Prevention Leaders w/ Dave Closson

Dave Closson

Join the 'Prevention Leaders Podcast with Dave Closson' for insightful discussions on substance misuse prevention. Explore trends, strategies, and success stories with experts. Ideal for professionals and community members, this podcast empowers and inspires action towards a healthier future. Connect, learn, and lead the change in combating substance misuse.

  1. May 5

    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 → vision → first steps) and connect it to tools many prevention leaders already use—like the Accountability Ladder, community readiness, and psychological safety—to help teams move from stuck to forward motion. If your coalition or prevention team is feeling the weight of shifting funding, burnout, and “the rug getting pulled out,” this one is an encouraging, practical reset. Key takeaways (quick hit) If any part of the change formula is zero, resistance stays high. Diagnose where the “zero” is.Vision without first steps feels inspiring—but also overwhelming.First steps without vision feels busy—but not meaningful.Data + story can help communities move from denial → vague awareness → readiness.Psychological safety isn’t optional during uncertainty—leaders have to model vulnerability first.Different people process change differently (talking it out vs. quiet processing). Build space for both.Practical tools mentioned Change Formula (dissatisfaction + vision + first steps)Accountability Ladder (victim mindset → ownership/can-do)Community readiness (e.g., denial / vague awareness as common starting points)Psychological safety (Amy Edmondson; Brene Brown referenced) About Angie: Angie Asa‑Lovstad brings 25+ years of prevention experience—from leading a local coalition to running a statewide coalition (AC4C) to founding Asa Facilitation. Angie specializes in facilitation as “the secret sauce” for community-level change and helps groups connect, spark, and ignite progress—especially when things feel stuck. Connect with Angie Website: https://asafacilitation.comResources: Look for Angie’s free downloads under the “Resources” section of the site. Prevention is better together: if this episode helped you, subscribe to the Prevention Leaders Podcast and share it with one colleague who’s leading through change right now.

    39 min

  2. Apr 7

    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 already going right. They dig into Positive Community Norms (PCN) and the Science of the Positive, why misperceptions of the “norm” drive behavior, and how coalitions can start making practical shifts immediately, even before they have perfect data. In this episode, you’ll learn Why “raising awareness of the problem” can unintentionally amplify fear and misperceptionsWhat “Spirit First” means, and how it changes the way you engage a communityHow proximal norms (your immediate circle) shape what you think is “normal”A simple tabling-event question that instantly shifts the narrative toward strengthsWhere coalitions can start when data is limited (and how to build trust for better data later)How to measure whether a PCN campaign is working (awareness → perception → behavior)Resources mentioned The Montana Institute

    55 min

  3. Mar 10

    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 professionals,” but for anyone who cares about building safer, healthier communities. They dig into what’s inside the training (in-person and virtual), how the curriculum supports workforce development and prevention advocacy, and why the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) experience is intentionally different than most ToTs in the field—especially with a big emphasis on facilitation skills and classroom management. They also explore the “social entrepreneur” angle: how becoming a certified trainer can build local capacity and create sustainable revenue streams for individuals, agencies, and organizations. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why Prevention Core Competencies exists (and what it adds beyond SAPST + Ethics)The origin story: SAMHSA, the PTTCs, and the development/pilot processWhy this curriculum is for both prevention professionals and community membersHow the training strengthens prevention “why” and helps communities choose more effective strategiesIn-person vs virtual delivery: why they’re not interchangeable (and why that matters)What makes this ToT different (hybrid approach + real facilitation skill-building)Practical classroom management: navigating over-talkers, over-sharers, disengaged participants, and resistance3How the curriculum can support workforce development, advocacy, and communication with decision-makersThe entrepreneurship and sustainability angle: offering the training, charging appropriately, and building ROIFuture Proof + intrapreneurship: creating new revenue streams inside prevention organizationsLinks & Resources Register for the May 2026 Prevention Core Competencies ToTContact NicoleContact RikkiNicole’s book Be Great (Amazon)

    54 min

  4. Feb 17

    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 you can do — starting this week — to reset your thinking patterns in a healthier direction. Together, they unpack how survival mindset can help in moments of crisis but hold us back in everyday life, why awareness is the first step in changing thought patterns, and how small daily practices can create meaningful mindset shifts. The conversation also explores the connection between physical health, emotional health, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing. This episode is especially helpful for prevention professionals, helpers, leaders, and anyone navigating stress, healing, or personal change. What you’ll hear in this episode: What “mindset” really means and how it differs from perceptionHow negative thought loops form — and how to interrupt themPractical tools for flipping and reframing thoughtsThe role of presence and awareness in mindset resetWhy physical wellness habits support mental resilienceMoving from gratitude to joy — and why that distinction mattersReal-life stories of resilience, recovery, and growthSimple practices you can implement in the next 7 daysIf this episode gave you a useful insight or tool, share it with a colleague or friend in prevention or helping professions. Prevention — and growth — are better together.

    39 min

  5. Feb 3

    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 experience working with individuals and families, Amber introduces the idea of “raising the bottom”—practical, compassionate ways families and prevention professionals can help loved ones see the impact of their use before everything falls apart. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “wait for rock bottom” is harmful advice for families and loved onesWhat it really means to “raise the bottom” (and why it’s more hopeful and effective)How to ask for reasonable, everyday responsibilities so the person can see gaps in their own functioningWhy empathy, not nagging or judgment, activates the part of the brain that actually learns from mistakesHow to respond when someone says they’ll “cut back” or “only drink on weekends” (the bargaining phase)What to do instead of lecturing, reminding, or “I told you so”How to build your “credit score” with a loved one so you become the safe person they’ll actually talk toPractical communication moves drawn from motivational interviewing that any prevention professional or family member can use Amber’s story: From high school teacher to addiction counselor by “accident”Growing up in an addictive family and only seeing it clearly after entering the fieldWhy she gravitated toward working with people in denial or who “don’t want help” “Put the Shovel Down” and raising the bottom The recovery saying behind Amber’s YouTube channel name, Put the Shovel Down“You hit your bottom when you put your shovel down — you don’t have to keep digging.”Raising the bottom: setting up ordinary, values‑aligned responsibilities (helping with homework, picking up dinner, doing the dishes) so the person can see when they’re not following through ABOUT OUR GUEST: AMBER HOLLINGSWORTH Amber Hollingsworth is a licensed addiction counselor, master addiction counselor, and licensed mental health counselor based in South Carolina. She has spent over two decades working with individuals and families impacted by addiction. Amber runs the popular YouTube channel “Put the Shovel Down,” where she shares practical strategies for people in early recovery and for family members navigating denial, relapse, and boundaries. CONNECT WITH AMBER YouTube: Put the Shovel DownWebsiteFacebookInstagramLinkedIn Connect with Dave: PreventionLeaders.comDaveClosson.com/links

    46 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    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 that build connection, emotional skills, and a positive sense of identity. Laura shares what she’s seeing in her coaching work and at home with her four teens, then walks through practical ways parents can normalize emotions, support teens in working with anxiety (instead of avoiding it), and shift from “fixing” to truly connecting. This one’s especially for prevention leaders who are also parents—and for anyone coaching parents in their communities. About Laura: Laura Ollinger is a teen and parent wellbeing coach based in Austin, Texas. She combines a master’s in health and wellness education, health and life coach training, and years of parenting four teenagers to help families navigate stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges. She also hosts the “Positively Healthy Mom” podcast. Connect with Laura: https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/ Listen to her daughter's podcast: Cavaliers and Conversations Share this episode with a colleague, coalition partner, or fellow parent who’s walking alongside teens.

    56 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    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 StarTurn strategy into action with 90‑day cyclesChoose funding without mission driftBuild healthy team norms: focus blocks, urgency vs importance, scheduled send Links: https://montagforwardsolutions.com/ https://www.preventionleaders.com/ Joy Journal: A 90‑Day Path to Everyday Joy & Mindful Growth

    51 min

  8. 10/01/2025

    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 why adult prevention has been overlooked, how workplace culture can be either a risk factor or protective factor, and practical strategies for building resilience in professional settings. From the "drinking culture" in military and first responder communities to the power of simple check-ins and reflection exercises, this episode offers concrete tools for prevention leaders ready to expand their impact. Whether you're a prevention professional, coalition leader, or someone passionate about workplace wellness, you'll walk away with actionable strategies for cultivating resilience in adult populations. Meet Joel: Joel Bennett is President and CEO of Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems (OWLS). His evidence-based programs have been recognized by the Surgeon General and included in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. Joel works with organizations nationwide to promote adult prevention and wellness, with specialized programs for military veterans and first responders through the Safe Project.Connect: Website: https://www.preventionleaders.com/Website: www.daveclosson.com/linksConnect with Joel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbennettowls/ Website: ⁠https://organizationalwellness.com/⁠

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Join the 'Prevention Leaders Podcast with Dave Closson' for insightful discussions on substance misuse prevention. Explore trends, strategies, and success stories with experts. Ideal for professionals and community members, this podcast empowers and inspires action towards a healthier future. Connect, learn, and lead the change in combating substance misuse.

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