Our Collective Journey

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Our Collective Journey

Podcast- From Darkness to Life (Available on ALL major platforms)

MISSION STATEMENT:

We enable optimal mental well-being for functioning, at-risk Albertans using customized, evidence-based resiliency and personalized recovery coaching developed and delivered by those with lived experience.

10/31/2025

It’s the end of an era today as we bid goodbye (for now) to our Co-Founder and Podcast Host, Ryan Oscar.

In Part 2 of Beyond the Brink, Ryan shares his harrowing experience of reaching rock bottom, struggling with substance abuse, and a failed su***de.

A pivotal intervention from his uncle and a dedicated counselor helped him find the path to recovery.

Throughout this episode, 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 the addictions counseling program at Medicine Hat College, Ryan is committed to helping others overcome their struggles and find hope.

You do not want to miss this inspiring story, and our farewell (for now) with Ryan.

Catch this Episode and Part 1 at the link in the comments.

10/29/2025

As our fdtlpodcast wraps up Season 5, we’re celebrating the power of storytelling, healing, and connection AND kicking off an incredible new chapter.

In the final episode of Season 5, OCJ Founder, Ryan, opens up about his own journey through trauma, addiction, and recovery and how those experiences led to the creation of Our Collective Journey. It’s raw, real, and full of hope.

Now, as Ryan passes the mic to Craig “Poncho” Parker, the From Darkness to Life podcast begins a new season with familiar heart and renewed energy.

Poncho, who helped launch the podcast back in the early days, is returning as host and ready to bring more powerful conversations that remind us we’re never alone.

“When people share who they are and face their demons, they feel lighter and it inspires others to realize they’re not alone.”- Poncho

Season 6 is full of real stories from real people- the kind that make you feel seen, understood, and hopeful. Because no matter where you are on your journey, there’s light ahead.

Listen to the Season 5 finale which is Part 1 featuring our Founder Ryan Kelly, now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Part 2 of Ryan’s incredible story will launch Season 6 this Thursday.

Let’s keep walking this journey together. Join us in welcoming back Craig “Poncho” Parker!

10/28/2025

We’d love for you to join us at Our Collective Journey’s AGM tomorrow at 4:30 PM!

Come see what we’ve accomplished together, and where we’re headed next.

Join the meeting here:

https://bit.ly/4nrl1Bi

Meeting ID: 244 733 326 753 0
Passcode: z8BV9qN6

10/19/2025

It’s a very special episode of From Darkness to Life this week. You know him, you love him. It’s Ryan.

In this gripping episode of , Ryan takes the hot seat to share his harrowing journey from the depths of addiction and a near-fatal su***de 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 host, Poncho Parker.

Stay tuned later this week where we will get to know our new host, Poncho, a little bit more!

10/15/2025

An Invitation to All Communities and Organizations:

If your sports team, school, corporate group, or community organization is ready to open the conversation about mental health, resilience, and healing, we invite you to bring Sideways to you.

This story has the power to unite, to heal, and to inspire change in boardrooms, locker rooms, and communities everywhere.

Let’s all embrace our duty of care — for each other and for ourselves — and move forward in a whole new way.
Healing is possible. Change is happening. And it’s time for all of us to be part of it.

10/10/2025

No matter how dark the chapter feels right now, there are still pages left to be written. 💙

Recovery is proof that new beginnings are possible. With the right support, connection, and hope, today’s struggles can become tomorrow’s strength.
We walk beside people as they write the next chapter, one filled with healing, resilience, and possibility.

💬 Share this to remind someone: their story isn’t over.

10/09/2025

There’s no single “right way” to recover. 💙

For some, it’s treatment. For others, it’s peer support. For many, it’s a combination of community, connection, and compassion. At OCJ, we honour every pathway, because what matters most is that people find what works for them.

💬 Share this to remind someone: recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all.

10/08/2025

Recovery isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about keeping going, even when it’s messy. 💙

Every small win matters.
Every setback teaches something.
Every step forward is proof of resilience.

At OCJ, we celebrate progress — not perfection — because real change is built one step at a time.

💬 Share this as a reminder: you don’t have to be perfect to be moving forward.

10/07/2025

Addiction isolates. Recovery reconnects.
At OCJ, we see every day how powerful connection can be:
✔ A coach being there when it matters most
✔ A peer saying “I’ve been there too”
✔ A community that chooses support over stigma

Because recovery isn’t just about surviving, it’s about rebuilding relationships, trust, and hope through connection.

Tag someone who has been part of your journey.

10/06/2025

No matter how many setbacks.
No matter how long it takes.
No matter where you’re starting from.

Recovery is possible. Full stop. 💙

We see it every day: people finding strength, building resilience, and proving that hope is stronger than despair.

💬 Share this as a reminder, for yourself or for someone who needs to hear it today.

10/03/2025

Struggle isn’t a sign of failure, t’s proof of resilience.

Every craving resisted, every hard day survived, every time you choose to keep going, that’s strength in action. 💙
Our coaches remind people that recovery isn’t about never struggling again. It’s about finding the courage, support, and connection to keep moving forward, even on the hardest days.

💬 Drop a 💙 if you agree: struggle is part of the journey, not the end of it.

10/02/2025

Recovery isn’t about moving fast. It’s about moving forward. 💙
Whether it’s a small step, a big leap, or just showing up for yourself today, it all counts.

OCJ Recovery Coaches celebrate every step, because progress isn’t measured in perfection, it’s measured in persistence.

💬 Share this as a reminder: even the smallest step forward matters.

Address

#1/660 2nd Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A0C9

Telephone

+14038001191

Website

http://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca/, https://linktr.ee/ourcollectivejourney, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc

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