PREVENTION LEADERS PODCAST NETWORK

Pathways 2 Prevention

This podcast explores emerging trends, innovative programs, and global perspectives in prevention. Hosted by Dave Closson and featuring powerful guests, each episode offers insight into what's working and what's next. Thought-provoking conversations that connect local action with global change.

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57 episodes

SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 · 1 HR 5 MIN

Building the First Inclusive Recovery Community in the Nation with Ashley Neal

Ashley Neal discusses the creation of the nation's first Inclusive Recovery Community in Tampa Bay. She shares the journey of a tri-county partnership across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Pasco counties, outlining how various entities collaborated to make recovery visible and accessible. This episode covers the process of engaging county governments, uniting treatment centers, and developing a public events calendar.

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JULY 29, 2026 · 53 MIN

Inside the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy with Dr. Roneet Lev

In this episode, Dr. Roneet Lev, Chief Medical Officer at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, discusses the 2026 National Drug Control Strategy. She shares insights into the public health aspects of the strategy, its key differentiators, and what it means for prevention professionals. Dr. Lev highlights new approaches including clearer language for primary prevention, the inclusion of faith, and a focus on real-time drug threat data.

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JULY 1, 2026 · 1 HR 3 MIN

The Pulse of Resilience: Building Resilience from the Ground Up

This episode features a discussion with Adam Woods and Sneha Patiyathal, two youth workers from Australia and India, about building resilience. They share their perspectives on what it looks like to support young people in different cultural settings and emphasize that resilience is a practice anyone can learn. The conversation highlights common challenges faced by youth and the impact of positive affirmation.

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JUNE 24, 2026 · 52 MIN

The Pulse of Resilience: Why Falling, Feeling, and Rising Matters

This episode, a collaboration with the Dalgarno Institute and their podcast Unnecessary Harm, explores the 2026 World Resiliency Week theme, "The Pulse of Resilience: Fall, Feel, Rise." Guests Dave Closson and Jen Schneeman join to discuss resilience as a rhythm rather than a destination. They offer insights on navigating adversity and building stronger individuals and communities.

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APRIL 29, 2026 · 1 HR 7 MIN

Creating a Culture Shift in Campus Drinking

This episode explores how to create a culture shift in campus drinking, moving beyond individual choices to focus on environment and harm reduction. Host Dave Closson, alongside guests Kate Lower and Keyra Palacios, discusses practical approaches to prevention, emphasizing student experience and environmental strategies. They delve into why culture change is more effective than slogans and how campus environments shape norms.

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MARCH 25, 2026 · 1 HR 12 MIN

Prevention Gone Wrong: The Do’s, Don’ts, and the Common-Sense Lessons in Drug Prevention

This episode of Pathways 2 Prevention explores how common drug prevention approaches can sometimes miss the mark or backfire. Dave Closson and guest Matej discuss why good intentions are not enough in prevention and how to course-correct effectively without shaming the field.

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FEBRUARY 25, 2026 · 48 MIN

From Peer Educator to Prevention Leader: Experience as Your Superpower

This episode of Pathways to Prevention features Emily Parsons, Assistant Director of Health Promotion at the University of Tampa. She shares her journey from student peer educator to campus prevention leader. Emily discusses the value of lived experience over traditional credentials, addressing imposter syndrome, and fostering creativity in prevention work.

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JANUARY 28, 2026 · 57 MIN

Where Grief, Maternal Health, and Prevention Meet: A Conversation with Mai Waller

This episode of Pathways 2 Prevention features a conversation with Mai Waller, founder and executive director of the Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation and leader of The Doula Project Resource. She discusses how her personal experience with loss led her to create resources for families navigating pregnancy and infant loss. The discussion explores how community-based doulas, grief-informed care, and culturally grounded support contribute to substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and family strengthening.

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NOVEMBER 25, 2025 · 37 MIN

The Road to the Youth Declaration: Mobilizing a Global Youth Movement

This episode of Pathways to Prevention spotlights the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery, a powerful youth-led global effort. The declaration grew from a CND side event in Vienna into a worldwide movement, centering on the message "nothing about us without us." The episode explores how this declaration came to life, what was learned from youth in over 60 countries, and the importance of meaningful youth participation as a design principle.

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OCTOBER 21, 2025 · 47 MIN

It’s Never Too Late: Hope, Help, and Healing for Older Adults in Recovery

Dave Closson and guest Terry Gerlach discuss recovery and mental health for older adults. Terry shares her career transition to clinical work and the importance of holistic care that integrates substance use and mental health treatment. The conversation covers recognizing risk factors, strengthening protective factors, and supporting lasting recovery at any age.

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JUNE 25, 2025 · 40 MIN

Helping Teens Make Better Choices: A Conversation with Jason Dorr

Jason Dorr, a youth mentor and prevention educator with More2Life, joins Dave Closson to discuss how his passion for helping teens make positive choices has shaped his work. They explore the intersection of prevention and youth development, and what it takes to genuinely engage young people in important conversations. The episode also highlights key topics such as social media, substance use, and relationships.

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MAY 29, 2025 · 27 MIN

At the Border of Prevention and Purpose

In this episode, Julietta, a prevention leader, shares her journey from growing up in Juárez, Mexico, where she witnessed the realities of drug and human trafficking. Her childhood curiosity evolved into a mission to empower youth, families, and communities through truth-based education. She emphasizes the importance of listening, honoring community voices, and building trust with facts to address today's drug landscape.

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