Coffee and Clarity: Preventing Substance Misuse

MCSAP Coalition
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A collection of insightful discussions on the critical issue of substance misuse prevention. In this series, we bring together experts, community leaders, and advocates to shed light on the multifaceted challenges of substance misuse and share practical solutions. Join us as we explore the intersections of prevention, education, and support. These episodes provide a rich blend of knowledge and insight, aiming to empower individuals, families, and communities to make informed decisions and create positive change. Tune in, stay informed, and let's work together towards a healthier, safer future.

  1. 10/22/2025

    Opioid Settlement Funds Part One: Prevention

    Season 3, Ep. 2 | Opioid Settlement Funds Part One: PreventionIn this episode, hosts Sophie and Reyna sit down with Shelly Larsen, Project Coordinator for Empower Coalition, and Caroline McCourt, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator/ Community Health Planner, to discuss how Martin and Faribault Counties are using opioid settlement funds to address prevention and recovery.Shelly shares about the coalition’s ongoing initiatives, including Narcan training and the “Lock It Up” campaign, while Caroline walks us through how the settlement funds were distributed to ensure long-term impact across both counties. Together, they explore what’s being done locally to tackle opioid use disorder, the partnerships that make this work possible, and how community members can play a role in supporting prevention and recovery efforts.Whether you’re a parent, educator, community leader, or someone passionate about public health, this episode sheds light on how collaborative efforts and strategic funding are helping create safer, healthier communities.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityLearn more or support our work at www.empowermartin.comFor sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@empowermartin.comThis podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Schmeekle Foundation.Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    40 min

  2. 09/20/2025

    Servant Leadership & School Culture: Inspiring Healthy Choices at Fairmont

    Season 3, Ep. 1 | Servant Leadership & School Culture: Inspiring Healthy Choices at FairmontIn this episode, we’re joined by Mr. Chad Brusky, principal of Fairmont Jr./Sr. High School, and Mr. Brian Wille, Servant Leadership and Social Studies teacher at Fairmont. Together, they share how the school is cultivating a positive culture where students are encouraged to lead, serve, and make healthy choices.From Cardinal Community Days to the advisory program and Servant Leadership class, these initiatives are shaping student experiences, strengthening mental health, and empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to their community. We dive into how service projects, mentorship opportunities, and leadership development not only enhance school culture but also play a powerful role in preventing substance misuse.You’ll hear stories of students stepping into leadership, making a difference in their peers’ lives, and creating ripple effects that reach far beyond the classroom. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into how schools and coalitions can partner to build environments where youth thrive.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityLearn more or support our work at www.empowermartin.comFor sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@empowermartin.comThis podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Schmeekle Foundation.Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    35 min

  3. 06/03/2025

    Be Extraordinary, Be You: Navigating Substance Misuse and Self Acceptance

    Season 2, Ep. 9 | Be Extraordinary, Be You: Navigating Substance Misuse and Self AcceptanceIn this powerful episode, we're joined by Randy and Heather Bacchus, founders of Be Extraordinary, Be You!—a nonprofit dedicated to educating families on the dangers of high-potency THC and supporting those facing mental health and substance use struggles.After losing their 21-year-old son Randy to cannabis-induced psychosis and suicide, the Bacchuses turned their unimaginable grief into purpose. In this heartfelt conversation, they share Randy’s story, the advocacy work behind Randy’s Resolution, and how his vlogging journey became a tool for prevention and healing. We dive into questions about youth identity, the pressures today’s teens face, and how families and communities can offer stronger support. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, youth, and anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. It’s a reminder that healing is possible, and that stories—no matter how painful—can save lives.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityA Higher Love by Heather Bacchus: https://www.amazon.com/Higher-Love-Addicti...Learn more or support our work at www.mcsapcoalition.com.For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com.This podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Schmeekle Foundation.Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    43 min

  4. 05/07/2025

    Tobacco's Hidden Costs: Environmental Impacts Revealed

    Season 2, Ep. 8 | Tobacco's Hidden Costs: Environmental Impacts RevealedIn this episode, we're chatting with Molly Schmidtke from the Association for Nonsmokers - Minnesota. With her background in public health, Molly offers a powerful perspective on a lesser-known issue: how commercial tobacco products harm our environment.Together, we explore key questions around the environmental impact of tobacco—from pollution caused by cigarette waste to harmful industry practices and the role flavored products play in environmental damage. This episode is full of practical steps youth, individuals, and communities can take to raise awareness and reduce environmental harm caused by tobacco. If you're passionate about protecting both public health and the planet, you won’t want to miss this conversation.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityLearn more or support our work at www.mcsapcoalition.com.For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com.This podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Schmeekle Foundation.Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    22 min

  5. 03/25/2025

    Clinical Insights: Addressing Youth Mental Health & Substance Use Challenges

    Season 2, Ep. 7 | Clinical Insights: Addressing Youth Mental Health & Substance Use ChallengesIn this episode of Coffee and Clarity, host Sophie Streit sits down with Siri Kabrick, APRN CNP, a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at the Mayo Clinic, to discuss the intersection of youth mental health and substance use. Siri shares her expertise on the unique mental health challenges that young people face today, including anxiety, depression, and how substance use often plays a role.Throughout the episode, Siri offers valuable insights on how to recognize mental health struggles in youth, strategies for coping with stress without turning to substances, and how we can reduce stigma around these important topics. She also touches on the vital role that youth-led initiatives and supportive environments play in mental health and substance use prevention.Don’t miss out on this important conversation about supporting youth mental health and building healthier futures for the next generation.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityLearn more or support our work at www.mcsapcoalition.com. For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com.This podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Schmeekle Foundation. Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    25 min

  6. 02/17/2025

    Pathways to Recovery: Inside Treatment Court

    Season 2, Ep. 6 | Pathways to Recovery: Inside Treatment CourtIn this episode, hosts Hannah Gries and Sophie Streit talk with Tracy Henning, Treatment Court Coordinator, and Andrea Nielsen, LADC at Fountain Centers, about how treatment courts help people overcome addiction.They explain how treatment court works, the role of addiction treatment providers, and why personalized recovery plans matter. They also tackle common myths about addiction and share success stories of people turning their lives around.Listen now on your favorite platform:YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutubeApple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityAppleiHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeartAudible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarityAmazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClaritySpotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarityLearn more or support our work at www.mcsapcoalition.com. For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com.This podcast is made possible by grants from the ONDCP Drug-Free Communities Support Program.Like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    17 min

  7. 01/24/2025

    Johnny's Ambassadors: Tackling Dabbing and THC Misconceptions

    Season 2, Ep. 4 | Johnny's Ambassadors: Tackling Dabbing and THC Misconceptions In this episode, host Trista Boesch sits down with Laura Stack, founder of Johnny's Ambassadors, to discuss the dangers of high-potency marijuana products, the mental health impact of THC on young brains, and how her organization is working to prevent youth substance misuse. Laura shares Johnny's story, from his journey with marijuana to the tragic impact it had on his life, which inspired her to create Johnny's Ambassadors. She highlights the risks of dabbing, the importance of early education, and the values driving her work: altruism, patience, conviction, enthusiasm, and gratitude. We also dive into the intersection of mental health and substance misuse, explore the latest challenges with changing marijuana laws, and learn actionable tips for parents, educators, and community leaders to support prevention efforts. Listen now on your favorite platform: YouTube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutube Apple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityApple iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeart Audible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarity Amazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClarity Spotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarity For more information or to support our efforts, visit www.mcsapcoalition.com. For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com. This podcast is made possible by grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities Support Program. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    24 min

  8. 12/21/2024

    Navigating Trauma: Insights into Care, Healing, and Substance Use

    Season 2, Ep. 4 | Navigating Trauma: Insights into Care, Healing, and Substance Use In this episode, hosts Trista Boesch and Megan Wheeler sit down with Caroline McCourt, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Community Health Planner, and Molly, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, to discuss the importance of trauma-informed practices and therapy services. We explore what trauma-informed care means, how it’s being used in our community, and where it’s needed most. Molly shares how therapy can help individuals heal from trauma and discusses the connections between trauma and substance use. Caroline highlights the role of trauma-informed practices in community health and emergency planning. Listen now on your favorite platform: Youtube: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityYoutube Apple: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityApple iHeartRadio: https://bit.ly/CoffeeandClarityiHeart Audible: https://bit.ly/AudibleCoffeeandClarity Amazon: https://bit.ly/AmazonCoffeeandClarity Spotify: https://bit.ly/SpotifyCoffeeandClarity For more information or to support our efforts, visit www.mcsapcoalition.com. For sponsorship or guest opportunities, contact desta@mcsapcoalition.com. This podcast is made possible by grants from the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) Drug-Free Communities Support Program and the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Rural Communities Opioid Response Program. The perspectives expressed do not necessarily reflect those of ONDCP or HRSA. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to stay part of the conversation!

    32 min
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A collection of insightful discussions on the critical issue of substance misuse prevention. In this series, we bring together experts, community leaders, and advocates to shed light on the multifaceted challenges of substance misuse and share practical solutions. Join us as we explore the intersections of prevention, education, and support. These episodes provide a rich blend of knowledge and insight, aiming to empower individuals, families, and communities to make informed decisions and create positive change. Tune in, stay informed, and let's work together towards a healthier, safer future.

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