Welcome to P.E.E.R. Voices, the Podcast
There are plenty of podcasts about mental health and psychology, but one point of view is usually missing – that of a peer. Peers are those of us who have a lived experience with mental illness, addiction, and trauma, and there is finally a podcast made by peers for peers. Enjoy!
More from PEER Voices
From Darkness to Determination: Stephanie Mitchell Hughes on Surviving Depression and Finding Strength
September 25, 2024
In this powerful episode of PEERVoices, Gabe Howard and Juliet Dorris-Williams sit down with Stephanie Mitchell Hughes, Assistant Director at NAMI Franklin County, to explore her deeply personal journey through major depressive disorder and the challenges of solo parenting. Stephanie opens up about her early struggles with depression, the turning point that led her to seek help, and the ongoing battle to manage her mental health while raising her children. Through candid conversation, she shares the determination it took to push through the darkest times, the importance of finding the right treatment, and how her lived experience fuels her work in mental health advocacy. This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing similar challenges, offering hope and insight into the power of perseverance.
Learn About Power-Neutral Approaches to Mental Health Recovery
September 11, 2024
Join Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard on PEERVoices as they sit down with Teresa Conley, the longtime manager of Pathway Clubhouse in Columbus, Ohio. Teresa shares her 33 years of experience in the mental health field and reflects on the deep-rooted partnership between Pathway Clubhouse and the PEER Center. Discover how these organizations emphasize a power-neutral approach by treating members as colleagues, fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for mental health recovery. Listen in as they explore the evolution of these spaces, the importance of shared leadership, and the impact of collaborative community building.
What is Peer Respite?
August 28, 2024
In this episode of PEERVoices, hosts Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard sit down with Michelle Beyer, executive director of ASCEND and a passionate advocate for peer support. Michelle shares insights about ASCEND’s unique peer respite program, the only one of its kind for adults in Ohio. She explains how this non-clinical, home-like environment offers an alternative to crisis centers, providing a comforting space for individuals to recharge and receive support from peers who truly understand their experiences. Tune in to hear about the challenges and rewards of running such a vital program and the impact it has on the community.
PEER Advocacy: Finding Our Voice and Overcoming Stigma
July 31, 2024
Season 3 Premier | Bridging the Gap: Integrating Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Recovery
July 17, 2024
PEERVoices Season 2 Wrap Up
March 20, 2024
Well, this is it! Another season of PEERVoices done. Join Gabe and Juliet as they speak with our editor, Lisa Kiner, about the highlights of the 2023 season of PEERVoices. We talk about our favorite episodes, our favorite guests, and what we learned through the process.
Not All Doors Need to Be Locked. The RI International Method to Crisis Care with Vincent Sabino
March 6, 2024
Part of the stigma of mental illness and addiction is that those living with these conditions are erratic, unpredictable, and violent. But that simply isn’t true. Join us as Vincent Sabino, the state director for Recovery Innovations International, explains that his organization takes a different approach. Focusing on creating rapport and trust with their guests (and they call the people they serve guests, not patients or clients) improves treatment outcomes and reduces hostility and violence.
Discussing Past Trauma and Future Advocacy with Sharon Fitzpatrick
February 21, 2024
Sharon Fitzpatrick is a pillar of the peer recovery support community in Ohio. Join Gabe and Juliet as Sharon tells us her story and explains how those experiences brought her to the work of peer support. Sharon also shares that there is a stigma against peers in the workplace, and we all need to be aware of that.
Professionalizing the Workforce with Dr. Drew Moss
February 7, 2024
When you hear the phrase “peer advocacy” do you think of someone standing on a stage sharing their personal story? But what about all the other types of work peer recovery supporters are doing? Are other types of advocacy less important than sharing your story? Where does that fit in? Today’s guest is Michael Krause, the executive director of OhioPRO. Michael shares his thoughts about the importance of peer support in the behavioral health landscape and how peer support can be better integrated into someone’s overall care.
The Professional Growth of Peer Support with OhioPRO's ED Michael Krause
January 24, 2024
When you hear the phrase “peer advocacy” do you think of someone standing on a stage sharing their personal story? But what about all the other types of work peer recovery supporters are doing? Are other types of advocacy less important than sharing your story? Where does that fit in? Today’s guest is Michael Krause, the executive director of OhioPRO. Michael shares his thoughts about the importance of peer support in the behavioral health landscape and how peer support can be better integrated into someone’s overall care.
Addressing Law Enforcement and Peer Tensions
January 10, 2024
We’ve all heard horror stories of what happens when police officers have to deal with people living with mental illness. What can we do to make horrible things not happen so often? The answer is CIT, Crisis Intervention Training. Join us as Sergeant Matt Harris, the supervisor of the Columbus, Ohio mobile crisis unit explains some of the history of CIT in Franklin County, and what his day to day work looks like.
Revisiting Services at Your Workplace
May 15, 2019
Our last show discussed the pros and cons of peer recovery supporters receiving services from the place where they work. Turns out that our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, have more to say! Listen in as they continue the discussion.
Should You Recieve Services at Your Workplace?
May 8, 2019
Should peer recovery supporters receive services from the place where they work? Or is it better to go elsewhere? This common question doesn’t have a straightforward answer. You trust the quality of your agency, but do you trust the discretion of your co-workers?
Over a Decade of Peer Support: TPC’s AD Reminisces
April 10, 2019
On this episode of PEER Voices, our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, are joined by TPC’s Assistant Director, Deidra James. Deidra has been with The PEER Center since its founding, and is a critical component of the agency’s success.
RecoveryOhio Advisory Council’s Initial Report
March 27, 2019
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine created the RecoveryOhio Initiative to coordinate and improve how the state addresses mental health and substance use disorders. The Advisory Council includes a diverse group of individuals who have worked to address mental illness or substance use issues in prevention, treatment, advocacy, or support services, as well as other government and community organizations.
Support Groups: Tips and Tricks for Successful Facilitators
March 13, 2019
Facilitating a support group is a lot of pressure. Standing in front of a room full of people who are looking to you for answers is nerve-racking. Our hosts, Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard have been there! On this episode of PEER Voices, they share the knowledge and experience gained through guiding hundreds of peer groups. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, Juliet and Gabe can help you be more relaxed, more engaging, and offer better support to our peers.
Are You a New Boss? How to Successfully manage peer recover supporter
February 27, 2019
Everyone has had a bad boss. But what can you do about it? How do you balance the needs of the employee vs. the agency? And what are supervisors looking for in new hires?
Join our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they interview Susan Steed, a certified peer recovery supporter and program manager at The PEER Center.
Give and You Shall Receive: Can supporting others aid your own recovery?
February 13, 2019
“It’s not about you.” How often do you have to remind yourself of that? When providing peer support, the focus is on those we serve, not on ourselves. We try hard to never “give just to get.” But helping others still has a positive impact on our own recovery journeys. It can even lead to stunningly deep insights into larger issues.
Substance Use As a Defense Mechanism: Can addiction make you feel safe?
January 29, 2019
Addicts are not safe. Whether it is drug related violence or simply the health consequences of addiction, substance abuse is decidedly risky. But what if using made you feel emotionally safe? Join our hosts Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they welcome Josh Ordway, a Peer Recovery Support Specialist who has been in recovery for the last sixteen years.
Safety & Security at a Drop-In Center: You might be surprised!
January 16, 2019
The PEER Center is a drop-in support and recovery center in Columbus, Ohio. But when anyone and everyone can “drop-in” there is bound to be conflict, right? Not necessarily. Join our hosts Juliet Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they welcome DeShawn Davis, our Director of Facilities and Security.
Forget New Year’s Resolutions: How to be successful in long term goals any time of the year.
January 2, 2019
The New Year is here, and we are all hard at work on our resolutions. Do you want to lose weight? Get more organized? Quit smoking? Did you make the same resolution last year? What about the year before that? Join our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, as they discuss why making a New Year’s resolution can be damaging and how to work towards long-term goals and recovery year round.