Living Undeterred

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with is the co-founder and CEO of Perimeter, Bailey Farren. Perimeter is a mapping platform designed to help first responders share information with each other and public during natural disasters.Bailey was recently listed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Enterprise Technology, and has received recognition from the New York Times Good Tech Awards, the Westly Foundation, and the UCLA Pritzker Environmental Genius AwardFor the last five years, she has also been a speaker for First Responders Resiliency, Inc., where she gives lectures on Neuroanatomy, Flow State, Sleep Deprivation, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.Follow Bailey: https://www.baileyfarren.com/ https://twitter.com/bailey_farren https://www.linkedin.com/in/baileyfarren/ https://www.instagram.com/bailey.farren

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Jas Rawlinson. Jas is an award-winning book coach, resilience speaker, and best-selling author who empowers female changemakers to transform their stories into books that create global impact. Combining her lived experience as a domestic/sexual violence survivor, with a BA degree in creative writing and psychology, Jas is highly renowned for her ability to transform people's lives from hopelessness to healing through the power of writing. Endorsed by high-profile organizations such as America's National Center on Sexual Exploitation, Jas has impacted hundreds of thousands of lives through global outlets such as Business Insider, ABC and news.com.au, and is also a proud anti-trafficking ambassador who has spent time with survivors and investigators in SE Asia. In 2022, Jas featured in front of 100 million people via the award-winning TV series 'Adventure All Stars' as part of her mission to end child trafficking. Above all, Jas believes that everyone has a story with the power to inspire, impact, and change lives. More Information: https://www.jasrawlinson.com/ Follow Jas: https://www.facebook.com/jasrawlinsonofficial http://www.instagram.com/jas_rawlinson https://www.linkedin.com/in/jas-rawlinson/

Dr. Robb Kelly is a renowned Addiction Expert. Born and raised in Manchester, UK, who is eccentric, no holds bar, successful, and places his patients first kind of man. Robb is Meadows Trained in Trauma and holds a double Ph.D. It is necessary for the family to work along with the patient- we uncover the family chaos and dynamics to better resolve addiction. Robb has overcome homelessness, alcohol dependency, trauma, PTSD, and MDD and a whirlwind of events to be the "Gordon Ramsay" of the addiction treatment world. Before Robb succumbed to addiction and mental health issues, he played bass guitar at Abbey Studio with Queen, David Bowie, and Elton John. He is an accomplished musician, and the money he made helped him attend Oxford University to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology. Robb experienced a spiritual awakening on the cold streets of Manchester while homeless and in dire straits. Robb's work ethic is defined by helping the addict step out of their disease and into a solution. He works with everyday people, professionals, and celebrities who want to reach sobriety and live in sustained recovery through evidence-based modalities and a genuine therapeutic alliance. Robb believes in helping marginalized communities because he understands that everyone has different worldviews when addiction is rearing its ugly head. Robb appeared on The Doctors CBS show, The Funky Brain podcast, and a San Antonio, Texas news segment about opioids and Purdue Pharma. Recently Robb appeared on the addiction celebrity podcast, Knockin Doorz Down. Robb is a beast in the addiction treatment world. Also, Robb is lecturing at the University of Texas at San Antonio about Addiction and recovery. Follow Dr. Kelly:https://robbkelly.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Advocacy Director of The Hidden Opponent, Andy Saul. Andy is a former football student-athlete from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point. He earned his degree in Health Promotion and Wellness, where his passion for mental health started to grow. As Advocacy Director, Andy oversees the Campus Captains program. Andy dreams of working with first responders to improve their health in every aspect. About The Hidden Opponent The Hidden Opponent is an accredited nonprofit and advocacy group dedicated to raising awareness for student-athlete mental health. Through advocacy, education, and support, our goal is to end mental health stigma in sports culture. More Information:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewsaul18/ thehiddenopponent.org

On this week's episode, Jeff does his first solo podcast since the 2021 Non-Alcoholic Beer Review. This time he sits down, no script, and talks about the things going on in his mind. He talks about:Navigating Through GriefMental Wellness For Teens & Young AdultsBattling AddictionFinding PurposeJeff's Book: https://www.thisonesforyoubook.com/The Living Undeterred Project: https://www.livingundeterred.org/Brigthn App: https://brightn.app/TwitterJeff: https://twitter.com/undeterreddadLiving Undeterred Project: https://twitter.com/liveundeterred Brightn: https://twitter.com/brightn_app FacebookThe Living Undeterred Project: https://www.facebook.com/livingundeterredproject/ Brightn: https://www.facebook.com/brightnapp The Podcast: https://www.facebook.com/LivingUndeterred/InstagramThe Living Undeterred Project: https://www.instagram.com/livingundeterred/Brightn: https://www.instagram.com/brightnapp/ LinkedInJeff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-a-johnston/Brightn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/brightnapp/ TikTokLiving Undeterred Project: https://www.tiktok.com/@livingundeterred

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Francesca Reicherter. Francesca is the Founder and President of Inspiring My Generation, a 501(c)3 on a mission of suicide prevention through awareness, conversation, education, and support. She holds an MS in Information Systems and Operations Management from the University of Florida and is a current MA in Psychology student at Pepperdine University where she was recognized in a Student Spotlight. Inspired by her mental health journey, Francesca works to make resources and information accessible. On January 20, 2019, Francesca lost her uncle to suicide. Just 27 days before that, she had attempted suicide for the first time, and he was the one who supported her to find hope. After losing him to suicide, Francesca's world fell apart. Today, Francesca is a 3x suicide attempt survivor and the Founder of a national nonprofit organization, Inspiring My Generation. Dedicated to ending the stigma, Francesca hosts Normalize The Conversation, a podcast series amplifying the voices of mental health professionals, advocates, and any individual interested in sharing their story. There are over 100 episodes currently available with new episodes every week. In 2021, Francesca published, “You Are Not Alone: The Workbook,” as a guide to help the reader build a coping toolbox. In 2022, Francesca published “I AM,” an interactive workbook to help the reader build the tools needed to advocate for their mental health, and “How Are You?” as an interactive guide to checking in with your mental health. In 2023, Francesca published “Self Care,” as a guide to help the reader implement self-care practices that work for their needs and lifestyle. Francesca was contracted by the Peer Support Coalition of Florida to turn these workbooks into three workshops that began in 2023 and will continue into 2024. In addition to developing resources, Fran is a speaker spreading hope, most known for her keynote speech at NAMI CA 2022 Annual Youth Conference. She presented a session on Mental Health Conversations at the NAMI FL 2022 Annual Conference. Francesca was also a panelist at the When The Music Stops 2022 Annual Summit. Furthermore, she recently spoke on virtual panels for Magellan Health and for the National Federation of Families. She did a fireside chat at the 2023 Mind Out Loud Event, presented at the 2023 Brave Summit, and presented on her own experience and innovative ways to reduce suicide at NAMI Con 2023. Her work has been featured in the Kindness Channel and IDontMind Journal. She was a top finalist at the RevolutionHER 2022 Summit for Impact in Leadership and was honored as a Peer Recovery Champion at the NAMI FL 2022 Annual Conference. Her organization was featured on NBC6 South Florida in September 2022. In 2021, Francesca was named an Amplifier by the ConversationaLIST Awards. Francesca's mission is to make preventative resources available, eliminate barriers, and normalize the conversation so that no one else will lose themselves or a loved one to suicide. For more information: https://www.inspiringmygeneration.org/ https://www.instagram.com/inspiringmygeneration/ https://twitter.com/inspiringmygen

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone you know is struggling call or text 988. On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Founder of Good Deed Revolution and The Promise2Live, Brandy Vega. While Brandy is a very accomplished entrepreneur, her heart also lies with humanitarian work. She created her own nonprofit organization called Good Deed Revolution in 2015 and has helped hundreds of people. In this venture, Brandy energetically strives to promote good deeds throughout the world by providing an online platform for people to join a community and share their experiences spreading kindness to those around them. In an effort to save lives, Brandy has been very vulnerable sharing her story of her teen daughters suicide attempts and her girls struggles with mental health. She is launching a sucide prevention and mental health series to combat this second global pandemic. For more information on Brandy, The Good Deed Revolution, and Promise to Live Visit: www.promise2live.org https://gooddeedrevolution.org/ #mentalhealth #suicideprevention #suicideawareness #mentalwellness #conversation #podcast #genz

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Ken Stearns.Ken Stearns is a writer, lyricist, photographer, and podcast creator. He's a well-traveled, seasoned, mid-western kid, who is beginning his third act in life for himself, and in that for others too. 14 months ago he traded in his suit for a van, a mic, some questions and started his own traveling podcast called The Jar.14 months into this journey, and The Jar giving him so much more than he ever imagined. With 200 guests on his podcast so far and 60 cities he's been able to explore the most intimate questions about their views on life from across all kinds of people in all the corners of the US.Follow Kenhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-stearns-b104167/https://www.instagram.com/thejar_podcast/https://www.facebook.com/podcast.thejarwww.thejar.live

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with founder & CEO of The Hyer Calling Foundation, Inc. Kevin formed Hyer Calling as part of his own higher calling: to break the stereotypes of addiction that reinforce the stigma which perpetuates it. In doing so, Kevin draws on his background in employment law and HR management to offer the recovery community a second chance at a career. A graduate of Penn State's Schreyer Honors College, Kevin earned his J.D. at The University of Baltimore School of Law where he concentrated in labor/employment law and was a Judicial Intern with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Kevin is an active member in good standing in both the New Jersey and District of Columbia Bar Associations and practices law in Pennsylvania pursuant to a pending Rule 302 Limited In-House Corporate Counsel License.Kevin had no prior history of drug use when he became addicted to methamphetamine at the age of 39 while practicing law in a large Philadelphia law firm. After nearly dying from an overdose in July 2020, Kevin and his family started the Foundation to give men and women recovering from the disease of addiction the purpose and identity which only a career can offer. In telling Kevin's story, that even lawyers in big cities can battle the demon that is methamphetamine, the Hyer's aim to open hearts and minds so that other families may be spared the heartbreak they experienced.More Information:https://hyercalling.org/kevin.html#

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with founder of Meta Wellness Terrance Williams. Meta Wellness provides affordable Virtual Reality platforms for mental health professionals to conduct telehealth sessions, group sessions, and training in the metaverse.More Information: https://www.metawellness.space/Follow Terrance:https://www.linkedin.com/mwlite/homeInstagram: @terrancewilliamsvr

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Founder of Wired For Addiction®, Dr. Evelyn Higgins. Dr. Higgins is a recognized international expert in the science of addiction recovery. As a Certified Addictionologist, Diplomate of the American Board of Disability Analysts specializing in pain management, and Diplomate of the American College of Addictionology and Compulsive Disorders, Dr. Higgins has had the honor of advising the U.S. Surgeon General, producing and hosting a Gracie Award winning nationally syndicated health and wellness radio program, and serving as a 1996 Olympic Team Doctor and Olympic torch bearer. With 35 years in practice, Dr. Higgins has specialized in the clinical application of the neuroscience & epigenetics behind mental health complexities. Recent events include presenting at the 2023 Executive Summit on Addiction Treatment in Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii, honored as a 2022 TEDx Speaker, 2022 International Society of Substance Use Professionals Annual Conference panelist in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 2022 International Gambling Conference in Auckland, New Zealand speaker, 2021 Nominee for Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Innovators in Healthcare, 2018 & 2023 Compass Transatlantic speaker, and frequent national media healthcare commentator, Dr. Higgins finds herself at the nexus of epigenetics, neuroscience, and health.Follow Dr. Higgins & Wired For Addiction:wiredforaddiction.comTwitter: @WiredForAddictInstagram: @WiredForAddiction and @DoctorEvelynHigginsFacebook: @WiredForAddictionLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evelyn-higgins-44a31b19/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with artist & veteran, Ramona Patterson.

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Tom Matlack. Tom is a recovering venture capitalist whose mission is to help men. He writes daily on the crisis in manhood, mental health, addiction and positive masculinity at https://tommatlack.substack.com/Tom has three kids (29,27,18) and adoring wife of 20 years. At 58 he has never been happier.

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Angela Sullivan. Angela is the Director of Special Projects for Recovery International. She helps develop programs that are extensions of the successful 85-year RI Method. Angela develops curriculum, training materials, and does marketing for Recovery International, a non-profit mental health organization based out of Chicago. Angela was attracted to the Recovery Method because of its simplicity in helping people deal with everyday annoyances. With two teenagers of her own, she is passionate about early intervention and mental wellness. Most recently, she became a Youth Mental Health First Aider through the National Council for Behavioral Health.More Information: http://www.linkedin.com/company/recovery-internationalhttps://twitter.com/RecoveryIntlhttps://www.instagram.com/PowerYourMindtools/https://www.facebook.com/PowerYourMindToolswww.poweryourmind.org

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Founder of XXO Connect, Jason Lebowitz. About Jason: Jason Lebowitz, founder of XXO, the platform built for connection to self first, XXO wellbeing for the modern workplace, XXO conscious connection, dating and relationship community and RAQVISION Youth Social Network is creating an energetic tidal wave to accelerate human connection, save intimacy from becoming extinct, restore connection to humanity, completely reinvent the current online dating model through the whole human connection experience, create the world's most energized community wired for connection and transform one million lives by 2025. Connection over convenience is a way of life for Jason. His curiosity with connection, dating and relationships, in a modern online dating culture where connection, self-worth, acceptance, vulnerability and intimacy have been lost, XXO was created out of sheer necessity. What started as an offline matchmaking service and podcast has evolved into an out of app experience for personal growth and transformation with the need to curve the culture back to connection over convenience. The desire to remove distraction from ourselves and deepen the relationship we first have with self and then others. Jason believes connection is the root of it all. Connection to self first. Connection begins within and travels outward. If there was a formula, intimacy X vulnerability = connection. Today, we've lost connection. To self and with each other. We live in a world of distraction. Distraction from ourselves. We seek validation and attention to provide temporary artificial happiness. We just want to be accepted and not rejected, but we haven't accepted ourselves. While dating apps are built like a casino, becoming an addiction and causing further isolation and loneliness, in a swipe culture where we seek validation and attention to provide temporary artificial happiness, in a world where we get caught up in the comparison, Jason and his team continue to accelerate human connection to self and each other, making the inner work sexy, fun, and placing the relationship focus on personal growth, mental and emotional health and wellness. Follow Jason & XXO Connect: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonlebowitz Instagram: @connectionoverconvenience Instagram: @xxoconnect Website: xxoconnect.com

*This episode contains discussion of suicide. If you or a loved one are in crisis, contact Call/Text 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat online: https://988lifeline.org/ (US) CALM – 0800 585858 or Text ‘SHOUT' to 85258 (UK) On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with co-founder of the Baton of Hope, Mike McCarthy. Mike was a journalist – for more than 36 years, he reported on headline stories across the world, notching up hundreds of appearances on the BBC and Sky News. Some of his riskier assignments saw him covering masked rioters looting in Manchester, and the frontlines of wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, none of these experiences prepared him for the ordeal of losing his 31-year-old son Ross in February 2021. Ross had battled depression for a decade when he died; he left a young son, a fiancée, and a heartfelt request that his family campaign for better mental health support. Mike is committed to honoring Ross' final wish.More Information on Baton of Hope: https://batonofhopeuk.org/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Director of Professional Development at the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health, Dr. Kari Vogelgesang. Dr. Kari Vogelgesang is a Clinical Associate Professor of Elementary Education. She also serves as the Director of Professional Development for the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health and the Baker Teacher Leader Center. Dr. Vogelgesang began her career in education as an elementary classroom teacher. In 2015 she graduated from the University of Iowa with her Ph.D. in special education and her area of focus in social, emotional, and behavioral disorders in school-aged children. She has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in social, emotional, and behavioral interventions for the classroom teacher; characteristics of disabilities; individuals with exceptional needs; and introduction to IEP's, professional practice, and educational technology. Over the last 10 years, Dr. Vogelgesang has focused much of her work on partnering with school districts across the country to develop evidence-based, meaningful, and accessible teacher professional development opportunities. Some of this work has been highlighted through professional organizations such as the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the National Education Association, and the Iowa Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. Dr. Vogelgesang has also been a member of numerous research projects focusing on best practice teacher professional development implementation, and evidence-based social, emotional, behavioral interventions for students with challenging behaviors. Publications of this research can be found in numerous peer-reviewed journals and has been presented at national and international professional organization conferences. More Information on the Scanlan Center: https://scsmh.education.uiowa.edu/ #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #education #mentalhealthawareness #podcast #conversation

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Johnny Crowder, Resilience, Wellbeing, and Mental Health Expert, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist, Founder and CEO of Cope Notes®Mental health CEO and entrepreneur Johnny Crowder is a true master of one of the most pressing strategic concerns in business today: wellbeing. But revealing the keys to a healthier workplace, headspace, and heartspace for all is just the beginning.As the founder and CEO of the globally-utilized positive psychology startup Cope Notes, Johnny Crowder gives audiences practical self-care tools and mental health strategies that people can start using now to improve their emotional health and wellbeing. With infectious positivity, humor, and authenticity, this trauma survivor and Certified Recovery Peer Specialist shows audiences why opening up about mental health is the key to coping, and why the most resilient organizational cultures proudly prioritize and support mental health for all.Whether he's discussing ordinary, everyday struggles or challenges like anxiety, depression, addiction, burnout, and compassion fatigue, Johnny Crowder confronts the myths that keep people stuck. As he explains in his 2020 TEDx Talk that garnered over one million views and catapulted him to the world stage, good mental health is like physical health—quick fixes and miracle cures don't work. Instead, Johnny gives audiences a toolkit of self-care and wellness techniques they can put into practice immediately to re-wire the brain for positivity over time, coupled with a blueprint for making mental and emotional wellbeing a cultural cornerstone in any workplace.Johnny's own personal experiences of poverty, childhood abuse, and trauma, his deep knowledge of psychology, and his remarkable ability to explain complex topics in an easy-to-understand way make for presentations that are both powerful and practical. His refreshingly vulnerable and candid perspective has attracted praise from hundreds of outlets, including Upworthy, CNN, and Forbes. Even when commanding a virtual stage or touring with his Billboard-charting heavy metal band, Prison, his firsthand experiences with mental illness and his infectiously positive humor never fail to resonate, educate, and inspire.Follow Johnny: https://linkedin.com/johnnycrowderhttps://facebook.com/johnnyxcrowder https://johnnycrowder.comhttps://copenotes.comInstagram: @johnnycrowderlovesyouTwitter: @copenotes

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Co-founder of The HOFFA Foundation, Tom Herb. Tom is a community impact player and is on a mission to save lives. He has worked in the tech industry for the last 17 years and specializes in empowering leaders to build winning teams. The HOFFA Foundation was established in 2019 to provide recovery services, promote community awareness, and offer a stable, supportive home for men in addiction recovery. Traditional sober living doesn't work for everyone. And their mission is to provide an alternative. Like so many Maryland families, the co-founders of the HOFFA Foundations lost someone who was loved deeply by many and who is missed beyond measure. Jimmy Zumbrun, the foundation's namesake, passed away due to overdose in the summer of 2019 while waiting for an available sober living bed. The HOFFA Foundation's goal was to create something Jimmy Zumbrun would be proud to be part of.More Information on the HOFFA Foundation:www.hoffafoundation.org https://www.facebook.com/HOFFAFoundationhttps://www.instagram.com/hoffafoundation/https://www.linkedin.com/company/hoffafoundation

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with COO & Cofounder of Goldfinch Health, John Greenwood. His extensive background in advanced surgical procedures prompted John Greenwood to make his vision of improved standards of care available to everyone. This led to him joining Brand Newland in founding Goldfinch Health, where he's able to ensure patients receive the best possible surgical experiences. John's background in medical research led him to a career of working with physicians. For over a decade, he worked in operating rooms, training and advising on thousands of advanced procedures with some of the most advanced and respected companies in healthcare. With 15 years of experience with physicians, John brings leadership expertise in pain management, surgical techniques, Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, and clinical program implementation. He holds a bachelor of science in biology degree from the University of Iowa. In this episode:

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with podcaster, facilitator, coach, and speaker, Bobbi Kahler. An entrepreneur for more than 20 years, Bobbi has coached upwards of 3000 people and has delivered presentations for tens of thousands of people. She helps people to see new possibilities for themselves and for their lives. Bobbi leaves every learner with the gift of hope, knowledge, and assurance, that they can be more fulfilled and successful if they choose.Bobbi helps people set aside the worry and disappointment of present performance or stories of the past and gives them the spark of hope and belief that there is absolutely nothing and no one, except yourself, that can stop you from becoming who you want to be. She is an extraordinary teacher, who inspires people, no matter where they are on their journey, to open up and see and believe possibilities they never dared to try before.Bobbi studied Human Performance Improvement at DePaul University and completed her Masters Degree in Positive Organizational Development at Case Western Reserve University, where she studied with some of the most prominent researchers in the world in positive psychology, adult learning, coaching, and personal and organizational transformation.Bobbi loves cross country skiing, road cycling, and being in nature. She is married and has 3 dogs, Moose, Jackson, and Lady. She lives in the Rocky Mountains Colorado and the Ozark Mountains Arkansas. Follow Bobbi: https://www.bobbikahler.com/https://www.instagram.com/bobbikahlerofficial/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbikahler/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with author, speaker and coach, Social Anxiety Kyle. Kyle shares his journey from dealing with social anxiety, learning to overcome it, and now helping others. Kyle is now on a mission to help 1 million teens go from socially anxious to socially confident.Get Kyle's Book: 10 Minutes to Feel Less Anxious: https://www.feellessanxious.com/Follow Kyle: https://www.socialanxietykyle.com/https://www.facebook.com/SocialAnxietyKyle/https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyle-mitchell-406272b9/Instagram: @social_anxiety_kyle

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Shaun Cross. Shaun is an attorney who has practiced corporate law for over 40 years and who is currently serving as the President/CEO of Maddie's Place, a free standing clinic that provides medical care for drug dependent infants and their mothers.In the episode, Shaun shares how Maddie's Place came to be, how the Opioid Crisis is impacting prenatal exposure to drugs & alcohol, and how Maddie's Place is working to make a difference.About Shaun Shaun is a 4th generation native of Eastern Washington and one of 10 Cross lawyers who have practiced law in Washington State over the past 130 years. In addition to his corporate law practice, Shaun has led numerous organizations in the Spokane Region over a 41-year career. For more than 14 years Shaun served as the CEO and Managing Partner of two of the largest law firms in the Region, Lee & Hayes, PC, and Paine Hamblen, LLP. He is known for his community service having served on the Boards of Trustees of Whitworth University, Spokane Chamber, the Spokane Public Facilities District and various non-profits. Shaun and his wife, Kathy, have been married for 45 years and have four adult children.Shaun has served as the Founding Chairman of Maddie's Place since he incorporated Maddie's in March 2018. Fueled by a love for the Spokane Region and for people generally, Shaun has a passion for Maddie's mission to assist babies born dependent on substances and their moms who too often are trapped in a cycle of despair. During his life Shaun has seen the effects of addiction on members of his extended family and some of his closest friends. Shaun sees Maddie's Place as an opportunity to provide love and serve some of the most innocent and helpless in our community.About Maddie's PlaceMaddie's Place is a 501(c)3 non-profit, free-standing recovery nursery for babies experiencing withdrawal due to prenatal substance exposure. They firmly believe that low-intervention, highly nurturing care is the best way to help babies through this difficult time. They also believe that “mom is the best medicine,” and aim to support moms and babies together, encouraging bonding and attachment and alleviating physical symptoms.This major philosophical shift in the care of babies experiencing Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, or NAS, is evidence-based and leads to greatly improved long-term results. Their method also provides a cost savings of 70-80%, when compared to caring for these babies in the NICU, as well as an even greater reduction in the amount of Morphine required to help a baby through the peak of their symptoms.Supporting early connections and providing nurturing comfort from the beginning results in a happier, healthier baby and a more stable attachment, which changes the trajectory of lives.More Information on Maddie's Place: www.maddiesplace.org

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Performance Coach and Keynote Speaker, Jordan Montgomery. In this episode, Jordan shares his career journey and what led him to becoming a coach and wanting to help others. He shares the qualities of a good leader, how to build better connections, and using your gift to serve. Jordan is the owner of Montgomery Companies, is a highly regarded performance coach and keynote speaker whose clients include business executives, sales organizations, and entrepreneurs. From small town Iowa, to a dominant force in the performance coaching industry, Jordan travels the country speaking and coaching executives at Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, and sales people. In addition to his work speaking and coaching, Jordan is an accomplished business leader who has managed top-performing sales teams in the financial services industry. Follow Jordan: https://www.montgomerycompanies.com/ https://www.facebook.com/montgomerycompanies/ https://twitter.com/jmmontgomeryco https://www.instagram.com/jordanmmontgomery/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanmmontgomery

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Deric Kidd. In July 2021, Deric's son, Sebastian, took half a pill of what he thought was Percocet, unaware it was actually a counterfeit pill laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl . After the loss of his son, Deric began working to spread awareness to help break the stigma surrounding fentanyl deaths, and hopefully prevent more lives from being lost.

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with author, speaker and podcast host, Vincent A. Lanci. After surviving a near-death hit-and-run accident while on foot, he had two choices: Sit and sulk, or make a difference. Vincent has dedicated his life to normalizing the conversation around mental health and inspiring entrepreneurship. After graduating with degrees in Bachelor of Science in Finance and Master of Business Administration, becoming a published author was not always the plan. Follow Vincent: www.twitter.com/vincentalanci www.instagram.com/vincentalanci www.facebook.com/vincentalanci www.vincentalanci.com

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Co-Founder, President and Lead Minister of Psanctuary - The Sacred Mushroom Church. The Mission of Psanctuary is to shepherd a non-denominational, international faith-based community that centers around the instrumental sacrament of sacred (psilocybin containing) mushrooms for personal, communal and global healing.Psanctuary, a 508(c)(1)(A) faith-based organization, is a Constitutional Church. It is their sincere belief that the consumption of psilocybin-containing mushrooms is a communion which brings us closer to what is commonly called God, They understand this concept as pure consciousness, which permeates all being. This pure consciousness is, they believe the Ineffable Source of Creation and the origin of health and well-being. Psanctuary is a grounded, nature centered, non-dogmatic, non-hierarchical faith based organization.Follow Eric:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-osborne-0b7744b6/https://www.instagram.com/sporespreader/https://www.facebook.com/eric.i.osbornewww.psanctuary.org

Jeff speaks with Consultant & Director of Community Partnerships with Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers. About Solid Rock: A faith-based non-profit organization, Solid Rock's primary mission is to make an everlasting difference in the lives of teens by helping them meet the spiritual, economical, physical, and social needs of teens in the community by offering a safe, engaging environment during non-school hours. Maintaining “a teen's worst enemy is too much time on their hands,” Solid Rock provides the music, arts, vocational programs and fellowship that challenge teens to discover their passion through music, dance, video and sound production, self-expression, and creativity. More Information: https://www.alicecoopersolidrock.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with mental health advocate, Brandon Clark. Brandon shares his journey with mental health. Coming from a family history of mental illness, Brandon began experiencing symptoms of bipolar at the age of 25. Brandon shares how a tragic accident resulting in a traumatic brain injury at a young age shaped his childhood and family. He discusses how a question in a medical school interview changed the trajectory of his life. Brandon shares how stoicism, as a philosophy, and the vulnerability of sharing his story plays a role in his mental wellness journey. Follow Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-ernest-clark-%F0%9F%92%AD-4104b910a/ #mentalhealth #mentalwellness #mentalhealthawareness #selfcare #selfhelp #motivation

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with host, speaker and author, Dr. Stephan Neff. Dr Stephan Neff is passionate about demystifying mental health problems and helping the people around him live a life so full of joy that yesterday is jealous of today. Born in Germany, Stephan has studied medicine at the prestigious Heidelberg University before travelling and working around the globe. Nowadays he has settled down as an anaesthetist in beautiful New Zealand and has become a bestselling author and advocate for mental health and addiction. He is uniquely qualified in this role. After all, a lifetime of trauma led Stephan to drown his sorrows, only to find that the critters can swim. As an alcoholic in recovery, he has experienced addiction and mental health problems first-hand. After successful rehabilitation, Stephan is now an expert in living a life so fantastic, that alcohol has simply no role to play. He shares this passion through his podcast, YouTube channel, and other social media (all titled “My Steps to Sobriety”). Stephan brings on guests who have gone through hell and back, and are now sharing their insights and allow us to listen to the lessons they had to learn the hard way.Follow Stephan:https://www.instagram.com/stepstosobriety/https://www.facebook.com/stepstosobriety www.mystepstosobriety.com

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Nick Jonsson. Nick is the Co-Founder and MD of one of Asia's premiere networking organizations. He built a caring community that provides hundreds of executives and business owners a safe haven to share their challenges, and receive support and learn from each other. Nick shares his own battles with mental health and addiction, and how he now works to help others. Follow Nick: https://www.nickjonsson.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with seasoned front line clinician turned CEO of the country's first medically run substance abuse treatment facility. With over a decade in the field as one of the most innovative clinicians followed by directing the nation's leading recovery lifestyle organization, Peter is an outlier in the field of addiction treatment with a unique perspective at the intersection of lived experience, research and practice.Follow Peter: https://www.theflowinitiative.org/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with drug prevention educator, Rocky Herron. After spending 31 years as a DEA Special Agent investigating drug trafficking at the local, national, and international levels, Rocky strongly believes that youth education is the only true way we can get our society to move away from so much suffering from drug abuse. He uses his career experiences, as well as his experience as a father, raising three daughters, as the basis of his presentations to show students the true impact of substance abuse on the individual, the family, school, city, nation, and the global community.Upon retiring from DEA in 2021, Rocky accepted a position as “Alcohol and Other Drug Ambassador” for the San Diego County Office of Education.

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Larry Kenemore. Larry is the North American Task Force Leader for the Rotary Action Group for Addiction Prevention. The RAG AP's is building out programs, like their PROJECT SMART aimed at addressing the Opioid Crisis and addiction. The five-step Program of Project SMART is like no other program addressing the Opioid Crisis. Using research from the eradication of Polio - the RAG AP is developing a program to eradicate addiction one city at a time! Follow Larry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-kenemore-2a217b79Learn More About the North America RAG AP: https://ragapnorthamerica.us/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with artist William Stoehr. After 40 years in his career, William retired and became a full-time artist. William's work focuses on victims, witnesses and survivors of opioid/substance use and the stigma which inhibits prevention, diagnosis, treatment and recovery. ​Exhibited internationally at universities, art centers, museums and galleries, he has participated in more than 100 exhibits including 25 one-person exhibitions and have been recognized several times including seven best of show awards. William is a frequent speaker and lecturer and his work has been featured and reviewed in local, national and international media. Follow William: https://www.instagram.com/wlstoehr/ https://www.facebook.com/williamstoehrart/ https://www.williamstoehrart.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Debra Gonsher Vinik, PhD. Dr. Gonsher Vinik is a film producer, writer and director who founded Diva Communications in 1985. She has produced and written 21 documentaries, including six Emmy winners. Dr. Gonsher Vinik's newest feature film, Attention Must Be Paid: Women Lost in the Opioid Crisis is a call-to-action for more women-specific addiction treatment and recovery services nationwide. The film will air on ABC stations in May and September 2023 as a two part series. Afterward, an hour-long version will air on PBS. Dr. Gonsher Vinik has worked on this documentary for over 4 years, during which she's come to believe that the stigma associated with women suffering from any kind of substance use disorder (SUD) is far greater than for men. Recently interviewed, she said: “With men, it's “Oh, that's just Uncle Joey — too much (drinking, drugging, whatever) again. You know him.” But with a woman — and God forbid a MOTHER — well, then all bets are off. They are viewed as irredeemable.” She is appalled by the gender disparities in health care, citing, among others, the mere fact that opioid medications were not initially clinically tested on women. Additionally, she found that only 1% of healthcare research and innovation is invested in female-specific conditions other than oncology. In addition to her documentary work with Diva, Dr. Gonsher Vinik also runs the website Mincha Moment: Taking Time to Be Grateful which is devoted to the daily practice of gratitude via short web videos and a very intermittent blog. Follow Dr. Gonsher Vinik LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debra-gonsher-vinik-6b8a477/ Attention Must Be Paid website: https://divacommunications.com/attention/ Mincha Moment: http://www.minchamoment.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Ryan Hampton. A prominent advocate, speaker, author, and media commentator, Ryan Hampton travels coast-to-coast to add solutions to our national addiction crisis. In recovery from a decade-long opioid addiction, Hampton has rocketed to the center of America's rising addiction recovery advocacy movement. An alumnus of the Clinton White House, he's worked with multiple non-profits and national recovery advocacy campaigns. He is now a prominent, leading face and voice of recovery advocacy and is changing the national conversation about addiction.With content that reaches millions each month, Ryan breaks down cultural barriers that have kept people suffering in silence and is inspiring a new generation of people recovering out loud through his Voices Project.He was part of the core team that released the first-ever U.S. Surgeon General's report on addiction in 2016 and was singled out by Forbes as a top social entrepreneur in the recovery movement. Ryan connects a vast network of people who are passionate about ending the overdose crisis in America. He has been featured by—and is a contributor to—media outlets such as USA Today, MSNBC, Fox and Friends, the New York Times, NPR, HLN, Vice, Forbes, Slate, HuffPost, The Hill, the Wall Street Journal, and others.Ryan has received praise from Democrats and Republicans alike for addressing addiction as a trans-political issue—crossing the political spectrum to build an inclusive coalition focused on solutions. He worked closely with the White House, Senate Democrats, Republicans, and U.S. House leadership, helping craft portions of the historic H.R. 6, SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, signed into law in October 2018.In 2016, he created the web series Addiction Across America, documenting his 30-day, 28 state, 8,000-mile cross-country trip visiting areas hit hardest by the addiction crisis. His first book, “American Fix — Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis and How to End It,” was released by St. Martin's Press in August 2018.In 2019, Ryan was named by Facebook as an inaugural leadership fellow and created the national advocacy initiative, Mobilize Recovery. Since its inception, Mobilize Recovery has recruited and trained over 2,000 new advocates from all 50 states focused on community-based solutions to end the addiction crisis.

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Kristin Sparks. Kristin is the Founder & CEO of WRAR Inc, a communications and connections company that empowers individuals and executives through corporate and personal growth guidance and specialized retreats. As a trainer in the Jack Canfield Methodology and a Trauma and Shame Recovery Specialist, she has made it her life's work to empower women entrepreneurs, individuals, and executives through leadership values and personal growth workshops, seminars, and retreats featuring "out-of-the-box" self-discovery experiences.Follow Kristin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinsparks-wrarinchttps://www.facebook.com/wrarwithsparkswrarinc.comhttps://www.instagram.com/wrarwithsparks

On this week's episode, Jeff talks with Larry Sprung. Larry is a financial advisor and mental health advocate. Larry talks about losing his brother-in-law to suicide, and how he integrates mental health into his financial practice. Follow Larry:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencesprung/https://twitter.com/Lawrence_Sprunghttps://www.instagram.com/larry_sprung/https://www.facebook.com/lawrencesprungmitlinmoneymindset.com

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Robert Jones Black. Robert is the great-grandson of golf legend, Bobby Jones. Robert shares how he uses his personal experiences and his love and lineage for golf to maximize the impact of the game of golf while exploring new ways to enhance the visibility of sport's greatest game. Robert started the Generation Next Project to address the youth mental health crisis. The charity's “Change Your Course” program launching in 2023 is an “experiential learning” instructional program offered at two of golf's premier courses in the South East. Each retreat is an on-the-course, guided experience combining lessons in golf and lessons in life. Built on a foundation of mental wellness principles, Change Your Course teaches parents and teens how to perform and thrive in any situation. If a golfer can connect their on-course emotional response with their daily response to emotions, they are more likely to better handle adversity throughout the course of their life. Follow Robert: https://www.robertjonesblack.com/

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Recovery Advocate and Co-Founder of I Love An Addict, Elissa Tierney. Elissa shares her journey with recovery, and how educating herself on addiction and your body helped her in the process and led her to a bigger purpose - helping others. Elissa works to end the stigma surrounding addiction by approaching it from a place of love and compassion.Follow Elissa:www.linkedin.com/in/elissatierneywww.iloveanaddict.org

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with award-winning television journalist, producer and multimedia host, Hilary Russo. Hilary shares how a shift in her life presented her with a unique opportunity where she blends her media expertise and storytelling with her love of health and wellness. Follow Hilary: https://www.hilaryrusso.com/ http://www.facebook.com/HilaryRussoTVPersonalityhttp://www.twitter.com/hilaryrussohttps://instagram.com/hilaryrussohttp://www.linkedin.com/in/HilaryRussohttps://www.youtube.com/HilaryRusso

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Joe Colavito. Joe Colavito has lived life both ways chasing after success, and running with Purpose. He boldly proclaims there is no comparison. He is dedicated to helping others define and live out their unique purpose in all aspects of life. He and his team share my passion for protecting, developing and supporting youth. He and Debbie recently celebrated their 33rd anniversary with their five children and two grandsons. They live in Wake Forest, NC.

CW: This episode contains discussion of suicide & suicidal ideation.On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with author, speaker, advocate, and man in recovery, Tim Ryan. Tim shares his journey through addiction, which led him to prison, and eventually recovery. Following the death of his son, Tim founded A Man in Recovery Foundation (AMIRF), a nonprofit anti-addiction organization. He is currently a prominent figure in the fight against the opioid epidemic in the United States. Follow Tim:www.dopetohope.comTwitter: @amaninrecoveryInstagram: @timryandopetohope

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with Raquel Borras. Raquel founded RAQVISION powered by XXO Connect. RAQVISION is a safe social network for our future Creators, Innovators, Disruptors, Changemakers and Educators 17 and under to project their voice and protect their reality. She also hosts Raq the Boat, a weekly livestream featuring candid conversations with our youth. Her goal is to create a space where young people feel heard and feel comfortable sharing their thoughts. Follow Raquel: http://linkedin.com/in/raquel-borrasInstagram: @raquel.borrashttps://youtube.com/c/RaqTheBoat

This week Jeff speaks with Rev. Ryan Canaday, Pastor & Executive Director of FREE Spiritual Community. Ryan shares his struggles with alcoholism and how getting sober and sharing his story opened a new world for him. Despite the fear of the stigma and judgement, Ryan made the decision to go public with his story. In 2018 Ryan and his wife, Tami, began to think about what it would be like to start a faith community that centers on issues of addiction and recovery? They wanted to break the silence of addiction and create space for healing, recovery, and spiritual connection. They started FREE and began holding gatherings in their backyard. Their community has since grown and expanded to include the FREE Recovery Cafe. Ryan shares that he found his "why" - to help others find God and beauty in the midst of mess and brokenness. Follow FREE Spiritual Community Instagram & Facebook: @FREE Spiritual Community FreeSpiritualCommunity.com

On this week's episode, Jeff talks with Taryn Hiatt. As a dedicated advocate, Taryn shares her story and passion to give hope and educate our communities about suicide. She is a survivor of her own attempts as well as a survivor of suicide loss, losing her father Terry Aiken on October 5, 2002. Taryn is a founding member of the Utah Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and currently serves as the Area Director for Utah and Nevada. Taryn is a certified safeTALK, QPR and Mental Health First Aid Trainer, facilitating hundreds of seminars to many different groups. Taryn is a passionate advocate for change and has been featured in both US News and The Huffington Post. She has testified before Congressional Members in Washington DC to increase awareness and support for better access to mental health services and to promote healthy discussions about suicide. She is widely respected throughout Utah for her hard work and dedication to saving lives.

Jeff talks with President and Founder of 2 End the Stigma, Jill Cichowicz. Jill lost her twin brother, Scott, to accidental overdose in 2017 and has been on a mission to end the stigma surrounding addiction ever since. Jill shares her journey through grief to advocacy, and what she is doing now in her home state of Virginia, and beyond to effect change. Follow Jill: www.2endthestigma.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-cichowicz-78314496/

On this week's episode, Jeff talks with Suicide Prevention Speaker, Frank King. Frank shares his journey with depression and suicidal ideation. Frank's background in stand-up comedy coupled with his lived experience brings a unique perspective to the world of mental health education. Frank talks about his passion for speaking on the topic of mental health and helping others realize that they are not alone. He discusses the importance of storytelling and the impact of vulnerability. Follow Frank:https://www.thementalhealthcomedian.com/ http://www.facebook.com/thementalhealthcomedianhttps://www.youtube.com/user/frankking2/ http://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthcomedian

On this week's episode, Jeff speaks with founder of the Karma Box Project, Grant Denton. Grant shares his journey through addiction and recovery. In 2018, Denton founded the innovative Karma Box Project that installed about 50 donation boxes across Northern Nevada. People place nonperishable foods, hygiene products and other items in the boxes, and folks remove what they need. The boxes are painted by local artists or members of the community. The Karma Box Project also has helped to create and operate Nevada's first sanctioned safe camp community, as well as an overflow shelter.Follow Grant:www.karmaboxproject.org

In this week's episode, Jeff talks with Rob Lohman. Sober since 2001, after a suicide attempt, Rob has helped thousands of people find FREEDOM from substance abuse and feeling "stuck in a rut" to living a transformed life at LiftedFromTheRut.com. He does this through sharing his testimony, Interventions, Coaching, Speaking, and being the host of both Beyond The Bars Radio and Addiction, Freedom & Faith Podcasts.Rob invests in the lives of those wanting to see positive change, whether it is coming out of addiction, prison or just wanting more for their lives. He is a dynamic speaker who shares an extremely powerful journey of persistence, faith, and inspiration. Rob is also the Author of The Addiction Intervention Book (#1 in 14 categories for Bestseller and New Release on Amazon).Follow Rob: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlohman/Twitter: @roblohmanInstagram: @roblohmanliftedfromtherutFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobLohmanLiftedFromTheRut/Website: https://liftedfromtherut.com/YouTube: Rob Lohman Broadcasts