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 eventually bought the business she once worked for.

Today, she uses her platform to support others and give back to her community. Her story is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and transformation—and a reminder that no matter how hard the road, recovery is possible.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Bama's perspective on recovery, resilience, and purpose.

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🎙 Podcast Page: https://www.peerperspectiveinc.com/podcast

🫂 Our Nonprofit: https://www.peerperspectiveinc.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553275560559

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 change is always possible—no matter where you start.

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Bama's perspective on recovery, resilience, and purpose.

🔗 Explore More:

🎙 Podcast Page: https://www.peerperspectiveinc.com/podcast

🫂 Our Nonprofit: https://www.peerperspectiveinc.com/

👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553275560559

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 on how it not only transformed her personal life but also changed the way she approached supporting both inmates and fellow corrections staff. She speaks candidly about the trauma she experienced growing up, the tough boundaries her family had to set, and the intense, often unforgiving environment within the prison system.

As a member of a peer support team, Connie also discusses the critical role of providing support to prison staff after traumatic experiences—a mission fueled by her own path to healing.

Tune in to hear Connie's inspiring story of resilience, recovery, and the power of peer support.

Make sure to visit our website here for more information about Peer Perspective's housing initiative!

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 decision she had to make regarding her son, highlighting the complexities of love, sacrifice, and resilience.

Throughout the conversation, Dawn's story demonstrates the transformative power of faith in the recovery process, proving that perseverance can lead to peace and stability. Her courage to confront her struggles head-on and her commitment to healing inspire listeners to believe in the possibility of a brighter future. Tune in for an honest and uplifting discussion that reminds us of the strength found in vulnerability and the hope that lies in recovery.

For more information about the Peer Perspective Podcast, or the other initiatives that we are working on in Western Wisconsin please visit our website here.

To Donate to the Peer Perspective, and our housing initiative, please visit our donation page here.

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's journey is one of survival, redemption, and divine intervention.

In this episode, Tony opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and how his faith became the cornerstone of his recovery. Today, he's living proof that there's a different way of life—one filled with hope, purpose, and connection. His mission is clear: to show others, especially those who saw him at his lowest, that change is possible, and no one is beyond redemption.

Tony's story isn't just about overcoming addiction; it's about rebuilding trust, finding purpose, and inspiring others to believe in their own ability to change. Whether you've faced similar struggles, know someone who has, or simply need a reminder of the strength of the human spirit, this episode will leave you moved and motivated.

Please Visit our new website and subscribe to our newsletter to learn more about Peer Perspective Inc, and our mission here in Western Wisconsin!

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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 student, domestic violence advocate, forensic peer support specialist, and mother. She's also deeply involved in our organization, working alongside me to bring our vision of supportive housing for women and children in Western Wisconsin to life.

This episode is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of community. You won't want to miss it! 💙

🌟 Learn more about our mission and support our work at www.peerperspectiveinc.com. Exciting things are happening—join us in making a difference! 🌟

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 commitment to helping others. With honesty and vulnerability, they share their experiences with mental health, substance use, and trauma, offering a deeply personal perspective on the challenges of recovery and reentry.

Together, they discuss the transformative power of peer support, the role of faith in their healing, and their mission to provide hope and second chances to justice-impacted individuals. This heartfelt conversation is not to be missed.

🎧 Like, subscribe, and share to support the podcast and amplify these powerful stories!

To Learn more about People Incorporated, or Damascus Way, the organizations talked about on today's episode please click on the links above!

Check out the all new Peer Perspective Website to stay up to date on everything going on between the episodes!

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 Certified Peer Specialists who work in various environments in Dane County, Rock County, and Jefferson County in Wisconsin to support people with substance use and mental health experiences and their loved ones. Over the years in this role, she launched the Preg2recovery Program, Jail2Recovery Program, Treatment Court2Recovery, and several other programs. Tanya has secured grant funding to design and implement a Salesforce-based recovery practice management solution that has increased productivity by 40% in peer provider management and has given the flexibility to serve over 4,000 people in her community. Tanya also works as a crisis worker at Dane County Crisis and consults around the Country regarding anti-stigma work and peer provider programs. Tanya played a role in the Health Care Task Force on Safe Opioid Prescribing by participating in the academic detailing program for working with clinicians on co-prescribing Naloxone with opioid prescription medications and anti-stigma work for birthing people. In addition to being a Clinical Social Worker, Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor, and community advocate, Tanya is a mom, a person with lived experience, and active in the recovery community. Tanya is also a Recovery Coach, Recovery Coach Trainer, and Certified Peer Specialist Trainer, using her story of addiction and recovery to help others gain hope and insight into new ways of living.

Tanya Kraege LCSW, CSAC, MSW, CCAR Coach, WI CPS, WICPS Trainer

For more information about becoming a peer support specialist in wisconsin please visit:https://www.wicps.org/trainings/

For more information about Safe Communities Dane County please visit: https://safercommunity.net/

For more information about VENTUS REX, the peer recovery platform, please visit: https://www.ventusrex.com/

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 partnered storyteller for Rise Together and former storyteller for LMS Voice's Disrupt the Narrative series featured in Washington D.C, he spends his free time pursuing advocacy through art in all forms

To Learn More about the Lifted Poet Society Visit: https://www.liftedpoetssociety.com/

Check out Alex's latest book, "I Learned To Love From Heroin" available now on Amazon.

Available now: https://a.co/d/cVTtPjj

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 Advisor with Aware Recovery Care, Lindsay is dedicated to giving back through peer services. Additionally, she serves as a training facilitator with the Stanley De Kemper Training Institute. Lindsay's extensive experience includes working in both community mental health centers and hospital systems, where she has supported people from all walks of life. She passionately believes that recovery is possible, as she not only lives it herself but witnesses it happening every day.

For more information about training opportunities, please visit MHAI Stan W DeKemper Training Institute at the link below.

https://www.mhaitraininginstitute.org/training-calendar-new/