Finding Peaks Episodes

Episode 97

Episode 97: Exploring Sober Living and Industry Evolution

In this episode, Chris Burns brings on two professionals in the industry; Bryce Givens, founder of Elevate Recovery Homes, and Kyle Vandongen, founder of Sopherson Sober Living. Together they share their “why”, purpose, passion, and mission in their recovery journey and what brought them to this point. Kyle shares personal experiences from his time at Peaks Recovery Centers and how they shape him today.

Episode 96

Episode 96: The Key to Leadership Success

In this episode, Brandon Burns brings Jason Friesema on the show to speak with Maeve O’Neill on Dare to Lead and how crucial proper leadership can be in a professional work setting. Maeve shares insight into leadership’s most important aspects and how to properly introduce them into the work environment, While Brandon and Jason explain how these tenants have been implemented within Peaks Recovery Centers.

Episode 93

Episode 93: Peaks’ First Recovery Story

In this episode, Chris Burns brings on the first-ever graduate of Peaks Recovery Centers, Nik Darrah, who is in his 8th year of long-term recovery and still working in the industry. Chris and Nik reminisce on their meeting, what led Nik to Peaks, and how his treatment stay at Peaks set him up for a future of success. Nik shares vulnerable moments that shaped him into who he is today and brings the audience into his recovery journey.

Episode 92

Episode 92: Debriefing the 2023 Winter Symposium

In this episode, Jason Friesema brings Lauren Atencio and Samantha Archuleta back to revisit their experiences at the 2023 Winter Symposium and share insights into how the information can help disrupt our industry and pave the way for brighter client outcomes. Through sharing experiences and takeaways from speeches to debating how to best integrate the information into the industry, our team brings an educational conversation to the show.

Episode 91

Episode 91: Connection and Belonging with Sebastian Junger and Steve Ilardi

In this very special episode, Brandon Burns welcomes back Dr. Stephen Ilardi, author of The Depression Cure and clinical researcher, to help welcome an exceptional guest, Sebastian Junger, investigative journalist as well as critically acclaimed author for works such as; Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging, War, and Freedom among others. These three have riveting conversations about problematic factors in society causing social disconnect and alienation, societal observations of patterns with clinical depression, Sebastian’s incredible near-death experience, and the knowledge that came from such a traumatic experience, along with so much more! This episode holds a plethora of profoundly impactful information and enlightening conversation that will leave viewers with a deeper appreciation for connection, belonging, and life. To learn more bout Sebastian Junger, check out sebastianjunger.com for his collection of books and documentaries.

Episode 90

Episode 90: Clinical Approach: Inner Child Work

In this episode, Jason Friesema, Chief Clinical Officer, brings on both of our Clinical Directors, Kate Nelson and Lauren Atencio, for a clinically heavy episode speaking on internal family systems and the use of inner child work. Utilizing the clinical firepower in this episode, our team dives into why this approach is effective in the treatment and reveals on the back end how this approach can shape growth and transformation.

Episode 89

Episode 89: Witnessing Hope Come Alive

In this episode, Chris Burns brings on Case Manager Tyler Kea and Residential Assistant Mariano Rangel to speak about integration into the community during the early stages of treatment and the residential overview of a stay with Peaks. Mariano and Tyler share their personal recovery stories that shine as a beacon of hope for all going into recovery. Through sharing personal testimonies and experiences at Peaks, our team discusses how powerful personal care is and expresses the beauty of watching hope come alive in treatment.

Episode 84: Addressing Veterans, Pain, Mental Health, and Recovery

In this episode, Brandon and Clinton speak with two special guests, authors Dr. Kerry and Dr. Dustin Brockberg. Their book, “End Your Covert Mission: A Veterans Guide to Fighting Pain and Addiction,” stands as an honest and authentic Manuel for veterans and sheds light on a meaningful discussion surrounding veteran-related issues. Dustin Brockberg shares his experiences as a veteran and the nuances that impacted his adjustment back to civilian life. At the same time, Kerry Brockberg speaks on the psychological aspects met while creating this book. This impactful conversation takes the viewers on a run-through of the most impactful moments in the pages and the most effective steps to transitioning back into civilian life and coping with pain and mental health. To find the Brockberg’s information or to purchase their book, check out their website at https://www.drsbrockberg.com/

Episode 83: Responding to a Loved One During a Relapse

In this episode, our team responds to a viewer’s feedback asking our team about “responding to a loved one during a relapse.” Jason brings his clinical mind to the discussion as Brandon addresses the left-brain reality of a fragile relapse situation. Chris brings to light his past experiences on how loving and supporting a loved one during a relapse can influence the efficacy of finding the track back to their recovery journey.

Episode 82: An Autonomous Recovery Story

On this episode, we have a special guest, Kevin Franciotti, LAC, a Denver-based ketamine psychotherapist and a licensed addiction and mental health counselor with over 15 years of experience in community health, harm reduction, and direct service work. He bravely tells his recovery story and explains the power behind integrating the intentional use of psychedelics within recovery alongside ongoing psychotherapy.

Episode 81 – Behind the Care: Crisis Case Management

On this episode, we have a special guest, Ryan Roy, the President of CCM, Crisis Case Management. CCM, Founded in 2000, is a highly recognized complex behavioral consultancy whose behavioral health specialists have helped families and institutions navigate out of crisis and into long-term wellness. He dives into the experience, compassion, and coordination of CCM’s team and how they empower their client’s unique needs and provide them with the direction and referrals they need.

Episode 80: Managing Recovery with Dr. Kevin McCauley

On this very intellectual and inspiring episode, we have a special guest, Dr. Kevin McCauley, a Senior Fellow at The Meadows. He shares how he became interested in the treatment behind substance use disorders while serving as a naval flight surgeon and how it led him to film and direct the two films, “Memo to Self” and “Pleasures Unwoven.” This conversation provides valuable insight into how addiction can be perceived and the interesting concepts, models, and determinants of such complex disorders individuals struggle with.