The Unnecessary Harm Podcast
Powered by the Dalgarno Institute
Challenging the narratives that normalize drug use.
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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.
All episodes
81 episodes
October 7, 202658 min
How SAFE Project Is Strengthening What Protects Us
This episode features Ronna Yablonski and Adam Swift from SAFE Project, who discuss the organization's comprehensive approach to substance misuse prevention. They emphasize that prevention is an ongoing, daily effort that involves individuals, families, and communities. The conversation highlights how SAFE Project strengthens protective factors before, during, and after a crisis, particularly for veterans.
ListenAugust 12, 202647 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.
ListenJuly 2, 20261 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.
ListenJune 24, 202651 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.
ListenMay 5, 202639 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.
ListenApril 7, 202655 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.
ListenMarch 10, 202654 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.
ListenFebruary 17, 202639 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.
ListenFebruary 3, 202646 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.
ListenDecember 2, 202556 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.
ListenNovember 6, 202551 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.
ListenOctober 1, 202548 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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