Welcome to the peer perspective. This podcast is made possible by Ascend Mental Wellness. It is based on personal experience and perspective. It is not intended to replace therapy or medical advice.
Our podcast focuses on the intersection of substance use and mental health while being a resource that reaches out to individuals throughout the communities to help encourage them to seek help, break the stigma surrounding getting help and be a resource in and of itself.
In the latest installment of our How Recovery Changed My Life series, we sit down with Cortney Elhe as she shares her personal journey of recovery while navigating the realities of parenthood.
Through Cortney’s story, we’re taking a closer look at what recovery can look like through the eyes of a parent. She shares what it has been like rebuilding her life in recovery, while also navigated the day-to-day responsibilities, emotions, and hopes that come with raising children. Cortney shares her experiences of balancing her own healing with being a parent, the importance of open and honest communication, and the resilience and strength she developed along the way.
17 Jul 2026
Finding Balance & Rhythm This Summer
Summer is often associated with vacations, sunshine, and time to recharge, but for many people, the season also brings changes that can impact mental health and wellness in unexpected ways.
In this episode, we explore how shifting routines, children being out of school, changing work schedules, increased social activities, financial pressures, and even the heat can affect our daily lives and overall well-being. We also discuss how these seasonal changes can influence substance use recovery and the importance of recognizing what helps us stay grounded.
Finding balance doesn't mean having the perfect summer. It means creating a rhythm that works for you, adapting to life's changes, and making space for the habits and supports that promote your mental wellness.
2 Jul 2026
First Meeting: What It Is Like
In this episode of Peer Perspective Podcast, we sit down with McKenzie Secor, Peer Specialist with us at ASCEND in our Dual Recovery & Peer Support Services, to explore a moment that often feels both pivotal and intimidating in recovery: the very first meeting.
McKenzie shares her lived experience of what it was like walking into that first space for support, bringing uncertainty, hesitation, and hope all at once. She also offers insight into what helped her feel grounded enough to stay engaged and continue her recovery journey.
This conversation highlights the importance of meeting people where they are, normalizing the discomfort that can come with first-time experiences in recovery spaces, and recognizing how peer support can help transform that first step.
Who has been a guest on Peer Perspective
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Jeremy Duers
David Woods Bartley
Ryan Carpenter
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
39,314
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 58 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
62
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
60
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Guest appearances
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