In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Corey sits down with Ryan Oscar, a passionate advocate for recovery and resilience, and a founding member of Our Collective Journey. Ryan opens up about his path to Medicine Hat, shaped by adversity, addiction, a transformative cross-country bike ride, and ultimately—purpose. He discusses his experience in the oil patch, recovery, launching Our Collective Journey, and building community-based supports that meet people where they are.Ryan reflects on Medicine Hat as more than a place—it’s where he found acceptance, meaning, and love. From hot air balloons to recovery coaching in schools, Ryan is helping reframe conversations about mental health, addiction, and community resilience. This episode is a testament to the power of honesty, storytelling, and place-based identity.00:00 – 00:01:10 Intro to the podcast and season theme Importance of lived experience and community narrative 00:01:10 – 00:01:47 Podcast is separate from Corey’s role in education but intersects with the community00:01:47 – 00:02:14 Guest Introduction: Ryan Oscar Recovery coach and director with Our Collective Journey Host of *From Darkness to Life* podcast00:02:14 – 00:02:56 Double-duty podcaster: Ryan records his podcast before guesting on this one Excitement about sharing both his personal journey and community insights00:02:56 – 00:04:05 Arrival in Medicine Hat (2015) Originally from Swift Current, SK 00:04:05 – 00:06:21 Cross-Canada bike ride (Summer 2015) Joined ride to raise awareness for *recovery* (not addiction) 00:06:21 – 00:08:23 Return to Medicine Hat College Enrolled in Addictions Counselling during bike trip from a tent in New Brunswick 00:08:23 – 00:09:31 Early memories of Medicine Hat A city once associated with drinking now becomes a space for transformation00:09:31 – 00:11:03 Practicums and corrections work in Regina Work in a corrections-based substance treatment unit 00:11:03 – 00:13:00Founding Our Collective Journey (OCJ) Launched in response to local suicides in 2020 00:13:00 – 00:14:18 Community Response Support came from individuals, families, and spouses 00:14:18 – 00:16:34 “When you’re ready to tell the truth…” The power of honesty in recovery 00:16:34 – 00:19:00 Recovery Coaching → Resilience Coaching Working in schools not due to addiction crisis, but emotional disconnection 00:19:00 – 00:20:26Brain Story + Parenting Dramatic impact on parenting approach with his toddler 00:20:26 – 00:23:12 Hockey, Masculinity & Identity Toxic masculinity in hockey culture: pain, pressure, and silence Alcohol as a fast-pass to social acceptance 00:23:12 – 00:26:11 Finding Purpose in Medicine Hat Support groups became lifelines 00:26:11 – 00:28:12 How Medicine Hat Shaped His Identity Welcomed at every turn—from school to job interviews 00:28:12 – 00:29:46Collaboration in Medicine Hat Agencies in MH are collaborative, unlike turf-guarding seen in larger cities 00:29:46 – 00:33:20 Rise Up Balloon Festival Born out of COVID and mental health needs 00:33:20 – 00:37:01 Festival as a Mental Health Platform Using the balloon as a metaphor: “How do we rise together?”00:37:01 – 00:40:00 The Vulnerability of Sharing Importance of readiness before telling your story 00:40:00 – 00:42:29 What’s Next for Medicine Hat? Moving from crisis response to *resilience building* 00:42:29 – 00:45:56 The Resilience Scale Explained Visual model: Red Boxes (adversity) vs Green Boxes (support) 00:45:56 – 00:47:04What’s Next for Ryan? **00:47:04 – 00:48:07** 📢 Where to Find Ryan + OCJ - Website: [ourcollectivejourney.ca](https://www.ourcollectivejourney.ca) - Podcast: *From Darkness to Life* - Social media: Facebook, Instagram00:48:07 – 00:49:01 Who best represents Medicine Hat? Ryan’s nomination: Willie Tallon 00:49:01 – 00:49:41 Credits & Closing