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The Peer Perspective Podcast

by Kyle Vanblaircom

"The Peer Perspective" is a transformative podcast dedicated to the exploration of diverse pathways to recovery. Through heartfelt conversations with a wide range of guests, our show delves deep into the world of substance use and mental health disorders. We invite individuals who have courageously battled their own demons, trained professionals who offer expert insights, and compassionate family members who provide unwavering support.Join us as we navigate this complex landscape, sharing powerful stories of resilience and triumph. Together, we'll uncover the numerous routes to recovery, shedding light on the multitude of resources, strategies, and personal experiences that can inspire and guide those seeking their own path to healing. Whether you're on your journey to recovery or looking to understand the challenges others face, "The Peer Perspective" promises a compassionate and informative space for inspiration, connection, and hope.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 43: With Special Guest Janis E.

    Episode 43 with Special Guest Janis E. 🎙️ In this episode, I sit down with Janis E. for an honest and deeply moving conversation about sobriety, parenting, supporting women, and the immense losses she has faced. Janis gets incredibly vulnerable about her recovery journey and how those…

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  2. Episode 42: With Special Guest Bob Rohret

    Episode 42 of the Peer Perspective Podcast features a thoughtful and honest conversation with Bob Rohret, Director of St. Croix County Health and Human Services. Bob brings more than 30 years of experience in public health and human services and shares both his professional journey and his…

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  3. Episode 41: With Special Guest Jimmy White

    In this episode, Kyle is joined by Jimmy White, a Navy veteran whose story is rooted in strength, perseverance, and personal transformation. Jimmy has faced challenges that shaped him in profound ways, and he brings a level of honesty and insight that makes this conversation unforgettable. From…

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  4. Episode 40: "Full Circle" With Special Guest Sheli Jo Metzger

    Sheli Jo Metzger's story truly comes full circle in this conversation. At 38 she began using methamphetamine and within four months she picked up nine felony charges. Today she is a respected professional in the justice and recovery ecosystem, earned a gubernatorial pardon in Wisconsin, and helps...

  5. Episode 39: Faith, Loss, and Service: Emerald Moore's Recovery Journey

    In this episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, host Kyle VanBlaircom sits down with Emerald Moore, a 37-year-old in long-term recovery from drugs, alcohol, gambling, prostitution, and street life. Emerald opens up about navigating loss, finding his footing in recovery, and how faith and service...

  6. Episode 38: With Special Guest Kelly Martin

    Episode 38 – "From Trauma to Advocacy: Kelly Martin's Recovery Journey" In this episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, host Kyle VanBlaircom sits down with Kelly Martin, a Wisconsin Certified Peer Specialist whose story is both powerful and inspiring. Kelly opens up about working through...

  7. Episode 37: "Chasing the Mission: Kayla MacLellan on Recovery, Community, and Bridging the Northwood"

    In this episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, I sit down with Kayla MacLellan, co-founder of People for the People and a person in recovery from severe depression and alcohol misuse. Kayla opens up about her journey of healing, chasing her mission, and building spaces where others in her...

  8. Episode 36: with Special Guest Isaac Rayfield

    In this episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, Isaac Rayfield shares a raw and powerful story of resilience. He opens up about his early experiences with drug use, the impact of being placed in group homes as a child, and how feelings of abandonment shaped much of his journey. Isaac also talks...

  9. Episode 35: Breaking Stigma & Expanding Access in Rural Communities – with Dr. David Frenz

    In this episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Dr. David Frenz, Chief Medical Officer at Osceola Medical Center, to talk about the realities of substance use treatment in rural western Wisconsin. Dr. Frenz shares his insights on the stigma surrounding medication-assisted...

  10. Episode 34: With Special Guest Alicia Worley

    In this inspiring episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Alicia Worley—a devoted wife, mom of three, and passionate mental health advocate. Alicia opens up about her personal journey through healing, self-discovery, and the lasting impact addiction has had on her life and…

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  11. Episode 33: With Special Guest Penny Austad

    In this powerful episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Penny Austad, the inspiring owner of Krumm Exteriors. Penny's journey is one of grit, grace, and growth. After battling alcoholism and facing devastating personal losses—including the death of loved ones, serious health...

  12. Episode 32: With Special Guest Bama Young

    Over four years into recovery, Bama has gone from feeling completely lost to living a healthy, grounded, and meaningful life. What began as an effort to simply stay sober turned into a powerful journey of growth, healing, and transformation. In this episode, Bama shares how he's learned to stay...

  13. Episode 31: With Special Guest Connie Bush

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Connie Bush, who dedicated her career to working within Minnesota's Department of Corrections (DOC). Connie opens up about the profound challenges she faced, both professionally and personally, as she...

  14. Episode 30: With Special Guest Dawn Fink

    In this powerful episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Dawn Fink, a resilient individual in recovery who openly shares her journey with mental health and substance use, offering hope and insight through her vulnerability. Dawn recounts vivid memories from her upbringing,...

  15. Episode 29: "God's Wild One" With Special Guest Tony Wall

    Meet Tony Wall, aka "God's Wild One,"—a man whose life story is a raw and powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and second chances. At 42 years old, Tony has emerged from the shadows of a 30+ year battle with addiction, a struggle that many in his community…

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  16. Episode 28: With Special Guest Samantha Bush

    Episode 28: With Special Guest Samantha Bush 🎙️ In this heartfelt episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, I sit down with my wife, Samantha Bush, as she shares her powerful story. Growing up in a rural community in Western Wisconsin, Samantha reflects on navigating drinking culture, childhood...

  17. Episode 27: With Special Guests Marlin and Erin Meszaros

    In this episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, host Kyle VanBlaircom welcomes Erin and Marlin Meszaros, a husband-and-wife duo whose lived experiences fuel their passion for reentry and recovery work. Marlin, Director of Reentry Services at Damascus Way, and Erin, a Corrections Integrated…

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  18. Episode 26: With Special Guest Tanya Kraege

    Tanya Kraege is the Director of Peer Services at Safe Communities MDC. Tanya works alongside people experiencing substance use, birthing folx using substances during pregnancy, trauma, relationships, formerly incarcerated, and mental health experiences. Tanya has been a part of mental health and...

  19. Episode XXV: With Special Guest Alex Schotten

    Alex Schotten is a 30 year poet, storyteller and spoken word artist from Appleton, WI who currently resides in Tucson, AZ. Author of "I Learned How to Love from Heroin" and "Tomorrow Stole Today", in 2022 he founded the Lifted Poets Society, a collective that is dedicated to creating safe spaces...

  20. Episode XXIV: With Special Guest Lindsay Huff

    Lindsay Huff has been working in the field of peer support for over 10 years within the Indianapolis community. She became a Certified Recovery Specialist in 2014 and has continued her professional development to earn certifications as a Certified Peer Recovery Coach, Certified Peer Support...

  21. Episode XXIII: with Special Guest Michelle Uetz of Rocky Hill Parent Peer Specialists LLC

    In this episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Michelle Uetz, a Certified Parent Peer Specialist (CPPS) in Wisconsin and a trailblazer in the field of Parent Peer Support. Michelle shares her journey from teaching high school Special Education, Biology, and Health for 17 years…

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  22. Episode XXII with Special Guest Vic Welle

    In Episode XXII, I sit down with my peer support supervisor, Vic Welle, who has been a powerful guide in my journey through the peer support field. Over the past year, Vic's insights have profoundly shaped my understanding of peer support and its impact on our community. With extensive…

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  23. Episode XXI: The National Association of Peer Supporters with Special Guest Tim Saubers

    In this episode of The Peer Perspective, we welcome Tim Saubers, Executive Director of the National Association of Peer Supporters and a fellow Wisconsinite. Tim shares the incredible work NAPS is doing across the nation to strengthen and advance the peer support movement. He reflects on what…

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  24. Episode XX: "Living on the spectrum of Suicidality" with Special Guest Beth Walters.

    In this powerful episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, we are honored to welcome Beth Walters, Peer Development Manager for NAMI of Sarasota and Manatee counties. Beth has an incredible story of resilience and hope as someone who lives on the spectrum of suicidality. 🌟 Beth opens up about the...

  25. Episode XIX: "DaraBrianInc" with Special Guest Dara and Brian Hearold

    🎙️ Episode XIX: DaraBrianInc with Special Guests Dara and Brian Hearold In this powerful episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Dara and Brian Hearold, the dynamic founders of DaraBrianInc. 🌟 Dara and Brian bring a unique approach to peer support, particularly in their work...

  26. Episode XVIII with Special Guest Sonya Johnson

    Join in as The Peer Perspective sits down with Florida Child Welfare Professional of the year Sonya Johnson as she opens up about her lived experience navigating the Child Welfare system, struggling with substance use disorder, and how she is able to support others today. Sonya's incredible story...

  27. Episode XVII "Nation Outside: with Special Guest Jennifer Jamison

    Join in on the latest conversation with Jennifer Jamison from Nation Outside, a peer led, trauma informed re-entry program in Michigan. Jennifer shares her lived experience navigating the justice system and serving over 20 years in prison. Jennifer was sentenced to 4 natural life sentences in...

  28. Episode XV: "Fall Down 25 Times, Get Up 26" - With Special Guest Kelly Whalen

    In this episode of the Peer Perspective, we sit down with Kelly, as he tell his experience with Alcohol, and his journey into recovery. Kelly gets incredibly vulnerable about his drinking, and how an accident would change his life forever. Kelly's drinking affected him in just about every way...

  29. EPISODE XIV REMOTE RECOVERY WITH SPECIAL GUEST KAYLIE DAVIS

    EPISODE XIV REMOTE RECOVERY WITH SPECIAL GUEST KAYLIE DAVIS On the latest episode, we sit down with Kaylie Davis as she gets incredibly vulnerable about her journey into recovery. Kaylie shares how a diagnosis with MS, and a series of traumatic life events sent her into a sever spiral. After the...

  30. Episode XIII: Katy's Story

    In the latest episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, we welcome our guest, Katy Meline, who shares her incredible journey into recovery. 🌟 Katy opens up about her challenging family dynamics growing up, surviving abuse, and overcoming mental health and substance use struggles. 💪 Now a…

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  31. Episode XII: Micah's Story

    🎙️ Dive deep into the story of resilience and redemption with Micah Meline on the Peer Perspective podcast! In this compelling episode, Micah opens up about his tumultuous past, including struggles with addiction and time spent in prison. Despite facing adversity, Micah discovered the strength…

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  32. LOUD AND PROUD: PATRICK'S STORY

    New Episode Alert: "Loud and Proud: Patrick's Story" Get ready for an inspiring new episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast! In our upcoming episode, titled "Loud and Proud," we sit down with Patrick Tourville, a remarkable individual who has overcome immense challenges and found his path to...

  33. Sharon Foss: Social work and advocacy for the recovery community

    🎙️ In the latest episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation with the esteemed Sharon Foss, a seasoned social worker, advocate, and recovery coach. Titled "Sharon Foss: Social Work and Advocacy for the Recovery Community," this episode delves into Sharon's...

  34. The Life and dreams of pastor ean mcC

    🎙️ In this inspiring episode of The Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Ean McC to delve into the captivating journey of his life and dreams. From overcoming personal struggles to discovering his calling in ministry, Pastor Ean shares a story of resilience, purpose, and the...

  35. Beyond the Badge: Personal and Professional Battles in Mental Health with special guest Dan J

    In this episode of "The Peer Perspective," we delve deep into the story of Dan J, a former army and law enforcement professional, as he bravely opens up about his personal and professional journey through mental health challenges. Join us as Dan shares his compelling narrative, breaking down the...

  36. Overcoming Generational Trauma with special Guests Josh and Tressa

    🎙️ Episode VII: Overcoming Generational Trauma with Special Guests Josh and Tressa In this powerful episode of 'The Peer Perspective,' join us as we delve into the profound journey of Josh and Tressa. Together, they navigate the challenging terrain of overcoming generational trauma, shining a...

  37. Lets Recover Together with Special Guest Julie Smith

    🎙️ Let's Recover Together with Special Guest Julie Smith 🌟 In this episode of 'The Peer Perspective,' we delve into the transformative journey of recovery with a very special guest, Julie Smith. Julie is the dynamic force behind Onyx House Sober Living and the driving spirit behind...

  38. Finding Hope in Unconventional Treatment : Allana's Story

    Finding Hope in Unconventional Treatment: Allana's Story "Finding Hope in Unconventional Treatment: Allana's Journey" In this compelling episode of 'The Peer Perspective,' join us as we delve into the powerful narrative of Allana Clymer, a registered nurse and unwavering advocate for mental…

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  39. Forensic Peer Support: Supporting Justice Involved Individuals in Recovery

    Forensic Peer Support: Supporting Justice Involved Individuals in Recovery 🌟 In this episode of 'The Peer Perspective,' we delve into the complexities of recovery within the justice system with Jamie Young, a forensic peer support specialist. Jamie shares invaluable insights into the hurdles…

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  40. Exploring Alternative Recovery Methods

    🌿 Exploring Alternative Pathways to Recovery with Christy Sperling 🌟 Join us on "The Peer Perspective" as we explore alternative pathways to recovery with our special guest, Christy Sperling. As a licensed substance abuse counselor, devoted mother, and someone in recovery herself, Christy…

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  41. Live, Laugh, Fight: a mothers resilience and finding humor in chaos

    🎙️ Episode: "Live, Laugh, Fight: A Mother's Resilience and Finding Humor in Chaos" 🎙️ Join us for an extraordinary episode of "The Peer Perspective" as we delve into the inspiring journey of Rachel Wold Berg. In this heartfelt conversation, Rachel takes us through the twists and turns of her...

  42. Strength through higher power

    Episode Title: Strength with Higher Power Episode Description: In this inspirational episode of "The Peer Perspective," we delve into the incredible journey of strength and transformation. Our guest, Brody Athey, is not only a pastor at SOS Church, a remarkable recovery organization, but also...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

"The Peer Perspective" is a transformative podcast dedicated to the exploration of diverse pathways to recovery. Through heartfelt conversations with a wide range of guests, our show delves deep into the world of substance use and mental health disorders. We invite individuals who have courageously battled their own demons, trained professionals who offer expert insights, and compassionate family members who provide unwavering support.Join us as we navigate this complex landscape, sharing powerful stories of resilience and triumph. Together, we'll uncover the numerous routes to recovery, shedding light on the multitude of resources, strategies, and personal experiences that can inspire and guide those seeking their own path to healing. Whether you're on your journey to recovery or looking to understand the challenges others face, "The Peer Perspective" promises a compassionate and informative space for inspiration, connection, and hope.

HOSTED BY

Kyle Vanblaircom

Produced by Kyle VanBlaircom

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Peer Perspective Podcast have?

The Peer Perspective Podcast currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Peer Perspective Podcast about?

"The Peer Perspective" is a transformative podcast dedicated to the exploration of diverse pathways to recovery. Through heartfelt conversations with a wide range of guests, our show delves deep into the world of substance use and mental health disorders. We invite individuals who have courageously...

How often does The Peer Perspective Podcast release new episodes?

The Peer Perspective Podcast has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Peer Perspective Podcast?

You can listen to The Peer Perspective Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Peer Perspective Podcast?

The Peer Perspective Podcast is created and hosted by Kyle Vanblaircom.
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