Return to the Sunlight: From Rock Bottom to Renton to the State Capitol
The arc from family land loss to addiction, recovery, and the 2025 law born from one family's refusal to stay quiet.
Speaking
Recovery, dignity, and civic courage.
John speaks for groups that want a grounded story with evidence behind it. Talks can run 30 to 60 minutes plus Q&A.
In the room
The best talks feel human before they feel formal.
John brings the memoir, the recovery story, and the public law work into a conversation that communities can actually use.
The talks
Three strong starting points.
When They Bulldoze More Than Land
What eminent domain can do to families, and what Washington's SB 5142 changes for future cases.
More Than a Decade in the Light
Recovery without pretending the dark did not happen, from an addiction counselor who has been on both sides of the desk.
Audiences
Who he is right for.
- Libraries
- Churches
- Recovery communities
- Universities
- Civic groups
- Book clubs
Speaking resources
Pick the right angle.
Invite John.
Send your date range, audience, format, and city. He responds within two business days.