Opening Doors

By: Rachel Dalinka
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  • Summary

  • “Opening Doors” is a transformative podcast focused on healing from the traumas of incarceration and drug addiction, hosted by Rachel Dalinka. With over 25 years of experience in developing and delivering educational programs, and 8 years focused on programming for underserved communities, Rachel combines her expertise with her personal journey of growing up with an addicted and incarcerated father. Her mission is to break the stigmas and silence surrounding these issues, fostering open and healing conversations. Each episode features heartfelt storytelling and insightful interviews with formerly incarcerated individuals, people in recovery, experts in trauma and recovery, and family members. The podcast sheds light on the emotional, psychological, and social complexities of reintegration and overcoming addiction. Listeners gain strategies for overcoming shame, rediscovering purpose, and leveraging community resources and mental health support. “Opening Doors” is more than a podcast; it’s part of a movement towards empathy, understanding, and hope. It aims to create a community where stories of resilience, recovery, and redemption inspire listeners to embark on their own journeys of transformation. The show aims to break down barriers of stigma and advocate for a future where everyone has the support and understanding needed to move beyond their past. Join us in navigating these challenges and celebrating the victories of spirit and strength.
    Opening Doors Podcast 2024 ©
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Personal Development Personal Success Social Sciences
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Episodes
  • Surviving Kensington: A Journey to Recovery

    Surviving Kensington: A Journey to Recovery
    Mar 4 2025
    Join the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: Main Line School Night. In this deeply moving episode of Opening Doors Podcast, Rachel Dalinka sits down with Megan Cohen, founder and executive director of the Philadelphia Grace Project. Megan shares her powerful journey through addiction, homelessness, and eventual recovery—highlighting the resilience that brought her from the streets of Kensington to a life of purpose and advocacy. She opens up about her early struggles with substance abuse, the heartbreaking impact on her family, and the pivotal moments that led her to sobriety. Today, Megan dedicates her life to helping others through the Grace Project, offering hope to those battling addiction and poverty. This is a story of redemption, second chances, and the power of human kindness. Key Takeaways Megan’s journey into addiction began unexpectedly after high school, escalating rapidly into heroin use and legal troubles. Her family, particularly her mother, played a critical role in her recovery by setting firm boundaries. The harsh realities of Kensington, Philadelphia, serve as a reminder of how addiction can devastate lives and entire communities. A powerful encounter with a stranger became the turning point that led Megan to seek help. Megan found lasting recovery through Bucks County Drug Court, which provided structure, accountability, and resources for rebuilding her life. The Philadelphia Grace Project, founded by Megan, now serves the community through weekly outreach, holiday gift drives, and support programs for individuals affected by addiction, poverty, and trauma. Resources & Links Mentioned Philadelphia Grace Project: https://teamgraceproject.org/ Buck’s County Recovery Court: Information on alternative sentencing and rehabilitation programs https://www.buckscounty.gov/512/Recovery-Court Pleasure Unwoven: Documentary explaining addiction and brain function Books: What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Support Groups-Resources: Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/ Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/ Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/ Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents: We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/ Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources Sesame Workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/ If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together! Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella
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    39 mins
  • The Power of Healing: Turning Pain into Purpose

    The Power of Healing: Turning Pain into Purpose
    Feb 18 2025
    Join the Opening Doors LIVE Audience on Tuesday, March 25th, 6:30-8pm, Lower Merion HS, Ardmore PA. Rachel Dalinka hosts Suave Gonzalez, Jeff Abromowitz, and KimPedro Rodriguez for a discussion on Incarceration and Redemption. Register: Main Line School Night. In this powerful episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Delinka sits down with author, deacon, and motivational speaker DANI, who shares her incredible journey from a traumatic childhood, addiction, and incarceration to healing, redemption, and purpose. DANI opens up about how she overcame decades of struggle, found her faith, and turned her pain into a source of strength for herself and others. She discusses the importance of taking responsibility for one’s own healing, the role of forgiveness, and the transformative power of service and community. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and the unbreakable human spirit. Key Takeaways: Healing is a personal responsibility. While trauma is not your fault, taking charge of your healing process is essential. Forgiveness is a crucial step in moving forward. Holding onto resentment only harms yourself. Community and support matter. Surrounding yourself with the right people can make all the difference in recovery and personal growth. Service to others is healing. Giving back and helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Every day is a choice. Living one day at a time with faith and determination leads to lasting change. Resources & Links Mentioned: Pretty Little Bastard Child – DANI’s memoir about her journey through darkness and finding God’s light: https://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Little-Bastard-Child-Darkness/dp/B0CH37813W The Love Language of Grief – DANI’s anthology exploring human connection and loss: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Language-Grief-Keisha-Brown/dp/1304194426 Echoes of Affection: Tales of Human Connection – DANI’s upcoming book Books: What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Support Groups-Resources: Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/ Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/ Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/ Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents: We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/ Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources Sesame Workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/ If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together! Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella
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    28 mins
  • From Life Sentence to Pulitzer: A Story of Redemption

    From Life Sentence to Pulitzer: A Story of Redemption
    Feb 4 2025
    In this deeply moving live episode of the Opening Doors Podcast, my guest Suave Gonzalez shares his journey of resilience, transformation, and advocacy. Arrested at the age of 17 and wrongfully convicted, Suave faced a life sentence in Pennsylvania’s prison system. Over the next three decades, he endured the harsh realities of incarceration but emerged with a powerful story of self-reinvention and hope. Suave reveals how his time in solitary confinement became a catalyst for self-education, leading to his release after juvenile life sentences were deemed unconstitutional. From earning a Pulitzer Prize to launching initiatives like the "I Am More" program, Suave continues to dismantle the barriers of the justice system. His commitment to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and advocating for systemic change serves as an inspiration to all. Tune in as Suave reflects on his transformative journey, his dedication to empowering his community, and his unwavering message: healing is possible, and every person deserves a second chance. Key Episode Takeaways The profound effects of wrongful incarceration and the resilience required to overcome it.The transformative power of education and creativity during incarceration.Suave’s Pulitzer Prize-winning journey and his work in community advocacy.The challenges of reintegration after 30 years in prison and coping with trauma.The "I Am More" program, providing free college education to formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Key Resources and Links The "I Am More" Program at the Community College of Philadelphia: https://www.ccp.edu/student-services/student-assistance-centers/i-am-more-reentry-engagement-program The “Suave” Podcast from Futuro Studios and PRX - Winner of 2022 Pulitzer Prize https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/suave/id1548544921 Suave Gonzalez’s podcast and documentary updates: https://www.deathbyincarcerationpodcast.com/ Learn about Montgomery v. Louisiana (2016) and its impact on juvenile sentencing: https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/577/190/ Books: What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk Support Groups-Resources: Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/ The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/ Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/ Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/ Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents: We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.orgNational Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resourcesSesame Workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/ If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey; you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together! Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella
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    25 mins

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