Our Voice of ME

Consumer Council System of Maine
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers.

Episodes

  1. 009 Maine Votes: Disability, Voting, and Referendum Discussion & Resources

    10/07/2025

    009 Maine Votes: Disability, Voting, and Referendum Discussion & Resources

    In this special episode, we cover question number one on the Maine referendum ballot. We sit down with two community leaders who share the importance of accessible voting and discuss ways we can advocate for voters living with disabilities. Our guests share insight into question one and how it would affect accessible voting if it were to pass. We also hear from a Mainer who speaks about his experiences with voting and the importance of absentee options as someone with a disability.   Important Voting Information:  Maine Referendum Election: Tuesday, November 4th, 2025  Absentee ballots can be requested NOW.   Deadline for absentee voting:  The deadline to request an absentee ballot or vote in the presence of the clerk is 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 30th Interviews Recorded: September 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES Disability Rights Maine Protecting the Disability Vote Voting Rights Hotline: 1-800-452-1948 Save Maine Absentee Voting  Absentee Ballot Request The 2025 Maine Referendum Election Questions Find where to cast your ballot in Maine  Noah Carver's Op Ed on Question One Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 24m
  2. 008 Conversations with Peer Artists; Mental Health and Creativity

    09/24/2025

    008 Conversations with Peer Artists; Mental Health and Creativity

    TW: self-harm; institutionalization; suicidal ideation; suicide attempt; abuse; substance use  In the third episode of our conversation on art and recovery, Our Voice of Maine welcomes peer artists Bob Bergeron, Ant, and Hope Becker. Each shares their unique mental health journey and how art has supported their healing and connection to others. These chats highlight the transformative role creativity plays in surviving, expressing, and thriving. Interview Recorded: July 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES The Pirate Ship- Bob Bergeron Comics The Pirate Ship Facebook Page  Maine Arts Academy Artists’ Rapid Response Team Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 54m
  3. 007 Conversations with Peer Artists at The Shalom House Art Program

    09/04/2025

    007 Conversations with Peer Artists at The Shalom House Art Program

    TW: suicide/self harm In our second of three episodes surrounding the world of art and mental health, we sit down with several peers at the Shalom House Art Program in Portland.  Tenney Swift, John Russell, Kristin, Daniell Moores, and Frank (order of story) each share their experiences with mental health and how art has been an impactful tool for recovery.  Each of the artists is involved with the community of the Shalom House Art Program in Portland, and they discuss the importance of community and collaboration. We hope you enjoy hearing their stories about the way that art and creativity have aided their ability to express themselves and guided their journeys.  Interview Recorded: July 25, 2025  LINKS/RESOURCES Shalom House Shalom House Art Program Facebook Shalom House Instagram  Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 13m
  4. 006 A Conversation with Natasha Mayers: Peer, Artist, Activist

    08/06/2025

    006 A Conversation with Natasha Mayers: Peer, Artist, Activist

    TW: Institutionalization In this episode of Our Voice of Maine, we speak with Natasha Mayers of the Artists’ Rapid Response Team about the power of art in personal and collective recovery. Natasha shares her experiences as an artist-activist, the role of creativity in navigating mental health challenges, and how art can be a powerful tool for resilience, expression, and social change. Interview Recorded: July 8, 2025  YouTube/Video of Episode: https://youtu.be/O9d3BlHbh_E?si=z2c1XLamovzr_h9A LINKS/RESOURCES Maine Humanities Council Maine Arts Commission LINC Center MOCO Maine Augusta Mental Health Institute Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 9m
  5. 005 A Conversation with Nio Dipietrantonio; Mental Health and Hospitality

    07/01/2025

    005 A Conversation with Nio Dipietrantonio; Mental Health and Hospitality

    TW: Substance use; suicide   In this special episode, we talk with Nio DiPietrantonio, founder of Serving Up Support Maine, about mental health and substance use struggles in the hospitality industry. Nio shares her personal journey and what led her to launch this grassroots support initiative that is fostering community care among hospitality workers in Maine.  Interview Recorded: June 6, 2025  🎧 Tune in to hear from Nio! LINKS/RESOURCES Home - Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness The Autism Society of Maine - individuals with Autism, their families, members of the community, and the professionals who work with them Welcome - Maine Parent Federation VA Maine Health Care | Veterans Affairs Maine Invites You - Maine Tourism Association MyFriendBen - Finding benefits and tax credits just got easier Kitchen Confidential- Anthony Bourdain SOURCES/CITATIONS Maine Office of Tourism – 2023 Annual Report Maine Office of Tourism 2023 Annual Report https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/MOT-2023-Annual-Report_FINAL.pdf → Provides data on statewide visitation, spending, employment, wages, and visitor satisfaction Maine Office of Tourism – Greater Portland & Casco Bay Region 2023 Profile 2023 Regional Tourism Impact Report – Greater Portland & Casco Bay https://motpartners.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Portland-Region.pdf Details regional data: visitor spending, job support, and income impact in the Portland metro area Visit Portland – Economic Impact Summary Tourism’s Economic Impact on Greater Portland (2024 Overview) https://www.visitportland.com/about-us/tourism-impact/ → Breaks down broader tourism data for the Portland region, including trip counts, employment, and earnings Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Occupational Estimates https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/report_1959/ShortReport-1959.html → Ranks food service occupations highest for illicit drug use and third-highest for heavy alcohol use U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook & Mental Health Risks Job Flexibility and Mental Health Challenges in Food Service Jobs https://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/home.htm → General reference for job outlook and challenges in the food preparation and serving industry Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 22m
  6. 004 Voices of PRIDE

    06/03/2025

    004 Voices of PRIDE

    TW: substance use; psychiatric hospitalization; suicidal ideation In the continued celebration of Pride Month, we bring you a powerful and heartfelt episode highlighting the voices of LGBTQIA+ mental health peers sharing their lived experience. Our guests share personal stories of resilience and discovery of identity. They speak candidly about the intersection of queerness and mental health, including the barriers they’ve faced and the unity they've found through community support. This episode is a celebration of authenticity and the healing power of shared experience. It's also a call to action: to listen, support, and stand in solidarity with LGBTQIA+ Mainers every day not just in June. Benji Interview Recorded: March 15, 2025 Serena Interview Recorded: April 11, 2025 Tranifer Interview Recorded: May 23, 2025 🎧 Tune in to hear from these peers  LINKS Maine Community Health Centers Everywhere is Queer The Weird Fair Art by Tranifer Lovely Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 20m
  7. 003 A Conversation with Karin Heim from OUT Maine

    06/03/2025

    003 A Conversation with Karin Heim from OUT Maine

    We are so excited to kick off Pride Month with an episode from a very important mental health community leader, Karin Heim!  Karin shares her experiences as a queer mental health provider. She also discusses the vital work being done to support the mental health and well-being of LGBTQ+ youth across the state. Whether you're a parent, educator, mental health advocate, or community member, this conversation offers powerful takeaways on how we can all play a role in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and beyond. Interview Recorded: May 15, 2025 🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all.  LINKS OUT Maine Equality Maine Maine  TransNet NAMI Maine Maine Women’s Lobby Mental Health First Aid Trevor Project   Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    1h 11m
  8. 002 A Conversation with Kim Moody from Disability Rights Maine

    04/01/2025

    002 A Conversation with Kim Moody from Disability Rights Maine

    TW: involuntary hospitalization; physical restraints; Electroconvulsive therapy In this episode, we’re joined by Kim Moody, Executive Director of Disability Rights Maine, for an insightful conversation about the intersection of physical disabilities and mental health. Kim shares her advocacy experience and discusses how inclusive systems, accessible services, and lived experience play a critical role in creating real change. We discuss the importance of advocating for autonomy in medical decisions and other aspects of daily life for those living with mental health challenges. Interview Recorded: February 7, 2025 🎧 Tune in to hear how we can break down barriers and build more equitable supports for all.  LINKS Disability Rights Maine PAIMI Advisory Council LINC Center commonspace (formerly Amistad) On Our Own- Judi Chamberlin NARPA (National Association for Rights Protection and Advocacy) Disclaimer: The Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) is an independent public instrumentality and provides a nonpartisan or nonbiased perspective on any topic we speak on. Our goal is to represent the voice of people with lived experience with mental health challenges in public policy and legislative matters.

    43 min
  9. 001 Voices from the Consumer Council System of Maine

    04/01/2025

    001 Voices from the Consumer Council System of Maine

    In this heartfelt introductory episode of Our Voices of ME, we sit down with four staff and board members from the Consumer Council System of Maine (CCSM) as they share their deeply personal lived experience stories with mental health challenges and services. These brave storytellers reflect on their journeys through struggle, healing, resilience, and advocacy — highlighting the importance of peer support, recovery-oriented care, and the value of being heard. From navigating complex systems to discovering strength in community, this episode offers raw honesty, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of what it means to live with mental health challenges in Maine. Join us as we amplify the voices of lived experience, break stigma, and celebrate the power of storytelling in shaping systems that truly support wellness and recovery.  Whether you’re someone with lived experience, a supporter, an advocate, or just curious to learn more — this episode offers something meaningful for everyone.   Mary Ellen Copeland, PHD Maine Vocational Rehab  Links Website:  https://maineccsm.org/ourvoiceofme/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OurVoiceofME Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/ourvoiceofme/

    58 min

  10. TRAILER

    Our Voice of ME Trailer

    Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers. Check out this podcast trailer for more information!

    3 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our Voice of ME, amplifying voices of individuals with lived experiences in mental health services in Maine. Highlighting personal stories, fostering awareness, and inspiring systemic change, aligning with our mission to advocate for and empower peers.

Information

  • Creator
    Consumer Council System of Maine
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Our Voice of ME
  • Show Website
    Our Voice of ME