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Wandering in Shadows and Finding Light: Jennifer Zajac's Journey

Wandering in the Shadows: Overcoming Addiction and Finding Faith

In this episode of Open Forum in The Villages, Mike Roth interviews sisters Donna Hoover and Jennifer Zajac. Jennifer shares her powerful journey from a life of addiction, starting from a young age, through her struggles with drugs, alcohol, and bulimia. Despite several relapses and challenging life events, including a ruptured brain aneurysm, Jennifer finds redemption and recovery through faith and a strong relationship with Jesus Christ. Donna discusses the process of writing the book 'Wandering in the Shadows' about Jennifer's life and their goal to inspire and provide hope to others facing similar struggles. The episode emphasizes the importance of open communication with loved ones and finding personal paths to healing and recovery.

00:00 Introduction to Open Forum in The Villages
00:36 Meet the Guests: Donna Hoover and Jennifer Zajac
00:57 Jennifer's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery
01:38 Early Struggles and Family Dynamics
06:05 The Turning Point: Finding Faith and Sobriety
10:20 Relapse and Redemption
12:43 Advice for Parents and Personal Reflections
18:09 Writing the Book: Wandering in the Shadows
20:50 Final Thoughts and How to Get the Book
22:34 Closing Remarks and Supporter Shoutouts

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As read by Mike Roth - A Villages Version

A short video recap of the 2025 Christmas Tuba Concert at The Tracy in The Villages

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Wandering in the Shadows: A Tale of Redemption and Hope

In this episode of Mature Adults with Donna and Mike, Donna Hoover discusses her new book 'Wandering In The Shadows,' which tells the true story of her sister Jennifer's battle with addiction, abuse, trauma, and her miraculous recovery. Donna shares what inspired her to write the book, how the process changed her perspective on addiction and judgment, and the deep bond with her sister. The conversation dives into the book's themes of faith, hope, and resilience, and Donna explains how her sister's journey can offer hope and understanding to others going through similar struggles. They also talk about the importance of transparency in storytelling and how the book is designed to help both those struggling with addiction and their loved ones.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:47 Introducing Donna's New Book
01:36 The Journey of Writing 'Wandering In The Shadows'
03:03 Jennifer's Struggles and Triumphs
03:53 Balancing Honesty and Hope in Writing
05:12 The Impact of a Brain Aneurysm
06:48 Jennifer's Resilience and Faith
07:37 Memorable Moments from the Book
08:35 Understanding Addiction and Trauma
09:21 Family Impact and Early Life Traumas
10:10 Lessons and Messages of Hope
19:21 Book Availability and Promotions
21:24 Future Plans and Final Thoughts