Drug Prevention Power Hour: Empowering Leaders in Youth Drug Prevention

Join Raegann McDonald in this Student Takeover Episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, where she interviews Jay Olguin, a youth advocate for a Fentanyl Awareness Initiative. They discuss Jay's impact of personal loss on his advocacy work, and the importance of educating younger students about substance misuse. Jay shares insights on overcoming barriers in prevention work, the innovative na...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White engages with members of Dover Youth2Youth, a youth-led organization focused on drug prevention. The conversation covers the team's dynamics, community projects, the structure of the program, challenges faced, and the skills learned through participation. The youth leaders share their personal stories, the impact of their work,...

In this special student takeover episode, Raegann McDonald interviews Jake White about his journey in drug prevention and leadership. Together, they explore the power of mentorship, the challenges of stepping into leadership roles, and the importance of building strong, supportive relationships. Jake reflects on his early days organizing drug-free parties in college, the lessons he gained from fai...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White sits down with Caden Vittorini, a dynamic youth life coach and founder of Vitt Factor. Caden shares his personal journey from making poor decisions in college to becoming a leader in youth coaching. He discusses the importance of communication skills, positive peer pressure, and self-awareness in drug prevention. Tune in to learn p...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative "Communities That Care" model, exploring its five pivotal phases. Discover how this evidence-based framework empowers communities to foster positive youth development and prevent problem behaviors. From community mobilization to evaluation, each phase is designed to build a healthier, more resilient community. Join us as we unpack the str...

In this compelling episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White is joined by Toni Will and Joel Martin from the Kalamazoo Wings to explore the profound impact of substance use on athletic careers. Discover how choosing a substance-free lifestyle can enhance performance, open doors to opportunities, and protect the brain—the ultimate asset for any athlete. With personal stories and ex...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White speaks with educator and author Joshua Stamper about the importance of trauma-responsive strategies and restorative practices in education. Joshua shares his personal journey, insights from his new book 'The Language of Behavior', and practical strategies for creating safe and supportive learning environments for students...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White speaks with Tanya Schaener about her journey in promoting parental proactive prevention and the Spread the Spark movement. Tanya shares her family's mission to connect with others through kindness and service while traveling. They discuss the importance of community engagement, youth empowerment, and the role of connection in...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White speaks with Reagan McDonald, an incoming college freshman and mental health advocate. Reagan shares her journey of involvement in prevention work, her personal struggles with mental health, and the importance of youth engagement in addressing substance use. She discusses innovative approaches to engaging young people, the significa...

Kriya Lendzion spent two decades as a school counselor, parent coach and “teen whisperer.” She talks with your host, Jake White, about the roles we can play in students lives to help them make better choices. They also discuss creating systemic change that prevents substance use and helps young people recover from their mistakes. Topics include restorative programming vs punitive, adult role model...

In this episode, Jake White hosts Riley Cleary and Michaela Price from the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH) to discuss Operation Snowball, a youth initiative focused on prevention education, mental health awareness, and community advocacy. They explore the various programs under IABH, the impact of personal experiences on their work, and provide insights on how to start peer-led p...

In this episode, Jake White and Laura Stack discuss the critical issues surrounding THC use among adolescents, the mission of Johnny's Ambassadors, and the importance of education and advocacy in preventing drug abuse. Laura shares her personal journey and the impact of her nonprofit organization, which aims to educate communities about the dangers of high THC marijuana. They explore effectiv...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White interviews Josh Brown Sr., a powerful anti-drug speaker and redeemed felon. Josh shares his journey from addiction and incarceration to becoming a mentor and speaker, emphasizing the importance of making positive life choices. The conversation covers various themes, including decision-making, coping skills, and the impact of peer p...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White discusses the 40 developmental assets identified by the Search Institute, which are crucial for building resilient and successful youth. The conversation is divided into two main categories: external assets, which include support, empowerment, boundaries, and constructive use of time, and internal assets, which encompass commitment...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White engages with Jamal and Zion Givens, a father-son duo dedicated to mental wellness and prevention. Jamal discusses his extensive experience in prevention and the founding of his nonprofit organization, while Zion reflects on how his father's work inspired him to make a difference. Together, they emphasize the significance of me...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White speaks with Yuri Melo, a licensed clinical social worker and co-founder of School Pulse, a proactive student support service. The conversation delves into the tragic events that inspired the creation of School Pulse, the importance of transitioning from reactive to proactive mental health support in schools, and the user experience...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, host Jake White interviews Elijah Desmond, a motivational speaker and DJ, who shares his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a community leader. Elijah discusses his foundation, The Ladder of Life, and his innovative approach to youth outreach through motivational concerts. He emphasizes the importance of vulnerable storytelling and community en...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Nathan Ray discusses the implementation of a four-tier diversion program aimed at reducing vaping among students. The conversation highlights the need for effective alternatives to traditional disciplinary actions like suspension and detention, emphasizing community collaboration and parental involvement in the educational process. Nathan shares i...

Marcus Aloisi is the field director for Flavors Hook Kids Vermont, focusing on youth empowerment and substance misuse prevention. He shares insights on the importance of personal experience in building trust with youth, the challenges of engaging them in healthy alternatives, and the role of advocacy in public health. The discussion emphasizes the need for reality-based strategies that resonate wi...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Wes Woodson shares his journey as a mental health educator and public speaker, emphasizing the importance of connecting with youth. He discusses his mission to help students feel seen, heard, and supported, and how vulnerability can foster deeper connections between adults and young people. Wes highlights the transformative power of sharing person...

Phil Januszewski and Jake White discuss the pervasive issue of burnout, particularly in the context of public health and education. Phil highlights the various stressors, including classroom management, parent interactions, and the pressure from administrators. Phil emphasizes the importance of self-care and the mindset needed to effectively support their students. He shares strategies rooted in p...

In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Matt Kovatchis discusses the pervasive issue of self-criticism among today's youth and emphasizes the importance of self-compassion as a remedy. He shares his personal journey from a corporate banker to a mental health advocate, highlighting how his struggles with self-criticism led him to discover the transformative power of self-compassion....

In this episode, Rikki Barton shares her extensive experience in prevention, focusing on the interconnectedness of mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention. She emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions in prevention strategies and discusses the significant impact of social media on youth mental health. Rikki advocates for authentic youth engagement and the need for policy cha...

In this episode, Kimberly Clark shares her inspiring journey from trauma and addiction to becoming a leading voice in resilience and emotional intelligence. She discusses her five keys to resilience, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, risk-taking, authenticity, building a strong support system, and effective problem-solving. Kimberly's insights are rooted in her personal ex...

Meet Heather Brown, a mental health advocate and podcaster. They discuss Heather's journey from blogging to full-time content creator who focuses on mental health, self-care, and the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. Heather shares practical solutions for busy women professionals, emphasizing the importance of community, hydration, and planning for self-care. The conversation high...