We’re thrilled to celebrate Meghann Perry’s powerful appearance on the AMERSA Talks podcast in the episode “Dignity Starts With Us: Rewriting the Dominant Narratives of Substance Use” [Apple Podcasts, Buzzsprout] (released June 19, 2025). As a Keynote Speaker, Educator, and CARC-certified Addiction Recovery Coach Professional, Meghann has spent over a decade reshaping peer support and recovery advocacy through the transformative art of storytelling
On the podcast, Meghann joins Dr. Dani Snyder-Young and Dr. Felipe Vasudevan to confront how even the most well-intentioned redemption stories often end up reinforcing stigma, rather than alleviating it. Together, they examine the damaging effects of the dominant “War on Drugs” narrative and demonstrate how internalized shame influences public storytelling, care access, and policy decisions.
Why This Episode Matters
- Strength-based storytelling: Meghann emphasizes the importance of narratives grounded in dignity and resilience; stories that honor lived experiences without reducing individuals to their past.
- Combating stigma: The conversation spotlights how shifting from redemption arcs to narratives of belonging can transform both personal healing and systemic change.
- Actionable insights: Listeners are invited to embrace three key characteristics of strength-based storytelling, tools they can apply in both personal and professional contexts.
This episode is especially relevant for organizations and advocates focused on shifting public perceptions, nurturing resilience, and promoting inclusive narratives around substance use and recovery.