218: Recovery in the Wild: Transforming Lives Through Outdoor Adventures
01:10:33 Share

Welcome to the premiere episode of Season 18 of Stories from the Field! This season, our spotlight is on addiction and recovery, and we're thrilled to have Adventure Recovery) as our underwriter—a recognized leader in the realms of recovery and outdoor leadership. In this episode, we sit down with Tim Walsh, the visionary founder of Adventure Recovery), and Josh Flaherty, now the executive director and a key partner in the organization. Tim shares his profound journey of recovery and how reconnecting with nature played a pivotal role in his healing process. His transformation inspired the creation of Adventure Recovery, a unique fusion of outdoor leadership and recovery principles. Josh, who transitioned from being a client to becoming an integral part of Adventure Recovery, recounts his path and highlights how the organization empowers individuals in recovery to become outdoor guides, seamlessly integrating mental health and substance use disorder recovery with valuable outdoor skills. We delve into the array of training programs offered by Adventure Recovery, such as rock climbing, whitewater skills, and sea kayaking. These programs not only teach outdoor skills but also foster resilience and coping abilities, with nature serving as a profound teacher. Throughout the episode, we explore the transformative impact of these outdoor experiences on individuals in recovery, sharing inspiring stories of clients who triumphed over significant challenges. As we wrap up, Tim and Josh emphasize their commitment to outdoor activities and their role in maintaining their own recovery and well-being. We conclude by highlighting the profound transformative power of nature and adventure in the recovery process, which extends beyond clients to the guides themselves. Join us on this journey of hope, healing, and inspiration. To learn more about Adventure Recovery the sponsor of this season of addiction and recovery, at Adventure Recovery).  Listeners are invited to explore the rich archives of over 200 episodes at storiesfromthefield.com.)