EP 36: Dr Justin Bell on peer workforces, US recovery models, and why lived experience must shape how systems support people.

Send us Fan MailDr Justin S. Bell is a community psychologist based in the US whose work sits in the intersection between lived experience, research, and system design. Justin studies how those in lived-experience roles are recruited, trained, supported, and too often, undervalued.In this conversation, Justin talks to Cate about what first drew him to his work and why the working conditions for lived-experience professionals matter just as much as the evidence behind their roles.He shares what he’s learned from years of researching peer workforces: what helps them thrive, what leads to burnout, and what organisations get wrong when they try to add peer roles without changing the culture.We explore the state of peer support in the US and Justin reflects on the structural barriers that prevent peer workers from doing the work they’re trained for. Woven through it all is Justin’s belief that recovery isn’t a service, it’s a relationship, and that lived-experience leadership is central to any system that wants to be humane, hopeful and effective.It’s a conversation about evidence, equity, and designing systems that make recovery possible.You’ll hear about:Justin’s journey into community psychology and recovery researchThe realities of peer workforces in the US and what the data showsWorking conditions, burnout, boundaries, and sustainabilityWhat organisations misunderstand about peer rolesWhy evidence alone won’t change systems but culture canLessons from US models that the UK and elsewhere could learn fromHow lived experience reshapes research, practice and leadershipWhat gives Justin hope for the future of peer supportListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.Show notes & resources:With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.ukListen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.With-you consultancy: www.with-you.co.uk