In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention , Dave Closson sits down with Jason Dorr, a longtime youth mentor and prevention educator from More2Life . With nearly two decades of experience working with teens in schools, churches, and communities, Jason shares how his passion for helping youth make positive choices has shaped his work—and the lives of countless young people. Together, Dave and Jason explore: ✔️ How prevention and youth development go hand in hand ✔️ What it takes to truly engage tee...
Jun 25, 2025•40 min
In this powerful episode, Dave sits down with Julietta, a passionate prevention leader whose journey began as a child growing up in Juárez, Mexico, once known as the most dangerous city in the world. Julietta shares how witnessing the harsh realities of drug and human trafficking shaped her deep commitment to prevention work. What started as childhood curiosity turned into a lifelong mission: empowering youth, families, and communities with truth-based education. Julieta brings heart, humility, ...
May 29, 2025•27 min
After losing her sister to an overdose and her husband in a tragic military accident, Natalee King found herself drowning in grief, addiction, and hopelessness. What followed was a years-long descent marked by trauma, legal troubles, and a suicide attempt. She believed her story was over. But then—something changed. In this raw and deeply moving conversation, Natalee shares the moment she screamed at God and her phone started playing the song she and her husband once shared. A “God wink,” as she...
Apr 30, 2025•33 min
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dave Closson sits down with Dr. Aaron Weiner to explore the evolving landscape of substance misuse—and what true prevention must look like in a world where addiction is often a business model. From flavored nicotine pouches and gamified vapes to the wellness-wrapped marketing of psychedelics and cannabis, Dr. Weiner unpacks the manipulative tactics industries use to hook youth and keep customers dependent. But this conversation goes far beyond the threat...
Mar 26, 2025•55 min
How can we truly empower young people in substance use prevention? In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention , host Dave Closson sits down with Emily Hill , a dedicated Drug-Free Communities (DFC) coordinator from Minnesota, to explore how youth advisory coalitions are shaping the future of prevention. Emily shares her journey into prevention work, the importance of youth-led listening sessions , and how engaging students directly in coalition efforts creates real change. She also dives into the ...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min
In this inspiring episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, host Dave Closson sits down with Angie Ferguson, Executive Director of Drug Free Clubs of America (DFCA). Angie shares the story behind this innovative program, which empowers teenagers to remain drug-free through voluntary drug testing, peer-led initiatives, and positive reinforcement. From creating a built-in “out” for teens facing peer pressure to engaging parents and businesses, DFCA is transforming prevention strategies across the country....
Jan 29, 2025•45 min
Welcome to the Pathways to Prevention Podcast, where we explore transformative ideas, innovative approaches, and inspiring stories in substance misuse prevention and recovery. In this episode, Dave Closson sits down with Rocío Suárez Ordoñez, a psychologist, consultant, and global leader in women's substance use disorder treatment and recovery. Rocio serves as the Chair of Membership and Innovation for the Global Women's Network for Providers on Women's Substance Use Disorder Treatment, a con...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr
In this inspiring episode of the Pathways to Prevention podcast, host Dave Closson sits down with Ariel Cohn, a dedicated Young Professionals Advisory Board member at the Drug Free America Foundation and prevention supervisor with DCCCA, a nonprofit in Kansas. Ariel shares her journey from a high school student curious about public health to a dynamic leader in youth substance use prevention and mental health promotion. Together, they discuss the importance of youth empowerment, how today’s y...
Nov 13, 2024•53 min
In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson welcomes inspiring young leaders from across Asia who recently attended the 11th Asian Youth Forum, organized by the Fourth Wave Foundation. The event brought together youth from diverse countries, including Bhutan, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka, to address pressing issues like mental health, substance use prevention, and community resilience.Throughout the episode, these passionate youth leaders share their unique experie...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this special episode of the Pathways 2 Podcast, recorded live at the National Prevention Network (NPN) Conference, we bring you two insightful conversations with leaders who are making a significant impact in the field of prevention.First, we sit down with Ben Stevenson, who oversees prevention and harm reduction services for Montgomery County, Maryland, and also runs his own consulting firm, Bess Consulting LLC. Ben shares his innovative approach to integrating youth empowerment with harm...
Aug 28, 2024•44 min
In this episode of the Pathways 2 Prevention podcast, we explore the critical role of international cooperation in drug abuse prevention with Branislava, a dedicated advocate from Serbia. Branislava shares her journey from law school to making a significant impact on drug policy and international collaboration. She provides a unique perspective on how listening, collaboration, and a multidisciplinary approach can drive meaningful change in the fight against drug abuse.Key TakeawaysBranislava'...
Jul 03, 2024•33 min
In this powerful episode, Dave Closson sits down with Dr. David Patton, an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby, for an in-depth conversation about resilience, recovery, and the transformative power of lived experience.Dr. David Patton shares his journey from growing up in a disadvantaged neighborhood in England to becoming an associate professor in criminology. He discusses the impact of social policies and economic changes on his community and how it shaped his desi...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In this powerful episode of the "Pathways to Prevention" podcast, Dave welcomes Boomer Rose, a fervent advocate and inspiring figure in the realms of prevention and recovery. Boomer shares his profound journey from overcoming personal adversities including addiction, incarceration, and homelessness to becoming a leading voice in community transformation. His story highlights the importance of lived experience in crafting interventions that truly resonate with vulnerable populations.What You'l...
May 01, 2024•59 min
In this podcast episode, Tracey Ford shares her compelling journey from a challenging upbringing in Sheffield, UK, to her remarkable work in the recovery field. Coming from a background of dysfunction, teenage pregnancy, and subsequent struggles with drugs and coercive relationships, Tracey's life took a positive turn after being sectioned due to drug-induced psychosis. Discharged without aftercare and determined to change, she left her past behind, including her partner and a life of crime. ...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this enlightening episode, host Dave Closson engages in a profound conversation with David Best, a professor of addiction recovery and director of the Centre for Addiction Recovery Research, and Mulka Nisic, a project manager and PhD researcher, about the transformative concept of Inclusive Recovery Cities. This initiative aims to foster communities where recovery from addiction is not only visible and celebrated but also integrated into the fabric of society, enhancing citizenship and mut...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In this inspiring episode of the Pathways to Prevention podcast, host Dave sits down with Amy, the Executive Director of the Drug Free America Foundation. From an unexpected start with a humanities degree to becoming a leading voice in drug prevention, Amy shares her unique journey and the profound lessons learned along the way. This conversation sheds light on the personal experiences that shaped her, the importance of mentorship, and the impactful work being done to combat substance abuse g...
Feb 13, 2024•48 min
Welcome to a special re-broadcast of one of our most acclaimed episodes. As we step into the new year, we revisit our inspiring conversation with Dave Higham, founder of 'The Well.' Dave shares his remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and how his vision has transformed the lives of many through community support, empathy, and resilience.Episode Highlights:Dave Higham's Personal Journey: Discover how Dave overcame his own struggles with addiction and how his experiences shaped the creati...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 1 min
In this deeply moving and enlightening episode of "Pathways to Prevention," host Dave engages in a heartfelt conversation with Stacey Doorly Jones, the founder and CEO of Stand. Stacey opens up about her journey, marked by a childhood riddled with abuse and trauma, and how she transformed these harrowing experiences into a life dedicated to helping others. Her story is not just one of survival, but of profound resilience and an unwavering commitment to make a difference in the world.Listeners...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Dr. Crystal Collier, a renowned expert in addiction and brain development, shares her inspiring journey and discusses her groundbreaking program, "Know Your Neuro." She empowers parents, educators, and youth with the knowledge to protect and nurture their brain health, providing valuable insights and practical tips for improving well-being. The conversation explores the impact of risky behavior on the brain and highlights the importance of understanding and supporting neurodevelopment at ever...
Nov 01, 2023•49 min
In this compelling episode, listeners are welcomed into the world of Chris Ibe, an impassioned advocate dedicated to making a profound impact on the lives of young people in Nigeria and across the globe. Chris shares his personal journey, highlighting his active role in international forums and significant projects like the Global School Intervention Project on Drug and Substance Abuse in Kenya in 2019. His unwavering commitment to empowering the youth shines as he discusses his efforts to pr...
Oct 04, 2023•1 hr
In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Shane Varcoe, a leading voice in the world of prevention and resiliency. Ever wondered why some people bounce back from adversity while others struggle? The answer might lie in understanding your 'why.' Shane takes us on a transformative journey, revealing how knowing your 'why' can be a game-changer in life, prevention, and recovery. Plus, get an exclusive first look at World Resiliency Day, an initiative that aims to make resiliency a global con...
Sep 06, 2023•1 hr 21 min
In this episode, host Dave Closson interviews Jo Baxter from Drug Free Australia and the Rotary Action Group, Addiction Prevention. They discuss their latest project, a thought-provoking book entitled "Street Drugs, The New Addiction Industry," authored by Elaine Walters. The book sheds light on the addiction industry and its impact, and the episode explores key themes and insights encapsulated within its pages. Jo shares her passion for drug prevention and education and emphasizes the import...
Aug 02, 2023•35 min
In this enlightening conversation, Dave sits down with Christopher, a seasoned addiction therapist with over 20 years of experience in the field, who specializes in treating cannabis addiction. They explore the intricacies of addiction, delve into therapeutic approaches that work (and those that don't), and discuss how to enhance the success rate of treatment. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand addiction on a deeper level, particularly those in the healthcare profession or...
Jul 06, 2023•1 hr 6 min
In today's insightful episode, we're joined by Sana Ullah Rathore, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in drug demand reduction and the founder of the Pakistan Youth Organization (PYO). Equipped with a Masters in Sociology and an International Certification of Addiction Professional (ICAP), Rathore has implemented numerous projects with international organizations and leads various trainings on substance use disorder.During our discussion, we delve into the work of the...
Jun 07, 2023•36 min
In this episode of the "Pathways 2 Prevention Podcast," host Dave Closson interviews Cristina von Sperling Afridi, founder of the Karim Khan Afridi Welfare Foundation (KKAWF) in Pakistan. KKAWF was launched in 2015 after Cristina and her husband, Ambassador Tariq Khan Afridi, lost their 19-year-old son, Karim, to drug use.Cristina shares insights into the challenges of drug trafficking in the region and how KKAWF is addressing the issue through prevention efforts focused on youth mental healt...
May 03, 2023•53 min
In this episode, we interview Dr. Michael Mann, an associate professor, Interim Divisional Dean for the School of Public and Population Health, Associate Divisional Dean for Academic, Student, and Faculty Affairs at Boise State University, about the Icelandic model and its impact on youth development. The Icelandic model is a community-based approach to youth development that has seen remarkable success in Iceland and has been adapted by other countries around the world.Dr. Mann explains how ...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Today we are speaking with Anne-Kristin Imenes, Senior counselor/psychologist specialist in Norway. She shared a wonderful program that addresses mental health and life skills called Robust Youth. What is Robust Youth?Robust Youth is a 3-year program in mental health and life skills for youth age 13 – 15 years old in secondary schools in Norway. The teaching has a playful approach to promote the students' wellbeing and sense of belonging. Through structured exercises the students build relati...
Mar 01, 2023•40 min
Today, we’re talking about the biology of addiction and recovery with Dr. Evelyn Higgins, who is an internationally recognized expert in the epidemiology of addiction and the Founder of Wired For Addiction®. We’ll discuss everything there is to know about interpreting an individual’s physiology in order to make informed treatment decisions based on objective biomarkers.Wired For Addiction® specializes in the biological component of mental health and addiction. Through their patent-pendi...
Feb 01, 2023•46 min
In this episode, we’re talking about alcohol prevention with Movendi International, who is the largest independent global movement for development through alcohol prevention. Movendi International’s vision is a life for all human beings free to live up to their fullest potential, and free from harm caused by alcohol and other drugs. It’s a world of peace, democracy and justice where free and healthy citizens actively contribute in all levels of society.We get into some great topics around dec...
Jan 04, 2023•1 hr
Pease Inn….. A House of Peace and Tranquility for Substance Use and Mental Health DisordersToday we are speaking with Asia Ashraf from Pakistan, who has been serving in the field of drug addiction/mental health disorders treatment and rehabilitation for the last 17 years. Asia received her Masters in Applied Psychology from Punjab University, completed a one-year fellowship in Substance Abuse, Education, Treatment, Policy and Prevention from Virginia Commonwealth University, USA (2015-2016) a...
Dec 07, 2022•43 min
