Empowering Voices Across Generations
Co-hosted by Chris, a 49(ish)-year-old gay man and seasoned clinical social worker with decades of experience in mental health advocacy, and Soren, a vibrant 17-year-old queer teen passionate about activism and change, this podcast is a broad tapestry of stories, strategies, and support. Each episode delves into the complexities of mental health and personal identities, offering a unique blend of professional insight and personal experience.
Through their candid conversations, Chris and Soren tackle a wide range of topics—from anxiety and depression to LGBTQ+ issues and beyond. They celebrate the diversity of lived experiences, providing a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream discussions on mental health. “Inspired Insights” is more than just a podcast; it’s a community where empathy and understanding flourish, empowering listeners to embrace their truths and engage in open, honest dialogues about mental health with the understanding that we truly all are a work in progress.
Join Chris and Soren on a journey that transcends generational divides as they explore the power of vulnerability, the importance of visibility, and the endless possibilities that come from truly listening to each other’s stories. Welcome to The “Inspired Insights” Podcast; where insights know no bounds and every story matters along the path towards discovering our best selves in the days ahead.
What are Inspired Insights?
“Inspired Insights” are those moments where individuals can experience sparks of creative breakthroughs, deeper understandings, or new perspectives IF we allow ourselves to be vulnerable enough to stay open to them when they arrive. “Inspired Insights” is not just a podcast; it’s a community where empathy and understanding flourish, empowering listeners to embrace their truths and engage in transparent and honest dialogues about our shared humanity, mental health, and the queer lived experience. “Inspired Insights” is about the possibility of finding clarity, hidden connections, or the potential for change and action underneath the surface of our typical ways of thinking and being with one another.
Featured Episodes
Season 1: Intro & Debrief
After months of planning and taping, Chris and Soren are ready to debut the Inspired Insights Podcast…
S1E1: Kicking Open the Closet
Chris and Soren kick off the inaugural season of the Inspired Insights podcast by sharing stories from their unique and individual personal journeys navigating the world around them…
S1E2: Unpacking the Dynamics of Education & Institution
Welcome to the first of a 3-part discussion…
S1E3: Walking in Other Shoes: Exploring Empathy
Episode 3 continues the conversation begun last week with a deeper exploration of empathy…
S1E4: Out & About: Stories of Queer Identity & Resilience
In this final part of a 3-week conversation, Chris and Soren fully lean into both vulnerability and authenticity as they continue to share their personal stories with listeners…
S1E5: Breaking Boundaries: Cultural Shifts in Queer MediaEp5:
Do we influence the media or does the media influence us? This is just one of the many questions that Chris and Soren try and tackle in today’s episode…
S1E6: Silent Struggles: The Implications of Stigma on Mental Health
In Episode 6, Chris and Soren work to break down the stigma that exists in our world around mental health and wellness…
S1E7: Conversations in Care: Navigating Perspectives from Providers & Patients
In today’s groundbreaking episode, listeners will hear Soren’s very personal and powerful experiences as they share their own mental health journey…
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Meet Co-Host, Chris McLaughlin
Chris McLaughlin (he/him) is a dedicated behavioral health provider, leader, and educator with over 25 years of experience. He is passionate about teaching and creating innovative programs for youth and families. His journey spans roles in treatment foster care, residential treatment, public schools, private practice, community-based programs, and psychiatric services. Chris also teaches as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Maine and Husson University.
Throughout his career, Chris has received several awards, including the Eleanor Clark Award and Health Care Social Worker of the Year, for his work in patient care and advocacy. He holds leadership and diversity certifications from various prestigious institutions.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys watching 80’s movies, seeking hummingbirds, attending live music and theater (including Broadway shows with his husband, Derek), gardening, reading, and singing 90’s alt-rock and boy band tunes off-key. Blending his diverse interests with a passionate career, Chris is excited to share his journey with you.
Meet Co-Host, Soren Peterson
Soren (they/them) is a dynamic and enthusiastic 17-year-old who describes themself as someone who “loves to talk.” From a young age, Soren has proudly identified as queer and has navigated their identity within a rural yet supportive community. During middle school, they faced the harsh and hateful treatment that many queer youth endure, which led to a prolonged mental health struggle. However, through open, honest, and heartfelt conversations, Soren found a path to recovery and personal growth. Equipped with a gift for communication, lived experience, and a talent for articulating the inexpressible, Soren is eager to share their story to inspire others to find their voices, tackle tough conversations, and live authentically.
When not in the studio, Soren is gearing up for their senior year at Hampden Academy, where they participate in Theater, the Junior Classics League, and various other activities. A self-described “nerd,” Soren has a passion for learning and indulges in studying history, classics, languages, science, and philosophy. They also love to travel and immerse themselves in different cultures, having visited numerous countries with their family and through a youth organization called CISV. An avid hiker, Soren feels fortunate to have grown up amidst Maine’s natural beauty. Since birth, Soren has danced to their own rhythm and has a way of lighting up any space they enter. Embracing their true self, Soren is both humbled and excited to share their journey with you.
Get Inspired
Join the Conversation
Do you have a story of feedback to share with the Inspired Insights team? Want to collaborate on an episode? We LOVE hearing from our listeners and joining forces with other podcasters. Send us a note using the form, email us at InspiredInsights@inspiredcg.
Ratings and Reviews
Curious why others love listening to Inspired Insights? Check out the reviews below – then tune in to follow along!
Humanity and Hope
“In this podcast, Chris and Soren bring hope along with their humanity, humor and sensitivity to some of the most significant issues of our time. By telling their stories around mental health, trauma, and queer identity, they are opening minds, challenging old perspectives, and affirming the hard complexity of the world we live in today. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from spending time with these two! Well done.”
A Fresh Perspective
“I’ve been listening to “Inspired Insights” since it launched, and it’s honestly such a breath of fresh air! Chris and Soren have a fun dynamic that makes every episode engaging and relatable. They have a unique way of tackling topics like anxiety and LGBTQ+ issues with a mix of humor and empathy. It’s clear they genuinely listen to each other, and that makes their conversations even more impactful. Every episode feels like a supportive, hopeful community. Thank you for taking us along on this journey!”
Insightful and Hopeful
“Two different generations coming together to discuss relevant topics concerning growing up queer, mental health awareness and having fun doing it. Can’t wait for the episodes to come out every Friday.“
Powerful and honest
“Two generations reflecting on what it means to struggle and recover using heart-felt, honest stories told with humor and charm. Highly recommend for real insight into mental health, trauma, coming out, and finding yourself in the midst of it all.“
Natural and Worth Listening
“I’ve been listening to the Inspired Insights podcast since the beginning, and it’s been great! Chris and Soren are so natural during the podcast, and the topics are always worth listening to. Great work! Keep it up, and thank you!“