In this episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Mary Morris, Drama Therapist and Program Manager with Dialogue for Justice at the Restorative Justice Initiative in New York City, to explore the role of drama therapy in mental health, substance use, and addiction recovery.

Together, we dive into how creative expression through role-play, storytelling, and performance can help individuals process emotions, build self-awareness, and develop new coping strategies. Mary shares how drama therapy can create opportunities for people to safely explore experiences, reconnect with themselves, and strengthen their recovery journey.

This conversation also takes an honest look at the benefits, challenges, and limitations of drama therapy. While creative therapies can open powerful pathways for healing, they may not resonate with everyone, reinforcing the importance of recognizing that recovery is not one-size-fits-all.

Drama therapy is one of many tools that can support individuals in recovery, reminding us that each person’s path toward wellness is unique.

In this episode of Peer Perspective, we play devil’s advocate and dive deep into hope. We will explore it from every angle.

Examining the bright side, the inspiration, and motivation hope can bring, but we also confront the challenges, disappointments, and risks when hope falters. Join us as we unpack what hope really means, how it impacts our mental health and recovery journeys, and why understanding both its power and pitfalls can help us navigate life with more clarity and resilience.

In this episode, we take a closer look at anger; breaking it down at its core to better understand what it is, how it shows up, and why it’s often misunderstood. While anger is frequently labeled as negative or unhealthy, the truth is more nuanced.

Anger can surface suddenly or build quietly over time, especially for individuals navigating mental health challenges or recovery. It may feel unfamiliar, uncomfortable, or even unsafe to acknowledge. Yet avoiding anger altogether can prevent us from understanding the important messages it carries and how it influences our thoughts, behaviors, and overall mental wellness.

Join us as we explore the complexities of anger, challenge common assumptions, and discuss healthy, constructive ways to recognize, process, and truly own this powerful emotion.

In this special 2nd Anniversary Celebration and official launch of Season 3, we’re shining a spotlight on the power and progress of peer support.

This milestone episode brings together voices from across the continuum of lived experience in a dynamic roundtable conversation.

Joining us are Sierra Tarantino, Youth Peer Advocate from WAIT House; Robin Richards-Szabo, Family Peer from WAIT House; Silkie Johnson, Forensic Peer from People USA; and Jeremy Duers, Veteran Peer with Adirondack Peer to Peer.

Together, they share personal perspectives, discuss collaboration across peer roles, and celebrate how lived experience continues to drive connection, hope, and healing in our communities.

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month and the back to school season we’ll explore the challenges young people face in online spaces, such as social media, messaging apps, streaming platforms, and gaming communities, where connection and community can quickly turn into harassment, exclusion, or bullying.

Together with special guest co-host Missy Stolfi, Area Director for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- Capital Region, NY and special guests Tori Keddy, Program Manager of Big Brother Big Sisters of Southern Adirondacks and Emily Koudelka, Outreach & Development Coordinator for Warren Washington CARE Center we’ll discuss: how cyberbullying impacts youth mental health, coping and support strategies that make a difference and what we can all do to create safer, kinder digital spaces.

Join us as we introduce our new mini series: "Devil's Advocate: Owning Your Feelings." For this series kick-off we are exploring jealousy at it's core.

How it affects, us the good, the bad, and the ugly. We dive in how to navigate it and how experiencing jealousy doesn't have to be a bad thing.

Sit down with us and learn how to help navigate those feelings as you're on your recovery journey, whether with mental health, substance use, or addiction or both.

In this episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Katy Margison — Nutrition and Mindset Coach with Athena Nutrition and the voice behind @thesoberweightlifter. Katy shares her powerful journey through addiction, sobriety, and rediscovering strength in both mind and body.

She reminds us that recovery doesn’t look the same for everyone, some find healing through community, others by standing strong on their own while knowing support is still there. From hitting rock bottom to becoming a voice of hope and healing, Katy’s story is a testament to resilience and the transformative path of recovery.

What does it really mean to walk in someone else’s shoes?

In this episode, we explore the often complicated terrain of support—whether you’re navigating your own recovery or walking beside someone on theirs. We talk about what it means to find the “middle of the road” in compassion: how to meet people where they are without judgment, hold space for their ups and downs, and bridge the gap between lived experience and meaningful support.

Tune in for a grounded, honest conversation about empathy, boundaries, and showing up for one another—especially when the path isn’t clear.

In this episode, we explore one of the most complex and transformative ideas in the recovery journey—the paradox of powerlessness and empowerment. What does it mean to admit powerlessness over addiction or mental illness while still reclaiming your power to live, to heal, and to grow?

Join us as we unpack how both concepts can coexist—and why understanding the difference can be a game-changer for anyone navigating mental health or substance use recovery. Whether you're in recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or working in the field, this conversation offers powerful insights into redefining strength on your own terms.

In this powerful episode of the Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with Jeremy Duers from the Adirondack Peer-to-Peer program to explore the unique challenges and triumphs Veterans face in recovery.

From military service to civilian life, the transition can be complex—especially when layered with mental health struggles, substance use, or addiction. Jeremy shares insights from his own journey and the work he does supporting fellow Veterans across the region.

Whether you're a Veteran, a loved one, or an ally, this episode shines a light on the importance of recovery that honors service and supports healing.

To learn more about Adirondack Peer to Peer!