The Peer Perspective Podcast

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 experiences shaped her into a steady, compassionate presence for others. Janis is a true pillar in the recovery co...

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 personal recovery story. In this episode, Bob reflects on his path into the helping field, the values that...

  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 the realities of military service to the journey of rebuilding life in recovery, Jimmy shares what he...

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 lead therapeutic community and SUDS programming inside the same jail where she once appeared as a defe...

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 to others have become the foundation of his life. He now works at a treatment center, leads AA meeti...

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 childhood trauma, navigating complicated systems, and the many times she felt alone in her recovery. She al...

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 community can find support and belonging. She also shares how she's working to bridge critical gaps acros...

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 candidly about incarceration, the struggles of re-entry, and what it took to find stability. A turnin...

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 treatment (MAT), the shifting landscape of opioid and stimulant use, and how his team is meeting the commun...

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 family. With a strong foundation in faith and a commitment to progress over perfection, Alicia shares how h...

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 issues, and job loss—Penny found a new purpose. She went back to school, earned her degree, and eventua...

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 present, remain grateful, and support others on their own recovery paths. His story is a reminder that c...

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 battled mental health struggles and alcoholism. Connie shares her journey through recovery, reflecting o...

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, reflecting on the experiences that shaped her path. She also delves into a deeply personal and difficult d...

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 witnessed firsthand. From the depths of alcoholism and substance dependency to the freedom of recovery, Tony'...

  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 trauma, addiction, and the journey of motherhood. Today, Samantha is making a remarkable impact as a st...

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 Support Professional at People Incorporated , open up about the personal journeys that shaped their commitm...

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 substance use work for 15 years. Currently, she oversees programs that use Recovery Coaches and Certifi...

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 for those struggling with substance use and mental health to express themselves through art. As a partn...

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 Professional, Supervisor of Peer Recovery, and Community Health Worker. In her role as a Client Recovery Adv...

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 to becoming one of the first CPPS trainers in the state. As the Owner/Director of Rocky Hill Parent Pee...

  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 experience, Vic has left an indelible mark on Western Wisconsin through their work at one of Wisconsin's first...

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 peer support means to him, both personally and professionally, and how lived experience shapes the way we...

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 vital role that connection has played in her healing journey and how it continues to be a cornerstone...

🎙️ 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 with youth and families. Brian opens up about his personal journey, sharing his lived experience of navig...