Step Up to Save Our Children with Denise Mayer

Project Podcast Co.
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Parenting

"Step Up to Save Our Children" is a podcast hosted by Denise Mayer, founder of Step Up Anderson Township, a coalition dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and drug-free community. The podcast provides valuable insights, evidence-based education, and resources on pressing issues like vaping, marijuana, prescription drugs, and underage alcohol consumption. With a strong focus on both substance misuse prevention and mental health, the podcast aims to equip parents, educators, and community members with tools to support the well-being of the youth.

  1. Sep 23

    Ep 36: Preventing Teen Suicide: What Every Parent Should Know About QPR

    How prepared are we as parents to recognize when a teenager may be struggling and know what to do next? In this episode of Step Up to Save Our Children, Denise talks with Kristen Smith of Envision Partnerships about teen suicide prevention and the important role parents and other trusted adults can play in recognizing warning signs, starting difficult conversations, and connecting young people with help. Kristen explains QPR—Question, Persuade, Refer, a suicide-prevention training designed to give everyday people the skills and confidence to recognize when someone may be at risk and help them connect with appropriate support. We discuss why parents shouldn't be afraid to ask direct questions when they are concerned, how to create an environment where teens feel comfortable talking about their mental health, and why prevention is truly a community responsibility. Most importantly, this conversation reminds parents that you don't have to be a mental-health professional to make a difference. Learning how to recognize concerns, listen without judgment, and know where to turn for help can be an important part of protecting the young people we care about. To learn more go to: https://envisionpartnerships.org Kristen Smith joins us from Envision Partnerships to talk about: • Understanding teen suicide prevention • Warning signs parents and other trusted adults should recognize • How to approach a teenager when you are concerned • Why parents should not be afraid to ask difficult questions • The importance of listening and creating connection • What QPR stands for: Question, Persuade, Refer • What parents can expect from QPR training • Why QPR is similar in concept to CPR • The importance of training parents, educators, coaches, grandparents, and other trusted adults • How schools and communities can work together on prevention • Reducing the stigma surrounding mental health • Building connection, belonging, and resilience before a crisis occurs • Where parents can learn more about QPR and suicide-prevention resources Parents don't need to have all the answers. But they can learn how to notice, ask, listen, and connect. Call 988 when in doubt to get help! Being prepared before a crisis occurs can give parents greater confidence to respond when a young person needs support. Children’s Psychiatric Intake Line 513-636-4124 and QPR training to the show notes. Free virtual QPR training Oct. 23  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Cj5kcs-9QJyoeOjwfS-l6g#/registration About this podcast Step Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face. #drugfree #recovery #sober #straightedge #sobriety #soberlife #addiction #drugaddiction #rehab #alcoholfree #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #sxe #recoveryispossible #wedorecover #soberliving #therapy #fitness #sobermovement #wellness #addictionawareness #health #narcoticsanonymous #mentalhealthawareness #justfortoday #soberaf #drugs #addictiontreatment #alcoholicsanonymous

  2. Sep 10

    Ep 35: Parent Coaching, Strengths-Based Parenting, and Why Support Matters

    This conversation explores what parent coaching is, who it helps, and why it can be a practical alternative to therapy for parents who want support without judgment. Denise Mayer speaks with Karrie Brown, Senior Parenting Specialist at Beach Acres Parenting Center, about parenting stress, sibling conflict, co-parenting, and how strengths-based guidance can help families feel more confident and connected. In this episode, they discuss how parenting has changed, why many parents feel overwhelmed or isolated, and how small shifts in communication and expectations can make a big difference at home. About this podcast Step Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face. Who am I? Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township.  Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati.  She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s.  A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools.  She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community. #drugfree #recovery #sober #straightedge #sobriety #soberlife #addiction #drugaddiction #rehab #alcoholfree #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #sxe #recoveryispossible #wedorecover #soberliving #therapy #fitness #sobermovement #wellness #addictionawareness #health #narcoticsanonymous #mentalhealthawareness #justfortoday #soberaf #drugs #addictiontreatment #alcoholicsanonymous

  3. Aug 27

    Ep 34: The Truth About ADHD, Medication, and What Parents Should Watch

    ADHD, Substance Use Risk, and What Parents Can DoIn this episode, Denise Mayer speaks with Pat Aussem, Vice President of Consumer Clinical Content Development at Partnership to End Addiction, about the connection between ADHD and increased risk for substance use in children and teens. They break down what ADHD really is, why the “pause button” in the brain can be harder to access, and how parents can support kids with practical strategies, structure, and encouragement.Pat explains that ADHD is not a parenting failure, but a brain-based difference that affects attention, impulsivity, and decision-making. The conversation also covers medication concerns, how to talk with children about their diagnosis without focusing only on labels, and why early treatment and support can be protective against later substance use.A major theme of the episode is hope: with the right tools, support team, and honest conversations, kids with ADHD can thrive.Key topics covered: What ADHD looks like in children and adultsWhy children with ADHD may be at higher risk for substance useThe brain’s “pause button” and impulse controlBehavior-based strategies that help kids succeedMedication, side effects, and provider oversightHow to talk with parents who are skeptical of mental health supportProtective factors during the teen yearsWhy early treatment can reduce later substance use riskHealthy risk-taking and school supportsHow families can use community support and professional helpADHD is a skill gap, not a character flaw.Parents should focus on behaviors, not stigma.Medication is only one tool — support and routines matter too.Early treatment can help lower substance use risk later.Children do best when parents build a team around them.Partnership to End Addiction: https://drugfree.orgCRAFT support approach: Community Reinforcement and Family TrainingResources mentioned:Guest: Pat AussemHost: Denise MayerPodcast: Step Up to Save Our ChildrenProducer: Project Podcast Co.

  4. Aug 13

    Ep 33: Don't Wait Until It's Too Late: Teaching Kids About Body Safety

    The most important conversations you'll ever have with your child may need to happen sooner than you think.In this episode of Step Up to Save Our Children, we welcome Elle Constantine from Educate Before Eight to discuss how parents can confidently teach young children about body safety, healthy boundaries, consent, trusted adults, and personal safety—all in age-appropriate, empowering ways.Rather than creating fear, these early conversations help children build confidence, recognize unsafe situations, and know when and how to seek help.Elle shares practical guidance, common misconceptions, and simple strategies every parent and caregiver can begin using today.Whether you're raising a preschooler, an elementary-aged child, or simply want to be better prepared, this episode offers valuable tools to help protect children through education, communication, and connection.Visit their website for more resources and information.educatebeforeeight.complantingseedsbooks.comAbout this podcastStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.Who am I?Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township. Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s. A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools. She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.#drugfree #recovery #sober #straightedge #sobriety #soberlife #addiction #drugaddiction #rehab #alcoholfree #addictionrecovery #mentalhealth #sxe #recoveryispossible #wedorecover #soberliving #therapy #fitness #sobermovement #wellness #addictionawareness #health #narcoticsanonymous #mentalhealthawareness #justfortoday #soberaf #drugs #addictiontreatment #alcoholicsanonymous

  5. Jun 4

    Ep 32: Shifting Gears: Saving Young Lives

    What causes teens to make risky decisions behind the wheel—and how can parents, schools, and communities help change the outcome before tragedy strikes? In this episode of Step Up to Save Our Children, we sit down with Taylor Small of Students Against Destructive Decisions to discuss the powerful Shifting Gears program and the growing challenges facing young drivers today. From distracted driving, THC and alcohol use and peer pressure to prevention strategies that truly connect with students, Taylor shares how SADD is helping teens make smarter, safer decisions both on and off the road. This conversation offers practical insight for parents,educators, and anyone who cares about protecting young lives. Learn how education, leadership, and open conversations can help shift the culture around teen driving and empower students to make choices that save lives.Through a national network of student-led chapters in high schools and colleges, SADD provides educational, engaging programming rooted in over four decades of expertise. Our chapters mobilize teens, engage parents, and activate communities around critical issues including traffic safety, substance use prevention, and personal health and safety. www.SADD.orgStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township. Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s. A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools. She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.DISCLAIMER*The content on Step Up Anderson is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Discussions on substance misuse, mental health, and community safety aim to raise awareness, not replace expert guidance. Guest opinions and external resources do not imply endorsement. Step Up Anderson is not responsible for actions taken based on our content. By watching, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any outcomes related to the information shared. For concerns, please contact us directly.

  6. May 21

    Ep 31: Teen Pornography: The Conversation Parents Can’t Avoid

    In today’s digital world, many teens encounter pornography long before parents realize it—and its impact can be deeper than most families understand. In this eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Mandy Sanchez of Culture Reframed to discuss how pornography affects the developing brain, shapes expectations around relationships, influences mental health, and changes the way young people view themselves and others.We also give parents practical tools for prevention, healthy conversations, digital boundaries, and what to do if their child has already been exposed.This is not a conversation rooted in fear—it’s about awareness, wisdom, and helping families raise strong, healthy teens in a challenging culture.www.culturereframed.orgStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face. Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township.  Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati.  She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s.  A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools.  She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community. DISCLAIMER* The content on Step Up Anderson is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Discussions on substance misuse, mental health, and community safety aim to raise awareness, not replace expert guidance. Guest opinions and external resources do not imply endorsement. Step Up Anderson is not responsible for actions taken based on our content. By watching, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any outcomes related to the information shared. For concerns, please contact us directly.

  7. May 6

    Ep 30: Teen Parties, Alcohol, and the Cost of Looking the Other Way

    What really happens when parents allow teens to drink at home? In this powerful episode of Step Up to Save Our Children, we sit down with Fran Gerbig, Executive Director of Prevention Action Alliance, to unpack the truth behind the Parents Who Host Lose the Most campaign and what every parent needs to understand about teen parties, alcohol, and liability. Many well-meaning parents believe that allowing drinking at home is the “safer” option—but the reality is far more serious. From legal consequences to life-altering risks, this conversation breaks down what’s actually at stake and how parents can take clear, confident steps to protect their children.You’ll learn:• The real risks of hosting teen parties with alcohol• What parents can be held legally responsible for• Why “supervised drinking” is a dangerous myth• How to set firm boundaries without losing connection with your teen• Practical strategies to prevent underage drinkingThis isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, leadership, and prevention.• Share this episode with another parent• Subscribe for more conversations that help you protect your kids• Start the conversation in your own home todayBecause one decision can change everything—and prevention starts with you.www.preventionactionalliance.comStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township. Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s. A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools. She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.DISCLAIMER*The content on Step Up Anderson is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Discussions on substance misuse, mental health, and community safety aim to raise awareness, not replace expert guidance. Guest opinions and external resources do not imply endorsement. Step Up Anderson is not responsible for actions taken based on our content. By watching, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any outcomes related to the information shared. For concerns, please contact us directly.

  8. Apr 22

    Ep 29: Don’t Wait: How to Intervene Before It’s Too Late

    What does it really mean to intervene in a child’s life—before things spiral out of control?In this episode of Step Up to Save Our Children, we explore how to intervene in use—artfully and impactfully—at every stage. From subtle early warning signs to more serious concerns, this conversation is about knowing when to step in, how to do it effectively, and why timing and approach matter more than ever. Kryia Lendzion, prevention specialist, describes in detail how to intervene and when. This is such valuable information for our parents navigating this current culture with our teens. Parents and caregivers often struggle with the balance between protecting their child and pushing them away. This episode breaks down how to recognize those critical moments, communicate in ways that build trust instead of resistance, and take action that truly makes a difference. Because intervention isn’t just about reacting to a problem—it’s about staying connected, being intentional, and showing up in ways that can change the trajectory of a child’s life.If you’ve ever questioned whether you should say something or step in—this episode will give you clarity and confidence. Subscribe for more conversations that empower parents to act early and make a difference. Like, comment, and share to help more families start these critical conversationsStep Up to Save Our Children is a new podcast promoting a healthy, safe and drug fee community. Important topics with professional guests provide information on a variety of topics from high potency marijuana, underage drinking, fentanyl poisoning and other drug and mental health related issues. This podcast, Step Up to Save Our children, is attempting to meet parents and caregivers where you are. Whether at home, exercising or waiting for your child from sports, music or ballet, this will be your opportunity to keep your children safe by educating yourself to the dangers they face.Denise Mayer is a 53-year resident of Anderson Township. Denise received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati. She has worked in many volunteer endeavors and was the creator and publisher of Brainstorm Magazine, a publication written by and for high school students that was distributed at sixty-five high schools in the Greater Cincinnati area in the late 80’s and 90’s. A huge advocate for children’s safety and welfare, Denise started Step Up Anderson Township to bring awareness and education to the community on the topics of illegal drugs, vaping, and underage drinking that are affecting our young people. She is a wife of 53 years, mother of three daughters, and grandmother of six, all living in the Anderson Township area and attending Forest Hills Schools. She and her husband Rick are dedicated to their welfare and health as well as that of the Anderson Community.DISCLAIMER*The content on Step Up Anderson is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Discussions on substance misuse, mental health, and community safety aim to raise awareness, not replace expert guidance. Guest opinions and external resources do not imply endorsement. Step Up Anderson is not responsible for actions taken based on our content. By watching, you acknowledge that we are not liable for any outcomes related to the information shared. For concerns, please contact us directly.

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"Step Up to Save Our Children" is a podcast hosted by Denise Mayer, founder of Step Up Anderson Township, a coalition dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and drug-free community. The podcast provides valuable insights, evidence-based education, and resources on pressing issues like vaping, marijuana, prescription drugs, and underage alcohol consumption. With a strong focus on both substance misuse prevention and mental health, the podcast aims to equip parents, educators, and community members with tools to support the well-being of the youth.

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