Conversations with Cumberland Heights

Episode 25: In Episode 25 of Conversations with Cumberland Heights host Dr. Nick Hayes engages in a heartfelt discussion of recovery, reflections, and resilience with Jamie Abner, Family Ambassador at Family First Adolescent Services . Jamie shares her extensive experience in adolescent and family behavioral health, detailing her inspiring journey from addiction to advocacy. She opens up about her...

Episode 24: Join Dr. Nick Hayes on “ Conversations with Cumberland Heights ,” where Steve Lee shares his personal journey from addiction to recovery. With over a decade in addiction treatment, Steve emphasizes the crucial role of personal connections in healing. Gain insights into addiction treatment and witness the resilience that defines recovery. This conversation explores hope, growth, and the...

Episode 23: In this episode, Dr. Nick Hayes and Laura Ezell discuss the critical elements of effective youth treatment programs. They emphasize the importance of being fully staffed and adhering to state regulations to ensure high-quality care. The conversation highlights the need for robust feedback loops within organizations to create a safe and responsive environment for both staff and clients....

Episode 22: In this episode, Dr. Nick Hayes interviews Jaime Gibbons, who shares her journey of overcoming addiction through community support and accountability. Jaime emphasizes the crucial role that supportive programs and peer networks played in her recovery process. Dr. Hayes and Jaime discuss the importance of connection and structured support in achieving and maintaining sobriety. This epis...

Episode 21: In this podcast episode, Dr. Nick Hayes and guest Kenny Davis discuss the common issues faced by adolescents at Arch Academy, particularly focusing on addiction and mental health diagnoses like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. They explore how removing substances reveals underlying behaviors and emotions, emphasizing the importance of teaching new coping and communication skills. Kenny D...

Episode 20: Robin and Todd are longtime Cumberland Heights employees with their own recovery journeys. In this episode, they share their insights on the process of getting a patient into addiction treatment. Together, they explore the various pathways individuals take on their journey towards healing from addiction. Through their candid conversation, listeners gain valuable perspectives on the cha...

Episode 19: In this episode, Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with country music icon Tayla Lynn and delves into her story of battling addiction in the spotlight. Through a candid interview and reflections, they explore the highs and lows of fame, the pressures of success, and the path to redemption. Tayla Lynn uncovered the raw emotions, triumphs, and setbacks faced along her journey and offers insights...

Episode 18: In this episode, we’re joined by Jim Geckler, Chief Operating Officer of Onsite Workshops. Jim shares insights into the unique programs offered by Onsite, including their milestones program for residential trauma recovery and their experiential workshops, which have been transforming lives for over 40 years. From their trauma outpatient program in Nashville to their intensive healing r...

Episode 17: On this episode, Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Gary Fisher, a distinguished figure in the addiction treatment center industry, as they explore his humble approach and rich history within the field. Through insightful discussions, Gary shares stories from his introduction into the field, his own recovery, and the important components that make a positive impact on a patient’s journey. T...

Episode 16: Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Cumberland Heights CEO Jay Crosson. Jay began his career with Cumberland Heights in 1993 and accepted his role as Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Prior to becoming CEO, Jay was the Chief Financial Officer for the organization. In this episode, Nick picks Jay’s brain about what it’s like to be a CEO, what paths led him to where he is now, and what are some...

Episode 15: Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Cumberland Heights legend and recovery industry hero, Walt Quinn. Walt is a man of much history, sharing stories from his many years of influence in the field. You’ll hear about his time working the Ice Capades to launching the first ever Concert for Cumberland Heights. He’ll make you laugh, he’ll make you cry, and he’ll leave you feeling inspired to get u...

Episode 14: Join Dr. Nick Hayes as he dives deep with musician, father, husband, and long-time Nashville resident Jamie Johnson. Jamie gives us an in-depth look into what it was like battling addiction while on the road with some of Nashville’s most influential musicians. He recalls the moment he know he would lose his family and how his journey to complete restoration. Jamie is authentic and a gr...

Episode 13: Dr. Nick Hayes welcomes Nashville local and TV personality Jason Wahler to this week’s podcast. Best known for his appearances on MTV’s Laguna Beach and The Hills, Jason has a long, yet redemptive story of recovery. With the unique nature of publicly battling addiction in the spotlight, Jason’s road to recovery wasn’t easy. Listen in to learn more about Jason’s story of addiction, what...

Episode 12: Dr. Nick Hayes sits down with Hall of Fame wrestling legend Jeff Jarrett. Known for his illustrious career in the ring, Jeff talks about how he got started in the family business of sports entertainment and opens up about his personal battle with addiction and his path to sobriety. Listeners will hear firsthand how Jeff’s wrestling mentality of resilience and determination translated i...

Episode 11: Join Dr. Nick Hayes in a thought-provoking conversation with Nikki Soda, Membership Officer for the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP), on the latest episode of Cumberland Heights Podcast. Dive deep into the realms of behavioral health, conferences, ethics in addiction treatment, and the dynamic evolution of treatment practices. Explore the multifaceted lands...

Episode 10: In this heartfelt episode of Cumberland Heights Podcast, join Dr. Nick Hayes as he welcomes Cumberland Heights Alumni Coordinator, Casey Hyatt. Casey shares his inspiring journey of addiction, recovery, and the profound impact of building connection within the recovery community. Casey opens up about his role as a Recovery Care Advocate, crafting an atmosphere of recovery, and creating...

Episode 9: Dr. Nick Hayes of Cumberland Heights Podcast welcomes Patrick Custer, host of the @rootedrecoverystories podcast and Communications Liaison at @promisesbehavioralhealth. In this deeply personal episode, Patrick shares his remarkable journey—from podcasting and addiction recovery to facing his worst fear and embracing the precious moments of life. Explore the roots of Patrick’s podcastin...

Episode 8: Step into the personal and professional lives of two remarkable individuals on this episode of Cumberland Heights Podcast, hosted by Dr. Nick Hayes. Join Jeff Wilson, Clinical Director of the Young Men’s and Extended Care programs, and Travis Hupp, Clinical Director of Milieu Management, as they candidly discuss their journey from best friends to colleagues at Cumberland Heights. Dive i...

Episode 7: Join Dr. Nick Hayes on Cumberland Heights Podcast for a special episode as he welcomes Paul Citro, a living legend with over 40 years of dedication to Cumberland Heights. Paul shares captivating stories from his journey, reflecting on the transformative experiences that have shaped the renowned non-profit treatment center in Nashville. Embark on a nostalgic journey with Paul, from the u...

Episode 6: Join Dr. Nick Hayes on the Cumberland Heights Podcast as he welcomes the incredible Jason Schneidman, widely known as @themensgroomer. In this captivating episode, Jason shares his personal story of addiction and recovery, shedding light on his impactful work in helping others find care, addressing homelessness, practicing self-care, and styling the hair of celebrities. Jason’s journey...

Episode 5 – Dr. Nick Hayes welcomes Claire Fierman and Katie White from A Center For Eating Disorders to the podcast for a conversation about eating disorders, treatment, health, wellness, recovery, addiction, social media, education, and much more

Episode 4: Join Dr. Nick Hayes on Cumberland Heights Podcast as he welcomes his close friend and Executive Director/Co-Founder at Alpha Behavioral Health, Nico Doorn. In this episode, they share life experiences, delve into the journey of starting Alpha Behavioral Health, explore the collegiate recovery experience, and discuss motivation, awareness, and much more. In this candid conversation, Nick...

Dr. Nick Hayes welcomes Ruth Ann Rigby, CRS, Chief Strategy Officer at J. Flowers Health Institute to the podcast for a discussion covering addiction, recovery, family, first responders, ponies, and even SCUBA diving. const wrapper = document?.body?.querySelector(".wpb-content-wrapper"); const mediaPlayer = wrapper?.firstChild; const video = wrapper?.lastChild; wrapper.removeChild(mediaPlayer); wr...

Episode 2 of the Cumberland Heights Podcast features Executive Director Heath Chitwood and Outreach Coordinator Alexis Salyer of our Still Waters 12-Step Immersion Program, along with host and Cumberland Heights Chief Science Officer Dr. Nick Hayes. They chat about what sets our Still Waters program apart from other programs, how Still Waters serves men and women seeking recovery and those who hav...

For our debut episode, Dr. Nick Hayes, Chief Science Officer at Cumberland Heights, welcomes author, speaker, and addiction specialist Debra Jay to our new River Road podcast studio. She tells us more about the Structured Family Therapy program she developed, debunks myths we often believe about recovery, and shares her personal experience attending an Al-Anon meeting for the first time.