Episode 1: My “Why” with Ray Donovan

Welcome to episode one of Stackndays, a podcast hosted by Ray Donovan. The show aims to provide a space for people of color to share their stories and experiences of sobriety.

In episode one Ray shares his journey of overcoming addiction and finding healing and talks about why it was so important for him to start this podcast, and create a space for folks who look and sound like him to be their full selves. Ray shares his story candidly and honestly, and hopes that it will inspire others on their own journey to recovery.

Early life

Ray was born in Montreal, Canada and grew up in a single-parent household after his parents divorced when he was 4. Ray struggled to fit in during his childhood and adolescence, and began drinking at age 14 as a way to cope and fit in with others. Ray's early years were marked by his mother's challenges and poor relationship choices, as well as the absence of his father, who moved to the US after the divorce. Ray's drinking escalated during his college years, as he moved to unfamiliar territories and cultures

The Journey to Sobriety

Ray experienced multiple failed attempts at college and multiple rock bottoms with his drinking. He met his wife but continued to struggle with alcohol for several years. It wasn't until a black-out on a date night in September 2021 that Ray realized he had to get serious about his substance abuse. He sought medical help and searched for a therapist, but struggled at first to find a one of color, who could understand the nuance of his experiences as a black man in America.

Ray turned to podcasts as a tool for his healing journey. Some podcasts he liked were Recovery Elevator and This Naked Mind. However, the podcasts were still a mostly white space. Interviewees did not share similar cultural experiences to Ray and he felt a degree of detachment.

He also used fitness to help with his recovery and found that the sober Instagram community was a great resource.

The Purpose of Stackndays

Ray wants to create a space for people of color to be their full, vulnerable and strong selves. He wants to provide a repository of stories of healing and recovery, and give a voice to those who have been underrepresented in the recovery community. People of color deserve healing and Ray wants to contribute to that cause.

Thank you for tuning in to Stackndays, and we hope you'll join us again for another episode.