Becoming Empowered: A Personal Journey Out of Addiction

In this episode, Dr. David Hanscom talks with Executive Director of the Empower2Recover Foundation, Jay Barnard. He shares his personal experience of struggling with substance abuse, including multiple arrests and a year-long sentence in Penetang Penitentiary, which he served for driving under suspension. As part of his release, he entered counseling, which resulted in his enrollment at the Salvation Army Anchorage Boost Center in Ottawa, Ontario, where he achieved sobriety on February 11, 2008. He went on to start and run a nonprofit, the Empower2Recover Foundation, which works with individuals to help them deal with trauma, addiction and recovery. Download the transcript Chef Recovery Jay Barnard is a keynote speaker, culinary professional, and person in long-term recovery who uses his lived experience to inspire hope, healing, and transformation. As the Executive Director of the Empower2Recover Foundation, Jay leads a National movement delivering trauma-informed mental health, addiction, and recovery events across communities and Indigenous Nations. Blending his journey from addiction to recovery with his passion for food, Jay shows how purpose, culture, and connection can change lives. Through storytelling, service, and the kitchen, Chef Recovery continues to turn pain into purpose and recovery into action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices