Drug Prevention Power Hour: Empowering Leaders in Youth Drug Prevention

Jake White
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Education
  • 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. 1d ago

    Student Leadership, Mental Health & Youth Drug Prevention | Episode 168 with Abigail Swartz

    In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Raegann McDonald sits down with Abigail Swartz, a senior at Mountain Home High School in Arkansas, to discuss youth leadership, mental health awareness, and the power of student-led drug prevention. Abigail shares how her personal experiences with family addiction and mental health challenges inspired her to get involved in prevention. As a student leader in SEED (Students Educated Against Drugs), she discusses her involvement in school initiatives, including Red Ribbon Week activities, mental health awareness projects, and peer education programs. She also highlights the importance of creating supportive environments where students feel comfortable asking for help, sharing their experiences, and becoming advocates for positive change. From overcoming stage fright to organizing a sobriety lock-in, Abigail explains how getting involved in prevention has strengthened her confidence, leadership skills, and passion for helping others. Learn how young people can make a difference in their schools and communities through peer leadership, meaningful connections, and student-driven prevention initiatives. Takeaways Empower students through peer leadership and advocacy. Promote mental health awareness and open communication. Make prevention engaging through creative school activities. Build supportive environments where students feel safe asking for help. Encourage young people to take initiative and create positive change. For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  2. Oct 26

    Emotional Sobriety, Addiction Recovery & Healthy Coping Skills | Episode 167 with Dan Fulop

    In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White sits down with Dan Fulop-Furlano, author of Sincerely Delusional, to explore addiction recovery, emotional sobriety, and the importance of developing healthy ways to cope with life’s challenges. Dan shares his personal journey from functional alcoholism and drug abuse to recovery, explaining how emotional sobriety helped him understand the underlying struggles behind his addiction. He discusses the importance of recognizing unhealthy patterns, processing difficult emotions, building genuine connections, and learning to respond to life’s challenges rather than relying on substances as an escape. Together, Jake and Dan explore why social-emotional skills, open conversations about mental health, and healthy coping strategies are essential for young people. They also discuss how parents and educators can model emotional awareness, encourage honest communication, and help students build the skills they need to navigate life without turning to drugs or alcohol. Learn why recovery is a process, not an event, and discover how emotional awareness, meaningful relationships, and healthy coping skills can strengthen substance use prevention and support lasting personal growth. Takeaways Understand emotional sobriety and addiction recovery. Recognize unhealthy coping mechanisms. Encourage open conversations about emotions. Teach healthy coping and social skills. Model positive behaviors for young people. Remember that recovery is a process, not an event. Connect with Dan Fulop-Furlano and Sincerely Delusional: Website: https://sincerelydelusional.com For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  3. Oct 19

    Using Circles and Peer Influence to Build a Positive School Culture | Episode 166 with Pat Fish

    In this episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White sits down with Pat Fish, founder of Circle Values, to explore how schools can build stronger relationships, positive school culture, and healthy decision-making through circles, play, and peer leadership. Pat shares the inspiration behind his high five chain activity and explains how simple, fun experiences can encourage students to connect with one another. He also discusses restorative practices, creating safe spaces for honest conversations, and empowering older students to become positive role models for younger peers. Learn why consistent messaging, student ownership, and meaningful relationships are essential to prevention and discover practical ways educators can bring school values to life every day. Takeaways Build connections through simple, engaging activities. Strengthen school culture with shared values and restorative practices. Create safe spaces for honest conversations. Encourage peer leadership and positive role models. Make prevention meaningful through fun and student involvement. Connect with Pat Fish and Circle Values: https://circlevalues.com For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  4. Oct 5

    4 Ways to Build Sustainable Funding for Prevention | Episode 165 with Jake White

    In this special episode of the Drug Prevention Power Hour, Jake White shares the four fundraising strategies Vive18 uses to build sustainable funding: individual donations, business sponsorships, organization donations, and fundraising events. Jake also breaks down how Vive18 raised $40,000 in just three months through individual donations, shares practical tips for approaching donors and sponsors, and explains how prevention organizations can build stronger community partnerships. Whether you're starting a prevention organization or looking for new ways to strengthen your funding, this episode is packed with practical strategies you can put into action. Takeaways 4 key strategies for fundraising How to grow individual donations Building business sponsorships Leveraging organization donations Planning successful fundraising events Tips for creating a compelling fundraising pitch Building sustainable funding for prevention For feedback, questions and new episode ideas... jake@vive18.com instagram.com/vive18_

  5. 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_

  6. 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_

  7. 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_

  8. 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_

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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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