What do we really mean when we talk about “lived experience”?

In this episode of Lived Experience Lounge, we explore the philosophical roots, political dimensions, and practical realities of lived experience in mental health. Is it simply experience that has been labelled or diagnosed? Is it embodied knowledge? Is it an identity, a role, a form of power, or all of the above?

We reflect on lived experience as a way of knowing, the tensions between professional and peer identities, and the risks of hierarchy and competition within lived experience spaces. We also ask what distinguishes lived experience leadership from compassionate, values-based leadership more broadly.

This is a conversation about embodiment, power, storytelling, systems, and the responsibility that comes with turning experience into influence.

We discuss:

• The philosophical roots of lived experience
• Embodied knowledge vs objective knowledge
• Lived experience as identity and as expertise
• Hierarchies and competitiveness within lived experience spaces
• The difference between “peer” and “lived experience” roles
• Emotional labour and the performance of lived experience
• Leadership, power and co-production
• How collective change might reduce the need for new lived experience

Lived Experience Lounge is an Imroc podcast hosted by Emma Watson, Danny Bowyer and Katie Mottram.

Imroc is a mental health charity based in England focused on transforming systems and communities by centring lived experience. Its work spans peer support, recovery colleges, research and evaluation, community development, and relational approaches to care.

To learn more, visit imroc.org or follow Imroc on LinkedIn.