On this episode of Airing Addiction,


Malika is a woman in long term recovery with many years of sustained healing and lived experience, bringing over 24 years of professional experience in the substance use and recovery field. She is currently a Recovery Coach at Spectrum Health Systems’ Southbridge Outpatient Program, serving as a critical bridge between outpatient clinical services and peer-based recovery support.

She has specialized training and brings experience in co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, homelessness, and work with marginalized populations to her career in addiction treatment.

Malika is Founder and CEO of Trauma Healing Empowerment, Inc., a trauma informed 501(c)(3) nonprofit created to provide survivors with safe, empowering spaces to heal, grow, and break cycles rooted in unresolved trauma, often the key factor behind repeated relapse and instability.

She also facilitates the trauma informed women’s support group “Little Girl Grows Up,” and serves as a dedicated mentor and advocate who believes recovery thrives through self-love, self-care, self-strength, and grace. Guided by the belief that “someone was there for me, how could I not be there for someone else,” she continues to be a driving force for healing, empowerment, and lasting recovery within the community.


Join Jesse and Lisa on this empowering episode of Airing Addiction to hear Malika's story, and how she dedicates herself to helping lead others through recovery.

On this episode of Airing Addiction, Jesse and Lisa sit down with Dr. Amanda Lowell and Dr. Lili Peacock‑Chambers to explore how evidence‑based, relationship‑centered approaches support parents in recovery. Together, they discuss what the latest research tells us about breaking intergenerational cycles, strengthening caregiver–child relationships, and building systems that truly meet families affected by substance use where they are.

Dr. Amanda Lowell is a licensed clinical psychologist, Assistant Professor at UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, and Assistant Professor Adjunct at the Yale Child Study Center. As a clinician, Dr. Lowell provides psychotherapy and parenting support to caregivers who have experienced complex trauma, those who are in recovery from addiction, and any caregiver working to break harmful intergenerational cycles.

Elizabeth (Lili) Peacock-Chambers MD, MS is the Chief of the Division of Health and Behavior in the Department of Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences, a board-certified pediatrician, and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Healthcare Delivery and Population Sciences at UMass Chan-Baystate. As a pediatrician, her clinical and research interests pertain to the promotion of optimal early childhood health and development among families facing adversity and marginalization, particularly among families affected by substance use disorders.

Join Jesse and Lisa for an insightful conversation with Dr. Lowell and Dr. Peacock‑Chambers, only on Airing Addiction!

Airing Addiction is honored to welcome Dr. Eric Garland, one of the world’s foremost researchers in mindfulness-based interventions for addiction, pain, and stress. Dr. Garland is a clinical researcher and psychotherapist with over 20 years of experience providing mindfulness-based therapy. He is the Distinguished Professor and Associate Dean for Research at the University of California San Diego, where he also directs the Center on Mindfulness and Integrative Health Intervention Development.

Dr. Garland is best known as the developer of Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE) — an innovative, evidence‑based clinical intervention that integrates mindfulness training, cognitive‑behavioral therapy, and principles of positive psychology to support individuals struggling with addiction, emotional distress, chronic pain, and opioid use disorder. MORE has been tested in multiple NIH‑funded clinical trials and has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing addictive behaviors, improving emotional well‑being, and increasing positive emotions and meaning in life. Dr. Garland will explore how mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring techniques can transform treatment for opioid use disorder Insights from decades of clinical research on pain, stress, and addiction

This conversation is especially timely as Spectrum Health Systems launches its participation in IMPOWER, a groundbreaking statewide research initiative in our Opioid Treatment Programs. IMPOWER will help advance the field’s understanding of how evidence-based, mindfulness‑integrated interventions like MORE can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals in recovery.

Join us for an inspiring and deeply informative episode with one of the leading voices shaping the future of addiction treatment and integrative mental health.

https://drericgarland.com/about/

MORE Mindfulness

In this episode of Airing Addiction, we’re joined by Stephen Murray, executive leader at SafeSpot—the nation’s first and only professionalized, 24/7 peer-led overdose detection and prevention hotline.

Formerly known as the Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline, SafeSpot has quietly saved lives by doing something radically simple: staying with people while they use drugs and activating help if an emergency arises.

Stephen shares the story behind SafeSpot’s evolution from a volunteer-run “Never Use Alone” line to a nationally funded, paid peer workforce operating across multiple states. We dive into what it means to professionalize lived experience, why dignity and compensation matter in harm reduction, and how a model where only 1 in 400 calls becomes an overdose can still be the difference between life and death.

From workforce development to policy wins to the future of overdose prevention, this conversation explores how SafeSpot is building a scalable, human-centered response to the overdose crisis—one call at a time.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear how Stephen was inspired to start SafeSpot, only on Airing Addiction!”

https://www.safe-spot.me

On this episode of Airing Addiction:

Jeremy’s story is one of transformation and resilience. Growing up in a small country town, his life spiraled from drug dealing and addiction.

After confronting his life of substance use, Jeremy completely turned his life around, embraced recovery, and discovered the joy of fatherhood.

Jeremy's story reminds us that regardless of circumstances, hope and healing are always possible, and the transformation can often be total and life changing.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear this incredible story of recovery, only on Airing Addiction.

In this special Thanksgiving episode of Airing Addiction:

Hosts Lisa Blanchard, Jesse Chaison, and producer James Gangemi explore the power of gratitude in recovery and community. They reflect on the incredible stories shared on the podcast, the courage of their guests, and the unwavering support of listeners who continue to inspire the mission of this show.

Lisa and Jesse also explore what the holiday season can mean for individuals and families impacted by addiction—a time filled with warmth and connection, but also unique emotional challenges. They offer practical guidance on finding support, staying grounded, and extending compassion to yourself and to others during this often-complicated time of year.

Join us as we celebrate thankfulness, acknowledge difficulty, and highlight the resilience produced from genuine heartfelt gratitude.

We are thankful for YOU!

-James, Jesse, and Lisa.

In this special “best-of” episode, hosts Lisa Blanchard and Jesse Chaison take listeners on a powerful journey through four years of Airing Addiction, spotlighting the transformative role of peer recovery.

Through a curated collection of raw, heartfelt, and inspiring moments, this episode showcases how individuals in recovery use their lived experience to uplift, guide, and support others on their own paths to healing.

Listeners will hear compelling stories of resilience, hope, and connection—each one a testament to the strength of community and the profound impact of peer support. Whether you're new to the podcast or a longtime follower, this episode offers a moving reflection on the importance of compassion, shared experience, and the recovery movement’s enduring spirit.

Join Jesse and Lisa to hear the amazing guests we have had the privilege of sharing with listeners over the years. Hear their stories, only on Airing Addiction!”

On week four of Recovery Month, we are joined by guests Nancy Wright and Michelle May who are part of a special effort to use art to lift the spirits of those in active recovery.

Michelle May is the founding partner at Juniper Rag, Atelier ID Global, as well as an abstract expressionist painter

Nancy Wright is a photographer focused primarily on nature, wildlife and capturing abstract moments within these images.

Founded in 2020, Juniper Rag seeks to enrich communities by facilitating dialogue and creating spaces where cultural expression through creative practices contribute to personal and collective well-being, and growth.

You can view the work Nancy and Michelle did at Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.'s outpatient clinic at https://www.juniperrag.com/spectrum-collection

Join Jesse and Lisa on the last episode of Recovery Month to learn about Juniper Rag, and how art and expression can play a healing role in recovery.