Andrew Pegram and Nybelle Caruso discuss how music plays a part in each of their recovery journeys, as well as boundaries in relationships. We explore worldviews, how we have come to know what we know.

Beyond Lived Experience is a podcast that explores aspects of peer support, a way of supporting others through the lens of lived experience.

Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram interview Ann Kasper on the history of the peer movement in Oregon.

Nybelle discusses medical gaslighting and when to trust your instincts in situations that come up in the healthcare system.

A bonus episode with Nybelle providing an update on the podcast.

**There are some long silences in this episode that we decided not to edit out. Silence can be a powerful tool for opening up the conversation and wanted to show this in real time**

Peer Support Specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss navigating conversations that feel inauthentic, and how to open up more authenticity and mutuality in our relationships. We talk about the difficulties of expressing emotions, particularly anger.

Peer Support Specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss the differences and similarities between peer support and friendship, then how to navigate boundaries that may come up when a paid peer support works with someone who would like to have a friendship with them. They also share perspectives on navigating relationships where people have very different worldviews in today's social climate.

Peer Support Specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss ways that the peer workforce can come together in Oregon. This conversation ties into bigger discussions around social change, society, and how to build a sense of community in a post-pandemic world.

What is Peer Support? Peer Support is a modality of providing emotional support from the lens of lived experience. Often peer supporters have had their own mental health and/or addictions challenges and can support others through disclosing these shared experiences. Peer support is also a different kind of relationship from the kind one might have with a therapist or social worker - one that is focused on mutuality, connection, community, and building one's self-determination.

Peer Support Specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss the recent Peerpocalypse conference, leading into a discussion about our cultural backgrounds and how this connects with intergenerational trauma + mental health. We then discuss the benefits and downsides to discussing mental health diagnosis in the peer support relationship.

Peer support specialists Nybelle Caruso and Andrew Pegram discuss what inspires them about peer support and where they see the future of peer support going in Oregon.