Description

Join hosts Deaunte Damper and Alysse Bryson on King County Recovery Conversations as they welcome Franklyn Smith, a guiding light in the recovery community. From dealing with substance use disorder and incarceration to helping others reintegrate into society, Franklyn's story is one of triumph over adversity.

In this episode, Franklyn shares how his struggles became a catalyst for change and the stark realities of re-entering society post-incarceration. He dispels myths about reintegration and champions the strength found in empathy and community support. Deaunte reflects on how Franklyn's guidance ignited his own path to recovery and the vital role of facing discomfort to grow. Franklyn also discusses his initiatives to equip individuals with tools for success and his impactful book "Take Charge of Your Future." 

Franklyn's experiences offer a raw look at the challenges of addiction and systemic injustice. His incredible work has been acknowledged by the Department of Corrections, and it shines through in his role as the co-founder of Fresh Start Professional Services and his work with Freedom Project Washington. This episode is not just a conversation—it's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome and transform lives. Tune in for an unforgettable journey of hope and empowerment.

Resources from the episode: 

1. Get to know more about Franklyn and the work he does with Freedom Project Washington here. 
2. Buy Franklyn's book, "Taking Charge of Your Future," here. You can also purchase his newest book, "Your Future Is in Your Hands," here. 
3. Learn more about Freedom Project Washington and the work they do here. 
4. Learn more about Fresh Start Professional Services and support the work they do here. 
5. Deaunte Damper is the Organizer at VOCAL-WA, a nonprofit that provides leadership development and support for people whose organizing is rooted in personal experience. Learn more about the work VOCAL-WA does here. 
6. Connect with show hosts Deaunte Damper and Alysse Bryson on LinkedIn.
7. Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do here. To become a volunteer, a member, an advocate, or an event guest, visit their website.
8. 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. Want to find a way to get involved? Click here to become a member, volunteer, or donate to help change hearts and minds around mental health and substance use disorder in Washington state. 
9. 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.

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.