Awkward Conversations

"Walking the Talk: Consistent Messaging and Role Modeling in Drug Use Prevention" explores the critical theme of shaping children's attitudes toward drug use through consistent messaging and modeling behavior. Our host Jodie Sweetin and Dr. Krystal Lewis are joined by Erin Wick, Senior Director of Behavioral Health and Integrated Student Supports, and Melora Hardin, an Emmy-nominated actor and mot...

Continuing the important conversation on encouraging a drug-free college experience, our hosts Jodie Sweetin and Dr. Krystal Lewis, along with their guests, delve deeper into the challenges and solutions for college-bound students and their families. Dr. Calvin Mackie shares personal experiences and innovative methods to stay connected with college students, emphasizing validation and open communi...

In this two-part episode, titled "On Their Own But Not Alone: Encouraging a Drug-Free College Experience," begins with the excitement and challenges of sending your kids off to college, a milestone that every parent faces. Dr. Allison M. Smith, Assistant Commissioner for Student Health and Wellness at the Louisiana Board of Regents, contributes valuable insights into the primary factors behind dru...

Jodie Sweetin and Krystal Lewis, a clinical psychologist at National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), are joined by special guest Jodee Blanco, a prominent anti-bullying advocate and renowned author, to tackle the hidden triggers of substance use tied to bullying during Anti-Bullying Week for this week's episode called "Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers of Substance Use". They explore t...

In "One Pill Can Kill", hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by two distinguished guests who shed light on the perilous world of fake pills and fentanyl. Rich Lucey, a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration's Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section, brings invaluable expertise in drug misuse prevention and education. Joe Bozenko, a Senior Rese...

Welcome to From Past to Present: The Changing Landscape of Drugs. In this episode, hosts Jodie and Amy are joined by Wendy Woolcock, the DEA's Deputy Chief of Operations and Dean Esserman, a former Prosecutor, General Counsel, and Police Chief. Beyond their esteemed professional titles, Wendy and Dean are parents themselves, bringing a personal and deeply empathetic perspective to our discussion....

In this week's episode titled "Prescription Drugs: Safety at Home," hosted by Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy and featuring guests Luis Agostini, Public Affairs Specialist at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and Dr. Heather DiBlasi, a distinguished author and revered addiction psychologist, listeners are taken on an eye-opening journey into the world of prescription drug safety. This infor...

In Episode 10 of Awkward Conversations, "Red Ribbon Week", Jodie and Amy talk to Myrna Camarena, retired federal employee from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration,  about Agent Kiki, Myrna's brother, shedding light on his tragic death. Myrna also shares the story behind wearing the red ribbon, a symbol with a powerful message. As the episode unfolds, Myrna explores the messages Kiki...

Welcome to the second part of  "Mental Health & Drug Use," where we continue the conversation about the dynamics between mental well-being and drug use among youth. Joining Jodie is co-host and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Krystal, alongside psychotherapist and author Amy Morin. This episode discusses practical strategies, resources, and impactful conversations that empower parents, educators, and...

In this two-part episode titled 'Mental Health & Drug Use Pt. 1,' Jodie and esteemed co-host Dr. Krystal, an adolescent psychiatrist, along with psychotherapist and author Amy Morin delve into the intricate dynamics between mental well-being and drug use among youth. Honoring Mental Health Awareness Week, the trio engages in an insightful conversation that illuminates the linkages between self-med...

As your teenager approaches the exhilarating yet nerve-wracking milestone of obtaining their driver's license, join us for a compelling episode titled "New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers." In this insightful conversation, our expert hosts, Amy, Jodie, and Rick, delve into the critical juncture of teenage peer pressure, drug use, and driving safety.   This episode...

In a world where early intervention can make all the difference, Episode 6 of our series, "No Time to Waste: Getting Help for Your Child's Drug Use," delves into the vital realm of preventing and addressing adolescent drug misuse. From recognizing the signs of drug misuse to navigating the myriad of resources available, this episode embarks on a journey of knowledge and compassion, equipping you w...

Today's Awkward Conversation is a revisit from last season, which is knowing the signs of possible drug use and what to do. Our host, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Timothy P. McMahon who has been employed by the DEA since 1998 and Amy McCarthy, Clinical Social Worker at Boston Children's Hospital. Special Agent McMahon shares common ways that kids hide drugs in plain sight and what signs to look for...

In this heartfelt episode of Awkward Conversations, we embark on an emotional journey with Deborah as she shares her daughter Dana's struggle with substance misuse, which ultimately took her life. Joanna, Dana's childhood friend, also joins the conversation and provides valuable insights on recognizing signs of substance misuse. Deborah discusses the challenges she faced, including her desperate a...

Welcome to Part 2 of our two-part special, "Not Just a Game: Student Athletes & Opioids." As fall sports begin, this episode takes a comprehensive look at the alarming issue of opioid misuse among student athletes. Our expert guest, Dr. Averill Sutchar, Founder of Physio Project HQ , brings his expertise in sports injuries and physical therapy to the discussion. We explore the reasons behind opioi...

Join hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy in part one of this insightful two-part episode of Awkward Conversations where they engage in candid discussions about body image, wellness, and the crucial issue of drug misuse - critical subjects that resonate with all teens, whether they are casual athletes, standout high school sports stars, or not involved in sports at all. In this episode, they're jo...

Welcome to Season 3 of Awkward Conversations, where we delve into crucial topics that help parents build strong relationships with their children and navigate the challenges of modern-day parenting. In our first episode, we lay the foundation for the entire season by exploring the paramount importance of building a bond with our kids. Our expert guest, Dr. Shefali, a renowned clinical psychologist...

Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy, Director of Social Work for the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program (ASAP) at Boston Children's Hospital; Bob Sabouni Executive Producer of Awkward Conversations and actor and directorJake Busey.  Someday your child will ask you if you used drugs. What will you say when that question comes your way? Does genetics play a part in the predispos...

Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy, Dr. Aida Balsano, Director for Prevention Communications and Public Engagement at the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and Robert Vincent, Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Ultimately our goal is to help parents have"The Talk." If it hasn't happene...

SHOW NOTES: Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy, Dr. Aida Balsano, Special Assistant to the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and Robert Vincent, Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration . Ultimately our goal is to help parents have "The Talk." In this episode, we will discuss k...

Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy, Dr. Aida Balsano, Special Assistant to the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and Robert Vincent, Associate Administrator for Alcohol Prevention and Treatment Policy at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration . Ultimately our goal is to help parents have "The Talk" if it hasn't happened yet, then let's be prepar...

Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy and Special Agent William (Bill) Bodner in Charge of DEA's Los Angeles Field Division. It's common and often warranted for parents to be anxious and concerned for the things their children may get into online. Countless ways exist for children to run into potentially dangerous situations including retail drug trafficking, once relegated to the dark web...

Host Jodie Sweetin is joined by Amy McCarthy and divorce mediator Judith Weigle, who discuss the importance of consistency in co-parenting  as well as the need for security while co-parenting.  In this episode we will discuss the importance of dealing with your own pain, establishing a consistent message, the role of stepparents and other elements that come into play in co-parenting situations. Of...

In part two of "Helping Kids De-stress", emphasis is placed on parents de-stressing as well as their children. Jodie Sweetin, Amy McCarthy, Dr. Lewis, Erin Wick, and Daniel Logan continue to discuss strategies for helping kids regulate their emotions. Tune in as they talk about modeling behaviors such as admitting when you are wrong, de-stressing together, and creating environments to have fun tog...

Stress can be crippling and learning to identify emotions can be hard. On today's episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy talk about the unprecedented amount of stress kids are under with  Erin Wick, Senior Behavioral Health & Student Support Director, and Dr. Krystal Lewis a psychologist at the National Institute of Mental Health. The group discusses how to differentiate between stress and anxiet...