PREVENTION LEADERS PODCAST NETWORK

The Prevention Leaders Podcast

Hosted by Dave Closson

The podcast for prevention professionals who want more than theory. They want real tools, real stories, and real impact. Dave Closson hosts solo episodes and interviews with the experts, leaders, and changemakers shaping the future of prevention. Topics include leadership, storytelling, collaboration, and tactical capacity.

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80 episodes

AUGUST 12, 2026 · 47 MIN

Culture Is Prevention: Protective Factors, Belonging, and Strength-Based Prevention with Barbara Bessette

This episode of The Prevention Leaders Podcast features Dave Closson and Barbara Bessette, an enrolled member of the Chippewa-Cree Tribe Rocky Boy. They explore how reconnecting with culture, identity, belonging, and community can be a powerful substance misuse prevention strategy. Bessette shares her insights on approaching prevention through an Indigenous lens, emphasizing protective factors and moving beyond deficit-based narratives.

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JULY 2, 2026 · 1 HR 3 MIN

Fall, Feel, Rise: Hope Tour, Fourth Wave Foundation, and the Practice of Resilience

This episode, a collaboration with the Unnecessary Harm podcast, explores resilience with the architects of World Resiliency Week 2026, Adam Woods and Sneha Patiyathal. They discuss the critical practice of resilience in diverse cultural contexts, focusing on community-rooted and relationship-centered prevention work for young people. The conversation highlights on-the-ground efforts in schools and communities across Australia and India.

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JUNE 24, 2026 · 51 MIN

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

This special multicast episode, originally recorded with the Dalgarno Institute for their podcast Unnecessary Harm, explores the 2026 World Resiliency Week campaign theme, "The Pulse of Resilience: Fall, Feel, Rise." Guests Dave Closson and Jen Schneeman discuss resilience as a rhythm rather than a destination, drawing on diverse fields such as trauma recovery and prevention science. They offer a hopeful conversation about navigating adversity and building stronger individuals and communities.

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MAY 5, 2026 · 39 MIN

Navigating Change: Strategies for Prevention Leaders

Dave Closson and Angie Asa-Lovstad discuss leading through uncertainty and forced change in prevention and behavioral health. They explore a Change Formula and connect it to tools like the Accountability Ladder, community readiness, and psychological safety. This episode offers practical guidance for teams navigating shifting funding, burnout, and unexpected changes.

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APRIL 7, 2026 · 55 MIN

The Mindset Shift That Changes Prevention Outcomes

This episode features a conversation with Sara Thompson about a mindset shift that can change prevention outcomes. The discussion focuses on moving from problem-saturated narratives to a "spirit first" approach, which identifies and builds upon existing community strengths. Listeners will learn how this approach incorporates Positive Community Norms and the Science of the Positive to address misperceptions and drive behavior change.

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MARCH 10, 2026 · 54 MIN

Behind the Curriculum: Exploring Prevention Core Competencies

This episode of The Prevention Leaders Podcast explores the Prevention Core Competencies curriculum with guests Nicole Augustine and Rikki Barton. They discuss why the curriculum was created, the gaps it fills, and its relevance for anyone interested in building healthier communities. The conversation also covers the training's impact on workforce development, prevention advocacy, and the unique Train-the-Trainer experience.

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FEBRUARY 17, 2026 · 39 MIN

Mindset Reset: Practical Tools for Stress, Recovery, and Growth

This episode explores how mindset influences stress, recovery, resilience, and personal growth. Wellness coach and social worker Cynthia Conigliaro joins Dave for a practical conversation about forming and shifting thinking patterns. They discuss moving from a survival mindset, interrupting negative thought loops, and the connection between physical and emotional health for overall well-being.

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FEBRUARY 3, 2026 · 46 MIN

Raising the Bottom: A New Way to Help Loved Ones Before They Hit Rock Bottom

In this episode, licensed addiction and mental health counselor Amber Hollingsworth joins to discuss challenging the persistent myth that individuals must "hit rock bottom" before seeking help for addiction. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Amber introduces the concept of "raising the bottom," offering compassionate and practical ways for families and prevention professionals to intervene proactively. She shares strategies to help loved ones recognize the impact of their substance use before severe consequences arise.

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DECEMBER 2, 2025 · 56 MIN

Helping Teens Turn Anxiety Into Resilience with Laura Ollinger

Laura Ollinger, a teen and parent wellbeing coach, joins the podcast to discuss how parents can help their teens navigate anxiety. She explains what everyday "living room" anxiety is, why it appears strongly in teens, and how parents can foster connection, emotional skills, and a positive identity. Laura shares practical strategies for parents to normalize emotions and support teens in working with anxiety, rather than avoiding it.

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NOVEMBER 6, 2025 · 51 MIN

From Reactionary to Purposeful: Leading with Intention in Prevention Work

The episode explores how to transition from reactive to intentional leadership in prevention work. Dave and Louise Montag discuss moving away from a "whack-a-mole" approach to a more values-aligned strategy.

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OCTOBER 1, 2025 · 48 MIN

Cultivating Resilience in Adults: Insights for Workplace Wellness

This episode discusses the importance of adult prevention, particularly in the workplace, and how it often gets overlooked compared to youth prevention. Joel Bennett from Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems shares insights on cultivating resilience in professional settings. He explores how workplace culture can influence adult prevention and offers practical strategies for prevention leaders.

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SEPTEMBER 17, 2025 · 60 MIN

How Frameworks Can Transform Your Coalition Work (and Your Culture)

This episode of The Prevention Leaders Podcast explores how frameworks like the Science of the Positive and the Strategic Prevention Framework can elevate coalition work beyond mere compliance. Stephanie Patton, a coalition coordinator from Massachusetts, shares her experience integrating the Science of the Positive, offering insights into making frameworks visible, building trust, and fostering facilitative leadership to enhance coalition impact and sustainability.

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