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.

There are lots of clinicians and family members talking about what peers need to do (or what needs to be done to or for us).  However, those who actually live in recovery are rarely invited to join the conversation. 

Our hosts, Juliet C. Dorris-Williams and Gabe Howard, talk about why this lack of representation is dangerous, consider possible reasons for it, and give advice on how we can combat it.  Do you want to be part of the conversation rather than just the subject?  Then listen in as Juliet and Gabe give practical, real-world steps you can take to have your voice, your peer voice, heard.

Highlights of PEER Voices Episode One

1:35 – “people talk around us or for us” (peer perspectives are not included or appreciated)

3:22 – “[peers] aren’t in the front of [clinicians] minds” (usually peers are not deliberately excluded, we are just an afterthought)

8:45 – “invite yourself” (we must make opportunities for ourselves)

12:22 – “we are not at the table unless we go to the table” (we must go the extra mile to be heard)

14:38 – “three words:  I respectfully disagree” (being agreeable is important for advocacy, being belligerent is not often useful)

16:30 – “[what is] the biggest goal of the peer movement and this podcast”