RRP 72 – Tony Z’s Story: Founding Voices Series, Episode 6

Presenters: Peter and Julie
Length: 1 hour, 4 minutes

Summary

Episode seventy-two of the Real Recovery Podcast features Tony Z sharing his journey from an idyllic childhood in Oregon through addiction, hitting bottom, and finding recovery through the 12 steps. Tony discusses his struggles with heroin, music, community, and service, and his ongoing commitment to sobriety and helping others[1].

Key Points with Timecodes

[00:00:00] Emily welcomes Tony Z and previews his extraordinary journey through addiction and recovery.
[00:05:21] Tony describes his early life on the Willamette River in Salem, Oregon.
[00:10:32] Tony reflects on his unique sense of style, being bullied in school, and finding support among creative peers.
[00:17:06] Tony details his progression into addiction, struggling to afford drugs and using to avoid getting sick.
[00:21:30] Tony shares how his friend Mike introduced him to AA and the challenge of getting clean from heroin.
[00:30:13] Tony is introduced to the 12 steps, commits to 90 meetings in 90 days, and finds structure in recovery.
[00:50:01] Tony discusses his involvement in music, playing bass and singing, and how hitting bottom coincided with his creative pursuits.
[00:56:11] Tony talks about his outreach work, bringing resources to unhoused individuals and the importance of service.
[01:00:04] Tony celebrates three years free from all substances, including cigarettes, and the impact of this milestone.
[01:03:12] Tony shares a message from his sponsor: “You are not a piece of shit. You don’t have to be alone,” underscoring the importance of self-worth and community support[1].

Links

Quote

You are not a piece of shit. You don't have to be alone. That's the best I can do on any given day.
– Tony Z

Hashtags and Mentions

#FoundingVoices #RealRecoveryPodcast #AddictionRecovery #ServiceInRecovery #RecoveryIsPossible
@RealRecoveryPodcast

RRP 72-Real Recovery Podcast: Founding Voices EP 06-Tony Z

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