In this energizing episode, Dave Closson chats with Carla Ritz about the transformative power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Carla shares how focusing on strengths—rather than solely on adversity—can reduce risk factors and help build more resilient kids, families, and communities.

Carla dives into the research behind PCEs, explains how prevention professionals can apply this science in practical ways, and explores the synergy between PCEs and Positive Community Norms. Plus, there’s a heartfelt (and hilarious) reflection on parenting, community traditions, and how small actions can have big ripple effects.

In Part 2 of Bryan Flanery’s gripping journey, we move from despair to transformation. After surviving a suicide attempt, Bryan didn’t find healing in a formal program or protocol. He found it in something far more human: a knock at the door, a low-barrier invitation, and a community that saw him, not just his symptoms.

Now a national leader in peer-based recovery, Bryan shares how peer support, faith, and the Reboot Recovery community helped him heal from trauma and reconnect with his identity, his purpose, and his family.

In this first episode of a powerful two-part series, we hear the raw and unfiltered story of Bryan Flanery—a decorated soldier, husband, and father—whose pain was hidden behind years of performance, productivity, and pride. His trauma went unnoticed and untreated until it erupted into a suicide attempt that nearly ended his life.

This episode isn’t just about Bryan. It’s about the Bryans in your community—the ones who seem “fine” but are quietly falling through the cracks.

In this special episode of Prevention Leaders with Dave Closson, we’re celebrating the official launch of the Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (TADEC) and Handle With Care Guide—a groundbreaking resource designed to support professionals across education, law enforcement, healthcare, child welfare, and beyond.

Recorded shortly after its debut at the 2024 RX Summit, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with two key leaders behind the initiative: Tabatha Curtis, Tennessee Statewide DEC Coordinator, and Evangeline Watanabe, Handle With Care Coordinator.

Together, we explore how this guide was created, why it matters, and how communities can begin using it immediately to strengthen collaboration and protect vulnerable children.

In this compelling episode of the Prevention Leaders podcast, Dave Closson sits down with communication strategist and suicide prevention advocate Susie Reece to unpack how communication—especially intentional, human-centered listening—can transform your prevention work.

Whether you're training coalitions, leading community conversations, or writing social media posts, this episode will challenge you to rethink how you show up, what you're really saying, and why it all matters.

In this episode of Prevention Leaders, Dave unpacks a framework that bridges the gap between planning and doing—so you can lead with more clarity, momentum, and results.

Whether you’re leading a strategic planning process or trying to re-energize your team, this episode will help you build what he calls “tactical capacity”—the muscle that turns ideas into action.

After a short break, Dave is back—fresh from speaking at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the United Nations in Vienna. Inspired by that global conversation with Shane Varcoe from the Dalgarno Institute, this solo episode dives deep into the overlap between prevention and recovery.

Dave explores why lived experience and earned resilience are essential prevention tools, and how we can challenge the stigma around addiction, shift public narratives, and help people build lives they don’t want to escape from.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked aspect of prevention work—execution. While many prevention efforts focus on training, resources, and planning, real success comes from Tactical Capacity—the ability to execute, adapt, and sustain efforts in the real world. Dave shares insights from his time as an infantry team leader and recon sniper in Iraq, where he learned firsthand that plans don’t survive first contact and that adaptability and execution are what truly drive success.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked factor in substance misuse prevention—tactical capacity. While traditional capacity building focuses on knowledge, skills, resources, and infrastructure, tactical capacity is what truly determines success in real-world prevention work.

Dave breaks down the key elements of tactical capacity, why traditional approaches often fall short, and how prevention professionals can build execution skills that ensure lasting impact.

If you’ve ever struggled with stalled initiatives, shifting community priorities, or engagement drop-off, this episode is packed with insights to help you move from planning to action.

Storytelling isn’t just about sharing experiences—it’s about creating connection, reducing stigma, and driving change. At SAMHSA’s Prevention Day, I had the honor of leading a session titled Speak to the Heart: Unleashing the Power of Engaging Stories. The response was overwhelming. The packed room, the heartfelt questions, and the courage of young attendees to share their voices showed just how powerful stories can be. For those who couldn’t attend, I want to share those insights with you here.

When it comes to substance misuse prevention, we often focus on the "what"—the substances themselves. But as Dr. Crystal Collier explains in her conversation with Dave Closson on the Prevention Leaders Podcast, the real focus should be on the "how"—building the skills necessary to navigate challenges, make healthy choices, and develop resilience. In this episode, Dr. Collier shares her expertise in neuroscience, prevention research, and therapy to explore how prevention professionals, educators, and parents can help kids and young adults strengthen their executive functioning skills and avoid risky behaviors.

When it comes to substance misuse prevention, understanding the interplay between risk and protective factors is a game-changer. These factors influence whether individuals move toward unhealthy behaviors or thrive in resilience. As prevention professionals, community advocates, or trainers, this knowledge is your compass for driving impactful change.

In this blog, we'll unpack key insights from the latest episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast. Together, we’ll explore strategies to tip the scales in favor of protective factors and foster healthier, more resilient communities.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson explores how to create effective and sustainable substance misuse prevention frameworks tailored to the specific needs of your community. A solid prevention foundation ensures long-term success, builds stronger partnerships, and makes a measurable impact. Dave breaks down the essential steps to help prevention professionals, community leaders, and advocates drive real change.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson breaks down the core principles of substance misuse prevention, explaining the importance of proactive strategies and a layered approach to creating healthier communities. Dave discusses the three levels of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and how they work together to form a comprehensive safety net. He also introduces key prevention models such as the Public Health Model, the Social-Ecological Model, and the Strategic Prevention Framework (SPF).

When it comes to substance misuse prevention and fostering healthier communities, the way we communicate can make all the difference. In a recent Prevention Leaders Podcast episode, Dave Closson sat down with Ben Tanzer, a dynamic storyteller and trainer with The Montana Institute, to unpack how strategic communication and a focus on positive framing can transform prevention efforts. Their candid conversation explored the power of data, the role of personal stories, and how hope-based messaging can engage communities and drive meaningful change.

In today's episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, we dove into an exciting conversation with Jake White, founder of Vive 18, about transforming the social landscape for youth by creating sober spaces that are both fun and engaging. Jake's story is a testament to the power of going against the grain and challenging societal norms, and his success in throwing alcohol-free parties on college campuses across the country offers a fresh approach to youth drug prevention.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Clausen is joined by Rich Lucey, a distinguished figure in the field of prevention with over three decades of experience at the state and federal levels. Currently serving as the Senior Prevention Program Manager in the DEA’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section, Rich shares his wealth of knowledge and insights on strategic prevention.

In this episode, the host Dave welcomes back Kate and Catherine to continue their discussion about the SHIFT initiative at UT Austin. They explore how SHIFT aims to challenge campus norms around substance use by promoting mindful decision-making and inclusive, equitable social experiences. Kate explains the origins and impact of the SHIFT program, while Catherine shares her personal experiences and growth as a SHIFT Maker. The conversation highlights the innovative approach of using zero-proof mixology to foster a sense of community and belonging among students. They also delve into the evolving market of non-alcoholic beverages and the importance of creating social environments that are welcoming to all.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson had an enlightening conversation with Susie Reece, a beacon in the realm of suicide prevention. Susie’s approach, shaped profoundly by her own experiences, has turned her personal tragedy into a vigorous fight against mental health stigma and suicide. This episode dives into the poignant insights from Susie's life story that are steering public policy and transforming prevention strategies effectively.

This episode features an in-depth conversation with Trish Luna, an author and speaker from Nashville, on the Prevention Leaders podcast, hosted by Dave Closson. Trish shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her book 'Lambi Learns About Addiction: A Book About Prevention', aimed at helping children navigate the complex emotions and situations arising from familial substance use disorders.