Prevention Leaders w/ Dave Closson
by Dave Closson
Prevention work is hard. The Prevention Leaders Podcast makes it a little less lonely. Host Dave Closson, a combat veteran, coalition builder, and prevention strategist, brings you real conversations with the people shaping the field. Each episode delivers practical tools, honest perspectives, and the kind of leadership development most prevention professionals never get. If you're doing this work, this podcast was built for you.
Episodes
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22 Million Beacons of Hope: A Conversation with Rear Admiral Christopher Jones
This episode is about the shift from running prevention programs to building the conditions that make prevention work in the first place. Dave sits down with Rear Admiral Christopher Jones, PharmD, DrPH, MPH, Director of SAMHSA's Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (CSAP), for a conversation...
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Why Is the DEA in Prevention?
Why does the Drug Enforcement Administration run prevention programs? Sean Fearns and Kevin Collins, from DEA Community Outreach and Prevention Support, answer that head-on, then show you what their team offersyour community at no cost. The answer starts in 1985 with the murder of DEA Special…
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How SAFE Project Is Strengthening What Protects Us
Prevention is not one day, one week, or one month, and this conversation with SAFE Project shows what it looks like when it is every day. I sat down with Ronna Yablonski and Adam Swift as SAFE Project kicks off Prevention Month with the theme Prevention Matters: Together We Strengthen What…
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Culture Is Prevention: Protective Factors, Belonging, and Strength-Based Prevention with Barbara Bessette
What if one of the most powerful prevention strategies isn’t another program — but helping people reconnect with culture, identity, belonging, and community? In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson talks with Barbara Bessette, a prevention professional with more than two...
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Fall, Feel, Rise: Hope Tour, Fourth Wave Foundation, and the Practice of Resilience
Every heartbeat tells a story. Fall, feel, rise. That's the pulse of resilience -- and it's the theme of this year's World Resiliency Week. This episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast is a multicast collaboration with the Unnecessary Harm podcast, hosted by Shane Varkow, Executive Director of...
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The Pulse of Resilience: Why Falling, Feeling, and Rising Matters
This special multicast episode was originally recorded with our partners at the Dalgarno Institute and their podcast, Unnecessary Harm. As part of our ongoing collaboration around World Resiliency Week, we are excited to share this conversation. Host Shane Varcoe sits down with World Resiliency...
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Navigating Change: Strategies for Prevention Leaders
In this episode, Dave Closson sits down with Angie Asa‑Lovstad (Asa Facilitation) for a timely conversation about what it takes to lead through uncertainty and forced change in prevention and behavioral health. They unpack a simple but powerful Change Formula (dissatisfaction with the status quo…
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The Mindset Shift That Changes Prevention Outcomes
In this conversation, Dave Closson sits down with Sara Thompson (Director of Training & Communications at The Montana Institute) to unpack the mindset shift that changes prevention outcomes: moving from problem-saturated narratives to a “spirit first” approach that uncovers and grows what’s…
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Behind the Curriculum: Exploring Prevention Core Competencies
In this special edition of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave sits down with his good friends Nicole Augustine and Rikki Barton to unpack the Prevention Core Competencies curriculum—why it was created, what gaps it fills in the prevention workforce, and why it’s not just for “prevention...
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Mindset Reset: Practical Tools for Stress, Recovery, and Growth
In this episode, we explore how mindset shapes the way we experience stress, recovery, resilience, and personal growth. Dave sits down with wellness coach and social worker Cynthia Conigliaro for a grounded, practical conversation about how mindset is formed, how it can shift over time, and what...
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Raising the Bottom: A New Way to Help Loved Ones Before They Hit Rock Bottom
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave sits down with licensed addiction and mental health counselor Amber Hollingsworth to challenge one of the most persistent myths in addiction recovery: that people have to “hit rock bottom” before they change. Drawing on more than 20 years of...
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Helping Teens Turn Anxiety Into Resilience with Laura Ollinger
Teen anxiety is everywhere right now—but it doesn’t have to define our kids’ stories. In this conversation, teen and parent wellbeing coach Laura Ollinger joins Dave to unpack what everyday “living room” anxiety really is, why it shows up so strongly for teens, and how parents can respond in ways...
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From Reactionary to Purposeful: Leading with Intention in Prevention Work
Lead with intention, not reaction. Dave talks with Louise Montag (Montag Forward Solutions; former ED, Prevention Network) about moving from whack‑a‑mole to values‑aligned leadership in prevention. What you'll learn: Make mission–vision–values a usable North Star Turn strategy into action with...
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Cultivating Resilience in Adults: Insights for Workplace Wellness
We've invested heavily in youth prevention, but what happens when those young people enter the workforce? In this eye-opening conversation, Joel Bennett from Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems (OWLS) challenges us to think beyond traditional prevention approaches. Joel and Dave explore...
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How Frameworks Can Transform Your Coalition Work (and Your Culture)
When it comes to prevention, it’s easy to get lost in the deliverables — checking boxes, meeting grant requirements, and rushing to get things done. But the coalitions that thrive are the ones with a clear identity, a shared purpose, and a framework guiding every decision they make. In this…
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Practical Tools for Tough Emotions: Helping Youth (and Ourselves) Cope
What if the emotions we avoid are the very keys to growth and connection? In this episode, Dave sits down with teen mental health speaker and author Brittany Richmond to explore practical, down-to-earth tools for navigating tough emotions—both in our personal lives and in the prevention field.…
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Helping Youth Thrive Online: Practical Guidance for Parents and Prevention Pros
In this powerful episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson is joined by Rikki Barton—prevention strategist, national trainer, and founder of Onward Consulting—to explore one of today’s most pressing topics: youth, social media, and mental health. Rikki shares her insights from...
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Beyond the Slide Deck: Elevating Adult Learning Through Engagement
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson sits down with trainer, consultant, and motivational interviewer Jason Anderson for a conversation that every facilitator, speaker, and prevention professional needs to hear. Jason shares his journey from corrections officer to...
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Resilience as Prevention, Not Just Recovery
What if we treated resilience the same way we treat prevention—something to build before the crisis hits? In this powerful conversation, Dave Closson sits down with Shane Varcoe, Executive Director of the Dalgarno Institute, to unpack a deeper, more actionable understanding of resilience.…
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Beyond ACEs: The Power of Positive Childhood Experiences with Carla Ritz
In this energizing episode, Dave Closson chats with Carla Ritz about the transformative power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Carla shares how focusing on strengths, rather than solely on adversity, can reduce risk factors and help build more resilient kids, families, and communities....
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Transforming Trauma Into Prevention: How One Life Changed a Family Tree
What if one act of presence could change the course of a life—and a family? In Part 2 of Bryan Flanery’s gripping journey, we move from despair to transformation. After surviving a suicide attempt, Bryan didn’t find healing in a formal program or protocol. He found it in something far more human…
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When Strong Isn't Safe: How Trauma Hides Behind Performance
What if the person who looks the strongest is the one closest to the edge? In this first episode of a powerful two-part series, we hear the raw and unfiltered story of Bryan Flanery—a decorated soldier, husband, and father—whose pain was hidden behind years of performance, productivity, and…
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Launching the TADEC & Handle With Care Guide: A New Era of Support for Drug Endangered Children
In this special episode of Prevention Leaders with Dave Closson, we’re celebrating the official launch of the Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (TADEC) and Handle With Care Guide—a groundbreaking resource designed to support professionals across education, law enforcement…
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The Communication Gap in Prevention—and How to Fix It
In this powerful and practical conversation, Dave Closson welcomes back communication strategist and suicide prevention advocate Susie Reece to explore how everyday communication can be one of our greatest tools in substance misuse and suicide prevention. From redefining active listening to...
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From Plan to Progress: The 5 Pillars That Turn Prevention Strategy into Action
Do you ever walk out of a coalition meeting with a solid plan—only to feel completely stuck once you’re back at your desk? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dave Closson introduces the Five Pillars of Tactical Capacity—a powerful framework to help prevention leaders bridge the gap between…
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Lived Experience, Earned Resilience, and the Real Power of Prevention
After a short break, Dave is back—fresh from speaking at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the United Nations in Vienna. Inspired by that global conversation with Shane Varcoe from the Dalgarno Institute, this solo episode dives deep into the overlap between prevention and recovery. Dave...
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Beyond Planning: The Key to Prevention Execution
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked aspect of prevention work—execution. While many prevention efforts focus on training, resources, and planning, real success comes from Tactical Capacity—the ability to execute, adapt…
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Tactical Capacity: The Missing Piece in Prevention Success
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked factor in substance misuse prevention—tactical capacity. While traditional capacity building focuses on knowledge, skills, resources, and infrastructure, tactical capacity is what truly...
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The Power of Storytelling in Prevention: Lessons from SAMHSA’s Prevention Day
In this special episode, Dave Closson shares insights from his session at SAMHSA’s Prevention Day,Speak to the Heart: Unleashing the Power of Engaging Stories. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in substance misuse prevention—it fosters connection, reduces stigma, and inspires action....
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Brain-Based Prevention: What Every Parent and Educator Needs to Know
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson sits down with Dr. Crystal Collier, an expert in neuroscience, prevention research, and therapy, to discuss how brain-based prevention strategies can help young people avoid risky behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on substances,...
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Why Balancing Risk and Protective Factors Is Key to Thriving Communities
Understanding the dynamics of risk and protective factors is essential for anyone working in substance misuse prevention. In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson breaks down how these factors influence behavior and outcomes in individuals and communities. Using relatable...
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Building Community-Driven Prevention Plans That Work
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson explores how to create effective and sustainable substance misuse prevention frameworks tailored to the specific needs of your community. A solid prevention foundation ensures long-term success, builds stronger partnerships, and...
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Understanding the Core Principles of Prevention
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson breaks down the core principles of substance misuse prevention, explaining the importance of proactive strategies and a layered approach to creating healthier communities. Dave discusses the three levels of prevention (primary,...
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How Strategic Communication and Positive Framing Elevate Prevention Work
In this enlightening episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson sits down with Ben Tanzer, trainer and storyteller from The Montana Institute, to explore the transformative role of strategic communication in substance misuse prevention. Together, they discuss the importance of...
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Making Prevention Fun: The Secret to Sober Parties
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson sits down with Jake White, the mastermind behind Vive 18, a national movement that’s redefining what it means to have fun—without drugs or alcohol. Jake shares his inspiring journey from losing a family member to addiction, to...
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DEA’s Community Outreach & Prevention: Preventing Drug Misuse on Campus
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Clausen is joined by Rich Lucey, a distinguished figure in the field of prevention with over three decades of experience at the state and federal levels. Currently serving as the Senior Prevention Program Manager in the DEA’s Community...
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Zero Proof, Full Impact: Connection, Culture, and Community
In this episode, the host Dave welcomes back Kate and Catherine to continue their discussion about the SHIFT initiative at UT Austin. They explore how SHIFT aims to challenge campus norms around substance use by promoting mindful decision-making and inclusive, equitable social experiences. Kate...
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Susie [수지] Reece: Confronting Suicide with Hope and Advocacy
In this compelling episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson speaks with Susie [수지] Reece, a leading figure in suicide prevention whose personal and professional life intersect through her own experiences of loss and resilience. Susie shares her insightful perspectives on...
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Lambi Learns About Addiction: A Dialogue on Addiction, Family, and Recovery
This episode features an in-depth conversation with Trish Luna, an author and speaker from Nashville, on the Prevention Leaders podcast, hosted by Dave Closson. Trish shares her personal journey and the motivations behind her book 'Lambi Learns About Addiction: A Book About Prevention', aimed at...
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The School of Hard Talks: Transforming Family Conversations
In this compelling episode, we welcome Dr. Emily Klein, an assistant professor at Boston University and leader of the Psychotic Disorders Clinic at Boston Medical Center, to explore the intricate world of mental health and substance use. Dr. Klein shares her extensive experience in clinical...
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The Intersection of Neurobiology, Genetics, and Personal Recovery in Mental Health and Addiction
In this compelling episode, we delve into the intricate world of mental health and addiction, guided by the expertise of Jacqueline Hall, Chief Operating Officer of Wired BioHealth and Wired for Addiction. This episode stands out as we blend scientific insight with a deeply personal narrative,...
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From Struggle to Strength: Nathan Wray's Inspiring Path to Empowering Others
In this deeply inspiring episode, we sit down with Nathan Wray, a Prevention Coordinator and motivational speaker who has turned his personal struggles into a powerful force for change. Nathan shares his journey from battling addiction to empowering youth and communities through emotional...
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Lessons on the Road to Peace
In this episode, we have a candid conversation with John, a professional photographer and storyteller. John gives us a glimpse into how he uses photography and storytelling as powerful tools to open dialogue, break barriers, and nurture positive change in communities. From capturing remarkable...
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Purple Stars: Shining Brighter - A Deeper Dive into Military Connected Youth Resilience
In today's episode, we dive deep into the heart of a topic that's often overlooked but is of paramount importance: the challenges and resilience of military-connected youth. As we navigate the intricate web of their experiences, we uncover the layers of support, understanding, and community that...
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Purple Stars: A Mission for Engaging and Supporting Military Families
In this episode of the Prevention Leaders podcast, host Dave welcomes Sarah, a Military Family Resiliency Specialist from Kentucky. Sarah, who has been making a significant difference at local, regional, and national levels, delves into her background, growing up in a military family. She shares...
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The Unique Value of You: Making an Impact in Prevention Work
In this episode, host Dave is joined by Mitch Moore, an experienced prevention specialist, to discuss the importance of community involvement, effective onboarding, and the power of collective impact in the field of prevention. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this...
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Leadership Beyond Titles: Embracing the Speak Up Mindset
In this captivating episode, host Dave engages in a profound discussion with Stephen (Shed) Shedletzky, author of "Speak Up, Culture!" The book delves into fostering a speak-up culture, encouraging open dialogue, transparency, and vulnerability in workplaces and communities. Shed emphasizes the...
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There is no Safe Level of THC in the Developing Adolescent Brain
In this episode, Dave is joined by Laura Stack, the mother behind Johnny's Ambassadors, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating parents and teens about the risks associated with adolescent marijuana use. The organization was named after Laura's son Johnny, who tragically lost his life...
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Transforming Substance Misuse Prevention: Inside Montana Summer Institute with Jeff Linkenbach [#36]
In this episode, Jeff Linkenbach shares insights on the Montana Summer Institute, an in-person and virtual event for substance misuse prevention professionals. The event focuses on prevention science, best practices, and transformational leadership, and provides participants with cutting-edge...
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Building a Culture of Prevention with Nichole Dawsey [#35]
In this episode, prevention specialist and podcast host Nichole Dawsey joins Dave to discuss the importance of building a culture of prevention. They cover topics such as the impact of trauma on substance use, the role of peer support in prevention, and the need for a comprehensive approach to...
About this show
Prevention work is hard. The Prevention Leaders Podcast makes it a little less lonely. Host Dave Closson, a combat veteran, coalition builder, and prevention strategist, brings you real conversations with the people shaping the field. Each episode delivers practical tools, honest perspectives, and the kind of leadership development most prevention professionals never get. If you're doing this work, this podcast was built for you.
Hosted by
Dave Closson