In today's episode, we dive deep into the heart of a topic that's often overlooked but is of paramount importance: the challenges and resilience of military-connected youth. As we navigate the intricate web of their experiences, we uncover the layers of support, understanding, and community that these young individuals need and deserve.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders podcast, host Dave welcomes Sarah, a Military Family Resiliency Specialist from Kentucky. Sarah, who has been making a significant difference at local, regional, and national levels, delves into her background, growing up in a military family. She shares poignant personal stories, including her father's deployments, her brothers' military experiences, and the tragic loss of her older brother to suicide, which deeply impacted her family.

In this episode, host Dave is joined by Mitch Moore, an experienced prevention specialist, to discuss the importance of community involvement, effective onboarding, and the power of collective impact in the field of prevention. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice that will help you make a meaningful impact in your community.

In this captivating episode, host Dave engages in a profound discussion with Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky​, author of "Speak Up, Culture!" The book delves into fostering a speak-up culture, encouraging open dialogue, transparency, and vulnerability in workplaces and communities. Shed emphasizes the significance of psychological safety, diversity, and inclusive leadership in creating an environment where team members feel valued and heard. Practical strategies and tools are shared, empowering leaders to initiate positive change through effective communication and embracing vulnerability. You are invited to visit the website speakupculture.com for early access to tools and resources, as Shed emphasizes the power of hope and human connection in shaping a better tomorrow.

In this episode, Dave is joined by Laura Stack, the mother behind Johnny's Ambassadors, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and teens about the risks associated with adolescent marijuana use. The organization was named after Laura's son Johnny, who tragically lost his life after struggling with marijuana addiction and the onset of mental health issues. In this conversation, Laura shares the wealth of resources and materials available on Johnny's Ambassador's website, including videos, educational content, toolkits, and even a program for substance abuse counselors. Laura encourages listeners to reach out and make use of these free resources, and also invites them to attend their educational conference. Listen in for a heartfelt discussion on adolescent mental health, the dangers of marijuana use, and the power of preventive education.

In this episode, Jeff Linkenbach shares insights on the Montana Summer Institute, an in-person and virtual event for substance misuse prevention professionals. The event focuses on prevention science, best practices, and transformational leadership, and provides participants with cutting-edge research, tools, and frameworks to apply in their prevention work.

In this episode, prevention specialist and podcast host Nichole Dawsey joins Dave to discuss the importance of building a culture of prevention. They cover topics such as the impact of trauma on substance use, the role of peer support in prevention, and the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing substance use disorder. They also discuss the power of small moments in shaping positive team culture and the magic of the Teen Institute, a transformative leadership opportunity for high school students.

Today, we’re talking about Stigma in rural communities with the Recovery Center of Excellence. We’ll discuss everything there is to know about Stigma in rural communities specifically related to opioid use disorder. The campaign applies the practices of education and contact through art and workshops in rural Appalachian communities. It uses art to dismantle stigma and to humanize those affected by the opioid crisis.

Today, we’re talking about community engagement, facilitation, and what it means to be a prevention leader with Dena Kemp, who is a Southeast Kansas Community Support Specialist.

Today, we’re talking about prevention, facilitation and how to bring those two worlds together. With Steve Miller and Angie Asa-Lovstad, who are prevention leaders and facilitator pros. We’ll discuss everything there is to know about prevention, facilitation, and leadership.

In this episode. we’re talking with Dr. Joel Bennett who is the President of Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (OWLS), a consulting firm that specializes in evidence-based wellness and e-learning technologies to promote organizational health and employee well-being.

Today, we’re talking about prevention in the higher ed setting with Dr. Allison Smith who facilitates a statewide higher education prevention coalition, provides professional development training for higher education staff and stakeholders, facilitates campus community partnerships and delivers technical assistance around the issue of substance use prevention collegiate communities.

STAND is a coalition of community organizations, businesses, and individuals focused on the health and well-being of the youth in Scott County, Tennessee. They are leading the way in Scott County's alcohol and other drug prevention.

Chief Lees graduated from Indiana University in 1995 with a degree in Criminal Justice. She attended the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Bloomington during the summer of 1994 as an IU Police Part-time Police Officer. She was sworn in at the Plainfield Police Department (IN) on May 15, 1995, National Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Dr. Alex Elswick is a tireless advocate for people with substance use disorders.  He currently serves the University of Kentucky as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.

My guest today has well over 13 years of prevention experience, working with individuals and communities that want to grow through strategic and evidence-based solutions. She has led community substance use and suicide prevention efforts AND within that work she coaches individuals in the areas of leadership, finance and wellness.

Most addiction is rooted in the teenage years: 9 in 10 all adults with substance use disorders began using one or more drugs like alcohol, nicotine, and marijuana before the age of 18. A key reason for this is the unique vulnerability of the still-developing teen brain to substance use. The earlier substance use is initiated, the more likely an individual is to develop a substance use disorder. And if teens use one substance, they are far more likely to use others as well.

On this episode, we’ve got a team that has a strong desire in their hearts to reach out to at-risk youth with support, encouragement, prevention services, community resources and most of all, showing them the unconditional love they deserve.

Today, we’re going to have a different conversation around college life and substance use; one that focuses on holistic health, rather than one of misuse. You see, the team there is enlisting the entire community to make a difference; creating a culture of healthy community, connections, and coping skills; and reducing substance misuse and its harms.

Take a trip with me across the globe to Bali and listen in as I have a conversation with the one and only Sober Yoga Girl. We chat about everything from our sober journeys, sober-versaries, mindfulness, and of course sober yoga.