Comfortably Un-Numb - The Podcast

In the first episode, host Blake Andison is joined by Evan James.

Evan talks about his history of substance use, addiction, mental health and the path toward recovery.  Hopeful and brutal but always honest and even funny, Evan’s story reminds us all that every attempt at recovery is another chance at a new life.

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Brae has genuine star quality. When she speaks, people listen. Brae is a strong advocate for recovery as well as LGBTQIA2+ and a top notch hair stylist.

Brae shares her story of recovery through the lens of transition, growth and advocacy.

Brae’s story is one of resilience and perseverance as she faced multiple barriers of discrimination on her path to recovery.

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This latest podcast is the first of three in a series showcasing Foundation House, Umbrella Society’s 2^nd stage recovery house for men. We explore the merits of this program through the stories of three individuals who have found long term recovery through their experience at the house. In this edition, Blake chats with Erik, Umbrella Society’s current housing coordinator. Erik speaks to the years of struggle and anguish he experienced in his addiction contrasted with the life of hope and love he currently experiences in recovery. Erik reflects on his years spent at Foundation House and why they were so pivotal for him in his recovery journey. 

Join Blake as he sits down with Matt to discuss his unique recovery story and success found through Umbrella Society’s Foundation House. This is the second instalment of a 3 part series celebrating Foundation House through the success stories of residents and alumni.

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Episode 5 features our third and final instalment of our series highlighting Foundation House, our 2nd stage recovery house for men. Today we’re talking to James, our current senior resident at Foundation House. James’ story is one of redemption as he navigated multiple relapses and setbacks in his efforts to find long term recovery. He is now a beacon of strength and is a role model to those at the house and the individuals he works with as a member of the Umbrella team.

In this episode, Blake speaks with Rebecca, a strong role model for women in recovery. She works as part of our hospital program on the Addiction Medical Consult Service, she is the cofacilitator of Umbrella’s own Women’s Group, and represents Umbrella as a voice of recovery at community events. Rebecca shares her journey from years of struggle with substances to a recovery experience of self discovery and inspiration.

Today’s podcast features Brianna, a member of our amazing admin team as she sheds light on a debilitating condition she suffers from called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis  Syndrome (CHS) which in essence is an aggressive allergy to build up of THC in the system. Despite the profound health impacts of this condition, Brianna found it impossible to quit using cannabis, challenging the belief that cannabis is not addictive. Brianna shares her story and the work she put in to free herself from chronic cannabis use.

In today’s episode, Blake speaks with Trevor Botkin, the gregarious Executive Director of Hero Works Victoria as Trevor tells his inspiring story of recovery. Trevor is one who knows first hand how hard it is to reach out for help when working in the trades where personal problems aren’t discussed and substance use is part of the culture. Hopefully his story today inspires others in the trades to reach out for help.

In the season finale of Comfortably UnNumb, Blake invites Meaghan onto the program to speak to her success in achieving over 15 years of recovery. Meaghan’s story involves years of not truly coming to terms with her addictions until the challenges with her substance use became insurmountable. The sense of community and connection Meaghan found in recovery has been at the foundation of her success.

In this first episode of Season 2, we talk with Conor, one of the members of this year’s Recovery Campaign. Conor speaks about his personal recovery journey as well as his work in the field.

In episode 2 of season 2, Blake talks to Lance about his journey to recovery and how he ended up working for Umbrella.

In this episode, we chat with Stephanie who tells us about her journey entering recovery and facing her substance use challenges at the young age of 19. Stephanie speaks to the power of connection and the importance of having fun in recovery.

In today’s podcast, Blake speaks with Dr. Doug McGhee, an Addictions Doctor who is a vital piece to the Addictions Medicine Consult Service at both Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospital . Doug looks back on his years building a street youth clinic in Victoria, the inception of AMCS and how the landscape has changed over the years.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Dawn, the co-founder of She Recovers Foundation, a nonprofit grassroots movement helping women seeking recovery from substance use disorders, mental health challenges and other life challenges. Dawn shares her inspiring personal story of recovery and how this journey has led her to a life of service.

In this episode, Blake speaks with Eileen as she shares her story about growing up with addiction in her family and how it shaped her substance use challenges. Eileen’s story is one of resiliency, self-discovery and transformation.

In today’s episode, the last episode of 2023, Blake sits down with Kristin, a member of our board and a member of this year’s recovery campaign. Kristin shares her story along with some thoughts on substance use in the trades and systemic changes that need to happen to better support those struggling with substance use and mental health.

In this episode, Blake sits down with Bill, the enigmatic facilitator of the Intensive Journaling program offered at Umbrella. Bill shares the profound impact that the Intensive Journaling process had on him and how he has adapted the program to meet the needs of individuals struggling with substance use challenges.

Today, Blake talks to Scott, a Foundation House alumni who experienced a unique and challenging recovery journey. Scott dives into the interventions and supports which helped him achieve his goals in recovery.

In this episode, Blake sits down with Alysha as she shares her struggles with alcohol and her conviction to enter recovery for the well being of her son. Alysha touches upon the hereditary aspect of addiction and her effort to break the cycle.

In today’s episode, we sit down with Stefanie who has a personal recovery journey full of resiliency and self actualization. Stefanie shares insights on the current state of our community as her desire to give back and help those in addiction has seen her support a wide spectrum of individuals.

In today’s episode we sit down with Amy, another strong woman and mother in recovery. Amy shares a challenging and heart wrenching story of recovery and the work put in to stop the family cycle of addiction.

In today’s episode, and our Season Finale, we speak with Steven as he tells his story of his alcohol and drug addiction growing up in the streets of Glasgow as well as his recovery journey which found him in Victoria, working in the field of addiction as a drug and alcohol counsellor.

In the season 3 opener, Blake sits down with Darryl, a member of this year’s Recovery Campaign. Darryl shares his story of how addiction took hold of himself and his wife and threatened the survival of their family. In his courageous recovery journey, Darryl speaks to the importance of continuing to show up and power of giving back to the recovery community.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Kevin, who shares a story of overcoming adversity and a family history of addiction to find a rewarding life in recovery. Kevin’s story is an incredibly inspiring example of forgiveness, acceptance and how someone can find unique ways to maintain their recovery.

In today’s podcast, Blake sits down with Derek, a participant in this year’s Recovery Campaign and a team member of the Umbrella Society. Derek talks about how he overcame his will to use and the challenges he faced when having to change his way of thinking surrounding his substance use.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Jeff who shares his story of overcoming his battle with addiction and mental health, and how near death experiences drove him towards a life of recovery and gratitude.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Barb who shares her unique recovery experience. Barb is an example of how addiction can take hold of anyone at any stage of life and how individual one’s road to recovery can be.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Stephanie who tells her story of resilience as she faced and overcame her challenges with mental health and addiction in her youth. Stephanie sheds light on how hard it can be to be facing such profound challenges at such a young age.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Nic, who shares how he and his brother fell from a life of adolescent partying into a life of addiction. Nic shares how a brief period of homelessness gave him the desire to make a change once and for all. Nic also speaks to his role in the field as a support worker for Umbrella and what he feels is needed to help support our community.

In today’s episode, Blake sits down with Leeroy, a renowned singer-songwriter who shares his challenges with addiction and navigating those waters while trying to make his way in the music industry. Leeroy talks about the challenges that he had to work through once sober and the work he continues to do 17 years later.

In today’s episode, Blake has the honour of speaking with Alex, a celebrated Hip Hop artist, mural artist, storyteller and educator. Alex touches upon his family’s generational trauma and battles with addiction. Alex’s story is one of healing, discovering his culture and tradition, and learning from his past.