We recently connected with Carolyn Delaney and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Carolyn, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?

In 2018, I founded Journey with a simple but powerful mission: to make recovery visible to more people in more places. As someone in recovery, I deeply understand the challenges of addiction and the life-changing hope that recovery brings. This journey is personal, and I feel a deep-seated need to help people see that recovery is not only possible—it’s transformative.

At the heart of Journey is our print magazine—a quarterly publication sharing stories of resilience, recovery, and resources. These stories amplify voices that often go unheard, creating connections and breaking down stigma.

But Journey is more than a magazine. We’ve expanded the mission to include speaking engagements, community events, and partnerships with businesses and organizations. By connecting with people where they live and work, we make recovery visible in meaningful ways. From small-town gatherings to large-scale resource events, Journey is a trusted presence in communities, fostering conversations and offering tools for change.

Every step we take is guided by the belief that recovery is real, attainable, and worth celebrating. Whether it’s through a magazine in someone’s hands, a conversation at an event, or a shared moment of hope, Journey is committed to helping people understand that recovery is possible—for everyone, everywhere.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Carolyn Delaney, founder of Journey magazine and a person in long-term recovery. My personal journey has shaped my passion for making recovery visible and helping others see that change is possible. After nearly three decades leading IT teams, I felt called to create something that could make a difference. In 2018, I launched Journey, a quarterly print magazine that shares stories of resilience, recovery, and hope, aiming to reduce stigma and connect people with the resources they need.

What sets Journey apart is its mission-driven focus. It’s not just a magazine—it’s a platform for change. Through storytelling, community events, and speaking engagements, we’re building awareness and fostering compassionate conversations around addiction and recovery.

Another unique aspect of Journey is how we partner with like-minded businesses and organizations that also care deeply about this issue. Through advertising and sponsorship opportunities, Journey becomes a vehicle for these businesses to send a powerful message: recovery matters. By supporting Journey, advertisers and sponsors show their commitment to addressing addiction, reducing stigma, and creating recovery-friendly spaces. It’s a chance to align their brand with a cause that resonates deeply with communities across Maine and beyond.

I’m proud of the partnerships we’ve built and the way we’ve grown into a trusted voice in the recovery space. Every magazine we distribute, every event we host, and every ad we place helps expand our mission and creates meaningful connections.

At its core, Journey is about making recovery visible for everyone, everywhere. We help businesses amplify this message, showing that they are part of the solution, standing alongside those in recovery, and supporting the communities we all care about. Together, we can create a world where recovery is not only possible but celebrated.

Have you ever had to pivot?

When COVID-19 hit, it brought unforeseen challenges to nearly every aspect of our lives—and Journey was no exception. As a print publication that relied heavily on in-person distribution and community engagement, the pandemic forced us to reevaluate how we could continue to fulfill our mission to make recovery visible.

With many of our typical distribution points—businesses, recovery centers, and events—suddenly inaccessible, we knew we had to pivot quickly. Our first priority was ensuring that the people who rely on Journey for hope, education, and connection could still access the stories and resources they needed. We leaned into our digital presence, amplifying content on our website and social media platforms to reach people where they were: online.

At the same time, we deepened our focus on partnerships. We worked with organizations and businesses to find creative ways to distribute the magazine safely, such as including it in mailings, delivering to essential service providers, and leveraging community networks to keep the conversation about recovery alive.

COVID-19 also highlighted the importance of adaptability. During this time, we began exploring new ways to engage with our audience, like hosting virtual events and workshops, and creating digital resources that extended our reach beyond Maine. These efforts not only helped us weather the challenges of the pandemic but also expanded the ways we connect with people and fulfill our mission.

Looking back, I’m proud of how we faced those challenges head-on and stayed true to our purpose. The pandemic taught us the importance of resilience and innovation—two qualities that are now woven into the fabric of Journey. While it was a difficult time, it reinforced our commitment to ensuring that recovery remains visible, accessible, and celebrated, no matter the circumstances.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Changing careers at 52 was one of the most challenging and rewarding decisions I’ve ever made. After nearly three decades leading IT teams, I knew how to manage systems, solve problems, and lead people. But launching Journey magazine—a completely different venture in an industry I had no practical experience in—was an entirely new frontier.

What drove me was a deep passion for recovery and a personal understanding of its transformative power. I wanted to create something that could change how people see addiction and recovery, and while I didn’t have a background in publishing, I believed in the power of storytelling. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much I would rely on the people around me to bring this vision to life.

From the beginning, I was surrounded by an incredible team of people who believed in Journey as much as I did. They brought their skills, creativity, and energy to the table, helping to shape the magazine into something meaningful and impactful. Knowing I had their support motivated me to keep pushing forward, even when I faced challenges I’d never encountered before. I didn’t want to let them down.

Starting Journey meant learning on the go—everything from design and printing to advertising and distribution. But with the dedication of the team and the encouragement of the recovery community, we overcame those challenges together.

This experience taught me that it’s never too late to pursue something meaningful and that success is never a solo journey. It’s built on the collaboration, trust, and shared commitment of a team. Together, we’ve made Journey more than just a magazine—it’s a movement that’s changing lives and making recovery visible for more people, in more places.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://journey-magazine.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recovery.journey.in.maine
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/journey-magazine/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JourneyMagazine