Recovery Talks

Todd and Jim discuss how APS serves over 600 members across the U.S. and internationally—spanning mental health peer specialists, recovery coaches, and family/parent peer supporters. The conversation highlights how national and statewide committees enable cross-state legislative advocacy, address shared workforce challenges, and support global initiatives such as West Africa's "Friendship Benches....

Please note: This podcast includes a discussion of suicide and harm to children as part of the Lindsay Clancy trial. Jim and board member Heidi use the high-profile Lindsay Clancy case as a lens to examine widespread ethical and structural failures in the U.S. mental health system

In this podcast transcript, Jim Hajny interviews Jazelle, a dedicated recovery advocate and founder of Way Maker Outreach in Kalispell, Montana. The conversation highlights Jazelle’s journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a peer support specialist, emphasizing how online learning and formal training empowered her to serve others. She details her ambitious vision for a comprehensive re...

In this episode of Recovery Talks, Jim and Andi tackle the growing confusion around terminology in the peer support field. They dig into how words like "peer," "peer supporter," "peer support specialist," and "peer worker" are increasingly used interchangeably by providers and organizations which may blur or dilute their actual meaning. The conversation traces the evolution of language in the reco...

Jim reconnects with his old friend Matthew Federrici, the Executive Director of Doors to Wellbeing to chat about Taking Action for Whole Health and Wellbeing, a peer-led curriculum that has been evolving for 30 years. Matthew explains that this isn't just another clinical training. It’s a lifestyle practice, much like yoga, where people with lived experience help each other stay well. Instead of u...

This episode of Recovery Talks, hosted by Jim Hajny of Montana’s Peer Network, features a deep dive with board member Heidi into the often-overlooked connection between nutrition and mental health recovery. While traditional treatment often focuses on stabilization, the hosts argue that what we put into our bodies is a critical component of long-term wellness that is rarely prioritized

Continuing their exploration of the "recipe" for leadership, Jim and Lawrence discuss how a structured methodology—much like the scientific method—is essential for garnering respect for the recovery process and providing a framework for constant improvement.

Join Jim Hajny, Executive Director for Montana’s Peer Network, for an inspiring episode of the Recovery Talks podcast, a show dedicated to the core belief that recovery is possible, it works, and it is a journey toward freedom and peace. In this episode, Jim sits down with his close friend and Montana leader, Lawrence Rhone, to explore the profound connection between recovery and leadership. Lawre...

Andi is joined by professional organizer Karin Freed who discusses the complexities of chronic disorganization and hoarding disorder. She clarifies that hoarding is a clinical mental health diagnosis characterized by a persistent difficulty in discarding items, which is distinct from temporary situational clutter. The discussion explores how mental health issues can contribute to these behaviors,...

Jim and Andi discuss the Gold Sauce at the Golden Arches and the Gold Standard mentioned int he new SAMHSA Priorities.

Host and executive director, Jim Hajny, speaks with special guest Heidi, a peer supporter, wife, daughter, sister, stepmom, friend, and mother to three girls. Having met Jim through peer support training, Heidi joins the podcast to share her courageous story of mental health recovery.

Join Executive Director Jim Hajny as he welcomes a Lucie Bruno. Lucie is the director of the Strength Found program, which provides crucial support to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA). She is also a peer mentor for the Ethical Peer Support (EPS) training, operating out of Ottawa, Canada. In this essential discussion, Jim and Lucie address why the topic of CSA remains often "taboo,"...

Erin Olson, CBHPSS at St. Peter's in Helena, MT joins Jim for a discussion of leadership and recovery month activities. He is also the president of NAMI Helena, Vice chair of Lewis and Clark County Local Advisory Council, NAMI Montana Board Member, and CIT trainer.

Misti Johnston, Drop in Center Director at the Butte, MT Rescue Mission sits down with Jim to discuss recovery and more.

Peer leader April Seat shares her mental health struggles in a very candid and honest conversation with Jim.

In this episode of Recovery Talks, Jim Hajny sits down with long-time friend and guest Todd Tecca to discuss how they manage their mental health and stay well during tough times. They reflect on personal experiences with mental health diagnoses, share daily wellness practices, talk about the power of supportive relationships, and highlight the importance of education, routine, and community suppor...

In this episode, Jim and April explore the essential skills and qualities necessary to become an effective peer supporter. They discuss the importance of lived experience, active listening, empathy, and maintaining healthy boundaries in peer support roles. The conversation also touches on the training and certification processes, such as Montana's Peer Support 101 program, and the personal and pro...

In this episode, Jim and April delve into the federal funding freeze executive order issued in January 2025 and its ramifications for grantees and contractors. They discuss how this sudden policy shift has impacted organizations reliant on federal grants, particularly those in Montana's behavioral health and recovery sectors. The conversation sheds light on the challenges faced by nonprofits and s...

In this episode, Lawrence Rhone discusses the HIVE Project, an initiative aimed at assisting veterans in northeastern Montana transition into agriculture-related professions. The program offers resiliency training, classroom and field instruction, and connections to regional resources and funding. Listeners will gain insight into how the HIVE Project supports veterans in building sustainable caree...

Nikki and Jim provide an update on community organizing which leads to an in depth conversation about recovery language.

Jim and special guest Sami share their experiences with mental health crisis, the aftermath, what helped and how others can support.

Beth, Kayla, and Jim share their takeaways from our trip to Chicago for the Federation of Families Conference.

Lea talks to Ryan Jackson who offers Wellbriety from the 8th Judicial Veterans Court Program. Ryan has been involved in the criminal justice system and found purpose through offering a support group at Rocky Mountain Treatment Center.

Lea and Jim share their experiences as advocates and the challenges we often do not talk about. Everyone wants to be an advocate but very few are willing to work towards solutions.

Jim and Kayla talk about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in honor of ADHD Awareness month. Kayla shares her experiences with ADHD including how she copes what it looks and feels like.