From Addiction to Author: Peter Colter on Bipolar Disorder ,Faith and Finding Purpose — The Teaching Journeys Podcast

What happens when a man teetering on a hotel balcony, ready to end his life, screams out to a God he doesn't believe in — and everything changes?

In this powerful episode of The Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts sits down with Peter A. Colter — musician, author, and survivor — for a raw, unfiltered conversation about addiction, mental illness, faith, and the moment that changed everything.

Peter opens up about growing up deaf, undergoing over a dozen ear surgeries, and discovering music as a lifeline. By 14, he was touring in bands — and struggling with drugs. For the next two decades, bipolar disorder, alcoholism, and repeated suicide attempts defined his life. Seven attempts. In and out of rehabs. Lost in depression so deep he couldn't see his own kids as a reason to stay.

Then came November 14, 2024. A balcony in South Carolina. A last-ditch cry to a God he didn't believe in. And a heart that was changed in an instant.

Now three years sober and walking in faith, Peter has channeled his survival story into The Endless Fall — a young adult novel about addiction, abuse, and the battle for belief — and Carrion Creek, a retro horror anthology series tackling mental health and trauma, set to film in August.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

Living with bipolar disorder and what it really feels like from the inside
How addiction masked pain — and what finally broke the cycle
The balcony moment: a spiritual awakening that stopped a suicide attempt
Writing The Endless Fall as an act of healing
Why Peter answers every message from people who are struggling
The upcoming horror anthology Carrion Creek and its mental health mission

If you or someone you love has faced addiction, depression, or thoughts of suicide, this episode is essential listening.

Peter’s Bio and Contact Information

Peter A. Colter was born in Utica, New York, and raised in the small village of Clinton, where the quiet streets held both beauty and chaos. A lifelong musician, writer and creative soul, Peter found expression through art and music even in his darkest moments. He has lived with manic depression and bi-polar disorder for most of his life. Weathering storms that many never see and never hear. After writing many screenplay's he decided to start working on novels. His writing comes from a place of raw emotion, real experiences and renewed hope. He lives surrounded by the family he cherishes and continues to grow in faith each day. His hope is that his work reaches others who feel unseen, unheard and lost.

Connect with Peter Colter: Facebook (Peter A. Colter), Instagram (@peter.colter), and find The Endless Fall and Abused on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com

To connect with Dave, go to davidrobertsmsw.com