Prevention Leaders w/ Dave Closson

When it comes to prevention, it’s easy to get lost in the deliverables — checking boxes, meeting grant requirements, and rushing to get things done. But the coalitions that thrive are the ones with a clear identity, a shared purpose, and a framework guiding every decision they make.

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Patton, a coalition coordinator and prevention leader from Massachusetts, w...

What if the emotions we avoid are the very keys to growth and connection?

In this episode, Dave sits down with teen mental health speaker and author Brittany Richmond to explore practical, down-to-earth tools for navigating tough emotions—both in our personal lives and in the prevention field. From drawing out feelings to using the “feelings wheel,” Brittany shares simple strategies to help teens (and adults) identify, express, ...

In this powerful episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson is joined by Rikki Barton—prevention strategist, national trainer, and founder of Onward Consulting—to explore one of today’s most pressing topics: youth, social media, and mental health.

Rikki shares her insights from training thousands of youth, parents, and prevention professionals across the country on how to navigate the digital world with awareness, inten...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson sits down with trainer, consultant, and motivational interviewer Jason Anderson for a conversation that every facilitator, speaker, and prevention professional needs to hear.

Jason shares his journey from corrections officer to nationally recognized trainer, unpacking how he transformed dry, technical content into dynamic, human-centered learning experiences.

Together, ...

What if we treated resilience the same way we treat prevention—something to build before the crisis hits?

In this powerful conversation, Dave Closson sits down with Shane Varcoe, Executive Director of the Dalgarno Institute, to unpack a deeper, more actionable understanding of resilience. Together, they explore how resilience isn’t about being unshakable, but about bouncing back—and why it’s essential to build it ahead of time, not ...

In this energizing episode, Dave Closson chats with Carla Ritz about the transformative power of Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs). Carla shares how focusing on strengths, rather than solely on adversity, can reduce risk factors and help build more resilient kids, families, and communities.

Carla dives into the research behind PCEs, explains how prevention professionals can apply this science in practical ways, and explores the ...

What if one act of presence could change the course of a life—and a family?

In Part 2 of Bryan Flanery’s gripping journey, we move from despair to transformation. After surviving a suicide attempt, Bryan didn’t find healing in a formal program or protocol. He found it in something far more human: a knock at the door, a low-barrier invitation, and a community that saw him—not just his symptoms.

Now a national leader in peer-based reco...

What if the person who looks the strongest is the one closest to the edge?

In this first episode of a powerful two-part series, we hear the raw and unfiltered story of Bryan Flanery—a decorated soldier, husband, and father—whose pain was hidden behind years of performance, productivity, and pride. His trauma went unnoticed and untreated until it erupted into a suicide attempt that nearly ended his life.

This episode isn’t just about ...

In this special episode of Prevention Leaders with Dave Closson, we’re celebrating the official launch of the Tennessee Alliance for Drug Endangered Children (TADEC) and Handle With Care Guide—a groundbreaking resource designed to support professionals across education, law enforcement, healthcare, child welfare, and beyond.

Recorded shortly after its debut at the 2024 RX Summit, this episode features a heartfelt conversation with t...

In this powerful and practical conversation, Dave Closson welcomes back communication strategist and suicide prevention advocate Susie Reece to explore how everyday communication can be one of our greatest tools in substance misuse and suicide prevention.

From redefining active listening to rethinking the way we write emails and approach social media, this episode is full of insight, strategy, and real-life examples. Susie and Dave ...

Do you ever walk out of a coalition meeting with a solid plan—only to feel completely stuck once you’re back at your desk? You’re not alone. In this episode, Dave Closson introduces the Five Pillars of Tactical Capacity—a powerful framework to help prevention leaders bridge the gap between strategy and execution.

Whether you’re managing shifting priorities, struggling to keep partners engaged, or just feeling overwhelmed by all the ...

After a short break, Dave is back—fresh from speaking at the 68th Commission on Narcotic Drugs at the United Nations in Vienna. Inspired by that global conversation with Shane Varcoe from the Dalgarno Institute, this solo episode dives deep into the overlap between prevention and recovery.

Dave explores why lived experience and earned resilience are essential prevention tools and how we can challenge the stigma around addiction,...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked aspect of prevention work—execution. While many prevention efforts focus on training, resources, and planning, real success comes from Tactical Capacity—the ability to execute, adapt, and sustain efforts in the real world. Dave shares insights from his time as an infantry team leader and recon sniper in Iraq, where he lear...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson dives into a crucial but often overlooked factor in substance misuse prevention—tactical capacity. While traditional capacity building focuses on knowledge, skills, resources, and infrastructure, tactical capacity is what truly determines success in real-world prevention work.

Dave breaks down the key elements of tactical capacity, why traditional approaches often ...

In this special episode, Dave Closson shares insights from his session at SAMHSA’s Prevention Day,Speak to the Heart: Unleashing the Power of Engaging Stories. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in substance misuse prevention—it fosters connection, reduces stigma, and inspires action. Dave discusses why stories are more memorable than statistics, how youth leadership in prevention makes an impact, and provides practical...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson sits down with Dr. Crystal Collier, an expert in neuroscience, prevention research, and therapy, to discuss how brain-based prevention strategies can help young people avoid risky behaviors. Rather than focusing solely on substances, Dr. Collier emphasizes the importance of strengthening executive functioning skills to build resilience, improve decision-making, and c...

Understanding the dynamics of risk and protective factors is essential for anyone working in substance misuse prevention. In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson breaks down how these factors influence behavior and outcomes in individuals and communities. Using relatable analogies and real-life scenarios, Dave explains how prevention professionals can tip the balance in favor of protective factors, creating ...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson explores how to create effective and sustainable substance misuse prevention frameworks tailored to the specific needs of your community. A solid prevention foundation ensures long-term success, builds stronger partnerships, and makes a measurable impact. Dave breaks down the essential steps to help prevention professionals, community leaders, and advocates drive...

In this episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave Closson breaks down the core principles of substance misuse prevention, explaining the importance of proactive strategies and a layered approach to creating healthier communities. Dave discusses the three levels of prevention (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and how they work together to form a comprehensive safety net. He also introduces key prevention models such as the ...