The Prevention Leaders Podcast
The Communication Gap in Prevention, and How to Fix It
26 min
Guest: Susie Reece
Listen on SpotifySummary
Dave Closson and communication strategist Susie Reece discuss how communication can be a powerful tool in substance misuse and suicide prevention. They explore ways to redefine active listening, rethink emails, and approach social media strategically. The conversation highlights how curiosity builds connection and reflection creates trust, empowering prevention professionals to make a meaningful impact through every interaction.
Key takeaways
- True active listening involves more than just hearing words, it requires presence and engagement.
- Strategic communication on social media can effectively support prevention efforts.
- Unified and memorable messaging is crucial for the prevention movement's growth.
- Cultivating curiosity and presence helps build authentic relationships.
- Effective communication extends to all interactions, including email style and signatures.
Show notes
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 rethinking the way we write emails and approach social media, this episode is full of insight, strategy, and real-life examples. Susie and Dave dig into how curiosity builds connection, how reflection creates trust, and how prevention professionals can use every interaction to make a meaningful impact.
If you’re a trainer, consultant, coalition leader, or anyone working to create safer, healthier communities, this one’s for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
What true active listening really means (and why it’s so rare)
How to use curiosity and presence to build authentic relationships
Why communication style matters, even in your email signature
How social media can support prevention when it’s strategic
Why prevention needs unified, memorable messaging to grow as a movement
Links
https://susiereece.org/
https://www.daveclosson.com/
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