Christopher Heimerman

40,000 Steps Radio

Christopher Heimerman

  • Episode 22: Dawn Kepler, 21 years sober, builds college recovery community

Episode 22: Dawn Kepler, 21 years sober, builds college recovery community

Tuesday 8th June 2021

Dawn Kepler discusses her sobriety journey and efforts to build a supportive recovery community at Michigan State University on '40,000 Steps Radio'.
Explicit
60 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Encouraging

About this podcast

40,000 Steps Radio
Author:
Christopher Heimerman
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Creative Recovery Journeys
Body & Mind
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
79 (View all)
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Dawn Kepler: Transforming College Life with Sobriety and Support

It's hard, though, to combat some of those myths and that culture that keeps getting propagated.
Picture yourself on a bustling college campus, where the pressure to drink and fit in is sky-high. Now, meet Dawn Kepler, who’s not only 21 years sober but also the driving force behind the Collegiate Recovery Community at Michigan State University. In this episode of '40,000 Steps Radio', Dawn sits down with host Christopher Heimerman to share her remarkable journey and the groundbreaking work she's doing to support students in recovery.
Dawn opens up about her own struggles with addiction and the trauma of being a sexual assault survivor. Her personal experiences allow her to connect deeply with students facing similar challenges. Imagine trying to stay sober amidst tailgates, parties, and bar lines—Dawn's community provides that crucial lifeline for students saying 'enough is enough'. The conversation dives into the nitty-gritty of combating the pervasive college drinking culture.
Dawn emphasizes the importance of peer support and creating safe spaces on campus where students can feel understood and supported. She also touches on how the pandemic has affected collegiate recovery efforts and highlights the ongoing stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. One of the most poignant parts of the episode is Dawn's focus on self-compassion and self-love in the recovery journey. She believes in the power of purpose, encouraging students to find meaning through volunteering and mentorship.
This episode is a heartfelt exploration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of support. If you're curious about how one woman is making a tangible difference in the lives of college students battling addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear Dawn's inspiring story and learn how she's changing the narrative around sobriety on campus.