PrevenTable

2025 Pioneer Award Recipient Dr. Fredrick Echols joins Jenny to highlight the significance of relationships, and how nurturing them can last a lifetime. Sharing both personal and professional anecdotes from his wide array of leadership opportunities, Dr. Echols discusses that his affiliation with PreventEd has empowered him to build a meaningful network, and rise to the role as a significant mentor throughout his community. Inspiring young people to be fueled by education and help incite change wherever they go is a crucial part of PreventEd's mission statement, and people like Dr. Echols serve as pioneer's for just that. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Holtmeyer, Howard Potratz Alumni Leadership Award recipient and dedicated PreventEd supporter, joins Jenny to discuss the importance of being aware and staying connected to community in Saint Louis. Making mention of his close involvement with PreventEd spanning several years, Ben highlights the significance of how his time with the team has equipped and empowered him to serve as a pillar of advocacy in all areas throughout his professional and personal development.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Natalie Garrett, Director of Admissions and Outreach at Harris House Foundation, joins Jenny to discuss how Harris House supports individuals across the full continuum of care in recovery. They explore the organization’s programs, the importance of staying connected throughout the recovery journey, and the challenges posed by today’s insurance landscape. The conversation also highlights the value of honesty and having difficult conversations with loved ones—while emphasizing that hope remains at the heart of recovery and positive outcomes are always possible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PreventEd interns, Liz Smith and Austin Nico, share their reflections on their time at PreventEd as they enter their final semester at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis. During their time at PreventEd, they have practiced applying what they've learned and shared their thoughts on the latest cannabis trends and on how we communicate this information to our teens. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 6 of PrevenTable premieres with Nichole Dawsey, former Executive Director of PreventEd and now Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Coalition. Nichole reflects on the camaraderie and connection that define PreventEd and what it meant to transition into leading the only organization in Alabama providing prevention education in schools. She also discusses cultural differences between Missouri and Alabama in both workplace dynamics and substance use prevention efforts, closing with a candid look at navigating the 36-hour federal funding freeze in January and the resilience required to lead through uncertainty.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our Season 5 finale, Jenny sits down at the PrevenTable with Joyce Kariuki, PreventEd Associate Director of Community Strategy, for a conversation about what truly supports young people as they grow. Joyce breaks down the developmental assets that act as building blocks for youth success, explores the impact of both adverse and positive childhood experiences, and highlights why trauma-informed approaches matter. Through it all, she reminds us that there’s no rulebook for raising kids, but there are tools that can help us show up better for them.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're back with another episode of the PrevenTable! Jenny sits down with Brenda Schell, Public Health Analyst and Liaison for the state of Missouri’s Overdose Response Strategy, and Brad Germann of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. They discuss the encouraging decline in overdose rates across Missouri since 2022 and highlight the impact of statewide naloxone distribution, with more than 630,000 kits provided to partners across 15 counties between July 2024 and June 2025. The conversation covers the signs of an overdose, emerging drug use trends, and the innovative strategies being implemented both in Missouri and nationwide to save lives and strengthen communities.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We welcomed Tasha Skouby, Grant Coordinator at Jefferson Franklin County Community Action Corporation, to the PrevenTable this week for a conversation about the partnership between The Collective and JFCAC’s EZMO program, which provides transportation for those in the county seeking recovery. Tasha addresses the three biggest community needs: transportation, housing, and childcare and what providing such resources means for recovery support. The two also discuss what the buzzword “collaboration” really means and how this partnership is its true definition.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re talking about one of biggest barriers to recovery—housing—and how one organization is working to change that. Our guest, Maggie Sullivan, is the executive director of Gratitude House, a sober living home for women that’s redefining what aftercare can look like. She shares how her team is elevating the recovery experience, building positive community culture, and how each person’s unique recovery journey still shares a few powerful universals.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We've got some familiar faces on the pod this week—Jenny's three kids! Lucy (14), John (15), and Alex (11) bring some young wisdom to the table as they share their experience and insight about drug use in elementary, middle, and high school. They describe the attitudes and behaviors around vaping and cannabis use as well as their understanding of how to help a peer that may be struggling with substances.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Meet Matt Bitner-Glindzicz, founder of nCase Technologies, who—along with his fiancée—created a naloxone keychain to make carrying the lifesaving medication simple and accessible. After witnessing multiple overdose tragedies, Matt and Dani recognized the difficulty of regularly carrying naloxone due to its size and packaging, and decided to take matters into their own hands by creating a pocket-sized case for it. Now, they’re partnering with community groups to get naloxone into more hands, one keychain at a time.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the PrevenTable, Callan Montgomery, director and co-founder of Haven Recovery, shares the inspiring story of starting the organization with her husband eight years ago. Since then, Haven Recovery has provided safe and supportive housing for more than 1,000 people on their recovery journeys. Callan highlights the essential resources they offer to those seeking stability and healing, as well as the impact of community support. She also shares ways listeners can get involved during Recovery Month to make a difference.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Olivette mayor Sidney Clark joins to give the inside scoop on his time working in politics for the city—the same city that PreventEd’s main office is located! Born and raised in the area, Sidney gushes about the way he’s seen the Olivette community grow, discusses the nonprofit footprint in the town, and even dishes on new spots and fun events for residents and visitors alike.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Studies show Gen Z is using substances at lower rates than any other generation. But is that really true? Jenny welcomes Abigail and Audrey Brown to the PrevenTable this week for some insight into what's going on in the world of Gen Z and substance use. Abigail, a server at a college bar, dishes the truth on what it's like to navigate the drinking scene amongst young adults, and the pair discuss recent health trends and prevention efforts surrounding abstaining from substances.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the PrevenTable, we talk with Ashley Johnson from the Missouri National Guard’s Counterdrug Program about her work supporting community prevention efforts. From distributing Narcan kits to schools to teaching mental health first aid, she’s helping make a difference across Missouri. Ashley shares what it’s been like to collaborate more closely with PreventEd and what’s ahead for this growing partnership.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amanda Ruback, Community Outreach Coordinator with the Missouri Poison Center, says cases of accidental cannabis overdose in children have been on the rise in Missouri since the legalization of the drug two years. This week, we welcomed her to the PrevenTable for a show and tell, where she discusses cannabis safety and storage and explains her role with the center.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In honor of The Collective’s grand opening, we brought in certified peer specialist John Singer to provide insight into his motivation for creating a recovery community center in Jefferson County. He explains the ability of RCC’s to lower barriers to recovery, our partnership with Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation, and why transportation services to treatment are so important in JeffCo. Come visit us at The Collective now!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s Executive Director x Executive Director today at the PrevenTable! Aaron Laxton with Assisted Recovery Centers of America (ARCA) details his background in social work, the story of ARCA’s beginnings, and the challenges of leading an organization right now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we're headed back into the weeds with certified substance abuse counselor and clinical social worker Jay Winig! For the last 17 years, Jay has been a valued part of Saint Louis University’s Counseling Center, beginning the “Sober at SLU” support group for students in recovery, as well as the SHARP and CARRP programs intended to reduce the harm of alcohol and cannabis on campus. Jay and Jenny talk about how cannabis use has evolved since recreational-use legalization in Missouri, plus Jay's efforts to support students in managing the demands of college without drug use interfering. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill Whitney joins Jenny at the PrevenTable for a lesson on Recovery Community Organizations, independent centers focused on helping individuals achieve long-term recovery. Bill and his wife, inspired by their own recovery journeys and the feature documentary “The Anonymous People,” opened their own RCO in Georgia after witnessing the success of peer driven models. He tells the backstory of the RCO’s founding, plus discusses his goal to reduce barriers to recovery.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the U.S. military, masculine gender norms and an emphasis on mental toughness have traditionally been practiced to enforce stoicism within troops. But, mental health and masculinity often clash during the effort to reduce stigma surrounding veterans’ abilities to cope with trauma. Chris Mendes, Director of Operations at Veterans Community Project, directly speaks to his and others’ experience with this military mentality, the crossover between veteran populations with substance misuse, and the VCP’s attempts to connect veterans to behavioral health services.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Susan Bradford of the Missouri Institute of Mental Health is here to give us the scoop on current rates and trends of drug use among young people. She shares what’s working—and what’s not—plus describes the impact of and takeaways from the Missouri Student Survey.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lakesha Robinson, Sr. Advisor on Children, Youth, & Families to the St. Louis city mayor, joins Jenny to share more about her “heart” work. Focusing on resource access for families and community collaboration, Lakesha explains the impact of the Mayor’s Youth Cabinet, describes how connection helps reduce risk factors for youth, and dives into the details of several initiatives she runs.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What’s the real deal with cannabis use among young people? Thankfully, we have graduate students Madeline and Sam from Washington University St. Louis here to provide insight on college students’ current attitudes and opinions about cannabis. Listen as they break down how the conversation has shifted, plus the varying levels of knowledge and use of the substance.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re starting off strong in our Season 5 premiere of the PrevenTable! PreventEd volunteer and small business owner Lisa Lorenz joins Jenny for a conversation on her recovery journey, sharing how she found community through others' stories and touching on the unique lived experience of being a woman in recovery from alcohol use disorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s our Season 4 Finale! We’re joined by none other than Nichole Dawsey as our final guest for the year while Interim Executive Director Jenny Armbruster gets a practice run as host (stay tuned for Season 5 ). Nichole reflects on her 16 years at the agency, sharing more about the legacy she hopes to leave and the people who shaped her experience. She also touches on her upcoming transition to Executive Director of the Addiction Prevention Coalition starting this December and the programs and podcast she’s building at her new role. Thank you to Nichole for the hard work and passion she's put into the PrevenTable podcast over the last four years!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Four years ago, if you asked SLU senior Kirti Madhu what’d she’d be doing in her final year of college, she’d probably say applying for medical school. But after participating in a medical entrepreneurship incubator and developing a prototype for an overdose detection device, Kirti is now tuning into her entrepreneurial mindset by tackling the opioid epidemic head-on. Listen to this week’s PrevenTable episode as she describes her venture, background in prevention and addiction medicine, and current research in providing healthcare treatment for incarcerated women.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re digging into the weeds with Smithville Community in Action Executive Director Jennifer Rhoad! Jennifer talks more about how the CIA Coalition advocates for youth cannabis use prevention, describes the Keeping Kids Safe initiative, and investigates the commercialization of THC products. Anyone in Missouri can join the Smithville CIA regardless of location or prevention experience. If you’re interested in getting involved, email Jennifer at [email protected] Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Anthony Pickens, Assistant Executive Director of Community of Hope, shares the inspiring story of how the violence he witnessed growing up led him to give back to people facing similar challenges today through the Cure Violence program. Anthony explains the backstory of his 22-year incarceration, his efforts to help others manage anger and prevent violence, and how he’s accepted his work as part of who he is.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s that time of year again...tis the season for Teen Institute! Today we are joined by Ali Stambaugh and Grace DeClue, Prevention Educators and leaders of TI 2024. They share plans for this year, explain what participants can expect, and highlight the transformative power of the camp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Melody Quinn, Director of St. Louis CRUSH Coalition and Detective for the St. Louis County Police Department, talks resource access and distribution for those misusing cannabis and other drugs. She breaks down what cannabis legalization really means in the Missouri Constitution, details the Bosnian Opioid Project, and describes her changing approach to cannabis through its different stages of legality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When we say Greenhouse Communication Initiative Founder Stacy Bernaugh is a really good speaker, we mean it. After finding his place in speech and debate in college, Stacy realized the critical importance of educational experiences that prepare students for the professional world. He shares with Nichole his passion for education, discusses opportunities provided by The GCI, Inc., and even touches on code switching and the loaded meaning behind some of the language used to describe a person's speech.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How do substance use counselors evaluate an adult who uses cannabis to sleep at night versus a person on probation from the justice system with cannabis use disorder? The lines have become even blurrier after cannabis was legalized in Missouri, but our Director of Behavioral Health Jaidan Adams is here to explain the assessment and referral process. Jaidan emphasizes the importance of creating a comfortable environment for clients and her focus on harm reduction and promoting safer use, providing valuable insights into the evolving needs of those PreventEd serves.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger warning: SuicideTalking about suicide can be difficult, but for John Gaal and Tim Rowden, it is always worth it—one life may be the whole world to many. John, director of worker wellness for the Missouri Works Initiative returns to the PrevenTable once again, this time joined by Tim, editor of the Labor Tribune and founder of the Grief Projects. As loss survivors, John and Tim often guide people through the process of losing someone who died by suicide. They explain the importance of being direct when asking someone about their risk of suicide and touch on what’s missing from current mental healthcare.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger Warning: SuicideThis week, we’re joined by Katie Ellison and Shanna Sorg from the Missouri Institute for Mental Health for a Suicide Awareness Month episode. Katie and Shanna explain the Safer Homes Collaborative, an initiative to reduce access to lethal means of suicide in homes with a specific focus on firearms. And no, they’re not trying to take your guns—with 9/10 suicide attempts using a firearm resulting in death, the duo aims to spread awareness about keeping guns unloaded, locked, and away from ammunition. Plus, they share the importance of person-first language in conversations about suicide and mental health.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Katie Bixler, Director of Community Outreach Events at Faith Oakville, takes a seat at the PrevenTable to talk about the third annual Stomp Out Addiction walk coming up on October 13th. Katie discusses her background in nonprofit development and points to the welcoming environment of the walk, designed to create connection and stimulate community involvement and awareness of substance use disorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on the PrevenTable, we’re talking with the Executive Director of one of St. Louis’s most well-known nonprofits: Kristin Wild from Operation Food Search! Kristin details the story of how OFS’s founder tracked down Roger Dierberg to offer help distributing his grocery store’s leftover food and got its start as a hunger relief organization. She also explains the importance of food insecurity awareness and highlights the need to reduce stigma toward people in need.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Addie Bond, Sherwood Forest Executive Director, sits down to discuss her organization’s mission to break the cycle of poverty for kids through a balance of camp activities and evidence-based programs. As a youth-development agency anchored in a summer camp, Sherwood Forest immerses kids in nature to create separation between their school lives and camp lives. And it works—100% of leadership training graduates go on to graduate from high school! Participants learn how to try new things and fail successfully, building resiliency skills that support their growth in all aspects of life.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Designing a campaign about a nuanced topic like cannabis isn’t simple. But Sam Agusti-Nuernberger, Strategy Director at Magnetize Agency, thrives on purpose-driven marketing. This week on the PrevenTable, Sam takes us through several processes Magnetize conducted to create our In the Weeds Campaign, including discovery, surveying, and messaging. She also reveals the answer to one our our most popular questions: why purple instead of green?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger warning: This episode contains content about sexual assault, abuse, and suicide.AJ Pickens, Executive Director at Community of Hope, shares her inspiring story of growing up as an unhoused teen mom who transformed her trauma into a full-scale organization that helps remove barriers for young mothers in St. Louis. She describes how her most painful experiences are what tied her to her greater purpose, what motivates her to build self-worth in girls, and the supportive community partnerships that make her work possible.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PreventEd Director of Education Kelly Wieser joins Nichole at the PrevenTable for a nuanced conversation on talking about cannabis with kids. She explains the importance of laying the foundation for future discussions of substance misuse, the success of consistent reinforcement, and how programs can be the difference for adolescents with a family history of substance use disorder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A delicious $135 multi-course meal with NA beverages to pair? Sounds like a deal to us! This week on the PrevenTable, Executive Chef Max Bredenkoetter delves into his idea for Temperance Kitchen, a St. Louis pop-up series designed to support restaurant workers in recovery. Max explains the prevalence of substance misuse in the hospitality industry and reveals his biggest cooking inspirations in both chefs and ingredients.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“Don’t just talk about it, be about it.” It’s advice that Councilwoman Shalonda Webb lives by as an elected official in District 4 of Missouri. As our guest this week on the PrevenTable, Shalonda describes the challenges of balancing politics with a full work week as a software engineer at Boeing, the stigma of being an elected official, and her work to reduce the number of alcohol outlets in her district and limit open carry for minors.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Prevention Educator Emma Wilson is joined by Kaine, a Northwest High School senior, to talk with Nichole about the It’s Complicated program. With Emma running It’s Complicated and Kaine being a trainee, the pair give the inside scoop on the benefits of joining the program, the effectiveness of peer-to-peer learning, and the nuance needed in discussions about cannabis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dawn Price, founder and CEO of The Sophia Project, Inc., sits down with Nichole this week to discuss how her life's purpose is dedicated to the transformative journey of young women. Dawn shares how the name "Sophia" has a spiritual meaning that connects with her life's purpose and how her light bulb moment evolved into what she teaches today.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In case you haven’t heard, PreventEd is welcoming in a new Interim Executive Director next week! Get to know Jenny Armbruster on today’s episode of the #PrevenTable. Jenny shares how she got started in the prevention space and joined NCADA, the ways her and Nichole’s working partnership perfectly balances one other out, and the future of the PrevenTable podcast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angela Roberts, Director of Business Development at Sana Lake Recovery Center, joins this week’s PrevenTable with over 15 years of experience in the substance use field. Angela talks about the link between eating disorders and substance use disorder, the Members for Life program, and centering recovery programs around the idea of family and trust.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our In the Weeds episode this week features Kristin Bengtson, Director of Community Services at PreventEd, and Lili Schliesser, Director of the All In Clayton Coalition. As experts in substance use prevention, they talk about the importance of decreasing accessibility of cannabis for adolescents and the function of stash bags, which allow parents to lock away their substances.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have a triple threat of guests joining us for our In the Weeds episode this week: Courtney Hinton, Community Strategist III at PreventEd; Gerald Watson, Executive Director of Fresh Start Community Coalition; and Danyeal Crittenden of Lewis Place Coalition. With experience in substance use prevention, the trio discusses the generational differences in how cannabis is perceived, the ways that cannabis is depicted in media, and the importance of safe storage.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alcohol freedom coach Allison Barber sits down with Nichole to share more about helping people navigate their drinking habits. Allison touches on the difficulty of breaking out of an alcohol-saturated culture, describes how she talks to her family about alcohol, and explains the lifestyle changes she made as a person who no longer drinks.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.