I’m Brandon Pasker
a public speaker sharing his personal experience of mental illness, substance use, and recovery
About Brandon
Brandon Pasker is a public speaker sharing his lived experience related to recovery from mental illness and substance use, as well as overcoming significant adversity. He brings a rare ability to clearly and authentically articulate firsthand experience with mental illness and psychosis, using his story to educate, inform, and inspire audiences.
Brandon’s experience is uncommon. While in college, he navigated his illness while balancing academics and collegiate athletics, later encountering the criminal justice system and inpatient psychiatric care. Having come through those experiences, he now uses his story to offer real-world insight, perspective, and hope to schools, universities, mental health and substance use organizations, behavioral health providers, community groups, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, crisis workers, and others who benefit from an honest and human perspective on recovery.
Brandon’s presentations go beyond sharing a story. He connects with audiences through honesty, clarity, and direct experience—creating space for real understanding and meaningful conversation. Each talk is shaped around the audience he’s speaking to, allowing people to see mental illness and recovery in a more human and relatable way.
In addition to speaking, Brandon is a Board Certified Peer Support Specialist and currently serves as a Mental Health Outreach Coordinator. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree from Ohio University, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors. During his time at Ohio University, he was elected and inducted into the Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society.
Testimonials
“Brandon Pasker is a unique individual who is not afraid to share his struggles in life and how he was able to turn his life around.
He hasn’t allowed his past to determine who his family, friends and Jesus always knew he really is.
“Brandon is a genuine, kind-hearted person with a commitment to help others in their journey of recovery.
He continually puts the needs of others first and is a dedicated mental health advocate.
I am constantly inspired by the way he turned his past struggles into a source of support and hope for those around him.
I truly believe that any organization that hires Brandon to speak will be deeply impressed and will leave with powerful insight that resonates long after his story is told.”
“Brandon was a student in a correspondence course I taught at Ohio University called “Managing Yourself and Others.” He was an engaged and committed student, completing assignments thoughtfully, thoroughly, and conscientiously. He is intellectually curious, serious, and self-directed – qualities that served him well as a student and continue to do so IRL.
Upon completion of the course, we stayed in touch as he made plans for his future. It was during this time that I had the privilege of observing a great deal of personal growth in him. This maturity coupled with his intelligence, inquisitiveness, and a desire to make a difference in the world has earned him my respect.
Brandon is genuine and sincere, articulate, and committed to a future for himself and others that values authenticity and personal success.“
English