The Empty Chair

*** BIG NEWS ***MVPASAP is Beyond thrilled to start this year's "Empty Chair" series with the RED & BLUE First Responders endure and tackle challenges that are thrown at them. Through these experiences, they may find themselves facing wounds that scar the body & the mind, and question if their own experiences and stressors are severe enough to seek health.Join Cole Welch-Caffrey and her "2" Amazing Guests and hear these First Responders testimonies that addiction comes in many forms and so does RECOVERY! Jim G. is a Police Officer and Army Veteran who over came food and alcohol addiction.At his lowest point he weighed over 300 pounds and was drinking & eating himself to death. Jim will share his story that led to personal growth in both Sobriety and weight-loss. James G. is a Fire Fighter, who struggled with food and alcohol. His relationship with alcohol brought him 2 DUI's and an unhealthy eating habits brought him to a morbid weight of 370 pounds.Hear how his 10 year journey of reflection, faith and forgiveness has kept him sober and gave him permission to care and love himself. Combined these men lost: 265 pounds & have 13 year of Sobriety.This is show you don't want to miss!!!!

Phil Lahey's next guest for this episode of The Empty Chair is Nikki G. "Like many others, she began using at a young age. It took a while, but she found a 12-step program and started her journey to recovery. I always admired that although she had bumps in the road, she always learned from them and she would come back even more determined. She is an excellent example for those who relapse and want to give up. Nikki's story is that she never gave up. I have watched and been a part of her incredible journey and I’m so proud that she has decided to share it with all of you. Please tune in and help us celebrate another miracle of recovery. This episode is being dedicated to the memory of Kim Holland."

May is Mental Health Awareness MonthJoin Cole Welch-Caffrey and 2 Amazing Guests from Blue Lotus Wellness Center this week to learn of the importance of taking care of your own "mental health".

Kimberly Sieper, MS, MBA, LCMHC, MLADC works with individuals experiencing many diverse mental health problems. She will discuss several modalities that assist individuals to achieve optimum mental health.

Vincent Ardizzone, mental health counselor, dance/movement therapist, & yoga/meditation teacher will share his experience, strength, and HOPE of overcoming obstacles and creating a life of wellness and balance.

This is a show you do NOT want to miss...

This episode of The Empty Chair is being dedicated in memory of Joy Gallagher. Joy by being a Sponsor was responsible for saving the lives of many young ladies. Unfortunately, the only one she didn’t save was her own. We honor her by bringing in three young ladies who share a sponsorship family of their own. The group includes Steevie Groves as the sponsor and two of her sponsees Brooke Dewhirst and Lauren D’Amico. They will share their story of recovery and the part that having a sponsor plays in that recovery. Please join in and you will see that, yes, women do recover

Phil Lahey's guest on this week's Empty Chair is Louise Griffin. Louise Griffin is a proud “Lowellian” and the President of Zack’s Team Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the stigma and shame associated with substance use disorder through education, information, and compassionate support. Zack’s Team's primary focus is to enable families who lack financial means to send their loved ones to recovery living following in-patient treatment.

Zack’s Team was launched in the fall of 2014, in memory of Louise’s youngest son, Zachary Gys. Zachary died on July 19, 2013, from an accidental opiate overdose at the age of 21, after struggling with substance use disorder for several years. Louise is a strong advocate for education, support, recovery, and treatment. Louise founded and continues to facilitate, the Merrimack Valley’s Zack’s Team Foundation’s Coping Today support group to assist families struggling with the loss of a loved one due to substance use disorder.

Louise also worked with Jim Wahlberg on the production of the movie, “If Only.” If Only is a short film intended for teens, parents, and adults to raise awareness about the dangers of prescription drugs to keep them out of the hands of kids. Her next project with Jim is the documentary entitled, “Out of the Ashes” which explores the impact of losing a child to substance use and turning grief into purpose. She participated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s “Stop Addiction in Its Tracks” campaign, sharing Zack’s story and the effects it had on her family.

Louise was appointed to the City of Lowell’s Opiate Task Force and was the keynote speaker at the first Opiate Youth Summit held at the Tsongas Arena. Louise has been a featured speaker at many community events in the Merrimack Valley. She is currently employed by the University of New Hampshire as the Associate Vice President and Chief Research Administration Office.

Excessive alcohol use accounted for more than 140,000 deaths per year.

April is Alcohol Awareness Month. This month is designated to increase public awareness and understanding, reduce stigma and encourage local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related issues. Join Cole P. Welch Caffrey with two amazing guests, Elias & Stella as they share their experience and strength while offering HOPE to those who continue to struggle.

Elias ground alcohol at a young age and quickly began on a downhill slope. Arrests, detoxes, and frayed family relations followed him until he got sober in 2012. Today he is active in the recovery community and holds a job in corporate finance. He enjoys the gym, disk golf, home repair projects, cooking, and reading.

Stella was a troubled teen who struggled since she was little. Had a son at age 16. She found a solution to her mental chaos in drugs and alcohol. Got married at the age of 23 after having a second child. Drug-fueled marriage followed by divorce, then another drug and alcohol-fueled relationship. Shattered relationships, lost jobs, and hurt children & parents were left in the wreckage. Landed in detox at age 35, for the first time in her life, scared and hopeless. Followed by residential treatment and sober living where she was introduced to the 12 steps and began a life-saving journey to recovery and hope. Today she lives with her two children, works as a clinician at a treatment center, plays on a few sober softball teams, and spends much of her time being of service to her community.

This episode is dedicated to: "Justin Stout" Justin was a well-known member of AA in Portland, ME. His jovial personality touched everyone he met. He made everyone feel loved and his smile was infectious. A father of two, he enjoyed being with his kids, working out, and helping others. He was deeply involved in his church where he could be found every Sunday. An electrician by trade, he worked hard and took pride in a job well done. Justin is deeply missed by many.

Phil Lahey's guest on The Empty Chair is Helen Sheehan.

She is the founder and CEO of Emman’s Heart foundation. She organized this effort after the tragic loss of her son to a fentanyl overdose in April 2019 join us as Helen reminisces about Emman and talks of her efforts to combat substance misuse with the hope of preventing other families from suffering a tragic loss.

Helen has become a warrior in and around Haverhill for her courageous battle against this deadly disease. I am truly honored that she has agreed to share her story on the Empty Chair.

Cole Welch-Caffrey hosts this edition of  "The Empty Chair" podcast on both MVPASAP Facebook and the Empty Chair Podcast on YouTube.

Joining Cole in this episode are 2 Amazing Guests:

Dani Sinclair & Steve Heald.

Dani a local police officer for over 20 years and currently assigned to the detective unit for last 4 years at Newburyport PD specializing in sexual assaults.  Recently received Master’s Degree in CJ from UMass Lowell.

Founder of Essex County Outreach in 2019 when awarded a grant through the BJA.  The premise is for all 34 law enforcement agencies in Essex County, as well as the sheriff’s department, to work together with our respective community and social service partners to provide assistance to individuals and families in need of support for substance use disorders and behavioral health matters.  When not busy at work, enjoy quality family time with her husband, two kids, and two crazier dogs.

Steve has been working as a recovery coach for over seven years, with PAARI (Police Assisted Addiction and Recovery Initiative), Methuen Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, and most recently Mass General Brigham Hospital at Salem. He graduated from Norwich University with a BA in Criminal Justice in 1990.

He started his career in Juvenile Corrections working with Boston’s most violent offenders. He later worked with JRI as a Residential Director at Centerpoint (Intensive Residential Treatment Program). Following his tenure at JRI he became a Warrant Apprehension Officer with the Department of Youth Services Gang Unit. He was assigned to the Youth Violence Strike Force with Boston Police and later worked with the Lynn Gang Unit. Steve retired in 2006 due to a serious on-duty injury.

Steve entered into treatment in 2004 for alcoholism and recently celebrated 20 years of sobriety. He comes to Essex County Outreach with a wealth of experience and a passion to help folks struggling with addiction and alcoholism.

Steve will share his road to recovery and how to overcome obstacles, and Dani will discuss how she initiated the Essex County Outreach and the positive impact it has in our community

Join Phil Lahey for this edition of The Empty Chair as he talks with Keith Keller, author of "Infinite Recovery: A Guide to Freedom from Addiction"

Keith is an author, registered nurse, recovery expert, and activist. He has been in recovery from alcohol and polysubstance use disorder for 32 years. He has worked in clinical substance use disorder treatment and community mental health, among other nursing disciplines. Keith leads an online recovery support community of 3000 people from around the world.

His Infinite Recovery Handbook, now in its second edition, is a nuts-and-bolts how-to guide for anyone on the tipping point of confronting addiction, entering and establishing recovery, or who wishes to improve their recovery to a substantial transformation. By approaching recovery as a specific set of skills that can be learned, it is possible to become an upgraded version of oneself who is free of the ball and chain of addiction. The Infinite Recovery model is based in neuroscience, epigenetics, and the quantum model of consciousness.

Join Cole Welch-Caffrey, Thursday, February 2, 2023, on The Empty Chair LIVE podcast on both MVPASAP Facebook & The Empty Chair podcast on YouTube as she discusses Gang Prevention and Awareness with former Latin King, Jesus Ruiz.

Jesus' story is one of VICTORY and one you do not want to miss.  Hear how he turned his mess into a "Message" that has helped many individuals leave the streets and turn their lives around.

Jesus was once a gang leader and now he is a leader in our community. He started a non-profit organization "Leaving the Streets Ministry" which offers Hope, Compassion, and Second Chances.  Driven by faith in God and community, Leaving the Streets Ministries' core belief is that substance abuse use disorders, homelessness, poverty, gang involvement, and previous incarceration should not dictate the future of any young person who is struggling to find his or her place in society.

Pegasus House is a very special house for young ladies (ages 18-25) suffering from addiction. In this edition, Phil Lahey talks with three young ladies who are residents of that facility.

They will tell us about their recovery, their relapses, and their hopes for the future. Please tune in to our live podcasts. Thursday at 6 o'clock let's give some support to these courageous young ladies who hope to help others by sharing their stories. We at The Empty Chair find it, so encouraging when young ones like this work on their recovery.

Christmas continues this week with the gift of having "Denise Sullivan" as a Special Guest on The Empty Chair. Join Cole Welch-Caffrey in welcoming Denise for a night of recovery, healing, & HOPE!!! Together these women have "81" years of Recovery!!

Denise will have "47" years clean & sober on February 12th and has helped countless numbers of men in women along her journey. After 25 years of owning her own Hair Salon and Bridal Shop, she went back to school at "59" years old and began working in the field of addiction. Having come from a family riddled with addiction and her own life experience, she has a deep passion for helping those impacted by addiction.

She has worked worldwide, including Tahiti, and is currently in Kauai, Hawaii as a Resident Services Coordinator for Kalepa Village & Pa'anau Village.

This is a show you don't want to miss!!! 

Join Phil Lahey and "2" amazing guests this week on "The Empty Chair for the Addict that didn't know recovery was possible"

Aaron Goodro from First Baptist Church and Doug Griffin, a father that lost his daughter to an overdose, will be discussing Mercy Street, a group for those not only that lost a loved one, but open to everyone effected by addiction and mental health.

Lisette is a woman in long-term recovery who continues to use her experiences for recovery advocacy. She is currently working with CORE Peer Recovery and Resource Center as the Program Coordinator/Assistant Director. Her passion for advocacy started growing up in a predominately Puerto Rican neighborhood in Brooklyn, NY.

With the grace of a loving recovery community, she continues her journey of hope. She is leading others at work, in her personal recovery, and in ministry; encouraging people to be the most authentic version of themselves by meeting people where they are at.

She will share her Experience, Strength, and HOPE as well as some "safety resources for the trifecta holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

This show is dedicated in loving memory to:
Mark F. Zraket 12/2/1966 - 4/30/2021

Our next guest is Harold Magoon. He is the Director of the Lawrence Methuen community coalition LMCC was started in 1995 with one part-time position. It has grown to seven full-time employees +3 part-time employees. Please tune in to discover all of the resources and programs they have to offer. MVPASAP is pleased to have them as our partners in our fight against substance misuse.

This episode is dedicated to one of our past guests, Merrie Cunnif, who has passed away.

Join Cole P. Welch Caffrey with (2) AMAZING guests on this week's episode of "The Empty Chair, for The Addict That Didn't Know Recovery was Possible".  Marco A. & Shannon L. will share their experience, strength, and offer HOPE to those struggling in active addiction.

Marco A. will share how his addiction took him down the path of self-destruction, misery, and despair and how he found the road to happy destiny.  Marco has been in recovery since January 1, 2009, and strives to live his life filled with gratitude every day under any circumstances or conditions.

Marco is a HUGE advocate and a great resource to help those struggling in addiction, offering healthy paths to those in recovery.  Every day he has three goals, stay clean, help others with substance use issues, and make his family (especially his parents) proud of the person he became.

Shannon L. is a Charlestown Native and a person in long-term recovery for 18 years. Shannon will share how she escaped addiction and became a "useful member of society".

Shannon was instrumental in the development of CHART - Charlestown Addiction Recovery Court in 2012 out of the Charlestown Division of the Boston Municipal Court. CHART is a specialized court that helps individuals on probation living with chronic substance use disorder.

Shannon is strongly committed to working with those impacted by substance use disorders to provide the necessary tools to achieve sustainable, long-term, recovery that allows the opportunity to live a purpose.

This is a show you do not want to miss!!

Join Phil Lahey with special Guest: Karen Burbank Mcgravey-Gajera as she shares her devastating story of losing her daughter Emma Rose to an accidental overdose this year.

Karen hopes to decrease the stigma attached to addiction by sharing her daughter's story with Phil and other families that have a loved one struggling.

This is a show you do not want to miss!!

Video available on Spotify, MVPASPAP Facebook. & YouTube 

The Empty Chair

This show is dedicated to:

Emma Rose and all those that have lost their lives to overdose..

Join Cole Welch-Caffrey with 2 Amazing Guests: Mike L. & Frankie W!

These men will share how they went from the high cost of low living to living the dream, one day at a time. Amazing stories in this episode. It's one you cannot miss!

We do RECOVER!

Our New Series is on a roll with Amazing Guests!!!

This week, tune in to watch the Founders of Circle Of Hope, Phil & Fran Lahey

Fran & Phil will talk about the past 20 years of hosting the Circle of Hope, a family support group for those that have a loved one struggling with addiction.

Phil & Fran have 1st hand experience in watching family members struggle with addiction, which was their motivating force to start a family group and offer HOPE when dealing with someone in active addiction.

Tune in to learn of services provided and resources available.

If you know anyone that has a loved one dealing with this deadly disease, please tune in. This is a show you don't want to miss.

It's RECOVERY MONTH and I can't think of a better way to kick it off than having "2" amazing individuals as my guests on "The Empty Chair!!!!!

Join me and my guests, Linda S. and John M, for a night of Recovery, Fun, Laughter, and HOPE!!!!!

Linda is not a "first-time winner" per se, but she has proven with SOBRIETY, you can RISE to the TOP.  She believes that the key to staying sober is staying connected with other women in the program and believes that her strong faith and spirituality help her to remain sober one day at a time.

Today, Linda is "5" years sober and has built back trusting relationships with her family; she is a wonderful Mom to her three adult children, she takes care of her mother and father, she is a sister, Auntie, cousin, friend, and girlfriend.  She believes being in recovery is a never-ending Gift from God.

John relapsed after 16 years of sobriety and found the strength to return to the halls in 2015.  Since his return, his life is unrecognizable from the one he had before.  Along with recovery and working with others, John is the house manager at the Kelly House in Wakefield, MA. Due to recovery, John has changed his life tremendously and is able to be a "proud father" to his 3 children that he adores.

Tune-in, Thursday, September 8th, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. as this dynamic-due share their experience, strength, and HOPE.

Join founders of MVPASAP for the last show of the season:

Tune in to Jenn Burns & Phil Lahey as they discuss the evolution of MVPASAP, and the positive changes it has made in the community.

They both will discuss their personal journey in recovery and how they navigated through trials and tribulations while remaining sober.

Tune in for a night of recovery & HOPE...

Tune in for a night of recovery, laughter, and HOPE with Colleen "Cole" Welch & her 2 AMAZING Guests, Devyn W. & Brendan J.

D & B are 2 young men who are BLESSED to have found recovery at a young age and are testimony that "We do Recover"

Hear how they defied the laws of addiction and death and became two useful men in society!!! Not only do they work a program, they have jobs, places to live, and families that support them.

This is a show you don't want to miss...

We do Recover!

Tune in for a FUN night of recovery, laughter, and HOPE with Colleen "Cole" Welch & her 2 long-time friends & fellow travelers in recovery: Freddie the Irish Godfather & Tony C.  from Mingya Valley...

3 combined have over 87 years of recovery, wisdom and experiences to share...

This is a show you don't want to miss...

Tune into The Empty Chair's LIVE podcast on MVPASAP Facebook page.

Join Phil Leahy and two Amazing guests as they share their Experience and Strength while offering HOPE to those still struggling.

Matt G & Mikey D. will share how they survived the grips of death by overcoming addiction and creating lives second to none.

Matt G. born and raised in Mingya Valley found a passion for sports in his youth.  Matt’s addiction began at a young age causing him a life of havoc, heartache, and despair.  During his addiction, Matt was able to maintain employment and became an executive international chef.  Matt was living life in the fast lane and became victimized by his success through addiction.

Now, focused on recovery as a father, author, dog breeder, husband, son, brother, and aspiring re-American, Matt wrote a best-selling memoir The Duke of DoucheVille.

Michael D. born and raised in Framingham, Massachusetts spent his teens in residential and DYS programs which led to a decade of his adult years spent in and out of treatment centers and jail.

Mikey will share how he turned his mess into a powerful “message” of discipline, recovery, and giving back to others.  Michael works in the field of addiction in hopes that his story may help others to achieve sobriety..

Join Phil Lahey for an hour of recovery, conversation and HOPE!!!!! Joining Phil are (2) Amazing Guests:

Jonathan P.  has been sober for 7 years and is someone who has achieved sobriety through the 12-step model. Originally from NJ Jonathan came to New England to begin his recovery journey. Professionally, Jonathan works for Meta Addiction treatment doing community outreach helping those in need of services find appropriate care. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration and a minor in healthcare administration.

Ari N.  has been sober for over 18 years and is a seasoned 12-step practitioner. He was involved in starting crucial AA meetings on the North Shore, and also started and runs family meetings both on the South Shore and North Shore. He co-founded Number 15, a 12-step community that operated for many years in Wakefield, MA, and is currently co-founder and co-owner of Meta Addiction Treatment in North Reading, Ma, and dedicates his life to helping others.

Tune in for an AWESOME night of RECOVERY as these men share how their addiction took them to hell and how RECOVERY gave them the strength to RISE from the ashes.

Tune in for a SPECIAL evening on "The Empty Chair" LIVE Podcast this week as Phil Lahey hosts a  show you do NOT want to miss..  Phil's guest is one of the very first recipients of a scholarship into treatment, Daniel R.

Daniel will be sharing how he struggled with substance misuse and how he overcame addiction with the help of a program and some great mentors that lead him to a path of recovery.

Joining Daniel is his BEAUTIFUL wife Lauren who is in recovery too!!!! Lauren's addiction took her to deep depths over depression which she has overcome.

Join in to hear how this POWER couple overcame addiction, started a business, and joined together in holy matrimony!!!!

Join Colleen "Cole" Welch LIVE on Merrimack Valley Prevention And Substance Abuse Facebook page for a powerful episode of  The Empty Chair, with two Amazing Guests! William S. & Brittney G.

William went through 10 years of drinking alcohol and using substances from the age of 14 until he got sober at 23. In the beginning, his drinking brought much fun but eventually began to interrupt with the things he loved the most, his family, friends and playing baseball and hockey.

William spent time in and out detoxes, halfway houses, and Section 35’s.  After many failed attempts, William found recovery through the Guild House for Men and has been carrying a message of hope to those that struggle.  Since 2003 he has been working the program and created a life second to none by getting married and raising 3 kids!

Brittany is a woman in recovery.  She will share her experience strength and hope in recovery and how her passion for those in the industry grew from helping one person in recovery to helping many, growing staff, and creating programs while never losing sight of her primary purpose which is to stay clean and sober and help another achieve sobriety.

Tune in for an amazing testimony of how our messes can and do become our MESSAGE and help others on their journey in Recovery.

Folks are encouraged to call in during the show: @ 978-659-0072

For more information please reach out:  #603-205-4752

Join Colleen "Cole" Welch LIVE on Merrimack Valley Prevention And Substance Abuse Facebook page for a powerful episode of  The Empty Chair, with (2) Amazing Guests:

Jacob H. & Jon H.

Jacob was raised in a small town located in the Lakes Region of NH, born into a family of love, kindness, and religion.  Being a middle child of 7 kids was an uphill battle from the start in trying to be seen and heard.   He quickly found his voice in professional acting and singing at the age of just 10 years old.  Music and performing became his life and identity, until one day he found drugs and alcohol.  Quickly booze and crystal meth took over his life, and nothing else matter other than that next fix.

After a long 15 year battle of survival, denial, and even prison he found maybe, just maybe it isn’t all about him, and his dreams, but about how he can help others reach their dreams and goals through his Experience, Strength, and Hope.

Pastor Jon Howard,  Husband, Father, Son, Brother, and Friend to many in the community works diligently to those struggling in addiction.

Jon and his wife Rachel have been working together in ministry for the last 11 years.  With a great group of leaders, they planted Just Church in Haverhill on July 18, 2019, and host Celebrates Recovery, a recovery program for those in need.  Jon is committed to helping others know God, live with peace, joy & love, grow in experience and wisdom and serve their created purpose.

Tune in for an amazing testimony of how our messes can and do become our MESSAGE and help others on their journey in Recovery.

Folks are encouraged to call in during the show: @ 978-659-0072

For more information please reach out:  #603-205-4752

Join Colleen "Cole" Welch on The Empty Chair with "2" Amazing guests, Jesus Ruiz & Aaren Evans, 2 reformed gang members that will share experience, strength, and HOPE to those struggling with addiction while offering a wide range of solutions to benefit at-risk-youths in harm of gang affiliation.

Jesus is a Licensed Pastor/Gang Interventionist and founder of "Leaving The Streets Ministry" & Aaren is a Licensed Minister Chaplain, Creator, and Founder of Armor Up Faithtality...

This is a show you don't want to miss....

If you have any questions, please contact MVPASAP.

Join Phil Leahy and "2" Special Guests on The Empty Chair a LIVE podcast for "the addict that didn't know recovery was possible" ..

Reggie & Joel

Reggie started using drugs and alcohol when he was 12 years old.  At first it was just here and there for fun and experimenting, but by the time he was 14 years old he was using every chance he got.  Reggie used for the next 18 years of his life and ended up causing a lot of pain and heartache along the way.  He spent most of his adult life in and out of prison until he finally hit rock bottom and reached out for help.

Reggie will share how he navigated through recovery over the past 31 years while attending school, earning  his Bachelors Degree, and becoming a useful member in society.

Joel starting using drugs and alcohol at an early age.  His drug use caused a lot of unmanageability in his life, and to his loved ones.  His addiction got out of control, and he did not know how to stop, or that he even had a problem.

Now, 21 years clean and sober, Joel uses his experience in recovery  to help others struggling with addiction.

Both these men are HUGE assets in the recovery community and continue to carry the message of hope to those that are struggling in addiction.

Tune in for an Amazing night of recovery, strength and HOPE!!!

Join Cole P. Welch with "2" Amazing guests on "The Empty Chair"!!!

Sarah & Andrew

Sarah O'Brien found herself in and out of 25+ detoxes, 7 halfway houses, and many sober homes before she hit rock bottom which led her to recovery.

Today, Sarah shares her recovery to help others on their journey in recovery.  Sarah is a mom, works in the field of addiction and currently working on her bachelors degree.

Andrew McCluskey, a Cape Cod native with 9 years in recovery has been working in the field of addiction for 6 years. Andrew takes his experience by sponsoring men and guiding them through the process of recovery.

This is a show you do NOT want to miss!!!

Tune in for a night of recovery and HOPE as we discuss how to navigate through the holiday season.

Join Cole Welch-Caffrey this week on "The Empty Chair, For The Addict That Didn't Know Recovery Was Possible".

This is a show you don't want to miss!!! There will be 96 years of recovery on this episode!!!!

Join Cole with her  2 SPECIAL Guests:

Jersey Ed C. & Podfather Mike C.

These men will share their experiences and  strength while offering HOPE to our listeners.

Tune in as we discuss life after addiction...

Join Cole Welch this week on "The Empty Chair, For The Addict That Didn't Know Recovery Was Possible" with SPECIAL Guests: Phil & Fran LaheyTune in for an intimate evening with my dear friends, Phil & Fran as we discuss prevention & addiction, along with raw stories of recovery...

The Empty Chair, a podcast for the addict that didn't know recovery was possible, is getting ready to kick off its 2021-22 series with some AMAZING GUESTS !!!!

Joining the show along with host Cole Welch Caffrey,  Lauren Macaulay, owner of Title Boxing Club, North Andover, MA & Patrick Kelley of Title Boxing Club talking g about their incredible fundraiser for MVPASAP as well Patrick's recovery journey.

The show will then kick off with its 1st Guest of the season:

Zak Vieweg, a man in recovery, celebrated "20 months" clean on October 5th.  Zak is living proof, that "We Do Recovery"..

Join us for a night of HOPE & Recovery!!!!

A powerful episode of the Empty Chair...

Join Cole Welch Caffrey and special guests, Chris Warner & Mark Moran on "The Empty Chair, for the addict that didn't make it" a LIVE podcast on the Merrimack Valley Prevention and Substance Abuse Project FACEBOOK page

Chris has been completely free from the obsession to use any substance since 2017. She will share her life journey on practicing Mindfulness Meditation and Yoga for over two decades and how she combined her practices to obtain recovery for herself.

Chris has been working in the field of addiction since 2018. She is a huge asset to the recovery community and will share her gifts and tools to all who have a desire to be happy, healthy, strong, and free!

Mark has been sober since September 14, 1984. Mark immersed himself in 12-Step Recovery and remains where is a huge asset to the recovery community.

Mark takes a holistic approach to healing and recovery through mind/body/spirit connection and integration. Seven years ago, Mark started attending yoga classes and fell in love with the grounding aspect of mindful breathing and movement.

He noticed that this further enhanced his recovery and began teaching Recovery Yoga, instructing others and their loved ones on how yoga and meditation can help with their own recovery journey.

This is a show you do not want to miss!!!

Join Cole Welch Caffrey on this very powerful and uplifting episode of "The Empty Chair ~ For the Addict That Didn't Make It" with 2 Special Guests: Keith B & Jimmy G. These long-time Methuen residents will share how they were once driven by drugs and alcohol and led a life of INSANITY. They will share how they overcame addiction and the High Cost of Low Living to create a Life second to none. 

Tune in to hear these powerful stories of recovery as they share their Experience, Strength and HOPE.

Join Cole Welch on "The Empty Chair a LIVE Podcast for the Addict that didn't make it" with special guests Teena & Dave as they share the experience, strength and HOPE from addiction.

They will share how as a couple they navigate through recovery "together" and speak of the importance of working their programs separately.

Join Cole for a powerful episode of overcoming addiction and the agonizing pain of witnessing your partner relapsing and having to make life decisions for yourself... This is an episode you don't want to miss!!

This Episode will be dedicated to:

Amelia Reed Yount

Join Cole Welch- Caffrey for another Amazing episode on “The Empty Chair, for The Addict That Didn’t Make It” with our special guest, Shawn D. & Matt D.

Shawn, a recovering addict began to use drugs and alcohol at a young age. His early drug use caused him to spend years on the road of self-destruction before finding recovery.

Although Shawn is in his 1st year of recovery, he has a powerful impact in the recovery community and chases his recovery like he chased his addiction.

Matt has been in and out of 30 treatment centers before he finally surrendered to God and gave up the high cost of low living. Matt has 3 years of continuous sobriety is the first to put his hand out to the newcomer.

Join me to hear these remarkable stories of how these men have used what was trying to take them down to be the catalyst that brought them to rise above addiction and become useful men in society.

Join me and my co-host Louie Diaz LIVE for a remarkable episode on “The Empty Chair, for the addict that didn’t make it” with our special guest, Jesus Ruiz.

Jesus Ruiz, a recovering addict of nine years and former gang leader began to use drugs and alcohol at an incredibly young age. His early use led him to many debacles, life as a gang member, and 16 years in and out of prison.

While incarcerated, he accepted the gospel and began to turn his mess into a MESSAGE. Jesus has found his purpose and has been on the streets preaching to those in need.

Jesus and his wife, Wanda are leaders in the Haverhill community and founders of “Leaving the Streets Ministry” a non-profit re-entry center for youths that has received notability from the Mayor of Haverhill as the “Volunteer of the Year”.

Join me in his remarkable story of perseverance, and how his past allows him to serve those on the streets and offer HOPE and a bright future to our youth struggling in the community.

After years of reading, family support, education, and counseling in prison he was able to commit to abstinence from drug and alcohol and worked towards his degree in psychology.

Michelle’s recovery began on November 02, 2008, after being completed defeated by the excessive use of drugs and alcohol. She was homeless, unemployed, criminal activity, and no family.

All her relationships were severed due to her substance use disorder. As a result of her addiction, she was forced to give up a government job, due to arrests and time in jail.

She forfeited a mortgage, gave up custody of her children to her mother, and was living in a tent along the Merrimack River with her husband Joe.

Tune in to hear how Michelle found recovery, a  healthy balance of program, family, work, and a life she could not have dreamed of.

Marshall was born in Beverly Mass and lived all around the Northshore MA in his youth.  He began using and selling drugs at age 12.  This was the beginning of years spiraling in addiction that led him to a 12 1/2 year prison sentence.

After years of reading, family support, education, and counseling in prison he was able to commit to abstinence from drugs and alcohol and worked towards his degree in psychology.

Marshall is an asset in the recovery community and brings his experience to  Aware Recovery Care working as a  Recovery Coach.

Tune in to hear how Marshall turned his life from the bondage of drugs to Freedom in Recovery.

This is a show you don't want to miss!

Please join me and my Co-host, Louie Diaz for an episode of "The Empty Chair" with Special Guest, Frank Campos. Frank was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Lawrence, MA. He is a United States Army Veteran. Frank has dedicated his secular career to working in the field of Addictions, having lived the life of addiction himself for 20 years. Frank is also the Pastor at Community Christian Fellowship church in Haverhill MA. Please watch LIVE on MVPASAP Facebook page to hear how he himself has escaped addiction and helped many lives find hope and recovery.

Join me and "2" AMAZING guests, Jessie & Jason on "The Empty Chair, the LIVE Facebook Event for the addict that didn't make it"...

Jessie is a lot of things, one of which is a woman in recovery from substance use disorder.

She is from the NH seacoast and came from a good family. She was given many opportunities to be successful but still fell into a life of addiction. Her disease progressed and in the end, she became an IV drug user.

She overcame many obstacles along her road to recovery. Obstacles like rehab, incarcerations, broken relationships, and most painfully the loss of her boyfriend to an overdose.

She was able to find a solution in the 12-steps and today work a program of recovery. She regained custody of her child, works in a recovery center, hosts a show on recovery, all while working toward getting my master’s in social work.

Today she lives her purpose by connecting with others on her path and offering HOPE!

Jason, also known as “SNOOKIE”, is a man in long-term recovery. Jason comes from a wonderful family and had planned to accomplish many things in his life, never imagining that addiction would be one of them. As a teen, his “first operating under the influence” took place on a Big-Wheel in NH. This situation became one of many debacles Jason had himself in before finding recovery.

Jason is a United States veteran whose addiction led him to leave the service and returning home to where his addiction went to a whole other level. Jason found himself spiraling out of control and heading down the path of destruction. His addiction has taken him to many dark places, which he believes, led him to finally hit rock bottom. While incarcerated, Jason heard the message of HOPE from groups of men from the “outside” that came into jails to share their experience, strength, and HOPE. He remains forever grateful to these men as they are the catalyst that led him to recovery.

Thanks to recovery, Snookie made some life-altering changes and returned to school to receive his Masters in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. He is an asset to the recovery field and assisting those struggling with addiction

JOIN US ON "THE EMPTY CHAIR" WITH "2" AMAZING GUESTS :

Louie Diaz & Darryl Buchannan

Louie Diaz is a person in long-term recovery. He works as a reentry and outreach specialist at the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department. His job takes him inside prisons and jails preparing men for release. He is a support system for returning citizens when they are released to the community.

Louie is an invaluable link between the inside and outside. Because of his background as a formerly incarcerated citizen, he is able to offer unconditional support and an experiential understanding of the culture of the streets. He understands recovery and the stresses of incarceration and reentry on both a personal and a professional level. Louie has a unique style of incorporating recovery, spirituality, and love into his work.

Darryl Buchannan is a person who struggled with the disease of addiction for forty-plus years; spent 28 years of his life incarcerated as a direct result of his addiction. After years of active addiction, prison, and homelessness, he surrendered his life and accepted a new way of living.

Darryl is in long-term recovery and working in the field of mental health and addiction helping others find freedom and a new way of life. He is a published author about to release his next book "Scars and Broken Pieces". Along with a colleague, they formed "Haywoods Helping Hands", an outreach organization that brings basic needs and services to those living in the streets.

Tune in for a POWERFUL night of RECOVERY, REDEMPTION AND HOPE !!!!

JANUARY is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Join me on "The Empty Chair" a LIVE podcast for the Addict that didn't make it. In this episode, I have "2" Amazing Survivors that will share their experience, strength and HOPE on escaping and surviving the sex trade industry. Hear how these 2 women turned their mess into a MESSAGE of VICTORY and offer an escape to hundreds of individuals that are struggling in the human trade industry and addiction.

Ursel, a woman in long-term recovery who is a survivor of human trafficking and the sex trade. Today she is a mother, a wife and a productive member of society.

Ursel shares herself and hope by working with women at a residential halfway house for women with substance use disorders and mental health as a recovery specialist, she also works at the Adelante program a program for victims of trafficking as a peer specialist.

In her downtime she enjoys quality with her family.

Chelsey is a survivor of domestic sex trafficking and a recovering heroin addict. She fled her trafficker in March of 2011 and has been in recovery from substance abuse since 2016. She went from victim to survivor when she found Jesus at the Salvation Army drug rehabilitation center.

Chelsey knows what it is like to leave the guilt and shame behind and is passionate about helping other women do the same. She is using her story of victory to give others hope and bring awareness about this current epidemic in our communities.

Chelsey works at a homeless shelter as a case manager for men and women who are struggling with addiction, mental illness and homelessness. She is also the outreach worker for the Salem, MA police department.

Lori started drinking when she was 13 and soon became a daily drinker. After her marriage ended her alcoholism reached an all-time high and brought her literally to death's door.

She finally surrendered and entered the halls of Alcoholics Anonymous in 2013 and her life was reborn.

Debbi had rebellious times when she was young, but put it behind her to raise her family. While her four children grew, so did her career as a Social Worker. Later on, during their teenage years, alcoholism and addiction took over Debbi's life. It took her career, home, car, children, belongings, and her soul.

She entered treatment in 2017 and with God's help is rebuilding her life.

Please join me and my guest, Matt Ganem, CEO of Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center, on The Empty Chair!

Matthew Ganem has been clean for 14 years, he is a father, poet, author, advocate, and CEO of Aftermath Addiction Treatment Center a new facility that’s he recently opened up in Wakefield.

Matt will share his Experience, Strength, & Hope along with some Poetry and discuss how remaining clean & sober has allowed him the opportunity to turn his dreams into reality. 

Join me and "2" AMAZING guests Tim and Dan on "The Empty Chair"

Tim grew up in Central Massachusetts in a loving family. He excelled in basketball throughout high school and eventually a short stint in college before his substance abuse took hold. He started abusing OxyContin at the age of 20, which then turned into a heroin habit by 22.

Tim struggled for 7 years, in and out of treatment putting periods of sobriety together along the way. He eventually worked his way into his dream job of training professional basketball players in Palm Beach County. After relapsing once again, Tim found himself back in treatment. He worked a program and is now an advocate for recovery, a father and a husband.

Dan was born and raised on the south shore of MA. He had an ideal childhood filled with friends and family. Dan eventually graduated from college which led to a job in the financial district in Boston, MA. It was here that Dan was introduced to the grips of addiction.

Dan fought his drug addiction for 8+ years. He went to treatment several times but continued to tear his life down and hurt the ones closest to him. After his last relapse, he finally surrendered. Dan walked himself to detox and ended up in NH. Today he is a son, brother, uncle, and most of all he is useful every day to another alcohol and addict.

Join us for a show of HOPE and RECOVERY!!!