Stories That Inspire Us / The Author Series, welcomed to today’s podcast, Saturday, March 18, 2023, Sam Perez. Sam is a television news reporter who loves telling and sharing stories. This passion led her to the University of Georgia, where she graduated with degrees in journalism and Spanish. Sam is also the Author of the Book: Deviate From Denial / Erasing the Stigma of Addiction and Recovery through Inspirational Stories. (This is Sam’s 2nd appearance; her 1st appearance on “Stories” was October 15, 2022 - link to that podcast is below.)
Erasing the stigma is not an easy thing to do. Through societal norms, Sam’s continuing inspiration for sharing these types of stories is through the awareness and admiration with her parents who instilled and through their actions the human aspect behind “2nd chances”.
It is not an Us vs Them situation. It is how we as a society can firmly bond to the idea of talking about addiction and recovery with empathy and an understanding that we don’t have all the answers yet.
Sam shared the story behind the story aspect with some of the people she interviewed for her book. While many stories had a happy and inspiring ending, some did not. As a journalist, no story would be complete without sharing the stories of those who have lost a child due to addiction and it was through one Mom’s story and the Mom’s willingness to open up to Sam her with her journey and that of her son’s that catapults the emotional and mental health trauma to another level. This Mom wanted to share her story in the hopes of inspiring other parents.
There is hope; there is a domino effect and those dominoes can DV8 in such a beautiful way!
Sam’s audio version of her book will be coming out very soon! To connect with Sam further, please check out her website and various social media platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/sampereznews
https://www.facebook.com/sampereznews
https://www.twitter.com/sampereznews
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthaeliseperez
Here is the link to Sam’s podcast which was broadcasted on October 15, 2022:
Let me know what you thought of today’s episode. Do you know someone who suffers from addiction? How has their experience affected you?
To order Sam’s Book:
Do you have a story you want to share? Your story will inspire others! If you are interested in sharing your story, please go to my website and “register as a guest”.
https://www.podpage.com/stories-that-inspire-us/
Thank you Sam - opening up the discussion to share conversations about the opioid epidemic was “Truly” amazing as these are the Stories That Inspire Us!!
