at Signature Healthcare’s OBAT program for the past five years. His primary work involves engaging clients in community-based recovery to complement their MOUD treatment and strengthening his deeply established and new agency partnerships within the greater Brockton community. Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Ken's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
Dec 20, 2023•51 min
Mathieu Miller has been in recovery since 8/31/21. He is the president of the Spectrum Alumni association and has been the events chair for the Massachusetts state convention of young people in Alcoholics Anonymous for the year 2023. Mathieu works as an Operations Manager in the emergency department with people struggling with mental/behavioral/ and addiction issues. Mathieu works his recovery in AA with a sponsor and is a sponsor to others. Mathieu is also active in commitments to different fac...
Nov 17, 2023•55 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Program directors from the New England Recovery Center will go in-depth to how they provide inpatient treatment to those seeking a true holistic approach to recovery. Jesse and Lisa will see what sets the program apart from others as they are joined by Executive Director Marybeth Adams, Clinical Supervisor Alexandria Supernor, and Program Director Sarah Stewart. Marybeth Adams, MS LMHC, is the Executive Director of Inpatient Services for New England Recovery ...
Oct 18, 2023•46 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction, Dr. Madden and Dr. Altice explain how System Implementation Impacts those with SUD in the Community. Dr. Madden’s work is focused on identifying treatment gaps in substance abuse/mental health treatment and improving both access to services and retention in treatment, with an emphasis on inclusion of marginalized persons and integration with primary care/treatment for infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS and HCV. She is affiliated with Yale School of Medicine...
Sep 25, 2023•49 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Athena Haddon, Spectrum’s executive director of peer services and recovery support and Billy Parks, assistant director of recovery and peer support at Advocates, Inc. will be sitting down with Lisa and Jesse to discuss the important role peer support plays in recovery. Home | Moar Recovery (moar-recovery.org)...
Sep 20, 2023•55 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Chris has worked in sports radio in Boston since 2002 and is currently an executive producer at WEEI Boston's Sports Original . Join Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison as they sit down with Chris to discuss his recovery journey this #RecoveryMonth...
Sep 14, 2023•45 min
Dr. Griffin is a clinical and forensic psychologist with specialties in childhood trauma, resilience, and relationships. She developed the UMass Child Trauma Training Center (now known as Lifeline For Kids) which has trained over 100,000 professionals in trauma, trauma-informed care, and trauma sensitive practices. She is a co-author of a book by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Childhood Trauma and Resilience, A Practical Guide, a go-to resource on childhood trauma for pediatrics. Recently, ...
Sep 08, 2023•46 min
Keriann Caccavaro is a woman in recovery who has struggled with direction and belonging in life. As Keriann began her personal journey away from substance use, she now has found her passion and purpose in helping others do the same. She is now community advocate, and recovery coach. She also owns and operates LIV Recovery Homes which provides sober living for women located in Lowell, Mass. Please join Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction!
Jul 30, 2023•49 min
Rebecca Capri Durkee founded Gender Identity Support Services for Transgenders (GISST) in Boston, Massachusetts in 1994. Rebecca drew hundreds of community members and providers together for three events calling for a day of remembrance. She is a recipient of the AIDS Action Committee Community Recognition Award, and a member of the Massachusetts Prevention Planning Group. Join Jesse and Lisa on this episode of Airing Addiction to hear Rebecca's story.
Jun 22, 2023•46 min
On this episode of Airing Addiction: Matt Ganem describes himself as an addict in recovery, father, poet and well-known figure in the recovery community. He’s also CEO and owner of @Aftermath Recovery Treatment Center. https://www.facebook.com/MattGanemPoet/ Join Jesse and Lisa to hear Matt's story, only on Airing Addiction!...
May 23, 2023•58 min
Rob Demeo is a person in long term recovery who has been working in the field of addiction now supporting others. Rob is currently the Community Outreach Coordinator for Sunrise Detox, Evolve Recovery and the Counseling Center. Please join Jesse and Lisa to hear Rob's story. Only on Airing Addiction!
Apr 27, 2023•46 min
