Proud Voices

They called it the death disease

Our guest Rik talks about his early life experiences growing up in an orphanage, not fitting into various religious settings, his coming out experience during the 1980's, and the day he found out he was HIV+. Rik became sober on November 7, 2017.

I wanted to play like the boys, but was put in a dress

J went through Pride Institute twice: the first time when they were in their early 20’s, and the second time after a relapse 20 years later. They identify as gender non-binary and discuss how obstacles with their gender identity growing up impacted their substance use disorder. J also discusses their life as a college athlete and musician. They currently work in the behavioral health field and live with their partner and doggos.

Out with judgment, in with curiousity

This episode features Pride Institute's Outpatient counselor, Graham Waitt, who discusses Pride's specialized sexual health program, the process of untangling sexual problematic behaviors, and the nuances of co-occurring addiction disorders. 

I think Hennepin County Medical Center had a wing named after me

Al, previously a business owner, who opened and ran a few local wine bars in Minneapolis, as well as a catering business, discusses how his use was propelled by his busy lifestyle. He talks about the importance of mentorship, spirituality, service work, and sober housing. Al became sober on October 10th, 2002.

No bear feels resentment

Kaylee and Luke are joined by one of Pride Institute's mental health therapists, Jo Ellen Diers, MA, LPCC. Jo Ellen was the first therapist in the state of Minnesota to practice Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), which aims to help individuals permanently overcome trauma. She talks about the specifics of RRT, how it is used in Pride's Kindred Family Program and the escalation of mental health issues among humans in the modern world. Jo Ellen has been with Pride since March of 2019. 

I like guys, gals, and non-binary pals

Our guest Jessica talks about the intricacies of being pansexual in a heteronormative society, discriminatory room & board hospital policies, and feeling "othered" by religion. This episode was released on Jessica's sobriety anniversary. She has been sober since April 15, 2019. 

 

 

 

My sex life was not like a Jane Austen novel

Our guest Jon talks about his time using while working a fast-paced media job in New York City. What started out as social use evolved into daily use, and later drugs like cocaine, ecstasy, and meth. We talk about the interconnectedness between sex and meth use, spirituality blocks, and resistance to working the program. Jon became sober on September 3, 2006. 

Sober Sally

Our guest Anthony talks about the challenges of growing up gay in the 1980s in Long Island. In this episode, he takes a deep dive into why he sought treatment, sober housing, and how he has been able to maintain sobriety today. Anthony became sober on March 20th, 2013.