RRP 69 – Izzy’s Journey: From Addiction to Advocacy – Founding Voices Series
Presenters: Peter and Julie
Length: 1 hour, 29 minutes
Summary
Episode sixty-nine of the Real Recovery Podcast features Izzy, founder and executive director of Go the Distance (GTD), as the third voice in our Founding Voices series. Izzy shares his candid journey from growing up in New Mexico, through the depths of addiction and homelessness, to recovery and community leadership. His story highlights the power of service, the importance of second chances, and the impact of building a nonprofit that inspires hope and connection through running and recovery.
Key Points with Timecodes
- [00:00:00] Introduction to Izzy and the Go the Distance story
- [00:05:10] Childhood in New Mexico and early feelings of being different
- [00:12:30] High school achievements, first experiences with substance use
- [00:19:45] College years, drinking culture, and first brushes with the law
- [00:27:00] Moving to Portland: struggles with employment, addiction, and identity
- [00:35:20] Discovering AA, finding a sponsor, and the importance of community
- [00:46:15] Relapse, homelessness, and the turning point in recovery
- [00:58:40] Rebuilding life: from busboy to fine dining, and back again
- [01:05:00] The founding of Go the Distance: running as recovery, building a nonprofit
- [01:17:30] The impact of service, mentorship, and supporting others in recovery
- [01:24:00] Reflections on resilience, loss, and the ongoing journey of hope
Links
Quote
“If you’re listening, remember that the guy who was homeless walking up and down 82nd street might be the next executive director of Go the Distance. That was me. And here I am, changing lives day to day.”
— Izzy
#FoundingVoices #RealRecoveryPodcast #GoTheDistance #AddictionRecovery #ServiceInRecovery
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