Join host Heather Venegas for a raw and inspiring episode as she sits down with Juju Pearce and Johnny Ohta to share their powerful journeys through addiction, homelessness, and ultimately, recovery. Juju bravely recounts her experience growing up in foster care, facing early exposure to substance use, and the challenges of navigating relapse and recovery as an Indigenous young person in King County. She discusses the pivotal moment that sparked her road back to hope—and the crucial support from family, school, and recovery advocates that helped her find her way.

Johnny Ohta, a dedicated youth recovery specialist, joins the conversation to reflect on the realities and heartbreak facing today’s youth amid the fentanyl crisis. Together, Juju and Johnny highlight the importance of open communication, community support, and specialized resources like recovery high schools and parent peer groups. Listeners will come away with valuable insights into breaking stigma, the role of family in healing, and the boundless possibility of recovery—no matter the odds.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about Bridges Alternative Peer Group and Parent Support: https://www.bridgescolaternalternativepeergroup.com/

• Ryther Mental Health and Youth Programs: https://www.ryther.org/

• InterAgency Recovery Academy, King County’s Recovery High School: https://www.seattlerecoveryhs.org/

• University District Youth Center: https://www.dailyuw.com/article/university-district-youth-center-transitions-to-new-leadership-continues-serving-unhoused-youth-2025072

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message

Join host Christopher Archiopoli on King County Recovery Conversations as we sit down with Michelle McClendon, a powerful advocate for justice-involved individuals and reentry support. Michelle’s story takes listeners from her early struggles with incarceration and homelessness to her determination to overcome systemic barriers in employment, education, and housing. Through her leadership at Civil Survival and Purpose Dignity Action, she sheds light on the transformative impact of mentorship, policy change, and community-driven initiatives.

In this episode, Michelle reveals how advocacy, changing the narrative around criminal records, and grassroots programs like the WISH housing initiative helped pave her journey from despair to homeownership and stability. She speaks candidly about the reality of food insecurity, the necessity of social services, and the strength found in collaboration and civic engagement. Tune in for a raw, inspiring conversation that uncovers hope in the face of adversity and offers practical takeaways on breaking cycles of stigma and injustice.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about Michelle’s work at Civil Survival: https://civilsurvival.org/

• Learn about Purpose Dignity Action and the LEAD program: https://wearepda.org/

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message

Join hosts Christopher Archiopoli and Elizabeth Dahl for a heartfelt episode of King County Recovery Conversations, where community, compassion, and intentionality take center stage. Elizabeth Dahl, outgoing executive director of Aurora Commons, reflects on 11 years of transforming North Seattle through radical hospitality and a deep dedication to belonging. Dive into her journey from coffee shops to cultivating a resource hub and safe haven for neighbors facing homelessness, housing instability, and addiction.

This episode explores how Aurora Commons became a “neighborhood living room,” offering not just food and advocacy, but a vital sense of welcome. Listeners will hear how strategic partnerships, trust-building, and removing barriers have fueled real healing—and why belonging truly lasts longer than a roof. Elizabeth Dahl also shares insights on engaging the broader community and sustaining empathy, even amid funding cuts and public misconceptions.

Discover how you can support Aurora Commons and help continue the cycle of hope and healing. Tune in for stories, lessons, and inspiration from one of the region’s most impactful community leaders.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about Aurora Commons: https://auroracommons.org/

• Donate, volunteer, or buy items for Aurora Commons' holiday gift bags: https://auroracommons.org/

• Email Elizabeth Dahl: elizabeth@auroracommons.org

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message