The Hanley Effect Podcast - Addiction and Mental Health

Hanley Foundation
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Hanley Effect is a weekly addiction recovery and mental health podcast hosted by Dr. John Dyben, Chief Clinical Officer at Hanley Center, and Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of the Hanley Foundation. This trauma-informed podcast explores substance use disorder (SUD), addiction treatment, neuroscience, co-occurring mental health disorders, overdose prevention, adolescent mental health, and long-term recovery through evidence-based conversations with leading experts, clinicians, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. Featured guests include leading neuroscientists, healthcare executives, policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and nationally recognized advocates shaping the future of addiction treatment and prevention. Produced by the Hanley Foundation, a nonprofit leader in prevention, education, treatment, and advocacy, The Hanley Effect delivers trusted insight, practical tools, and real-world perspectives for behavioral health professionals, educators, first responders, families, and people in recovery. Grounded in science and compassion, this podcast helps listeners better understand addiction, reduce stigma, and build stronger, healthier communities.

  1. You Can Influence Someone to Want Recovery with Amber Hollingsworth

    4d ago

    You Can Influence Someone to Want Recovery with Amber Hollingsworth

    What if the way we talk about addiction recovery is actually pushing people away from getting help? In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben sits down with Amber Hollingsworth, LPC, MAC, LPS, founder of Hope for Families Recovery Consultants, and creator of the popular YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down. With more than two decades of experience working with individuals and families affected by substance use disorder, Amber shares a refreshingly hopeful and practical perspective on addiction, recovery, and family dynamics. Together, she and Dr. Dyben explore why “waiting for rock bottom” can be dangerous, how families can positively influence a loved one toward change, and why compassion and humility are essential in recovery conversations. Amber also opens up about growing up in a family impacted by addiction, her unconventional path into the field, and the lessons she learned working in inpatient treatment, detox, and private practice. Most importantly, she offers families actionable guidance on how to approach difficult conversations without shame, blame, or confrontation. This episode is a powerful reminder that addiction is not the whole story of a person and that recovery is possible for everyone involved. In This Episode: Why Amber rejects the “they have to want help first” mindsetHow families can influence motivation for recoveryThe importance of “raising the bottom” before devastating consequences occurCommon mistakes families make when talking to loved ones about addictionWhy humility works better than confrontationHow addiction treatment and counseling have evolved over the yearsThe problem with negative recovery statistics and fear-based messagingWhy addiction is something a person has not who they areAbout Amber Hollingsworth Amber Hollingsworth is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), and Licensed Professional Supervisor (LPS) with more than 20 years of experience in addiction treatment and family recovery support. She is the founder of Hope for Families Recovery Consultants and the creator of the YouTube channel Put the Shovel Down, where she provides education and practical tools for families navigating addiction and recovery. Resources & Links Amber Hollingsworth’s YouTube Channel: Put the Shovel DownAmber's Website: https://www.familyrecoveryacademy.online/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    29 min
  2. Addiction, Trauma, and Family Recovery with Dr. Michael Barnes

    May 20

    Addiction, Trauma, and Family Recovery with Dr. Michael Barnes

    In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal welcome Dr. Michael F. Barnes, Ph.D., LAC, LPC, a nationally recognized expert in addiction, trauma, and family systems. Dr. Barnes is a nationally recognized speaker, author, and consultant, and the founder of the Michael Barnes Family Institute. With more than 40 years of experience in addiction treatment and family therapy, he brings deep insight into how substance use disorder affects not only the individual but the entire family system. This conversation explores why family recovery is essential in addiction treatment, how trauma shapes family dynamics, and why loved ones often need healing alongside the person receiving care. Dr. Barnes also discusses secondary trauma, chronic disease management, enabling as a trauma response, and the importance of trauma-integrated addiction treatment. About This Episode Addiction is often described as a family disease, but what does that really mean in treatment and recovery? Dr. Barnes explains how families can become deeply impacted by a loved one’s addiction, especially when trauma, fear, and survival patterns influence how they respond. Rather than viewing families only as support systems, this episode reframes recovery as something the entire family may need to participate in. Listeners will gain a better understanding of how family members can move from crisis management into healing, why old patterns can continue after treatment, and how trauma-informed support can improve long-term recovery outcomes. In This Episode, You’ll Learn How addiction impacts the entire family systemWhat secondary trauma means for loved onesWhy family involvement matters in addiction treatmentHow trauma can influence enabling behaviorsWhy recovery is more than abstinence from substancesHow chronic illness models can help families understand addictionThe difference between rehabilitation and habilitationWhy family members also deserve support, education, and healingWhat families can ask treatment providers when seeking careResources Mentioned When the Solution Becomes the Problem: Helping Families Who Struggle with Addiction and Trauma by Dr. Michael Barnes - https://www.drmikebarnes.com/bookMichael Barnes Family Institute - https://www.drmikebarnes.com/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    30 min
  3. How Breathwork Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Stress With Jon Paul Crimi

    May 13

    How Breathwork Heals Trauma, Anxiety & Stress With Jon Paul Crimi

    What if one of the most powerful tools for healing, emotional regulation, and recovery was something you already do every moment of your life? In this episode of The Hanley Effect, we sit down with breathwork expert Jon Paul Crimi, who shares how intentional breathing can transform mental health, release stored trauma, and reconnect us to ourselves. With over 26 years in recovery, Jon Paul’s journey, from actor and personal trainer to sober coach and breathwork facilitator, reveals the profound impact of learning how to regulate emotions in healthy, sustainable ways. After discovering breathwork 15 years ago, he experienced a shift so powerful that others immediately noticed—and began seeking the same transformation. Together, we explore: How breathwork calms the nervous system in real timeThe connection between breathing patterns and emotional statesWhy trauma lives in the body, and how breath can help release itThe role of discomfort in growth and healingHow simple breathing techniques can improve relationships, reduce stress, and support recoveryThis episode is both practical and deeply inspiring, offering tools you can use immediately and a new perspective on healing that starts with something as simple as your next breath. Key Takeaways Breathwork is an accessible, powerful tool for regulating emotions and reducing stressChanging your breathing pattern can directly shift your emotional stateTrauma is often stored in the body and breathwork helps release and integrate itEmotional discomfort is often a necessary part of growth and healingSelf-compassion is essential: “Work hard on yourself, but don’t be hard on yourself”About Our Guest Jon Paul Crimi is a breathwork facilitator, recovery advocate, and former sober coach with over 26 years of sobriety. After discovering breathwork 15 years ago, he experienced a profound personal transformation that led him to teach others around the world. Known for his energetic and accessible approach, Jon Paul blends science, lived experience, and practical tools to help people regulate emotions, release trauma, and reconnect with themselves. Learn more about Jon Paul’s work at https://breathewithjp.com/. Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    27 min
  4. The Hidden Impact of Childhood Domestic Violence with Brian Martin

    May 6

    The Hidden Impact of Childhood Domestic Violence with Brian Martin

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Brian Martin, founder and CEO of the Childhood Domestic Violence Association, to explore a deeply overlooked form of trauma: childhood domestic violence. Brian shares his personal story of growing up in a home impacted by domestic violence and how, for years, he didn’t even have the language to describe what he experienced. That lack of awareness, he explains, is part of the problem. When we can’t name something, we can’t begin to heal from it. This conversation dives into the long-lasting impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), particularly the trauma of witnessing violence between caregivers. Brian explains that even without direct physical abuse, simply being in an environment of unpredictability, fear, and instability can fundamentally shape how a person sees themselves and the world. The episode also explores the “10 common negative beliefs” that often develop in individuals who grow up in these environments, beliefs like guilt, shame, unworthiness, and disconnection. These internal narratives can persist into adulthood, influencing relationships, mental health, and even increasing vulnerability to substance use. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in recovery, working in mental health, or seeking to better understand how early life experiences shape adult behavior and how healing begins with awareness. Key Takeaways Childhood domestic violence is one of the least recognized forms of trauma, yet incredibly impactful.You don’t need to be physically abused to be deeply affected; witnessing violence is enough.Trauma doesn’t disappear with age; “time does not heal all wounds.”The brain forms beliefs in childhood before it’s fully developed, and then seeks evidence to reinforce them.Many individuals carry persistent negative beliefs like guilt, shame, and unworthiness into adulthood.Addiction can be rooted in a search for certainty and emotional stability.Healing begins with naming, understanding, and acknowledging these early experiences.About our Guest Brian Martin is the founder and CEO of the Childhood Domestic Violence Association (CDVA), a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and providing resources for individuals who grew up in homes impacted by domestic violence. Drawing from both personal experience and extensive research, Brian has become a leading advocate for recognizing childhood domestic violence as a distinct and significant form of trauma. Through his work, including his book Invincible: The 10 Lies You Learn Growing Up with Domestic Violence, Brian helps individuals understand the lasting impact of early experiences and guides them toward healing and self-awareness. Learn more at: https://cdv.org/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    30 min
  5. Digital Minimalism & Mental Health: How to Break Screen Addiction with Kelsey Green

    Apr 29

    Digital Minimalism & Mental Health: How to Break Screen Addiction with Kelsey Green

    In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with strategist, speaker, and digital minimalist Kelsey L. Green to explore the growing impact of technology on our mental health, relationships, and sense of self. Kelsey shares her personal journey from burnout and constant connectivity to intentionally redefining her relationship with technology. Through the lens of digital minimalism, she challenges the idea that we need to be “always on” and offers practical ways to create healthier boundaries with our devices, without rejecting technology altogether. Together, they dive into the parallels between screen use and addiction, the role of dopamine and compulsive checking, and why so many of us feel out of control with our devices. From “Screen-Free Sundays” to small, realistic habit changes, this conversation offers both insight and actionable tools to help you reclaim your focus, creativity, and connection. If you’ve ever felt distracted, overwhelmed, or disconnected despite being constantly plugged in, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode What digital minimalism really means (and what it doesn’t)How technology impacts dopamine, attention span, and behaviorWhy constant phone use can mirror patterns of addiction and compulsivityThe hidden ways screens affect relationships and presenceSimple, practical strategies to reduce screen time and regain controlWhy core values, not just hacks, are key to lasting changeKey Takeaways Technology isn’t the problem, unintentional use isIf you can’t step away from your phone, even briefly, it may signal a deeper issueMany apps are designed to trigger dopamine and reinforce compulsive behaviorEven having your phone nearby can reduce focus and presenceSmall boundaries like putting your phone out of sight can create meaningful changeTrue transformation comes from asking: “Who do I want to be in relation to my technology?”Episode Highlights Kelsey introduces digital minimalism as a values-based approach to technology using tools intentionally while letting go of what doesn’t serve your well-being. The conversation draws powerful parallels between substance use and screen use, highlighting compulsivity, loss of control, and the impact on relationships. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with small steps, like reducing notifications, creating phone-free spaces, or trying a Screen-Free Sunday, to better understand their habits and regain autonomy. Ultimately, this episode is a reminder that the most meaningful parts of life: connection, creativity, presence, and purpose can’t be downloaded. About Our Guest Kelsey L. Green is a strategist, speaker, and community builder focused on helping people reclaim their focus, creativity, and real-world connection in an increasingly distracted world. Through her work in digital minimalism, she guides individuals and groups in creating intentional relationships with technology so they can live more present, purposeful lives. She is the creator of Summit in Six and How to Build Your Circle, programs designed to foster accountability, creativity, and authentic connection. To learn more visit: https://www.kelseylgreen.com/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    30 min
  6. How Early Childhood & Birth Trauma Shape Addiction, Anxiety, and Behavior with Dr. Annie Brook

    Apr 22

    How Early Childhood & Birth Trauma Shape Addiction, Anxiety, and Behavior with Dr. Annie Brook

    In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with psychologist, educator, and author Dr. Annie Brook, Ph.D, LPC, MSME (ISMETA), to explore a groundbreaking perspective on trauma, addiction, and mental health. What if the patterns you struggle with today, anxiety, reactivity, disconnection, or even addiction, didn’t start in childhood as you remember it, but before you could think, speak, or form memories at all? Dr. Brook specializes in somatic and developmental trauma, helping people uncover how early experiences, including birth and infancy, are encoded in the nervous system and continue to shape behavior, relationships, and emotional regulation throughout life. Together, they unpack: How pre-verbal and birth experiences influence the brain and bodyWhy many patterns are not cognitive and can’t be “talked away”The role of the nervous system, brainstem, and survival responses (fight, flight, freeze)How early disruptions, like lack of touch, feeding struggles, or medical interventions, can show up decades laterWhy traditional approaches sometimes fall short and what it takes to truly healDr. Brook shares her own journey of healing after trauma and explains how somatic practices, movement, and awareness can help “update” old survival patterns through neuroplasticity and relational repair. This episode offers a deeply compassionate reframe: You are not broken.Your patterns are adaptations.And with the right tools, they can change.Whether you're in recovery, a clinician, a parent, or someone seeking deeper self-understanding, this conversation will expand how you think about healing. Key Topics & Takeaways Somatic therapy and the body’s role in trauma healingBirth trauma and early attachmentPre-verbal memory and the brainstemAddiction as an adaptation, not a failureNervous system regulation and emotional resilienceHow early unmet needs shape adult behaviorsWhy awareness + sensation = lasting changeAbout Our Guest Dr. Annie Brook, Ph.D., LPC, MSME (ISMETA), is a psychologist, educator, and author specializing in somatic and developmental trauma. As the founder of The Brook Institute and former director of the somatic psychology master’s program at Naropa University, Dr. Brook has spent decades helping individuals and clinicians understand how early experiences—including birth and infancy—shape the nervous system and influence behavior throughout life. Her work integrates neuroscience, movement, attachment science, and applied neuroplasticity to help people move from overwhelm and reactivity toward regulation, resilience, and connection. She is the author of Birth’s Hidden Legacy and is passionate about empowering others with practical tools to heal deeply rooted patterns and rediscover a sense of safety and well-being. Learn more at: https://www.anniebrook.com/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    24 min
  7. What Is Somatic Experiencing? How Trauma Lives in the Body with Jennifer Goggin

    Apr 15

    What Is Somatic Experiencing? How Trauma Lives in the Body with Jennifer Goggin

    In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal welcome Jennifer Goggin, LPC, LMHC, SEP, for a powerful conversation about trauma, healing, nervous system regulation, and the role the body plays in recovery. Jennifer shares her personal story of adoption, early separation, and how her own healing journey shaped the work she does today. She explains how somatic therapy helps people process trauma not just through words, but through sensations, regulation, and connection. Together, the conversation explores why trauma often lives in the body, why healing does not begin by diving straight into the hardest memories, and why real human connection remains essential in therapy. The episode also touches on the limits of AI in mental health care, the growing impact of technology on the nervous system, and why hope remains central no matter where someone is in their recovery or healing journey. This is a meaningful episode for anyone interested in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, somatic therapy, adoption, nervous system healing, and mental health treatment that addresses the whole person. In this episode, you’ll hear: What somatic experiencing is and how it supports trauma healingHow trauma can be stored in the body, even before a person has words for itJennifer’s personal story of adoption and how it shaped her understanding of healingWhy nervous system regulation is foundational in recovery and mental health treatmentHow somatic work can help people process trauma without starting with the most painful memoryWhy the therapeutic relationship cannot be replaced by artificial intelligenceHow screen overload and digital life can impact empathy, stress, and emotional regulationWhy healing looks different for every personKey Takeaways Jen explains that somatic experiencing focuses on helping people build regulation and resilience in the nervous system before revisiting traumatic experiences. Rather than forcing someone to relive the most painful moments first, this approach helps create safety, trust, and internal resources so the body can begin to release what it has been holding. Her story also highlights a powerful truth: sometimes the body carries experiences long before the mind fully understands them. Through both her personal healing and professional work, Jen offers a compassionate perspective on trauma, therapy, and the possibility of change. One of the most memorable parts of the episode is the discussion around AI and therapy. Jen emphasizes that healing happens in relationship. Eye contact, attunement, presence, and human connection are essential parts of trauma recovery that technology cannot replicate. About Our Guest Jennifer Goggin is a licensed mental health counselor, licensed professional counselor, and Somatic Experiencing practitioner who helps clients work through trauma, stress, and nervous system dysregulation with a compassionate, body-based approach. Her work integrates clinical expertise, lived experience, and a deep understanding of how healing happens through both insight and connection. To learn more about Jennifer and her work, visit: https://jennifergogginlmhc.com/ Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    26 min
  8. Trauma, PTSD, and Healing: Why Triggers Happen and How Recovery Really Works - Dr. Christal Badour

    Apr 8

    Trauma, PTSD, and Healing: Why Triggers Happen and How Recovery Really Works - Dr. Christal Badour

    In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Dr. Christal Badour, PhD, clinical psychologist, academic researcher at the University of Kentucky, and founder of Science for Survivors. Dr. Badour has spent her career studying how people recover from trauma and how science can make that recovery more compassionate and effective. Her research focuses on the intersection of trauma, PTSD, and substance use, including the best treatment approaches for individuals facing co-occurring mental health and addiction challenges. Drawing from her work as a therapist, professor, researcher, and forensic psychological evaluator, Dr. Badour explains how traumatic experiences affect the brain, why triggers and retraumatization occur, and how survivors can begin to process and integrate their experiences. The conversation also explores how public perception and cultural narratives impact survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, why victim-blaming remains a barrier to healing, and how media coverage of violence can retraumatize individuals who have experienced similar events. Dr. Badour also discusses the impact of trauma on children and families, including the ways trauma can show up differently in young people through withdrawal, behavioral challenges, or risk-taking behaviors later in life. For families and loved ones, she shares practical guidance on how to respond when someone discloses a traumatic experience, including why the most powerful response is often simply listening, validating, and saying “I believe you.” This thoughtful and compassionate conversation offers both science-backed insight and hope, reminding listeners that trauma may always be part of someone’s story — but it is never the whole story. To learn more about Dr. Christal Badour and her work, visit: ScienceForSurvivors.com Learn more about Hanley Foundation at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

    28 min
See All (82)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Hanley Effect is a weekly addiction recovery and mental health podcast hosted by Dr. John Dyben, Chief Clinical Officer at Hanley Center, and Dr. Rachel Docekal, CEO of the Hanley Foundation. This trauma-informed podcast explores substance use disorder (SUD), addiction treatment, neuroscience, co-occurring mental health disorders, overdose prevention, adolescent mental health, and long-term recovery through evidence-based conversations with leading experts, clinicians, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. Featured guests include leading neuroscientists, healthcare executives, policymakers, law enforcement leaders, and nationally recognized advocates shaping the future of addiction treatment and prevention. Produced by the Hanley Foundation, a nonprofit leader in prevention, education, treatment, and advocacy, The Hanley Effect delivers trusted insight, practical tools, and real-world perspectives for behavioral health professionals, educators, first responders, families, and people in recovery. Grounded in science and compassion, this podcast helps listeners better understand addiction, reduce stigma, and build stronger, healthier communities.

Information

You Might Also Like