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"Employers have the right to expect much more from their benefit consultants than ever before. This isn't just about managing the fully insured renewal anymore."In this week's special bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Dena Bravata, physician, healthcare entrepreneur, and Clinical Advisor for ParetoHealth, to break down the findings from Pareto's inaugural 2026 State of Healthcare Spend Report.Based on responses from nearly 1,600 CEOs, finance, and HR leaders, Dena and I unpacked why employers have finally reached their "damn it" moment. We discussed the massive unpredictability of fully insured renewals, why 80% of employers are actively considering alternative funding mechanisms, and the real reason half of the market is ready to fire their current broker.We also dove into the clinical side of the data. We looked at top cost drivers like cancer, MSK, and GLP-1s, and explored why treating mental health and substance use as a core component of your medical plan is non-negotiable for cost containment.If you advise SMB employers or manage a health plan yourself, the era of the broker "apology tour" and basic renewal management is over. This episode is a reality check on exactly what clients are expecting right now. Tune in!Visit 2026 State of Healthcare Spencer Self Funding Podcast to review the report. Thank you to ParetoHealth for sponsoring this episode!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/events/ to learn more.Episode Chapters(00:00:00) Intro: Dr. Dena Bravata & The 2026 Healthcare Spend Report (00:01:05) Why Small & Midsize Employers Are Ignored in Healthcare Data (00:02:37) The "Damn It" Moment: Approaching $20,000 Per Employee (00:04:09) Survey Demographics: 1,600 Leaders Across 14 Industries (00:05:44) 80% of Employers Saw Double-Digit Healthcare Increases (00:07:28) Why Half of the Market is Ready to Fire Their Broker (00:10:59) Top Medical Cost Drivers: Cancer, MSK, and GLP-1s (00:15:01) The Amplifier Effect of Mental Health & Substance Use (00:18:38) Pharmacy Spend & Why Primary Care Can't Manage Obesity (00:21:14) Price Variance and the Need for Care Navigation (00:22:18) The Era of the "Apology Tour" and Renewal Management is Over (00:24:37) Closing Thoughts: Demand More From Your ConsultantKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
"Employers have the right to expect much more from their benefit consultants than ever before. This isn't just about managing the fully insured renewal anymore."In this week's special bonus episode, I'm joined by Dr. Dena Bravata, physician, healthcare entrepreneur, and Clinical Advisor for ParetoHealth, to break down the findings from Pareto's inaugural 2026 State of Healthcare Spend Report.Based on responses from nearly 1,600 CEOs, finance, and HR leaders, Dena and I unpacked why employers have finally reached their "damn it" moment. We discussed the massive unpredictability of fully insured renewals, why 80% of employers are actively considering alternative funding mechanisms, and the real reason half of the market is ready to fire their current broker.We also dove into the clinical side of the data. We looked at top cost drivers like cancer, MSK, and GLP-1s, and explored why treating mental health and substance use as a core component of your medical plan is non-negotiable for cost containment.If you advise SMB employers or manage a health plan yourself, the era of the broker "apology tour" and basic renewal management is over. This episode is a reality check on exactly what clients are expecting right now. Tune in!Visit 2026 State of Healthcare Spencer Self Funding Podcast to review the report. Thank you to ParetoHealth for sponsoring this episode!ParetoHealth: ParetoHealth empowers midsize employers with a long-term solution to reduce volatility and lower overall health benefits costs. Visit https://www.paretohealth.com/events/ to learn more.Episode Chapters(00:00:00) Intro: Dr. Dena Bravata & The 2026 Healthcare Spend Report (00:01:05) Why Small & Midsize Employers Are Ignored in Healthcare Data (00:02:37) The "Damn It" Moment: Approaching $20,000 Per Employee (00:04:09) Survey Demographics: 1,600 Leaders Across 14 Industries (00:05:44) 80% of Employers Saw Double-Digit Healthcare Increases (00:07:28) Why Half of the Market is Ready to Fire Their Broker (00:10:59) Top Medical Cost Drivers: Cancer, MSK, and GLP-1s (00:15:01) The Amplifier Effect of Mental Health & Substance Use (00:18:38) Pharmacy Spend & Why Primary Care Can't Manage Obesity (00:21:14) Price Variance and the Need for Care Navigation (00:22:18) The Era of the "Apology Tour" and Renewal Management is Over (00:24:37) Closing Thoughts: Demand More From Your ConsultantKey Links for Social:@SelfFunded on YouTube for video versions of the podcast and much more - https://www.youtube.com/@SelfFundedListen/watch on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1TjmrMrkIj0qSmlwAIevKA?si=068a389925474f02Listen on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-funded-with-spencer/id1566182286Follow Spencer on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-smith-self-funded/Follow Spencer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/selffundedwithspencer/
Join hosts Shaley Hoogendoorn and Dr. Andrea Vassilev as they delve into the complexities of traveling with Bipolar Disorder in this enlightening episode of 'this is bipolar'. Together, they explore how changing time zones and disrupted routines can impact mental health, offering practical tips to manage these challenges. They share personal stories and expert insights on maintaining balance and stability while traveling, ensuring that your adventure is both memorable and manageable. Discover strategies for regulating your body's internal clock, managing overstimulation, and finding downtime for self-care even amidst the excitement of travel. Shaley and Andrea underscore the importance of self-awareness, planning, and kindness towards oneself, creating a roadmap for travellers with Bipolar Disorder to feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. Tune in for an open, supportive conversation that empowers listeners to embrace travel with confidence and self-compassion. Resources Mentioned: Be sure to sign up for my newsletter at thisisbipolar.com (https://www.thisisbipolar.com/) to get a free "Bipolar Travel Toolkit" PDF to help you prepare ahead and manage bipolar disorder while traveling. Jet Lag Rooster (http://www.jetlagrooster.com/) Chris Aiken Jet Lag Document (https://chrisaikenmd.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/jetlag.pdf) Chapter Markers: (00:04:15) Challenges of Travel (00:06:26) The Impact of Social Rhythms (00:09:27) Substance Use on Vacation (00:10:36) Personal Travel Stories (00:15:25) Comfort Items and Coping (00:20:17) Managing Physical Wellbeing (00:24:49) Navigating Support at Airports (00:40:40) Encouragement and Empowerment Connect with us: IG @this.is.bipolar (https://www.instagram.com/this.is.bipolar/) Youtube: this is bipolar channel (https://www.youtube.com/@thisisbipolar) TT @this.is.bipolar Thank you from the bottom of my heart for listening. If this episode or podcast means something to you, I would be forever grateful if you would follow/subscribe the ‘this is bipolar' podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts so you stay up to date. It would also mean the world to me if you gave a 5 ⭐️ star review- this helps the podcast reach those who need to hear it most. Much love, Shaley xo More about your Host: Shaley Hoogendoorn is a speaker, content creator and currently hosts the popular “this is bipolar” vlog and podcast. She lives with bipolar 2 disorder and shares her story and the stories of others to dismantle the stigma around mental illness. Shaley is passionate about educating and empowering others about bipolar disorder. She has contributed to publications for Sanctuary Ministries, Psych Central and BP Hope magazine. She hosted a series interviewing women living with mental illnesses at SheLoves Magazine in a series named "Sisters in Mental Illness." Shaley's greatest hope is that creating safe spaces to connect will give hope and comfort those that struggle. Meet our Guest Co-Host: Dr. Andrea Vassilev holds a doctorate in psychology, is a therapist in California, and has lived with bipolar disorder for over 25 years. Andrea is the creator of the program Overcoming Self-Stigma in Bipolar Disorder and serves on the Board of Directors of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. As a clinician and academic with lived experience, Andrea brings a special perspective to both her professional and advocacy work. Andrea hopes that by telling her own story of life with bipolar disorder through the lenses of clinical causes, treatments, and outcomes that she can provide education, hope, and comfort to others. UPDATE- Andrea's Book is now available get you book or audiobook BEYOND THE BIPOLAR LABEL: A Workbook to Over come Stelf-stigma, Break Free from Shame and Live Authetically Beyond the Bipolar Label amazon US link You can connect with her on Instagram @best.life.bipolar or at www.andreavassilev.com
Comparison of buprenorphine treatment by virtual-only vs. traditional clinicians Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment Few patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) receive medications for OUD (MOUD), such as buprenorphine. Given that many patients, particularly those in rural communities, do not live near a clinician who prescribes MOUD, telemedicine could increase MOUD access. However, clinicians and policymakers are concerned about the quality of the virtual-only model. This study compared the care provided by virtual-only versus traditional clinicians. The authors found few substantive differences in who used virtual-only care. For example, patients initiating buprenorphine with virtual-only versus traditional clinicians were equally likely to live in urban areas. Patients initiating buprenorphine with virtual-only clinicians had more visits in the 6 months after the initiation and were more likely to be on buprenorphine at 6 months, but had fewer days of continuous buprenorphine treatment. These results can inform ongoing debates about the strengths and weaknesses of virtual-only OUD care. Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly Visit ASAM
Er zijn in Nederland elk jaar meer dan 1200 festivals te bezoeken. Van kleine tot enorme waar meer dan een kwart miljoen mensen op af komen. Het is zweterig, je moet ver reizen, ver lopen, in een klein rot tentje slapen, in de rij staan voor douchen, gore wc's en muntjes om weer in de rij te staan voor bier. Om daarna hutje mutje tegen elkaar aan te staan bij de ene band, zodat je geen tijd hebt om de andere te zien. Waarom in godsnaam zouden we dat willen doen? Psychologen Thijs Launspach en Lennard Toma duiken in de aantrekkingskracht van festivals en waarom we dat eigenlijk als erg prettig ervaren. En wat er psychologisch gebeurt als duizenden mensen tegelijkertijd bij elkaar zijn. Ow, en iets met drugs.Bronnen:- Durkheim, É. (1912). Les formes élémentaires de la vie religieuse — oorsprong van het begrip collective effervescence (collectief bruisen).- Haidt, J., Seder, J. P., & Kesebir, S. (2008). Hive psychology, happiness, and public policy. The Journal of Legal Studies — collectief bruisen als zelf-transcenderende emotie.- Zumeta, L. N., e.a. (2022). Emotional processes, collective behavior, and social movements: a meta-analytic review of collective effervescence outcomes. Frontiers in Psychology.- Schwartz, B., & Ward, A. (2002). Maximizing versus satisficing: Happiness is a matter of choice. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology — maximizers zijn minder gelukkig.- Iyengar, S. S., & Lepper, M. R. (2000). When choice is demotivating (het "jam-experiment") — meer keuze, minder tevredenheid.- Przybylski, A. K., Murayama, K., DeHaan, C. R., & Gladwell, V. (2013). Motivational, emotional, and behavioral correlates of fear of missing out. Computers in Human Behavior — eerste wetenschappelijke definitie van FOMO.- Epley, N., & Schroeder, J. (2014). Mistakenly seeking solitude. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General — praten met vreemden maakt blijer dan verwacht.- Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2008). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Science — iets voor een ander doen verhoogt geluk (uit Thijs' talk).- Motieven druggebruik: Motivational characteristics of recreational drug use among emerging adults in social settings (Frontiers in Public Health, 2023); A qualitative investigation exploring why dance festivals are risky environments for drug use (Harm Reduction Journal, 2022); Hughes e.a., Substance Use and Attendance Motives of EDM Event Attendees (2023).- Eigen werk Thijs: talk Je bent niet belangrijk (School of Life / Lowlands).
Man people out there goin CACA?03:02 World Cup Excitement and National Pride06:00 Viral Challenges and Social Media Trends08:57 Humor in Challenges and Personal Experiences11:17 Spicy Challenges and Reactions14:33 BET Awards Highlights and Performances16:02 Pooh Shiesty Controversy18:36 Explosive Diarrhea Outbreak21:30 Shitty Stories and Folklore23:47 Bathroom Humor and Personal Hygiene25:08 Daring Climbers: The Empire State Building Proposal30:27 Controversial News: Southern Poverty Law Center Indictment36:14 Political Games and Public Perception41:03 Iranian Tensions and Global Reactions42:07 Pop Culture and Entertainment Buzz44:58 Diving into TV Shows: The Good and the Bad49:02 The Craft of Comedy: Analyzing 'The Bear' and 'Jackass'56:43 Substance Use and Its Risks57:26 4th of July Plans and Celebrations58:14 USA Soccer Team Updates59:06 LeBron James' Future in the NBA01:03:04 NBA Trades and Player Movements01:07:33 Upcoming UFC Events and Discussions01:08:23 Fun Facts and Closing Thoughts
Researchers at UBC have developed new tools to help schools talk with kids about substance use. UBC School of Nursing professor Emily Jenkins joined the program and we ask: How are you talking to the young people in your life about substances and how can schools help?
If you've been living in a high-conflict divorce or custody battle, you probably know that feeling all too well — the exhaustion that never quite leaves, the hypervigilance, the sense that your nervous system has forgotten how to relax. And for many people in these situations, a glass of wine at the end of the day has quietly become two, or three, or something stronger. Not because of weakness. Because of science.In this episode, Lisa sits down with Dr. Christal Badour, a licensed clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Kentucky, where she runs a research lab focused on trauma recovery and the intersection of PTSD and substance use disorders. Dr. Badour's work is dedicated to understanding why trauma and substance use co-occur so frequently — and more importantly, how to help people break that cycle.What you'll learn in this conversation will likely change the way you see yourself.
A national coalition of researchers, educators and health organizations has released new guidance aimed at helping Canadian schools prevent and respond to student substance use. Guest: Emily Jenkins - Wellstream scientific director and a professor of nursing at UBC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A new suite of resources developed with members of the Traveller community across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary has raised awareness about substance use.This collaboration highlights the family support services available to those whose loved ones are struggling with addiction. The initiative has been launched by the Traveller Regional Drug and Alcohol Network (TRDAN) Jim Finn, Chair of the Mid-West Regional Drugs Task Force, and Crystal Ward, who is from Killmallock and is a Traveller Community Healthcare Worker in East Limerick, joined the show this morning.Image via HSE MidWest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Social media use trajectories and substance use experimentation: A prospective cohort study The American Journal of Psychiatry An analysis of data from more than 7,000 adolescents over 5 years found significant associations between rising social media use trajectories and substance use. Four distinct social media use trajectories were identified, with greater social media use over time throughout early adolescence being proportionally associated with an elevated likelihood of substance use. Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly Visit ASAM
True Crime Trauma: The Mental Toll Of Exposing The Truth Some jobs force employees to carry a heavy emotional burden that's hard to put down when you clock out. Filmmaker Colin Browen's daily work involves uncovering decades of ignored and horrifying crimes against children. Browen details the mental toll of his career and how he's maintained his mental wellbeing while working on his upcoming true crime docuseries. Guest: Colin Browen, filmmaker, host, Murder in America & The Paranormal Files How Writing By Hand May Make You Smarter And More Creative In an era dominated by keyboards, it is easy to think handwriting is a skill of the past. But are we shortchanging our brains by abandoning this ability? Our guests this week explore the critical cognitive benefits of handwriting and discuss how the physical act of writing by hand significantly boosts literacy, memory retention, and idea generation. Guests: Dr. Danny Oppenheimer, professor of decision sciences, Carnegie Mellon University Dr. Virginia Wise Berninger, professor emerita, University of Washington Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
True Crime Trauma: The Mental Toll Of Exposing The Truth Some jobs force employees to carry a heavy emotional burden that's hard to put down when you clock out. Filmmaker Colin Browen's daily work involves uncovering decades of ignored and horrifying crimes against children. Browen details the mental toll of his career and how he's maintained his mental wellbeing while working on his upcoming true crime docuseries. Guest: Colin Browen, filmmaker, host, Murder in America & The Paranormal Files Host and Producer: Kristen Farrah Facebook: ingoodhealthpodX: @ ingoodhealthpodIG: @ingoodhealthpodYouTube: @ingoodhealthpodSpotify Apple Podcast In Good Health PodcastSubscribed to the newsletterFull ArchiveContact UsBecome an Affiliate Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Norfolk is facing some of the highest substance-use-related health burdens in the region.
Shomari Jackson was raised in East St. Louis, but he spent most of his childhood and teen summers in Arizona visiting his dad. He went to college in Arizona, but as he puts it, "Arizona chewed him up and spit him out." He returned home, experienced some major life events, navigated mental health issues, and finally grappled with the questions that would move him forward: Who was he? What was he capable of? How had trauma (historical, generational, personal) affected him? And most importantly, how did he want to carry himself into the world? Shomari went on to complete both his bachelors and masters degrees, and he's been advocating for equitable change in Arizona ever since.Today, Shomari is the owner and executive director of The South Mountain W.O.R.K.S. Coalition, a nationally recognized substance use prevention organization that focuses on systems change and building resilient communities in South Phoenix and throughout Maricopa County. He is the 2021 recipient of the Arizona Innovation in Health Equity Award, and on this episode, he shares what it means to reshape systems of inequity and support communities with an equity lens. Not only is this conversation timely, it's necessary. We hope you'll listen in.To learn more: http://southmountainworks.org/To connect with Shomari: shomari@southmountainworks.org or harmreduction@southmountainworks.org
Dr. Prasad reads here piece from the In the Moment section at Academic Pediatrics: From Heroin to Fentanyl: A Detroit Pediatrician's Long View on Youth Substance Use. Written piece is available at the journal here: https://www.academicpedsjnl.net/article/S1876-2859(26)00112-9/fulltext
If your teen is struggling with substance use, an intensive outpatient program may offer more structured support than traditional therapy — while still allowing them to stay home. Here is what families in Fort Worth should know. To learn more, visit https://clearforkacademy.com/blog/iop-for-teens-in-fort-worth-tx-cost-best-treatment-centers/ Clearfork Academy City: Fort Worth Address: 7820 Hanger Cutoff Road Website: https://clearforkacademy.com/ Phone: +1-888-430-5149 Email: info@clearforkacademy.com
Jeanie Tietjen unpacks trauma-informed practices in higher ed and why naming itself is a form of teaching on episode 626 of the Teaching in Higher Ed podcast. Quotes from the episode Naming goes so far back in, even just in literary terms, the importance of naming. -Jeanie Tietjen There is still a very nascent and as yet relatively unarticulated understanding of how profoundly trauma, adversity, and violence adversely affect teaching and learning. -Jeanie Tietjen Many students have experienced traumas that are situated in educational settings, bullying experiences that are identity-based, that profoundly shape how they feel about the educational setting as a place. -Jeanie Tietjen Learning is very vulnerable. It involves being wrong, failing, failing in front of other people. -Jeanie Tietjen Resources Naming the Urgency: The Importance of Trauma-Informed Practices in Community Colleges, by Jeanie Tietjen (chapter) Trauma Informed Pedagogies: A Guide for Responding to Crisis and Inequality in Higher Education, edited by Phyllis Thompson and Janice Carello The Institute for Trauma, Adversity, and Resilience in Higher Education Supporting the Whole Student: Mental Health, Substance Use, and Wellbeing in Higher Education (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine) What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey SAMHSA’s 6 Guiding Principles to a Trauma-Informed Approach (infographic) Mays Imad Janice Carello Bryan Dewsbury Tracie Addy and PAITE (Personal Assessment of Inclusive Teaching for Effectiveness) Education Northwest — research on trauma and attendance (Shannon Davidson) Teaching Solidarity: Critical Race Reading, by Malini Johar Schueller The Essential Gwendolyn Brooks Episode 357: Sandie Morgan and Warren Doody on Elizabeth Leonard’s interdisciplinary legacy Bread and War: A Ukrainian Story of Food, Bravery and Hope, by Felicity Spector Flour Power (Felicity Spector’s Substack) The Gap (Ira Glass), video by Daniel Sax on Vimeo The Gap — PKM in Action, by Bonni Stachowiak Poll Everywhere
This episode breaks down the real reasons teens use substances and gives youth a practical, research‑backed prevention playbook—empowering students, parents, and educators with strategies that actually work.In this episode, we dive deep into the top factors driving teen substance use, from stress and social pressure to mental health challenges and lack of supportive environments. Listeners get the Teen Substance Use Prevention Playbook, a clear and actionable guide designed to help youth make healthier choices.We explore evidence‑based teen substance use prevention strategies, the role of school and community teen programs, and the protective factors that keep students safe. Whether you're a parent, educator, counselor, or young person, this episode gives you the tools to understand the “why” behind substance use—and the steps that actually reduce risk.Topics covered include:• Why students start using substances• How stress, anxiety, and social dynamics influence teen decisions• What effective teen substance use prevention looks like• The most impactful school and community teen programs• How to build resilience and protective factors in youth• Practical steps teens can use today to stay substance‑freeThis episode is a must‑listen for anyone committed to supporting youth, strengthening prevention efforts, and creating healthier school communities.
A pioneering initiative at Bushy Park Residential Treatment Centre is making meaningful strides in addressing the complex link between substance use and mental health. The Substance Use and Mental Health (SUDMH) project brings together professional facilitators and evidence-based approaches to support individuals facing dual diagnosis challenges. By creating a safe, supportive environment, the programme empowers participants to share their experiences, build coping strategies, and work toward long-term recovery and improved wellbeing. To discuss this further, Derrick Lynch was joined by facilitator of the programme,Michael Lacey. Image (c) Michael Lacey
It's been a year-and-a-half since Hurricane Helene ravaged central Appalachia. Communities are still recovering, including those who were already in recovery for addiction. The post How Hurricane Helene Affected Substance Use Recovery, This West Virginia Morning appeared first on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Grief isn't something you move on from. It's something you learn to carry. After losing three of his closest friends, John Kammer found himself doing what so many people do — avoiding the pain, pushing it down, and trying to outrun it. But over time, he realized something wasn't working. Because grief doesn't go away when you ignore it. It waits. This conversation dives into what it actually takes to process loss, why so many people struggle in silence, and the powerful shift that happens when you stop trying to "move on" and start learning how to move forward. John shares how guilt, isolation, and lack of language around grief can keep people stuck — and why healing begins the moment you're willing to share what you're really feeling. What came out of his journey is something unexpected: a tool designed to help people process grief in a way that feels safe, structured, and human. Guest Bio John Kammer is the founder and CEO of Guardian AIngels, an AI-powered grief support and reflective journaling platform designed to help people process loss in a structured and emotionally intelligent way. After experiencing the loss of several close friends, John recognized the gap between therapy sessions — the late-night moments where people are left alone with their thoughts. That realization led him to create Guardian AIngels, a tool that supports healing through guided reflection, conversation, and emotional awareness. His work is grounded in the belief that healing doesn't happen through avoidance, but through consistent, compassionate engagement with what we're feeling. You'll hear About Why grief can't be avoided and must be processed The difference between "moving on" and "moving forward" How guilt and self-blame can keep people stuck in grief Why men often struggle to express and process loss How vulnerability and sharing create real healing Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 02:00 John's Story of Loss and Early Grief 06:00 Avoidance, Substance Use, and Suppressed Emotions 10:00 Why "Time Heals" Isn't the Full Truth 13:00 The Shift From Moving On to Moving Forward 16:00 The Role of Guilt and Forgiveness in Healing 20:00 Why We Resist Processing Grief 23:00 Isolation, Masculinity, and Emotional Suppression 27:00 Healing Through Vulnerability and Sharing 31:00 How Guardian AIngels Was Created 35:00 Turning Journaling Into a Conversation 39:00 Using Tools to Support — Not Replace — Healing 42:00 Carrying Relationships Forward After Loss 45:00 Final Reflections and John's Message Chuck's Challenge This week, don't keep it all in. Share something you've been holding onto — even if it feels uncomfortable. It doesn't have to be everything. Just start somewhere. Because as John shared, healing doesn't happen in isolation. It happens when you're willing to open the door and let someone in. Connect with John Website: https://guardianaingels.ai Connect with Chuck Check out the website: https://www.thecompassionateconnection.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-thuss-a9aa044/ Follow on Instagram: @warriorsunmasked Join the Warriors Unmasked community by subscribing to the show. Together, we're breaking stigmas and shining a light on mental health, one story at a time.
On this month's Generation Gap episode of Swimming Upstream Radio Show, Dorothy Wilhelm (Silent Generation), Ray Miller Still (Millennial) and Jason Falls (Gen-X) discuss generational differences in technology, social behaviors and substance use and abuse. They conclude that emphasizing the importance of understanding and adapting to changing norms across age groups is critical for effective social acceptance. Key Topics Generational attitudes towards substances and technology The role of gaming and AI in socialization and education The importance of open-mindedness and continuous learning The impact of technology on senior independence Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Generation Gap 04:58 - Generational Perspectives on Substance Use 09:59 - Technology and Senior Citizens 14:53 - Parenting in the Digital Age 19:47 - The Role of AI and Gaming in Modern Life 24:59 - Closing Thoughts on Learning and Adaptation More Information Ray Miller Still is the editor of the Enumclaw Courier-Herald. Jason Falls is a marketing consultant. Dorothy Wilhelm is the longest continuously broadcasting woman in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Psychedelic therapy is rapidly gaining traction as a promising approach for addressing substance use disorders—from alcohol and opioids to nicotine and beyond. This session will explore how psychedelic compounds like ibogaine, ketamine, and psilocybin may help interrupt compulsive cycles, uncover root causes of addiction, and support sustained recovery. Featuring Dr. Nathan Sackett of the UW Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry, this conversation will examine how pairing psychedelic compounds with evidence-based behavioral interventions could transform the treatment of addiction. Drawing on his team's cautious, research-driven approach, Dr. Sackett will discuss what's known, what remains to be discovered, and how rigorous clinical study can help bring safe, effective psychedelic-assisted therapies to those who need them most. Nathan Sackett, MD, MS, is an addiction psychiatrist and Founding Director of the UW Center for Novel Therapeutics in Addiction Psychiatry. He completed medical and nursing school at UCSF, graduate studies at UC Berkeley, and residency and fellowship training in psychiatry and addiction psychiatry at the University of Washington, where he is now a faculty member in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research explores how psychedelics can enhance psychotherapy and support lasting behavioral change. __ Psychedelic Salon: Cultivating Conscious Connections Join Seattle-based psychedelics educator and podcast host April Pride in a dynamic series co-produced with Town Hall Seattle. Psychedelic Salon explores the transformative potential of psychedelic medicines through engaging conversations, expert panels, and interactive community discussions. Rooted in scientific evidence, each event highlights unique themes—including grief, seniors, menopause, and more—emphasizing their role in mental health, spiritual growth, and personal optimization. Designed to be inclusive and insightful, this series invites attendees of all backgrounds to discover how psychedelics can foster profound connections, healing, and well-being. About April Pride April Pride is a Seattle-based creative entrepreneur and harm reduction advocate with over two decades of experience building brands at the intersection of lifestyle, cannabis, psychedelics, and women's health. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, Vice, and The Guardian. April is the founder of SetSet, the world's first clinician-approved woman-focused platform for safe, accessible psychedelic integration. To learn more, follow April on Substack – aprilpride.substack.com Presented by Town Hall Seattle and SetSet.
Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction
ABOUT THE EPISODE:Brad was 17, sitting in a psych ward for the second time, when a stranger told him about a program in Tennessee. He said no. He ran from a rest stop on the highway, and the police caught him a few hours later. That moment tells you everything about where he was: a kid who had never learned to stay, never learned to feel, and hadn't yet found anything worth staying for.What followed was more than a decade of trying to outrun himself. Percocet. Heroin. A methadone clinic he drove to every morning with no car and no money. A felony conviction at 18. A deportation to Canada with a lifetime ban from the US. Brad doesn't tell his story like a cautionary tale. He tells it like someone who finally understands what his brain was looking for, and what it took to stop running long enough to build something worth keeping.Today he hosts Sober Motivation, a top 0.5% podcast globally with more than five million downloads, and runs an online community for people in recovery. He started it from his basement not because he had the answers, but because he knew what it felt like to be alone in this.This conversation is for every parent who has watched their child go through treatment and wondered if anything is actually landing. Brad says something I've believed for years but have rarely heard said plainly: sobriety is the starting line, not the finish line. What he built after that line, and why it held, is what this episode is really about.If you've done everything right and it still isn't working, this one is for you.YOU'LL LEARN:How Brad went from two psych ward stays and a felony to host of a top recovery podcastWhy sobriety was never his problem, and what the real work looked likeThe question he asks every person about the night before they get soberWhat getting back on ADHD medication at 38 finally showed him about himselfWhat it means to build a life you have something to lose inEPISODE RESOURCES:Sober Motivation PodcastSober Motivation CommunityBrandon Novak Memoir, DreamsellerThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.
Send us Fan MailOne call can change the way you breathe, drive, sleep, and even trust your own judgment. I sit down with paramedic Emma Irwin to talk through a suicide scene that hit hard, the moment she cried on scene, and the quiet belief that too many first responders carry: “I should be able to handle this.” We name what that pressure does to police, fire, EMS, dispatchers, and paramedics when trauma exposure finally breaks through the professional mask. Emma walks me through what happened after the call, including delayed PTSD symptoms that showed up weeks later: rising anxiety at work, a medication error that signaled something was seriously off, panic attacks leaving the house, and relentless intrusive images. We get specific about the difference between suicidal intent and intrusive trauma thoughts, and why honesty is the fastest path to real help. We also talk about debriefing, why going straight from a traumatic job to the next call can make things worse, and how workplace culture can either protect people or push them into silence. We spend time on practical coping mechanisms that don't cause more damage, especially peer support, self awareness, and the power of someone simply asking, “Are you OK?” Emma shares how EMDR therapy helped her process the scene, regain a sense of control, and ultimately rethink her career in a way that protects her mental health. We also address an uncomfortable but real part of EMS life: sexual harassment in the service, why “everyone knew” is not an excuse, and how reporting can change a station for the better. If you care about first responder mental health, paramedic PTSD, suicide prevention, and building teams where people can speak up early, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share this with a teammate, and leave a review so more responders can find it when they need it most.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
In this episode, Unfiltered — The Truth About Teen Vaping and Substance Use: Round Up on Adolescent Health PT5, we explore the realities of teen vaping, substance use and why both remain a critical issue for clinicians and caregivers. While youth vaping rates have slightly declined, it is still the most common form of tobacco use among adolescents, with evolving products and social influences making prevention and intervention increasingly complex. This conversation dives into the science behind adolescent risk-taking; the powerful influence of marketing and social media; and the neurological factors that make teens particularly vulnerable to substance use. Most importantly, the episode highlights how nurse practitioners can identify early warning signs, start meaningful conversations with teens and support healthier coping strategies.
"Mr. Bob", a former drug dealer, is today a professional counselor for people who suffer from drug addiction. He shares his journey from dealing drugs, to becoming addicted, to recovery and his new career. He speaks on the role the environment and mental health play in the world of addiction.Support the show
Hopestream for parenting kids through drug use and addiction
ABOUT THE EPISODE:I have sat with hundreds of moms who came to me at completely different points in their child's substance use, and the gap between them has always struck me. One mom is barely breathing, convinced the worst is already happening. Another is quietly telling herself it might just be a phase. Neither one is wrong, exactly. What they both share is that they are navigating one of the most consequential situations of their lives without a real map.That gap, between what parents fear and what is actually happening, is exactly what this episode is about. Medicine has always used staging to give patients and families a language for urgency, for appropriate response, for what comes next. Parents of kids with substance use issues have never been handed anything like that. We are expected to assess, decide, and respond without the framework that clinicians spend years building.So in this episode, I am borrowing that idea because staging is one of the most useful concepts in medicine. It tells you where you are, how serious things actually are, and what kind of response fits the moment. I walk through four stages of substance use, what you might see on the surface, what is happening underneath, and how your role as a parent shifts at each one.What I want you to hear in this conversation is that you have more influence than you have probably been told. There is a 94% chance your child does not believe they have a problem yet. That is not a reason to give up. It is actually the case that makes you, the parent, the most important factor in whether they ever get help. This framework is not meant to frighten you into action. It is meant to give you the kind of clear-eyed picture that lets you stop reacting and start responding strategically.If you have been operating without a map, this one is for you. YOU'LL LEARN:The four stages of substance use and what each one actually looks like from the outsideWhy a quiet kid at home can be at a higher risk level than you thinkHow today's substances change the risk math at every stageWhat your role as a parent is, and why it matters more than you have probably been toldThe shift that moves you from reacting to responding strategicallyEPISODE RESOURCES:Dr. Anna Lembke episode Dr. Gabor Maté episodeWorried Sick free ebookThis podcast is part of a nonprofit called Hopestream CommunityLearn about The Stream, our private online community for momsFind us on Instagram hereWatch the podcast on YouTube hereDownload a free e-book, Worried Sick: A Compassionate Guide For Parents When Your Teen or Young Adult Child Misuses Drugs and AlcoholHopestream Community is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and an Amazon Associate. We may make a small commission if you purchase from our links.
Guest host Robin Gills talks to Kora DeBeck, Research Scientist with the B.C. Centre on Substance Use and Professor in the School of Public Policy at Simon Fraser University Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, JoDee and Susan talk to Holly Homan and Erin Mooney about substance abuse in the workplace. Topics include: Erin's journey in recovery What employers and leaders should understand about people in recovery Common signs and symptoms of substance use disorders How to approach substance use concerns with empathy How organizations can provide pathways for employees to get help Why it's important to have a trusted first provider and a clear plan Whether it's legal for HR to require an employee to complete a substance use evaluation or assessment In this episode's listener question, we're asked about questions to flush out transparency in candidates. In the news, research suggests that mothers leave the workforce not because of declining ambition but because of how work is structured. Full show notes and links are available here: https://getjoypowered.com/show-notes-episode-245-supporting-employees-through-substance-use-challenges/ A transcript of the episode can be found here: https://getjoypowered.com/transcript-episode-245-supporting-employees-through-substance-use-challenges/ To get 0.75 hour of SHRM recertification credit, fill out the evaluation here: https://getjoypowered.com/shrm/ (the SHRM credit code for this episode will expire on April 20, 2027) Become a member to get early and ad-free access to episodes, video, and more perks! Learn more at patreon.com/joypowered Connect with us: @JoyPowered on Instagram: https://instagram.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on Facebook: https://facebook.com/joypowered @JoyPowered on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/joypowered Sign up for our email newsletter: https://getjoypowered.com/newsletter/
What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment
In this series we talk with Dr. Jason Kilmer, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine. He specializes in the development, implementation, and evaluation of substance use prevention and intervention efforts on college campuses and among 18–25 year olds. While Dr. Kilmer focuses on college campuses, his insights are universal and particularly helpful for parents with teenagers of any age. Share these recordings with your parenting peers as you all navigate this exciting time in human development (ages 14–25) and work to help your kids navigate away from alcohol and other drugs.This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.
She thought she was going on a date. Instead, he took her to her first NA meeting—and that moment changed everything. After years of heavy drinking, drug use, and a near-fatal overdose, Katerina knew she needed to stop… but had no idea how. What started as confusion and frustration inside that meeting quickly turned into something unexpected: connection, honesty, and the realization that she wasn't alone. In this episode, she shares the moment that shifted her path, how addiction took over her life, and what finally helped her begin the journey to recovery. Sometimes the thing you need most shows up when you least expect it. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Childhood & Early Exposure to Alcohol 01:00 Drinking Becomes a Daily Habit 02:00 Life in Colombia & Escalating Drug Use 04:00 Daily Drug Cycle & Loss of Control 05:00 Overdose & Waking Up in the Hospital 06:20 Trying to Stop But Can't 09:50 First NA Meeting Experience 11:30 Asking for Help & Going to Rehab 13:00 Early Recovery Struggles 15:00 Returning Home & Rebuilding Life 16:30 Recovery Routine & Personal Growth 17:30 Moving to the U.S. & New Opportunities 19:10 Relapse After Success 20:30 Loss, Grief & Finding Recovery Again 21:50 Discovering Multiple Pathways to Recovery 23:20 Advice for Someone New in Recovery ----Across the Web----
In this episode of The Workplace podcast, CalChamber Associate General Counsel for Labor and Employment Matthew Roberts and CalChamber General Counsel for Labor and Employment Bianca Saad explore how California employers can navigate drug and alcohol issues in the workplace amid evolving legal standards.
Treating eating disorders alongside co-occurring substance use can be complex, and many individuals wonder what should be addressed first—or what support is available when you're in treatment for an eating disorder. In this episode, Laura and Sam sit down with Alexis Hill, one of the Team Leaders at Renfrew's residential program in Philadelphia, to explore these important questions. Alexis shares insight into Renfrew's specialized programming, including individualized treatment goals, substance use–specific groups, opportunities to engage in community support, and ways to effectively utilize one's support system. We'll uncover the ways Renfrew's treatment model is able to target emotional avoidance, the common denominator of both disorders. If you or someone you know is navigating both an eating disorder and substance use, this episode highlights how treating both is possible—and how the power of community can foster sustainable change. If you enjoy our show, please rate, review, subscribe, and tell your friends and colleagues! Interested in being a guest on All Bodies. All Foods.? Email podcast@renfrewcenter.com for a chance to be featured. All Bodies. All Foods. is a podcast by The Renfrew Center. Visit us at: https://renfrewcenter.com/
In this episode, I'm sharing some of the most powerful, science-backed strategies you can use to help motivate your teen to change their relationship with substances — without the yelling, punishing, lecturing, or ultimatums that likely haven't been working. Drawing from the highly regarded book Beyond Addiction, I walk you through two of the most effective tools available to parents of teens struggling with drug or alcohol use: motivational interviewing and the CRAFT method (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), which research has shown to be more effective than traditional intervention approaches and Al-Anon. Show Notes and TranscriptFind our FREE Parenting Guides Here"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so thankful for your podcast! ...I'm so happy I discovered it!" Speaking of Teens Listener^If you feel the same way, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps people know the show is worth their time to listen. Tap here, to go to Apple podcasts, and scroll down until you see the STARS to tap on the last star, then tap on “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about the show. If you're listening in Spotify, you can also rate the show by going to the main episode page and tap the 3 dots to the right of the follow button, tap rate show and tap the 5th star!Thank you in advance for helping me help more parents!Check out PARENT CAMP - a cohort-based, 10-week experience that includes a virtual course, in-depth exercises and tools, and weekly live meetings with Ann, where you will learn how to strengthen your relationship and decrease the conflict with your teens and tweens (while improving their behavior.)The 5-Day Reboot: From Conflict to Cooperation - receive bite-sized lessons in your in-box for 5 days that will make a huge difference between you and your teen...for under $50!Check out the podcast on YouTube!Email Ann at acoleman@speakingofteens.com Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram Read Speaking of Teens weekly articles on Substack Join our Facebook Group for Free Support for Parents and others who care for Teens (and get easy access to all the parenting guides above!)See My Recommended Books For Both You And Your Teen
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Deconstructing Comp, what was intended to be a conversation about when substance use is considered industrial… turned into a much deeper exploration of how, and why, care in workers' compensation often breaks down.Yvonne and Rafael talk to Dr. Tomer Anbar and Dr. Ramsey Ali and enjoy a powerful, layered conversation that challenges how we think about care in workers' compensation.Dr. Anbar takes us back to the origins of the workers' compensation system: why it was created, how it was structured, and where the “architecture of care” has started to break down over time. He reframes workers' compensation not just as a set of rules and processes, but as a living ecosystem that requires alignment between medical care, human behavior, and system design.A central theme emerges throughout the conversation: we need to stop chasing a diagnosis! Dr. Anbar says, “At some point, we have to stop chasing the diagnosis and start treating the human in front of us.” Anbar suggests that instead of focusing solely on labeling conditions, we should shift toward a better understanding of function, behavior, and the full biopsychosocial picture driving recovery, or the lack of it.Dr. Ali builds on this foundation with a deep dive into PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD) in the workers' compensation setting; two conditions that are often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, or treated in isolation. Dr. Anbar explains how this contributes to disability and unnecessary epidemics. Together, they explore how these conditions intersect, how delayed recovery takes hold, and why fragmented care models often miss what matters most.Dr. Anbar also introduces the concept of psychoneuroimmunology, highlighting the connection between the mind, nervous system, and immune response, and reinforcing the idea that recovery is complex, dynamic, and deeply human.This episode invites listeners to think differently about causation, complexity, and the human experience behind every claim, and challenges the industry to move beyond diagnosis-driven thinking toward a more integrated, evidence-based, and human-centered approach.Dr. Anbar references a recent article in PRIMA Public Risk Magazine titled, How Risk and Claims Leadership Are Reversing the PTSD and Disability Crisis Among First Responders.Yvonne mentions a recent Institutes of Health webinar titled When Substance Use is Industrial. ¡Muchas Gracias! Thank you for listening. We would appreciate you sharing our podcast with your friends on social media. Find Yvonne and Rafael on Linked In or follow us on Twitter @deconstructcomp
In this episode, I'm joined by Colleen Kraft—a pediatrician of 36 years and a mother of three—who shares the story of her son Tim, who died by suicide in February of 2022 at the age of 31.Tim's journey included late-onset schizophrenia, beginning with early psychosis in his late twenties. Together, we explore what it looks like to love someone through serious mental illness, the challenges families face within the mental health system, and the difficult reality of navigating care when answers are limited.Colleen brings both her medical insight and her lived experience as a mother into this conversation, helping us better understand psychosis, its impact, and why it can lead to dangerous or unpredictable outcomes.We also talk about the questions so many of us carry after loss—the what ifs, the unknowns—and how we begin to move forward while still holding love, grief, and connection.This conversation is both informative and deeply human—offering insight, validation, and a reminder that you are not alone.Resources mentioned in this episode:Schizophrenia and Psychosis Action Alliance https://sczaction.org/Podcast: Schizophrenia: Three Moms in the Trenches https://schizophrenia3momsinthetrenches.buzzsprout.com/Norway's Patient Pathways for Mental Health & Substance Use https://www.helsenorge.no/en/psykisk-helse/patient-pathway-for-mental-health-and-substance-abuse/EPI-NET (Early Psychosis Intervention Network) https://nationalepinet.org/Children and Screens: Digital Media & Youth Mental Health (Free Handbook) https://www.childrenandscreens.org/newsroom/news/children-and-screens-announces-groundbreaking-handbook-on-digital-medias-impact-on-children-and-adolescents/Book: The Wild Edge of Sorrow by Francis Weller Support the show__________________________________________________________________________Get THE Leftover Pieces APP & don't miss anything! CLICK HERE
Omari Richins, MPH of Public Health Careers podcast talks with Alexander Bonano, MPH, a Health Equity in All Policies Project Manager at Boston Public Health Commission.In this episode, Alexander Bonano, MPH, shares how he's advancing racial equity within public health systems at the Boston Public Health Commission. We explore what “Health Equity in All Policies” looks like in practice, common misconceptions about equity work, and how authentic community engagement can drive real systems change. This conversation offers honest insights for anyone looking to build a meaningful career in public health.
Starting your career in social work can feel overwhelming. With so many paths available—medical social work, schools, nonprofits, private practice, community mental health—it's easy to wonder if you're choosing the right job. In this episode, Earvin and Catherine talk about what they wish they knew as new social workers navigating new career settings and finding a role that truly fits personal strengths and values.Whether you're a new MSW graduate, an associate social worker, or early in your social work career, this conversation will help you think more strategically about your job search, professional growth, and long-term career goals.You'll hear real advice on exploring different areas of social work, building professional relationships, and giving yourself permission to grow into the profession rather than expecting to have everything figured out right away.Earvin Casciano, MSW, LSW is a licensed social worker in New Jersey who works as a full-time group facilitator at a Substance Use and Mental Health treatment center. Additionally, he works as a part-time therapist at a private practice near the Jersey shore. Earvin is a recent graduate from the College of Social Work at Florida State University. ____________________________________Tap Here to Subscribe to the Social Workers, Rise! Email Resource ListTap Here to shop career courses for Social Workers.____________________________________Thank you to our SPONSORSHPSO Professional liability insurance designed for healthcare providersRISE Directory for Clinical Supervision
Send us a message!In this episode of The Broken Pack™: Stories of Sibling Loss, Dr. Dean talks with Nina Rodriguez, creator and host of the Grief and Light podcast and online grief support platform. Nina lost her only sibling, Yosef, to fentanyl poisoning in 2019. This episode explores the unique layers of sibling loss, the shame and secrecy that can surround addiction, and what it means to continue being a sister after your brother is gone. In this episode you will hear Nina's story of growing up as Yosef's big sister and how his loss became the catalyst for Grief and Light.You will also hear about the complexities of sibling grief including identity after loss, the unspoken grief hierarchy, birth order dynamics, and why the five-year milestone isn't the finish line you think it is.Be inspired by Nina's commitment to shining a light on grief, honoring Yosef's legacy, and embracing Life's Little Pleasures.Connect with Nina Rodriguez:Podcast: Grief and Light (available on all platforms)YouTube: YouTubeSubstack: Resting Grief FaceFree Download: Grief Tending ToolkitSocial Media: @griefandlightResources:In the US:If you believe you are witnessing an overdose, call 911 or your country's emergency number immediately even if you are administering Narcan.Call SAMHSA's National Helpline is 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or Text your 5-digit ZIP Code to 435748 (HELP4U) or call a warmline.For more immediate crisis call 911, 988, or go to the nearest emergency room.Peer support: https://warmline.org/warmdir.htmlInternationalIn the UK, related resources: https://tinyurl.com/3fknb36cPeer supporSupport the showIf you would like more information or to share your own sibling loss story, please contact Dr. Angela Dean at contact@thebrokenpack.com or go to our website, thebrokenpack.com. Please like, subscribe, and share! Please follow us on social media:Facebook: @BrokenPackInstagram: @thebrokenpack TikTok: @the_broken_packYouTube: @thebrokenpack Sign-up for Wild Grief™, our newsletter: https://thebrokenpack.substack.com/ Thank you!Angela M. Dean, PsyD, FTCredits:The Broken Pack™ Podcast is produced by Not Done Here Media"If Tomorrow Starts Without Me" © ℗ 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Performed by Fuji Sounds (feat. Joe Mylward) Written by Joe Mylward and Brian Dean Licensed for use to The Broken Pack™ Now available on all streaming platforms including Apple Music & Spotify: https://tiny...
Dr. Deepa Camenga joins guest host Dr. Khadijia Tribié Reid to talk about teen substance use. They delve into the health effects of vaping and other popular tobacco and marijuana products and how they're marketed to young people. They also explore controlled substances like fentanyl and steps parents can take to protect their kids and the wider community. For resources go to healthychildren.org/podcast.
What happens when a student in recovery returns to a campus built around drinking culture?In this episode, Tom Bannard shares his own path from addiction, legal consequences, and a felony conviction to leading one of the largest collegiate recovery programs in Virginia. Now the Assistant Director for Substance Use and Recovery Support at VCU, Tom explains why most college campuses are not designed for students navigating addiction — and what it actually takes to change that.Joanna and Tom discuss readiness after treatment, the real risks of rushing back to school, and what families should look for when considering a collegiate recovery program. If your student is in recovery and thinking about returning to campus, this conversation will challenge assumptions and offer clarity about what support truly means.Tom's Resources: Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)Rams in RecoveryLinkedIn: Tom BannardInstagram: @ramsinrecoveryConnect with Joanna Lilley Therapeutic Consulting AssociationLilley Consulting WebsiteLilley Consulting on Facebook Lilley Consulting on YouTubeEmail: joanna@lilleyconsulting.com#TherapeuticConsulting #LilleyConsulting #Successful #TherapeuticPrograms #Therapy #MentalHealthMatters #MentalHealthAwareness #Podcast #PodcastCommunity #TheJourney #SuccessIsSubjectivePodcast #TheUnpavedRoad #PFCAudioVideo #CollegiateRecovery #RamsInRecovery #TomBannard #VirginiaCommonwealthUniversity #VCU
Welcome to PsychEd, the psychiatry podcast for medical learners, by medical learners. This short episode covers harm reduction principles.Hosts: Dr. Andrew Nguyen, Dr. Zakia Hussain, and Shelly PalchikAudio editing: Dr. Kate BraithwaiteEpisode Evaluation: Dr. Angad SinghResources:Chapter 4: Substance Use and Addictive Disorders. In Kaplan & Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry: Behavioral SciencesServing Clients Who Use Substances: A guide for community workersA Harm Reduction Approach (Alberta Health Services)References:Alberta Health Services. A Harm Reduction Approach: Key Principles.BC Centre for Disease Control (2023). Harm Reduction Services & Supply Guidelines.Canadian Mental Health Association Ontario. Harm Reduction.Ontario Ministry of Health (2018). Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction Guideline.NL Centre for Applied Health Research (2020). Harm Reduction 101.Public Health Agency of Canada. Reducing Stigma Toward People Who Use Drugs.For more PsychEd, follow us on Instagram (@psyched.podcast), Facebook (PsychEd Podcast), X (@psychedpodcast), and Bluesky (@psychedpodcast.bsky.social). You can email us at psychedpodcast@gmail.com and visit our website at psychedpodcast.org.
In this lesson, we practice how to start a clinical conversation about drug use in Spanish. We focus on asking clear, professional, and respectful questions to use in the hospital, clinic, or emergency room. The post Medical Spanish for Asking About Substance Use appeared first on Doc Molly.
Dr. Kathryn Paige Harden, PhD, is a psychologist, behavioral geneticist and professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. We discuss how genes interact with your upbringing to shape your level of risk-taking and morality. We also discuss how genes shape propensity for addiction and impulsivity in males versus females. Finally, we discuss how biology impacts societal views of sinning, punishment and forgiveness. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Pre-order Protocols: https://go.hubermanlab.com/protocols Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Lingo: https://hellolingo.com/huberman Our Place: https://fromourplace.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:00) Kathryn Paige Harden (00:03:10) Adolescents, Genes & Life Trajectory; Adolescence Ages (00:06:44) Puberty, Aging & Differences; Epigenome; Cognition (00:14:05) Sponsors: BetterHelp & Lingo (00:16:45) Puberty Onset & Family; Communication & Empathy (00:22:26) 7 Deadly Sins, Substance Use & Conduct Disorders, Genes (00:27:33) Family History; Genes & Brain Development (00:33:05) Personality & Temperament, Motivation, Addiction; Trauma (00:37:59) Knowing Genetic Risk & Outcomes; Understanding Family History (00:46:06) Sponsor: AG1 (00:46:57) Genetic Information & Decision Making; Personal Identity & Uncovering Family (00:52:12) Nature vs Nurture, Bad Genes?; Aggression, Childhood & Males (01:00:17) The Original Sin; Whitman Case & Brain Tumor; Genetic Predisposition (01:10:31) Free Will; Genes & Moral Judgement; Skillful Care for Kids; Social Cooperation (01:21:03) Breaking the Cycle; Genetic Recombination & Differences; Identity (01:25:21) Sponsor: Our Place (01:27:01) Status, Dominance, Science; Positive Attributes of Negative Traits (01:36:15) Relational Aggression & Girls; Male-Female Differences & Conflict (01:40:36) Genes, Boys vs Girls, Impulse Control (01:45:00) Behavior Punishment vs Rewards, Responsibility (01:51:29) Sponsor: Helix Sleep (01:53:03) Accountability; Suffering, Cancel Culture & Punishment (02:00:01) Life Energy & Punishment, Prison (02:08:16) Backward vs Forward-Looking Justice; Forgiveness, Retribution, Power, Choice (02:16:11) Reward, Unfairness & Inequality (02:21:59) Punishment, Reward & Power; Online vs In-Person Communities (02:29:49) Identical Twin Differences; Genetic Influence & Age; Sunlight & Genes (02:39:24) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Super sweet talk with Anders Beck! Say it with an 'ah-nders' not 'and-ers'. Anders tells us jis whole musical/drug/alcohol story! Nothing left out - including the crazy intervention and playing with phil lesh! May he rest in peace! PLUS sick email from Montana in prison! (thanks Nicole!) An amazing dildo filled voicemail from Daniel G! A nice mention from Steve from New Hampshire and so much more more more!PLUS Ander's beautiful song 'Born Again' performed by Greensky Bluegrass, Anders' bonus dobro playing, Damon's 'Dopey World' and Jake from West Virginia's classic version of 'Good So Bad'ALL THAT and more, more, more on this brand new episode of that good old Dopey Show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dr. Keith Humphreys is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine and a leading expert on treating addictions, drug laws and policy. We discuss all the major addictive substances and behaviors, including alcohol, opioids, gambling, stimulants, nicotine, cannabis and more, focusing on how genetics and certain use patterns shape addiction susceptibility. We discuss the best evidence-based tools for recovery, from 12-step programs to emerging treatments such as psychedelics and ibogaine. Anyone interested in making better choices for their health and/or seeking to avoid or overcome addictions ought to benefit from this episode. Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/huberman David: https://davidprotein.com/huberman BetterHelp: https://betterhelp.com/huberman Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Timestamps (00:00:58) Keith Humphreys (00:03:22) Addiction; Genetic Risk (00:09:14) Alcohol Use Disorder & Alcoholism; Genetic Predisposition & Addiction Risk (00:18:03) Sponsors: David & BetterHelp (00:20:37) Women & Alcohol Use; Young Adults; Cannabis Use (00:23:36) Health Benefit to Alcohol?, Red Wine, Cancer Risk; Social Pressure (00:31:47) Alcohol in Social Gatherings, Social Anxiety, Vulnerability, Work & Dates (00:37:41) Old vs New Cannabis & THC Levels; Smoked vs Edible Forms (00:44:38) Cannabis & Psychosis Risk; Cardiac Health; Youth Cannabis Use & Transition to Adulthood (00:52:29) Sponsor: AG1 (00:54:13) Industries of Addiction, Regulation; Gambling, Slot Machines, Novelty; Casinos (01:05:28) Decriminalization vs Legalization; Cannabis, Gateway Drug? (01:08:50) Psylocibin or LSD, Addiction Treatment; Microdosing, Clinical Trial Challenges (01:18:58) Sponsor: Helix Sleep (01:20:32) Brain Plasticity & Age; Ketamine, Depression, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) (01:28:10) SSRIs, Mass Shootings, Suicide, Side Effects; Drug Approval; Ibogaine & PTSD (01:36:10) Caffeine Addiction?; Stimulants & Rehab; Prescription Stimulants & ADHD (01:44:04) Nicotine, Mistaking Withdrawal for Benefit (01:47:24) Sponsor: LMNT (01:48:44) Tool: How to Talk to Someone with Addiction (01:55:23) Perception of Addicts, Character Defect, Pain (02:00:58) Overcoming Addiction, Immediate Rewards, AA; Addict & Co-Dependency? (02:09:53) Longterm Drug Use, Dopamine, Cues & Relapse; Social Media (02:16:21) Brain Stimulation, TMS; Homelessness, Substance Use & Rehab (02:26:11) Addiction Treatment Policy, Rehab & Insurance (02:29:08) Tool: 12-Step Programs, AA, Accessibility & Benefits (02:38:08) AA, Higher Power, Cult?; Flexibility, Tool: Open AA Meetings (02:44:38) GLP-1s, Weight Loss, Alcohol Addiction; Pharmaceutical Advertisements (02:52:39) Social Media Addiction, Tool: Avoiding Social Media Strategies (02:58:36) “Failure to Launch”, Youth, Video Games, Social Media; Recovery Pathways (03:04:13) AA as an Action Program, Tool: Try Different AA Meetings (03:08:21) Hospice, Death, Overcoming Fear of Death (03:13:54) Addiction to Escape Death?, Desire for Oblivion (03:18:11) Men vs Women & Addiction; Lying; Relapse; Fentanyl & Addiction Advice (03:24:27) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Follow, Reviews & Feedback, Sponsors, Protocols Book, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textThe badge asks for everything, then hands you a shift change and a smile. We sat down with returning guest, licensed clinical social worker Alexis Silva, to dig into the quiet realities behind the uniform: why trust is scarce, why stigma is sticky, and how substance use becomes a steady companion long before it becomes a crisis. Alexis works almost exclusively with first responders, military, and veterans, and brings her own sobriety and family experience to the table. That honesty opens a door many are afraid to touch—because careers are on the line, documentation feels risky, and walking into a room where you don't have to translate the language of the job can be the difference between shutting down and speaking up.We break apart common myths: not every struggle is trauma from the job; for many, it starts with childhood adversity, genetics, and family patterns. Alcohol, THC, and benzos promise relief and steal sleep, fueling irritability, poor decisions, and conflict at home. We unpack the tipping point where use shifts from choice to maintenance—when your body drives the next drink—and why matching care to risk matters. Sometimes inpatient comes first, then outpatient therapy and groups, so progress isn't crushed by daily stress. We also go beyond substances to behavioral addictions like gambling, tracing how the chase hooks into the same adrenaline circuits that make first responders so good under pressure.Across the hour, we map practical steps you can use today: how to assess risk without shame, how to reset routines every few career years, what honest partner check-ins sound like, and how peer support and culturally competent clinicians reduce fear of being “the problem” at the station. If you've wondered whether your coping is helping or hiding, this conversation offers a clear path forward—grounded, direct, and built for people who don't have time for fluff.If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help other first responders find it. Your story isn't a liability—it's a starting point.If you want to reach Alexa, please go to https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alexa-silva-chelmsford-ma/1140390Freed.ai: We'll Do Your SOAP Notes!Freed AI converts conversations into SOAP note.Use code Steve50 for $50 off the 1st month!Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast
Send us a textThe most downloaded conversation of the year returns for a reason: it's the raw, practical guide first responders and their families keep asking for. We sit with Sgt. Michael Sugrue—Air Force security forces veteran, Walnut Creek Police sergeant, and author of Relentless Courage—to talk about the weight of hundreds of traumatic calls, how a 2012 shooting upended his life, and the exact steps that pulled him back from the edge.Michael breaks down why suicide remains the top threat for police, fire, EMS, and dispatch: a culture that prizes invincibility, training that skips mental readiness, and an identity so fused to the job that retirement can feel like free fall. He explains how “silent” suicides hide in line‑of‑duty risks, why official counts underreport the crisis, and what leadership must do to turn the tide. We go deep on solutions: culturally competent therapy, confidential peer lines, retreats like West Coast Post‑Trauma Retreat and Save A Warrior, and daily practices—meditation, gratitude, strength work, honest conversations—that sustain real resilience.We also challenge common myths. Therapy doesn't take your gun; it gives you your life back. EMDR helps many but not all; the real power is a personalized toolkit. Early intervention keeps stress acute and treatable; waiting turns injuries into entrenched patterns that cost careers and families. Michael's book, co‑authored with Dr. Shauna Springer, bridges the gap between gut‑level storytelling and clear psychology, giving responders and loved ones a shared language to start hard conversations and map a path forward.If you serve—or love someone who does—this is a roadmap to stay in the fight without losing yourself. Hit play, share it with a partner or teammate, and let's normalize help as a standard of care. If the episode resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and pass it to one person who needs to hear it today.You can reach Michael on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgtmichaelsugrue?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appSupport the showYouTube Channel For The Podcast