Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story

American Therapeutic Recreation Association

Welcome to Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, an ATRA podcast. This podcast creates space for conversations that move beyond storytelling to explore purpose, practice, and impact in recreational therapy. Through shared experiences and professional insight, we connect the stories we hear to the work we do every day—supporting professional growth and effective practice across settings.

  1. 1d ago

    Intentional Integration: Leveraging Adaptive Sports for Wellness Advocacy and Veteran Reintegration

    In this episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, we dive deep with Nicole Entrup, into the transformative power of adaptive sports and their critical role in holistic wellness advocacy and the veteran reintegration journey. Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Discover how intentional, structured adaptive sports programs serve as a powerful catalyst for healing, building community, and reclaiming purpose. Whether you are a veteran, a wellness advocate, or someone passionate about the incredible impact of adaptive sports, this episode offers profound insights into human resilience and intentional community building. Learn more about ATRA: Website: atra-online.comIntensives: atra-online.com/intensivesAnnual Conference: atra-online.com/so-cal

    1h 4m

  2. Apr 6

    The LOVE Approach for Living with Dementia: A Family Ecosystem Perspective

    In this episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, we sit down with Vicky Pitner, a seasoned CTRS and dementia support coach, to discuss a paradigm shift in how we support families living with memory loss. Drawing from over four decades of experience and her own personal history, Vicki introduces her LOVE Approach —a humanistic model that moves beyond the clinical "caregiver" label to focus on the health of the entire family ecosystem. Whether you are a practitioner looking to deepen your clinical practice or a family member seeking a more hopeful path forward, this episode offers a heartfelt and practical guide to finding meaningful connection in the midst of dementia. Connect with Vicki Pittner: Website: vickypitner.com Book: The Love Approach (Available on Amazon) Learn more about ATRA: Website: atra-online.com Intensives: atra-online.com/intensives

    58 min
  3. Senses Activation and Nature-Based Therapeutic Practices: A Conversation with Re-Tx Yourself

    Mar 2

    Senses Activation and Nature-Based Therapeutic Practices: A Conversation with Re-Tx Yourself

    This episode of Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story explores how sensory activation and nature-based therapeutic techniques can enhance client engagement and support positive outcomes within recreational therapy practice. Guest Sami Dowling, founder of ReTx Yourself, joins the show to discuss foundational concepts of sensory activation, practical examples of nature-based interventions, and the research supporting biophilic engagement. Participants will gain practical tools applicable to both clinical and community-based environments, with a focus on adapting these approaches across diverse populations and settings. If you want to learn more about nature-based practices or attend an upcoming retreat, you can reach out to Sami through the following channels: Website: ⁠retxyourself.com⁠ Social Media: Follow @retxyourself on TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram for active updates and resources. This episode was pre-approved for 0.1 CEUs.

    1h 1m
  4. The Journey to Arts and Rec: A Recreational Therapy Entrepreneur's Story with Julie Quill

    03/09/2025

    The Journey to Arts and Rec: A Recreational Therapy Entrepreneur's Story with Julie Quill

    CEU pre-approval is pending for this episode. The learning platform will be updated when In this conversation, Julie shares her journey from a business and art background to becoming a Recreational Therapist and founding Arts and Rec. She discusses the therapeutic power of art, the importance of individualized goals, and the challenges of running a community-based program. Julie emphasizes the need for accessible services for adults transitioning out of school and the impact of her work on the lives of her clients. She also shares her aspirations for expanding Arts and Rec and the importance of community support.

    49 min
  5. Cultural Connections in Recreational Therapy: What Study Abroad Taught Us

    02/28/2025

    Cultural Connections in Recreational Therapy: What Study Abroad Taught Us

    This episode was not approved for CEUs. In this conversation, Maggie Bayerl interviews Tyra and Nora, two students from Longwood University studying Therapeutic Recreation. They share their personal journeys into the field, their impactful experiences during a study abroad trip to Guatemala, and the importance of cultural insights in therapeutic practices. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of working with diverse populations, including children and older adults, and emphasizes the significance of advocacy and personal growth within the field of recreational therapy. Both Tyra and Nora express their aspirations to expand the reach of therapeutic recreation globally and share valuable advice for future therapists.

    36 min
  6. Creating Safe leisure Spaces: The Role of Libraries in Community Mental Health with Lake Seif

    01/14/2025

    Creating Safe leisure Spaces: The Role of Libraries in Community Mental Health with Lake Seif

    In this conversation, Maggie and Lake discuss the intersection of bibliotherapy, youth services, and mental health. They explore the importance of representation in literature, particularly for LGBTQ+ youth, and how reading and writing can serve as therapeutic tools. Lake shares personal experiences with mental health and the role of writing groups in fostering creativity and emotional expression. The discussion also highlights the valuable resources libraries offer, including community support and access to diverse literature.To earn CEUs for this episode, visit our podcast page.

    44 min
  7. The Power of Team Building in Recreational Therapy with Jeff Witman

    12/09/2024

    The Power of Team Building in Recreational Therapy with Jeff Witman

    To earn CEUs for this episode, please visit our podcast page. In this episode, our guest, Jeff Witman, explores the powerful themes of teamwork, leadership, and community engagement in the field of Recreational Therapy. Jeff shares insights on the role of personal stories in shaping professional perspectives and the impact of organizations like the Woodlands Foundation in promoting inclusivity and support. He emphasizes the importance of connection and support within organizations, offering practical strategies to foster teamwork and strengthen community ties. The conversation also explores experiential learning, inclusivity, and the future of team building—highlighting the importance of collaboration and adaptability to create positive, lasting impacts in recreational therapy and beyond.This episode was pre-approved for 0.1 CEUs by NCTRC on November 25, 2025.

    1h 9m
  8. Loneliness, Connection, and the Recreational Therapist's Role in the Community with Steve Wheeler

    10/28/2024

    Loneliness, Connection, and the Recreational Therapist's Role in the Community with Steve Wheeler

    This podcast episode is available for 0.1 CEUs. Visit ATRA's learning platform for more information. In this conversation, Steve shares his journey from a leisure-focused upbringing to becoming a recreational therapist and counselor. He discusses the evolution of recreational therapy, the importance of addressing mental health in rural areas, and the significant role of recreational therapists in suicide prevention. Steve emphasizes the need for authentic connections to combat loneliness and the importance of understanding the scope of practice in therapy. He also highlights the opportunities for recreational therapists in various settings, the value of embracing failure, and offers wisdom for future therapists.

    46 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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5 Ratings

About

Welcome to Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story, an ATRA podcast. This podcast creates space for conversations that move beyond storytelling to explore purpose, practice, and impact in recreational therapy. Through shared experiences and professional insight, we connect the stories we hear to the work we do every day—supporting professional growth and effective practice across settings.

Information

  • Creator
    American Therapeutic Recreation Association
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    42
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © American Therapeutic Recreation Association
  • Show Website
    Our Stories: Connecting Beyond the Story