Drug Prevention Power Hour: Empowering Leaders in Youth Drug Prevention

Jake White
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

In this podcast we explore the world of youth drug prevention. We highlight the things that are working in substance use prevention and learn from one another in the field. This is NOT a show featuring only authors, speakers and founders of companies. We also interview people who are working with youth on a daily basis who can discuss what's currently happening in our schools and communities around the U.S. The Drug Prevention Power Hour is for... Prevention professionals, school counselors, principals, vice principals, social workers, school psychologists, coalitions, prevention specialists, school resource officers (SROs), juvenile justice professionals, parent teacher organization members (PTO), parent teacher association members (PTA), alcohol education (AODA), superintendents, greek life, college orientation, athletics, and human services. Our host is Jake White, the creator of Party.0 and Vive18. He's a youth prevention expert who started a peer-led youth movement where students host his signature "sober parties" for their peers - showing that you can fit in, make friends and have fun without using drugs and alcohol. His presentations, curriculum, programs and educational experiences are being used all over the country to help students make better decisions around substance use. His goal for every episode is to educate listeners on prevention, highlight new ideas and inspire us to keep saving lives through our efforts. 

  1. Sep 21

    6 Daily Habits for Lasting Sobriety and Alcohol Recovery | Episode 164 with Jennifer Hirst

    After keeping her sobriety private for four years, Jen Lee Hurst found the courage to share her story—and that decision changed the direction of her life. Today, she is a sober coach and the founder of Lighthouse Sobriety, helping women build lives they no longer want to escape from. In this episode, Jake White talks with Jen about her journey from graphic designer to sober coach, the power of sharing your story, and why connection and community are essential in recovery. Jen also explains the six daily habits she teaches to support sobriety, improve confidence, and create lasting change. Takeaways Sharing your story can be a powerful act of courage and freedom. Community and connection are essential for lasting sobriety. Simple daily habits can significantly support recovery efforts. Being authentic and vulnerable online builds trust and connection. Starting small and stacking habits leads to sustainable change. Connect with Jennifer Hirst Website: https://jenhurst.com Instagram: @jenleehirst Organization: Lighthouse Sobriety Free Resource: 100-Day Habit Tracker available on her website For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  2. Sep 7

    The Art of Advising Student-Led Prevention Clubs | Episode 163 with Kelly Prichard

    For 27 years, Kelly Prichard has been quietly transforming lives through student-led prevention clubs at Allen East High School in rural Ohio. In this episode, Jake White sits down with one of the most impactful youth prevention advisors in the country to learn her proven strategies for student engagement, leadership development, and community impact. Discover how to create meaningful prevention experiences that go beyond one-time events—and learn why the advisor matters just as much as the students. From managing large clubs to creative fundraising to holding students accountable with love and high expectations, Kelly shares the blueprint for building sustainable youth-led prevention programs. Takeaways Kelly Prichard's journey in youth prevention Strategies for engaging students in clubs The importance of genuine relationships and trust Creative fundraising methods for student groups The role of high expectations and accountability Building leadership and ownership among students Managing club interest and participation fluctuations The significance of consistency and advisor presence Connect with Kelly Prichard Email: PKPRICHARD2@hotmail.com Organization: Allen East High School SADD Social Media: @AllenEastSADD (Facebook, Instagram) YouTube: Search "Allen East SADD" for resources, PSAs, and contest projects For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  3. Aug 31

    How Drug Free Clubs Help Students Say No | Episode 162 with Angie Ferguson & Dave Huggins

    Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA) is revolutionizing how schools approach substance abuse prevention. In this episode, Jake White welcomes back Angie Ferguson and introduces Dave Huggins, Program Development Specialist, to discuss how their innovative program gives students tools to say no, builds community around drug-free choices, and creates powerful social proof that choosing to stay drug-free is the cool choice. Learn how voluntary drug testing, peer-led incentives, and student-run events like the annual Fall Rally are changing school culture and helping 99.5% of participating students test negative for drugs. Takeaways Students are more confident saying no when they have an easy reason Voluntary accountability can support healthy choices Peer visibility helps show students they’re not alone Student-led rewards and events strengthen school culture Drug testing can be supportive rather than punitive Strong prevention programs give students community, confidence, and choice Connect with David Huggins Website: https://drugfreeclubs.com Email Dave: daveh@drugfreeclubs.com For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  4. Aug 24

    Youth Prevention Advocate at 13: Turning Tragedy Into Change | Episode 161 with Mariah

    Meet Mariah, a 13-year-old prevention advocate from Petaluma, California, who is already making an impact in the drug prevention field. After losing her brother to an overdose at age five, Mariah transformed her grief into purpose. In this episode, she shares how she found her voice as an advocate, spoke publicly about her family's experience with addiction, attended the Fentanyl Free America convention after being nominated by the DEA, helped advocate for Narcan access in her community, and is now pushing for stronger drug prevention education in schools. Mariah also opens up about the stigma surrounding addiction, the connection between mental health and substance use, and what she's learned about balancing advocacy with grief and self-care. Her story is a powerful reminder that youth voices matter and speaking from the heart can create real community change. Takeaways Personal loss can become purpose and advocacy Open conversations help reduce addiction stigma Youth voices can create meaningful community change Narcan education can challenge fear and misinformation Mental health is an important part of substance use prevention Speaking from the heart can make a powerful impact Advocacy requires persistence even when people say no Self-care and processing grief matter too  Connect with Mariah Instagram: @mariah.g212 For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  5. Aug 17

    Embracing Your Role as a Prevention Coach | Episode 160 with Jake White

    In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White takes you inside one of Vive18’s prevention leadership courses to explore what it means to truly embrace your role as a coach. Jake shares practical strategies for moving from doing everything yourself to empowering students to lead, make decisions, learn from failure, and develop their leadership skills. He breaks down the difference between transactional and transformational leadership and explains how high expectations, accountability, support, and love can help create stronger, more sustainable student-led prevention programs. Takeaways Empower students to take ownership and lead. Focus on transformational, not transactional, leadership. Let students fail, learn, and grow. Coach students instead of solving problems for them. Lead with high expectations, support, and love. Build sustainable leadership by developing new leaders For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  6. Aug 3

    Recovery, Resilience & Rebuilding Your Life | Episode 159 with Marci Hopkins

    Recovery is about more than overcoming addiction—it's about rediscovering hope, healing from trauma, and creating a life filled with purpose. In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White sits down with Marci Hopkins recovery advocate, author, TV host, and speaker—to discuss her personal recovery journey and the lessons she's learned about resilience, mental health, and lasting transformation. Marci shares practical strategies for overcoming shame, building self-worth, and helping others realize that they're not broken—they're capable of change. Takeaways Recovery is about getting your life back, not giving something up. Healing begins when we replace shame with hope and self-compassion. The CARE Framework—Communicate, Ask for Help, Reinforce Boundaries, and Embrace Your Worth—provides practical tools for personal growth. Small daily habits and healthy coping skills can create lasting change through neuroplasticity. Strong relationships, community, and asking for help are essential for long-term recovery. Prevention and recovery both benefit from teaching resilience, emotional wellness, and healthy life skills. Connect with Marci Hopkins Chaos to Clarity: Seeing the Signs and Breaking the Cycles Wake Up, You're Not Broken https://wakeupwithmarci.com Instagram: @wakeupwithmarcy For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  7. Jul 27

    Vive18 Prevention Arcade Launch + Major Updates | Episode 158 with Jake White

    In this special episode, Jake White recaps the biggest highlights from Vive18 this year and shares exclusive opportunities for prevention professionals and youth leaders. From the groundbreaking Prevention Innovators Conference to youth leadership camps and professional trainings across 6+ states, discover what's happening in the prevention field and how you can get involved. Jake White also unveils the brand new Vive18 Prevention Arcade a free, interactive game-based learning tool designed to make prevention education fun and engaging. This is a world premiere showing of the arcade games with live gameplay demonstrations. Takeaways Prevention can be engaging, fun, and interactive not scary or boring Youth-led initiatives create lasting impact and empower emerging leaders Community partnerships and professional development strengthen prevention efforts Technology and gamification make prevention education accessible to everyone Resources and training tools level the playing field for all prevention professionals Bilingual and culturally responsive prevention is essential Collaboration and innovation drive the future of prevention TRY THE VIVE18 PREVENTION ARCADE Free access: vive18arcade.com/cadca No downloads required—play directly in your browser Games include: Skill Up, Shortcuts vs Skill Sets, Runner, and Vibe Share with educators and students in your community Custom builds available for coalitions and organization For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  8. Jul 20

    Being a Passionate Prevention Networker | Episode 157 with Ebony Manning

    Ebony Manning is a Prevention Specialist for Trinity Behavioral Care in South Carolina and host of "The Art of Recovery" podcast. In this episode, she shares her journey from military spouse to passionate community organizer, revealing how boots-on-the-ground networking, authentic relationships, and strategic partnerships transform prevention work. Discover how she implemented Too Good for Drugs as a consequence alternative in schools and built trust that opens doors with key stakeholders. Ebony discusses the power of showing up, asking the right questions, leveraging existing relationships, and being a genuine resource in your community. Takeaways Show up consistently and be boots on the ground in your community Build authentic relationships first credibility and trust open doors Ask the right questions to identify community needs before pitching solutions Leverage existing relationships and key stakeholders to move initiatives forward Don't be afraid to ask for what you need; strategic networking is smart business development Your character and passion matter more than having all the answers Start projects without waiting for perfect conditions "just do it" Be accessible and available people need resources right now, not someday Connect with Ebony Manning Trinity Behavioral Care: https://www.trinitybehavioralcare.org/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-art-of-recovery/id1833261644 For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

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About

In this podcast we explore the world of youth drug prevention. We highlight the things that are working in substance use prevention and learn from one another in the field. This is NOT a show featuring only authors, speakers and founders of companies. We also interview people who are working with youth on a daily basis who can discuss what's currently happening in our schools and communities around the U.S. The Drug Prevention Power Hour is for... Prevention professionals, school counselors, principals, vice principals, social workers, school psychologists, coalitions, prevention specialists, school resource officers (SROs), juvenile justice professionals, parent teacher organization members (PTO), parent teacher association members (PTA), alcohol education (AODA), superintendents, greek life, college orientation, athletics, and human services. Our host is Jake White, the creator of Party.0 and Vive18. He's a youth prevention expert who started a peer-led youth movement where students host his signature "sober parties" for their peers - showing that you can fit in, make friends and have fun without using drugs and alcohol. His presentations, curriculum, programs and educational experiences are being used all over the country to help students make better decisions around substance use. His goal for every episode is to educate listeners on prevention, highlight new ideas and inspire us to keep saving lives through our efforts. 

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