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

PEERVoices Season 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.