The Breakwater Podcast

Katie Jaegly from UW Extension joins the podcast to share some of her experiences and what she does and also her involvement with Substance Free Futures.

Three incredible youth leaders from Substance Free Futures talk about their group and what inspired them into getting involved in substance use prevention.

Learn about the new wave of Breakwater a youth substance use prevention coalition.

Introducing Jake from Vive 18 – an exciting opportunity to discover the latest initiatives in our community focusing on drug prevention for young teens. Tune in to hear about the incredible advancements and impactful movements spearheaded by our youth! Get ready to be inspired!

Episode 3 - Recovery is Possible - A Community Together by The Breakwater Podcast

Join us as we shed light on some of the hidden struggles that go unnoticed daily. Our guest will provide valuable insights and open up a thoughtful conversation about the challenges faced by individuals in our community. It's time to bring these issues to the forefront!

Listen to our podcast to connecting our community together with relevant topics that aren't discussed. Special guest: Jesse Klapa.

We know it can be tough to know what questions to ask youth about substance use, or even if you should bring it up. In this episode, students from Oshkosh North High School answer questions submitted anonymously by Oshkosh Community members. Have a question that wasn't covered? Fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1HC-_aVWzjUoOHehSS5b4siYnFj2foY6OtIh00475rTVbDw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3q83RgS0ei3bp53BYfQpX7Ador7utWdL4bgulO1EFFwSwc3nNE_WpI-Y8

Community asks, Teens Answer Episode 2: We know it can be tough to know what questions to ask youth about substance use, or even if you should bring it up. In this episode, students from Oshkosh North High School answer questions submitted anonymously by Oshkosh Community members. Have a question that wasn't covered? Fill out the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1HC-_aVWzjUoOHehSS5b4siYnFj2foY6OtIh00475rTVbDw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR3q83RgS0ei3bp53BYfQpX7Ador7utWdL4bgulO1EFFwSwc3nNE_WpI-Y8

Hello everyone! We are Jera and Evelyn juniors at Oshkosh North. We are partnering with the Breakwater Podcast to share what we are doing at Oshkosh North High School Communities. Our goal in 2023 is to make a safe space for High School students in Oshkosh. We want this space to allow for teens to feel like they can have fun and be themselves without having to use substances. For our next podcast we plan to address questions adults have for youth. Please submit questions via the bio at healthylivingjuniors on Instagram or by going to the link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd1HC-_aVWzjUoOHehSS5b4siYnFj2foY6OtIh00475rTVbDw/viewform

** Trigger Warning - This episode contains themes of abuse and neglect** Keep moving forward. Although it is no longer pride month, we feel like L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ voices should be heard all year long. On this episode you will hear G's story along with their triumphs and successes now. Check out these amazing resources in our community: UWO LGBTQ+ Resource Center - https://uwosh.edu/lgbtqcenter/ Diverse and Resilient - https://www.diverseandresilient.org/ The ABCs of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ -https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/21/style/lgbtq-gender-language.html

Today I am joined with Rev. Dr. Chris Corbin. He currently serves as rector, Senior Pastor of Trinity Episcopal Church in Oshkosh. On this episode we will learn a little bit about who Chris is and his passions he brings to our community of Oshkosh. To learn more, visit: https://www.oshkosh-episcopal.org/

Be Courageous Anonymous Podcast is a a youth-led twist on our Breakwater Podcast. This podcast features guests from our local community who share their experiences growing up in-turn they have shaped who they are. It covers vulnerable topics that aim at shining a light on situations most of us experience but few of us share about. Whether you're a parent, a coach, a teacher, a youth leader, a student, or any other person in our community this is your opportunity to hear how you can make a positive impact in someone else's life. To learn more about our initiative or how you can get involved. Contact us at info@breakwaterwi.org.

Be Courageous Anonymous Podcast is a a youth-led twist on our Breakwater Podcast. This podcast features guests from our local community who share their experiences growing up in-turn they have shaped who they are. It covers vulnerable topics that aim at shining a light on situations most of us experience but few of us share about. Whether you're a parent, a coach, a teacher, a youth leader, a student, or any other person in our community this is your opportunity to hear how you can make a positive impact in someone else's life. To learn more about our initiative or how you can get involved. Contact us at info@breakwaterwi.org.

Jesse Heffernan is a man of many traits, including co-owner of Helios Recovery, a recovery coach, consultant and a person in long-term substance use and mental health recovery It is his belief that Recovery is a process of moving from surviving to thriving as a whole person. Helios Recovery Services -https://www.heliosrecovery.com/

Harm Reduction is a vital piece of keeping our community safe and healthy. This panel will highlight the work being done in our community to meet people where they are, keep people who use drugs safe, and prevent more overdose deaths. Panelists include: Chief Kurt Leibold from UW-Oshkosh Police Department (UWOPD) Amanda Tennyson from Vivent Health Danielle Florence from Winnebago County Health Department (WCHD) Resources: Narcan Direct: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids... Vivent Health: https://viventhealth.org/ LifePoint: https://viventhealth.org/prevention-t... WCHD Narcan page: https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/health... UWO- Oshkosh Naloxone Boxes: https://uwosh.edu/today/101013/uwo-pa... Contact Information: Vivent Health - (920) 733-2068, viventhealth.org WCHD- (920) 232-3000, health@co.winnebago.wi.us UWOPD - https://uwosh.edu/police, uwopolice@uwosh.edu

Ashley is a mom, a friend, a supporter of the recovery community, and someone who has lost someone to substance use. Ashley is compelled to tell her story in hopes that someone can relate and know that they are not alone, as well as share a perspective in hopes that others will challenge themselves to open their hearts and minds in how they view substance use. If this story resonated with you, and you would like to learn more or share your own story. Please reach out to us at info@breakwaterwi.org. If you or someone you love is struggling with a substance use disorder, there is help. Please check out some of our resources below. Guide to Substance Use Treatment and Recovery- https://breakwaterwi.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/SUDTreatementRecoveryGuide_Rev_2021.pdf The Daybreak Project - https://daybreakproject.com/ Solutions Recovery -https://sri-wi.org/

Callie and Kierstyn, youth from Oshkosh, take over the podcast to interview Lauren Sisler. Lauren is an award-winning sports broadcaster with ESPN and the SEC Network and has a powerful story. On this podcast we sat down with Lauren as she shared her wisdom and how we can continue to break down the stigma associated with substance use. Learn more about Lauren at www.laurensisler.com or by following Lauren Sisler on facebook or Instagram - @laurensisler

On our last episode we were joined with Karen Iverson Riggers and Lynn McLaughlin to talk about the importance of emotions. We had an overwhelming response and brought them back on to dive deeper into the culture of emotions. Karen also walks us through an emotional learning practice that you can do at home. To participate in your own eCPR practice go to: dandalliance.wildapricot.org/Events or contact Lynn McLaughlin at lynn@dandalliance.com Karen Iverson Riggers at kiversonriggers@gmail.com

Experiencing emotional crisis is universal; all people experience it at some time during their life. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the stress of being a single parent, the fear of financial instability, the depression of social isolation, or a myriad of other circumstances that affect one's ability to cope, emotional crisis is healed through authentic connection. On this podcast we are joined with Lynn McLaughlin and Karen Iverson Riggers as we dive deeper on the importance of emotions. To participate in your own eCPR practice go to: https://dandalliance.wildapricot.org/Events or contact Lynn McLaughlin at lynn@dandalliance.com Karen Iverson Riggers at kiversonriggers@gmail.com

Hannah Wilz, Breakwater's coordinator, share's Breakwater's initiatives, mission and future goals with Bill Schultz, host of Answers to Energy Questions on Cumulus Broadcasting.

Community Action for Healthy Living (CAHL) is a community coalition working to reduce youth and adult substance use, particularly the burden of tobacco. Find out everything you need to know about tobacco from Emma Kane, a strategist with CAHL. On this episode, we cover tobacco trends, the marketing of e-cigarettes to youth, what you can do as an adult to help a youth who is using e-cigarettes, policies in place, and finally a plethora of resources to help adults and youth alike live healthy tobacco-free lives. Resources: Community Action for Healthy Living Website: https://www.cahlinc.org/ DHS Tobacco is Changing: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/tobaccoischanging/index.htm Small Talks Campaign: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line: https://quitline.wisc.edu/ Commercial Tobacco and Nicotine Youth Cessation Programs: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/publications/p03117.pdf Live Vape Free: https://www.rallyhealth.com/live-vape-free

Community panel consisting of Chris Tarmann from the UWO Police Department and Dan Haak from Apricity to have a real- conversation about navigating difficult, but much-needed conversations with youth. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week:https://www.redribbon.org/ Want to have your voice heard contact: info@breakwater.org

Dr. Eric is back and joined by Allison Garner to answer some of your cannabis questions. We took common questions and themes from our community conversations on cannabis - listen in to hear the answers.

Boden joins the podcast to share his story of recovery. Boden is 18 years old and working hard to maintain his recovery, but finding a gap in resources and social supports as an 18 year old man. Listen in as Boden shares his personal story, advice for parents, teens, and others who may be struggling.

In Sandy's last episode in her series, she sits down with Lindsey Loewe to discuss honeymoon periods, why all behavior is a form of communication, the role of cocooning, and more. Listen in as these two providers round out the series with some fun facts and sound advice.

Is substance use disorder (or addiction) a choice or a brain disease? That's the question Sandy answers in episode 6 of our 7 episode series with her.

In episode 5 of our Series with Sandy, we tackle perception of harm. What is it, where does it come from, and how do we help shape it.

Jennifer Skolaski shares an exciting announcement about the keynote speaker for the March 30th Recovery in the Community event. Register here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc0W0ZfCf4VQdIVk6TFTQdDSnoSHz9rfqUt0kXvpOa278dqgg/viewform?usp=sf_link Volunteer:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfNr9MC_DDSEM0JQeAJADX95YuSzSdpfx-gkw14BhWVOQGo7g/viewform?usp=sf_link

In episode 4 of our series with Sandy Shaffer, its all about schools. This past school year was an interesting one for all involved. From students and teachers to parents and employers, everyone had to adjust, adapt and, hopefully, overcome. Sandy shares her thoughts on how all that shifting impacted us, and how to prepare for the coming year.

In this episode we hear from County Board Member Vicki Schorse about why she thinks legalizing marijuana is a big mistake. Vicki reached out to share her thoughts after the first article in our Navigating Cannabis series was published. This happened to be on the heels of Councilman Aaron Wojciechowski's article in the Herald about wanting to decriminalizing marijuana in the City of Oshkosh as the state-wide push to legalize marijuana was quietly drifting off of our news feeds. You can catch-up on what Councilman Wojciechowski wants to accomplish in episode 20, and get picture of what happens now with DA Gossett in episode 17. Vicki is strongly opposed to legalizing marijuana, open to decriminalization and supportive of medical marijuana in very specific ways. Article: https://www.newsweek.com/legalizing-pot-catastrophic-mistake-opinion-1524734 Vicki also uses the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) as a frequent source of information and research.

On this special episode of the breakwater podcast, we sat down with Councilman Aaron Wojciechowski to talk about his push to decriminalize marijuana in the City of Oshkosh. If you haven't already listened to Episode 17 with Winnebago County DA Gossett, please go back and listen! DA Gossett explains how marijuana is currently handled and, understanding that, can help us understand the type of impact an ordinance like the one Wojciechowski is proposing might have. City Council Webpage: https://www.ci.oshkosh.wi.us/CityCouncil/ You can click 'send a message to all city council members' at the top of the page to share your feedback on Wojciechowski's plans. You can use the menu on the left side of the page to find links to minutes, agendas, and instructions for how to join or watch the meetings as well.

This episode is all about screen time - for our kids and for ourselves. Did virtual schooling during the pandemic change recommendations? How do we manage our children's use of technology when we find ourselves helpless against the screens we carry in our pockets all day? Lindsey Loewe gives us the answers.

In Episode 2 of our 7 Episode series, Sandy Shaffer joins us to talk about coping skills. She gives us some tips on how to find the right set of coping skills for us and how to help our kids learn coping skills from an early age. We also talk about how important this is to those in early and continued recovery.

Episode 1 in a 7 episode series with LCSW Sandy Shaffer. Sandy is the owner of Shaffer Counseling & Consulting in Oshkosh, and practices under the Collaborative Wellness umbrella. In this episode we talk all about emotional intelligence. We also mention another podcast, First Person Plural: EI & Beyond hosted by Daniel Goleman, the godfather of emotional intelligence.

In this episode we learn about The Daybreak Project from leader Jamie Loehnis, and Jean joins us to share her personal story. Jean loves someone who struggles with substance use, but she found The Daybreak Project and explains how going helped her family. To learn more about The Daybreak Project, visit http://www.daybreakproject.com/, call 920.968.9105 or email jamie@daybreakproject.com

Dr. LeNoue, Dr. Smiltneek & Amanda Puhl join the podcast to talk about supplements, new drug trends, and what's up with marigold seeds.

We sat down with Winnebago County District Attorney Christian Gossett to understand how legalization and decriminalization are different, what's up in Oregon, and how all of this looks in Winnebago County, WI. Be sure to check out our resources page for more information - www.breakwaterwi.org/resources

We are joined by Officer & DRE Instructor Nick Place. Officer Place tells us all about Delta 8 THC - what it is, what it isn't, and what we need to know about it right now. Be sure to check out our resources page at www.breakwaterwi.org/resources for some helpful tips on talking to kids about alcohol, marijuana or other substances and more. Your Choice Prevention's marijuana webinar series can be found here: https://www.yourchoiceprevention.org/marijuanaimpact For more with Officer Place, check out his podcast Poking Around. It can be found wherever you're listening right now.

In this episode, we're joined by Ciara from Reach Counseling to learn more about sexual assault and sexual abuse here in Winnebago County. We typically talk about substance use and substance use prevention on this podcast, and this might feel like a bit of a left turn…but it's not as big of a leap as you might think. When you look at risk factors and protective factors for things like sexual abuse or assault, youth substance use, teen dating violence and others you start to notice that we have so many common goals when it comes to building a safe and healthy community for our youth – one in which they can flourish and grow while navigating adolescence. April is Sexual Assault awareness month and reach has a lot going on to engage and build skills within the community – be sure to check out the show notes for links to their social media and website so you can participate. April is also alcohol awareness month – and as you'll hear us talk about in this interview, alcohol and other substance use and sexual assault or abuse are not mutually exclusive issues. Please, talk to your kids about alcohol, other substances and how to deal with social pressures, unexpected situations and that it is OK to ask for help. https://reachcounseling.com/ https://www.facebook.com/reach.healing.lives https://www.facebook.com/reachyouthandteenadvocate

In this episode, I sat down with Brynn from the ADRC and Alana from the Winnebago County Health Department to learn about seniors, substance use, and the age friendly community's initiative. For more information, check out the following links! **Special Note** Since this conversation was recorded, the AARP updated their information that the survey takes most older adults approximately 20 minutes to complete. Find the survey here: bit.ly/AgeHealthyWinnebago Here's the ADRC website: https://www.co.winnebago.wi.us/adrc And confidential ADRC inbox: ADRC@co.winnebago.wi.us/adrc Alcohol abuse amongst the elderly, a complete guide: https://aging.com/alcohol-abuse-amongst-the-elderly-a-complete-guide/ National Institute on Drug Abuse: https://www.drugabuse.gov/

In this episode we sat down with Shawna & Alicia from Christine Ann to learn about Teen Dating Violence and how social media, isolation, and substance use play a role. Shawna & Alicia share all about the services Christine Ann offers, their recent 'Love Shouldn't Hurt' art show, and how the pandemic is changing their connection with the community. You can learn more about Christine Ann by visiting http://www.christineann.net/

In this episode we talked with Ryan Clevenger. Ryan is sharing his personal story of substance use and recovery. Ryan shares his perspective on growing up in Texas and starting to drink alcohol at an early age – how that evolved to drug use and, eventually, a life in recovery. Ryan is now an outreach coordinator for Oxford House and recently opened a house in Oshkosh. Ryan found Oxford House when he needed a place to live and some extra support – he reflects on his experience and explains why giving back and helping others is so important to him now. For any listeners who may be struggling with substance use, we encourage you to call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 and get connected to resources in your area. For the parents and guardians listening and wondering how you can help prevent your children from drinking alcohol or experimenting with marijuana or other drugs at an early age – we encourage you to talk to your kids. Have a conversation – ask them what they know, see about alcohol and other drugs at school, in the community, and on social media. What questions do they have? How do they feel about it all?. Keep the conversation open and be willing to learn, support, and grow together. Not sure how to get started? Check out the DHS Small Talks website (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/small-talks/index.htm) or the SAMHSA Talk, They Hear You resources (https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking). Ryan also mentioned a website for checking vacancies at Oxford House. You can find that information here:https://www.oxfordvacancies.com/

ThedaCare recently launched two innovative programs in the area. One is a walk-in behavioral health clinic and the other is a partnership with Apricity Services that brings recovery coaches into the emergency room after someone has experienced an overdose. These programs are sure to have a positive impact on our region as we continue to struggle through a worldwide pandemic. For more information, check out these links! ThedaCare Behavioral Health Walk-In: https://www.thedacare.org/Hospitals-and-Clinics/Behavioral-Health/behavioral-health-neenah.aspx ThedaCare & Partners Launches ED2Recovery Program: https://www.thedacare.org/News-and-Events/Symptoms-and-Conditions/thedacare-and-partners-launch-ed2recovery-program.aspx Apricity Services Recovery Coach Training:https://apricityservices.com/education-and-training f you're struggling, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 and get connected with resources in your area.

I am joined on this episode by Steering Team member and Treatment & Recovery Team Chair, Dan Hawk and the one & only Montee Ball. Montee shares with us his personal experience with alcohol and living a life in recovery. We talk about his experience with the FIXED project, social norms in Wisconsin, and a little bit about how toxic masculinity, and how that impacts young athletes like him. Montee also lets us in on a little secret at the end. Don't forget to check out Montee's podcast - Untapped Keg (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/untapped-keg/id1504026399). If you are struggling, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 and get connected to resources in your area for mental health, substance use, housing, food, and more.

Welcome to our special release episode of the breakwater podcast. There is a lot happening with alcohol policy in Wisconsin right now – so we took a few moments to sit down with Julia Sherman, Coordinator for the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project and Niki Euhardy –member of the Wisconsin Public Health Association Public Affairs committee. I asked several questions that I heard from members of our community – such as whether the proposed changes would be permanent or temporary (spoiler alert! They would be permanent). We also talk about what the legislation is intended to do along with potential unintended consequences related to increased access to alcohol across the state. Links: https://law.wisc.edu/wapp/ https://www.wpha.org/ https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/MyElectedOfficials www.breakwaterwi.org/podcast

Amanda Puhl, Outreach Coordinator and Dr. Maloney, Executive Director of Addiction Services with Rogers Behavioral Health join us to talk about everything THC. Dr. Maloney breaks down the difference between whole plant marijuana, THC and CBD - and how they all affect our bodies differently. We discuss synthetics and the role they play, how vaping has evolved and why it is so important to talk to your kids about alcohol, marijuana, and other substances at an early age. Dr. Maloney mentions a book by author Catherine J. Mercury - Think of Wind. You can find that book here: https://www.amazon.com/Think-Wind-Catherine-J-Mercury/dp/0965444716 As always, if you are struggling, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 and get connected to resources in your area.

Julia Sherman, Coordinator for the Wisconsin Alcohol Policy Project (https://law.wisc.edu/wapp/) discusses alcohol culture and how Wisconsin's has changed over the years and pandemic drinking in 2020. She shares some personal experience and ways individuals and community coalitions can help reduce both underage and binge drinking in communities.

Dr. Smiltneek & Dr. LeNoue talk about MAT (medication assisted treatment) for managing and treating addiction. The doctors breakdown the physiologic reaction to medications, the disease of addiction, and why talking to your kids is so important, even at an early age. If you're struggling with substance use, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 and get connected to resources in your area. Visit www.breakwaterwi.org to learn more about all we're doing to prevent substance use in the Winnebago County area and how you can get involved. https://dev.rogersbh.org/staff?ccm_paging_p=4 https://care.aurorahealthcare.org/doctors/eric-a-smiltneek-oshkosh-family-medicine-13

Join Stephanie Gyldenvand, Community Health Strategist & Breakwater Steering Team member as she interviews Lynnsey & Michael about housing in Winnebago County. Lynnsey Erickson is a Community Health Strategist with Winnebago County Health Department focused on housing, and Michael Rust is the CEO of the Winnebago County Conflict Resolution Center. Both Lynnsey & Michael give us a picture of housing in Oshkosh and the Winnebago County area - where we are and where we need to go. If you are struggling with housing, mental health or substance use, call 211 or text your zip code to 898211. You can also visit https://www.oshkoshunitedway.org/housing/

In this discussion, I am joined by Chris Wardlow, Stephanie Gyldenvand, and Christine Christensen – three people who work on substance use and substance use prevention, in three different ways. We wanted to have this discussion to highlight that substance use prevention happens everywhere, all around us – all the time. Whether it is intentional or ancillary – whether we think of our work as 'traditional substance use prevention' or not, we all play a role in the community and our relationship with alcohol and other substances. RESOURCES Call 211 or text your zip code to 898211 if you are in need of substance use, mental heath. housing help or need connection to any other resources. https://sourcesofstrength.org/ is mentioned in this episode as an in-school program For more information visit www.breakwaterwi.org