You and I 4 the Kenai

SOAR into Parenting Program: A Community Resource

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron sits down with the Program Coordinator for SAFR (South Central Alliance For Resilient Families) Abby Struffert to discuss the SOAR Into Parenting Program! This program is designed for new and expecting parents to get connected not only to myriad resources, such as baby boxes full of relevant items and educational opportunities, but also to other new parents in the community. To get involved, simply follow this link, watch the welcome video, fil...

I Took The Path that Runs beside the Mainstream: Ben's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Ben as he discusses his path to recovery. Ben's story is one of exemplary personal growth, passion, and the will to change his life for the better. His story begins with his discussion of the experience of federal prison that changed his life, and ends with espousing the joys of fatherhood, chasing his true passions, and doing meaningful work in the community. Click the link below to listen how this incredible transfor...

One Year Later: Heidi's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Koebryn and Aaron sit down with Heidi as she tell us about her experience in recovery over the past two years! The last time we spoke to Heidi she was a college student determined to get her degree and help others in our community. Two years later Heidi is graduated and working on some great developments for our community as well as continuing to grow and learn in her own recovery.

My Heart Wanted to Change; My Mind Just Didn't Know How: Tuba's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with our friend Tuba as he tells us his recovery story. We chose this title because Tuba's story illustrates, in a beautiful and impactful manner, the way unresolved trauma can negatively impact people with even the most pure hearts. If you were to meet Tuba today, you'd meet loving and compassionate person who would go to earth's ends to help another. This wasn't the case years ago. Tuba is a prime example of why keeping p...

Justin P. Recovery W/Intro

God, Mentors, and Music: Justin's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai Koebryn and Aaron sit down with local community member, youth mental health advocate, and musician Justin Pendergrass as he opens up to up about his challenges with mental health and addiction. Justin talks about how his relationship with God, in-laws, music, mentors and more helped to spur him forward and onto a healthy and vibrant future.

Community Resource: Sources of Strength Within Our Local Schools

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Koebryn and Aaron sit down with Emily Alvey, the Recidivism Prevention Liaison for Kenai Peninsula Schools! If you have kids in the school system, you are not going to want to miss this!

I Won't Let Them Down: Ty's Recovery Story

In this episode, Aaron and Koebryn talk with Ty about his personal journey to recovery. Ty's story highlights that finding a path to recovery that works for you is one of the most important steps to making lasting change. His recovery was ultimately fueled by the respect for the people who genuinely wanted him to succeed.

One Year Later: TJ's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with TJ to talk continued recovery. In this episode TJ talks about how the tools he has learned in recovery have propelled his life forward, and how the support system he has developed through recovery has made this new life possible. Enjoy! 

There's Always Hope: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Robi as she shares with us the blessings that she has found through recovery! Enjoy!

It Just Works: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with our friend Kaitie as she tells us about her recovery, and the route she took to getting into recovery. Enjoy!

The Moment my Life Changed Forever: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Courtney and talk about recovery, self-esteem, and everything in between!

Community Resource: ASAP/AKEELA on the Kenai Peninsula

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn are in Kenai talking to Veronika Kline about the services the Kenai ASAP/AKEELA office offers our community! Enjoy!

Recovery, Covid-19, and Toxic Masculinity: A Conversation With Our Friend Alex

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Alex, to talk recovery! We talk about everything from the pitfalls of early recovery, to the challenges of being in recovery in a world affected by Covid-19, and how we can learn from the mistakes of others.

Getting Help From Henu Wellness Court: Thomas's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Eric sit down with Thomas, as he tells us his story of recovery. Thomas lets us in on his experience as a participant in the Henu Wellness Court, as he is set to graduate later this month.

Getting Help From Henu Community Wellness Court: Thomas's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Thomas tells Eric and Aaron about how Henu Community Wellness Court – a joint-jurisdictional therapeutic court – helped him find recovery. 

Community Resource: Kenai Public Health

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Eric and Aaron sit down with Sherra Pritchard, B.S.N., to discuss the services Kenai Public Health provides – and how to access these services. 

Mario's Mission of Hope: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Eric and Aaron sit down with Mario as he tells us what it took for him to get into recovery, and the resources he used to do so! Since entering recovery Mario has dedicated his life to his family, and helping people enter into, and thrive in recovery! 

There's Beauty on the Other Side: Britney's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Britney shares how experiencing trauma left her feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. She found substances made living in her own skin less uncomfortable – but substance use could not be a long-term solution. Recovery is. 

There's Beauty on the Other Side: Britney's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Britney shares how experiencing trauma left her feeling uncomfortable in her own skin. She found substances made living in her own skin less uncomfortable – but substance use could not be a long-term solution. Recovery is. 

One Year Later: Billy's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Billy updates Aaron and Koebryn on his life and what has changed since he first shared his recovery story about 18 months prior to recording this episode. He shares how he navigated relapsing, did not give up, and once again created a life that does not include alcohol consumption.  Billy’s first recovery story can be found on the You and I 4 the Kenai channel, and it is titled “From the Ashes, He Rose: Billy’s Story of Heartbreak and Healing.” He a...

Becoming Cool With Ken: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Ken Miller shares how he went from the Ivy League – he graduated from Dartmouth College – to the streets because of his addiction, and how he found his way to recovery. 

Becoming Cool With Ken: A Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Ken Miller shares how he went from the Ivy League – he graduated from Dartmouth College – to the streets because of his addiction, and how he found his way to recovery. 

One Year Later: Danielle's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Danielle sits down and talks with Eric, Aaron, and Koebryn for the first time since originally sharing her recovery story with the You and I 4 the Kenai team.  Her original recovery story is titled “The Art of Reflection: Danielle’s Keys to Recovery” – it is one of the most popular You and I 4 the Kenai episodes ever recorded, and it is available on the You and I 4 the Kenai channel.

Staying Cool in Recovery: Danielle's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Danielle tells Eric and Aaron about how she gets to be a cool woman without alcohol – she gets to run hard, meet her responsibilities, and be a loving wife and parent.  Danielle grew up in a religious upbringing where rules around alcohol were strict and bent toward prohibition. This made it hard for Danielle to tell as an adult how much alcohol was too much – in the religious context, any alcohol was too much alcohol, but in the secular context, ho...

Staying Cool in Recovery: Danielle's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Danielle tells Eric and Aaron about how she gets to be a cool woman without alcohol – she gets to run hard, meet her responsibilities, and be a loving wife and parent.  Danielle grew up in a religious upbringing where rules around alcohol were strict and bent toward prohibition. This made it hard for Danielle to tell as an adult how much alcohol was too much – in the religious context, any alcohol was too much alcohol, but in the secular context, ho...

Recovery and Being Cool: Danielle's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai Aaron and Eric sit down with Danielle M. to talk recovery!

One Year Later: Shree's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Shree and Aaron sit down to discuss what Shree’s life has been like since she last sat down one year prior with the podcast team. Shree tells Aaron how she managed to stay away from using substances even after the father of her children died. You can find her original recovery story on the You and I 4 the Kenai page – the episode is titled “It’s the Little Things: Shree’s Joyous Recovery.” 

Community Resource: Hope Mends Ft. Vanessa Perry

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai the team sits down with Vanessa Perry of Hope Mends. Hope mends is one of the few resources in our community that provides access to maternal mental health, counseling support for women during pregnancy, postpartum, as well as other services. Listen to learn more!

Community Resource: Hope Mends feat. Vanessa Perry

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Vanessa Perry, L.P.C., discusses her private practice – Hope Mends – the services she offers to the members of the Central Kenai Peninsula, and subjects related to motherhood. 

Community Resource: Hope Mends feat. Vanessa Perry

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Vanessa Perry, L.P.C., discusses her private practice – Hope Mends – the services she offers to the members of the Central Kenai Peninsula, and subjects related to motherhood. 

Supporting Recovery: A Daughter's Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, the team sits down with Kaitlynn as her she tells us about how her experience with an alcoholic father, and how she was a central support for her fathers recovery. Kaitlynn and her father, because of recovery, are closer than ever before! *Content Not Suitable For Children*

Gratitude: A Recovery Perspective

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn share a discussion with Kayla and Billy about gratitude – they discuss what it means to them and what they are grateful for. Kayla and Billy share how they used to be grateful for substances and their availability, but now they are grateful for so much more.  Billy has been featured on two other podcasts: 1) “From the Ashes, He Rose: Billy’s Story of Heartbreak and Healing”; 2) “One Year Later: Billy’s Continued Recovery” – both of...

Community Resource: Freedom House Men

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Paul from Freedom House, and Paul tells them what Freedom House’s men’s program is all about and what help the program offers to those who need it. 

Community Resource: Freedom House Men

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Paul from Freedom House, and Paul tells them what Freedom House’s men’s program is all about and what help the program offers to those who need it. 

One Year Later: Zack's Continued Recovery

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Zack updates Aaron, Eric, and Koebryn on his life. Zack shares how he navigates his recovery while working on the North Slope – Zack has a tone that is friendly, yet he is very straightforward; this makes for a podcast episode that you don’t want to stop listening to once you start. Zack shared his first recovery story about one year before being featured on this episode. His original recovery story is on the You and I 4 the Kenai channel, and it is...

Upcoming Community Events

This Saturday, join us the Women and Babies fair from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm going on Central Peninsula Hospital, located at 250 Hospital Place in Soldotna. On the 20th, Ken Miller will be presenting his story of how he turned his life around. This event will be taking place at 6:30 pm at the McLane Commons at KPC to hear his incredible story. See you there!

Supporting Recovery Part 2: Terri's Parental Perspective

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Terri as she tells us how she balanced supporting recovery and not enabling her son's addiction. *Content Not Suitable For Children*

Supporting Recovery Part 2: Terri's Parental Perspective

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Terri as she tells us how she balanced supporting recovery and not enabling her son's addiction. *Content Not Suitable For Children*

Learning to Feel My Feelings: Clay's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Clay shares his recovery story with Aaron and Koebryn. Clay struggled to feel and cope with his feelings starting at a young age. For a period of time, he used substances to try and avoid these feelings altogether. However, substance use didn’t fulfill him and meet his needs – whereas recovery and being open to his emotions does. 

Learning to Feel my Feelings: Clay's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Clay as he tell us his story of recovery. Clay's story is a testament to the value of self reflection and the importance of expressing one's feelings. Enjoy! 

Community Resource: Henu Wellness Court

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down With Shera Burg, Project Coordinator from Henu Wellness Court. Listen now to learn about the services offered and how they could help you or a loved one!

Community Resource: Henu Community Wellness Court

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Shera Burg – the project coordinator for Henu Community Wellness Court at the time of recording this episode – tells Aaron and Koebryn about Henu Community Wellness Court. This court is a therapeutic joint-jurisdictional wellness court operated by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the Alaska Court System. Henu Community Wellness Court operates from a cooperative-justice perspective, and its vision is to transform lives for a healthier community. 

Community Resource: Henu Community Wellness Court

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Shera Burg – the project coordinator for Henu Community Wellness Court at the time of recording this episode – tells Aaron and Koebryn about Henu Community Wellness Court. This court is a therapeutic joint-jurisdictional wellness court operated by the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the Alaska Court System. Henu Community Wellness Court operates from a cooperative-justice perspective, and its vision is to transform lives for a healthier community. 

Supporting Recovery: A Parents Perspective

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Sandi. Sandi's son battled addiction for many years. That being said, this episode is all about Sandi's experience watching her child suffer and how she helped end the suffering. *Content Not Suitable For Children*

Supporting Recovery: A Parents Perspective

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Sandi. Sandi's son battled addiction for many years. That being said, this episode is all about Sandi's experience watching her child suffer and how she helped end the suffering. *Content Not Suitable For Children*

Walking on Egg Shells: Nathan's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai, Aaron and Koebryn sit down with Nathan as he tells us his recovery story.  *Content Not Suitable For Children*

From Asking for Death to Loving Life: Kayla's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai the team sits down with Kayla as she tells us her recovery story! *Content Not Suitable For Children*

From Asking for Death to Loving Life: Kayla's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai the team sits down with Kayla as she tells us her recovery story! *Content Not Suitable For Children*

From Asking For Death to Loving Life: Kayla's Recovery Story

In this episode of You and I 4 the Kenai the team sits down with Kayla as she tells us her recovery story! *Content Not Suitable For Children*