• S06E01 - Beyond the Brink: Ryan Oscar's Journey of Resilience and Recovery - Part 2
    Oct 30 2025

    In part 2 of this moving series (and the kickoff to Season 6) of From Darkness to Life, new host Poncho Parker continues the conversation with Ryan Oscar. Ryan shares his harrowing experience of reaching rock bottom, struggling with substance abuse, and a failed suicide. A pivotal intervention from his uncle and a dedicated counselor helped him find the path to recovery. Ryan reflects on his time in treatment, the importance of honesty, open-mindedness, and accountability, and how these principles have transformed his life. Now a coordinator of an addictions counseling program at Medicine Hat College, Ryan is committed to helping others overcome their struggles and find hope.


    #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #Inspiration #RecoveryJourney #FromDarknessToLife #OCJ #Podcast

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    36 mins
  • S05E12 - Breaking Chains: Ryan's Journey from Addiction to Awareness (Part 1)
    Oct 16 2025

    In this 2-part gripping episode of #FromDarknessToLife, After 5 and a half seasons, Ryan takes the hot seat to finally share his harrowing journey from the depths of addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt to his inspiring recovery and new mission in life. He recounts the pivotal moments that led him to substance abuse, the devastating loss of his father, and the intense struggle for control. This raw and powerful story illustrates the catastrophic impact of addiction and the redemptive power of honesty, intervention, and professional help. This episode marks the return of From Darkness to Life after a hiatus and the hand-off of the show from former host Ryan to our new podcast host, Poncho Parker.

    #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness #Inspiration #OurCollectiveJourney #FromDarknessToLifePodcast #ComebackStory

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • S05E11 - From Addiction to Advocacy: Nicole Obrigavitch's Journey
    May 29 2025

    In this episode of FDTL, Ryan welcomes Nicole Obrigavitch from Saskatoon, SK. Nicole bravely shares her remarkable journey from addiction to recovery, highlighting the many "whys" that led her down this path. Her story is one of resilience and transformation, encompassing her pursuit of two degrees, law school, and the challenges of drug addiction and distribution, which ultimately led to incarceration.

    #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionAwareness #IncarcerationReform #TraumaRecovery #BreakingTheStigma #SaskatoonVoices #AddictionRecovery #RecoveryJourney #ResilienceAndRedemption #OvercomingAddiction #FromAddictionToRecovery #LifeAfterIncarceration #SecondChances #WomensVoicesMatter #RecoveryIsPossible #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #FDTLPodcast #OCJPodcast #RecoveryPodcast #OCJ

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S05E10 - The Power of Possible: Joe Roberts' Journey 'from Skid Row to CEO' and Beyond
    May 15 2025

    This week, Ryan sits down with Joe Roberts, who shares his remarkable journey from homelessness and addiction to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur and motivational speaker. For over 25 years, Joe has shared his powerful story with thousands of people in every industry imaginable.

    Joe opens up about his struggles with opiate addiction and mental health issues, largely stemming from childhood trauma. He recounts the pivotal moment that changed his life and set him on a path to recovery and success. From living on the streets to being featured on the cover of Canadian Business, Joe's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the belief in one's potential.

    Joe also discusses his mission to help homeless youth through The Push for Change campaign, where he walked across Canada pushing a shopping cart to raise awareness and funds. His efforts have inspired permanent improvements to federal programs for vulnerable children.

    Tune in for an episode filled with inspiration, transformation, and the Power of Possible. Don't miss Joe Roberts' incredible story on FDTL!

    👉 Listen now and be inspired.


    Explore https://skidrowceo.com/ for more Joe Roberts!

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    1 hr
  • S05E09 - Empowering Women: Katy Margison's Story of Fitness, Nutrition, and Recovery
    May 1 2025

    This week, Ryan sits down with the incredible Katy Margison from upstate New York. Katy opens up about her inspiring journey into coaching, where she helps busy professional women conquer their health, nutrition, and fitness goals.

    Katy's athletic background is nothing short of impressive, with her experience in CrossFit and her remarkable achievements in Olympic weightlifting at the national level.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, Katy faced a turning point as her drinking and drug use escalated. This led to a moment of clarity and a life-changing decision to pursue a different path. On January 1, 2024, she embarked on her recovery journey, transforming her life in ways she never imagined. The gifts of recovery have enriched both her personal and professional life.

    Now, Katy is on a mission to help women break free from restrictive diets and the all-or-nothing mindset. Through Athena Nutrition, she empowers women to regain confidence, balance, and strength in a healthy, sustainable way.

    Tune in for an episode brimming with resilience, transformation, and practical advice. Don't miss Katy's powerful story on FDTL!

    Listen now and be inspired.

    Follow Katy on Instagram and TikTok: @thesoberweightlifter

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    55 mins
  • S05E08 - Resilience in the Face of Overdose: Rachel's Journey
    Apr 17 2025

    In this emotional episode of FDTL, Ryan welcomes Rachel St. Jean, who courageously opens up about the devastating loss of her husband to an overdose three years ago. Rachel shares the profound impact this tragedy has had on her and her young son, offering a raw and honest account of the contributing factors that led to that fateful day.

    Rachel's vulnerability shines through as she discusses her grieving process, providing listeners with a deeply personal look at how she navigated the aftermath of her husband's death. She also shares the thoughtful steps she took to communicate the loss to her son in an age-appropriate manner, emphasizing the importance of honesty and emotional support.

    Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the power of sharing one's story to help others heal. Rachel's journey is a testament to resilience and the strength found in vulnerability. Don't miss this moving episode of FDTL.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • S05E07 - Transcending Trauma: Sanar Alixandyr's Path to Healing
    Apr 3 2025

    In this episode of From Darkness to Life, Ryan welcomes Sanar Alixandyr, an Empowerment Coach and best-selling author of "Becoming Sanar - From Shadow to Light: A Journey of Self-Discovery." With over 35 years of experience in the Healing Arts, Sanar shares her profound journey of overcoming PTSD, depression, and eating disorders.

    Sanar's story is one of resilience and empowerment. She discusses the impact of near-death experiences on her life, the function and healing possibilities of PTSD, and how she helps others step into their true selves and authentic power. Her unique perspective on personal transformation and holistic healing offers invaluable insights for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.

    Tune in for an enlightening discussion that delves into the profound challenges of trauma and the transformative journey of healing. Sanar's wisdom and experience offer a unique perspective for those looking to transform their lives.

    *Please note: Due to some of Sanar's lived experiences, this episode contains graphic mentions of abuse that may be difficult for some listeners.


    #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #Empowerment #SelfDiscovery #HolisticHealing #SpiritualGrowth #PersonalTransformation #HealingArts #PTSDRecovery #QuantumHealing #EmotionalHealing #TraumaSurvivor #SpiritualAwakening #HealingJourney #EmpowermentCoach #SelfEmpowerment #MindBodySpirit #HealingTrauma #PersonalGrowth #TransformYourLife

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S05E06 - The Edge of Darkness in Alaska: Crystal's Return to Light
    Mar 20 2025

    Today on FDTL, Ryan is joined by Crystal from Oklahoma. Her story takes us through a harrowing journey - generational substance use, waves of various trauma, death of a parent, incarceration of another, and a breaking point in Alaska, where a drug-induced suicide attempt nearly ended it all.

    #FromDarknessToLife #OurCollectiveJourney #OCJPodcast #RecoveryJourney #HealingTogether

    #SubstanceAbuseRecovery #GenerationalTrauma #BreakingTheCycle #MentalHealthAwareness #SuicideSurvivor #OvercomingAddiction #Resilience

    #HopeAfterDarkness #StrengthThroughStruggle #SurvivorStory #SecondChances #HealingIsPossible #YouAreNotAlone

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    1 hr and 9 mins