When we talk about prevention, most people think about youth programs, policy change, or school-based education. But prevention also starts in a hospital room, in a living room at 3 a.m. when a parent wonders, “Is this normal?”, and in the quiet after pregnancy or infant loss when families are left to figure out what comes next—often alone.

In this episode of Pathways 2 Prevention, Dave sits down with Mai (Maiye) Waller, founder and executive director of the Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation and leader of The Doula Project Resource. Out of the preventable loss of her son, Mace Anthony, Mai chose to become the resource she always wished existed for other families.

Together, they explore how community-based doulas, grief-informed care, and culturally grounded support before, during, and after pregnancy are powerful forms of substance use prevention, mental health promotion, and family strengthening.

In this episode, we cover:

• Mai’s journey from grieving mom to founder and executive director of a national nonprofit

• What a doula really is (and is not)

• How The Doula Project supports families before, during, and long after birth

• Why a 3 a.m. “Is this normal?” text is prevention work

• How grief, trauma, racism, and isolation increase risk for substance use and mental health challenges

• The role of culturally grounded, community-based doulas in reducing maternal and infant health inequities

• What “good collaboration” with lived experience leaders should actually look like

• Concrete ways prevention coalitions and maternal health advocates can lock arms in the next 2–3 years

Who this episode is for:

• Prevention coalition members and state leaders

• Maternal and child health practitioners

• Doulas, nurses, social workers, and peer specialists

• Anyone who has experienced pregnancy or infant loss or walks alongside those who have

Connect with The Mace Anthony Williamson Foundation:

Website: https://www.themawfoundation.org/

National Prevention Summit 2026

Drug Free America Foundation Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Twitter

If this conversation resonates, share it with a colleague in prevention, maternal health, or public health—and invite a doula to your next coalition meeting.

In this episode of Pathways to Prevention, host Dave Closson spotlights a powerful youth-led global effort: the Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery.

What began as a spark at a CND side event in Vienna grew into a global core youth group, a multi-country survey, and a declaration that centers one clear message: nothing about us without us.

Dave is joined by youth leaders and organizers from across the world, including Cressida (World Federation Against Drugs), Sana, Fuhaira, and Muhammad (Pakistan Youth Organization). Together, they unpack how this declaration came to life, what they learned from youth in 60+ countries, and why meaningful youth participation must be treated as a design principle—not a box to tick.

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If you are a youth leader or work with youth-serving organizations, this episode is your invitation to:

1. Read the Youth Declaration and its full report to see where your current work already aligns with the six recommendations.
2. Share your story: If you’re already taking action that reflects the declaration—programs, policies, campaigns, or peer-led initiatives—send your activities and outcomes to info@wfad.se for possible inclusion in an upcoming global youth declaration web magazine.
3. Create real seats at the table: In your organization, community, or network, ask where youth are currently informed versus where they are truly involved in decision-making.

Resources Mentioned

• Youth Declaration on Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery – full text and data report
• World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) – declaration partners and hosts of the global youth web magazine
• Pakistan Youth Organization – a youth-focused organization that helped conceptualize and drive the declaration

Dave Closson sits down with Terry Gerlach, Supervisor of Clinical Services at Hazelden Betty Ford in Naples, to explore recovery and mental health in older adults. Terry shares her career pivot from corporate banking to clinical work, the power of holistic care that treats substance use and mental health together, and practical ways families and providers can recognize risk, strengthen protective factors, and support lasting recovery. The conversation dives into shame versus guilt, “taking your power back,” trauma-informed healing, and small habit shifts that build hopeful momentum at any age.Key takeaways

• Recovery has no age limit. It’s never too late to ask for help and rebuild a meaningful life.
• Treat both substance use and mental health together. A holistic approach closes harmful care “silos.”
• Older adults face unique risk factors: loss, identity shifts, social isolation, mobility changes, and medication complexity.
• Protective factors matter: sober support, faith, movement, purposeful activity, and service or mentorship.
• Shift from shame to guilt. Shame attacks identity. Guilt focuses on behaviors you can change.
• “Take your power back.” Focus on what you can control today. One day at a time counts.
• Family and providers can be bridges. Notice subtle cues, stay connected, offer options without judgment.
• Small practices, big impact: affirmations, breathwork, gratitude, “habit stacking,” and boundaries to prevent compassion fatigue.

Topics covered

- Holistic treatment: integrated care for substance use and mental health

- Levels of care: residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient

- Older adult programming and considerations

- Risk and protective factors for older adults

- Shame vs. guilt and practical self-forgiveness routines

- Trauma-informed care: EMDR, nervous system work

- Family roles, early cues, and supportive conversations

- Provider self-care and boundaries to avoid compassion fatigue

- Simple daily practices: gratitude, affirmations, measured breathing, limiting negative media, transitional rituals

Notable quotes- “It is never too late to get help. Help is available. You are worth saving.” — Terry

- “Take your power back by focusing on what you can control—today.”

- “Hope has no age limit.”

Resources mentioned

- Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

- Falling Upward by Richard Rohr

- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

- Atomic Habits by James Clear

- VolunteerMatch.org for purpose-building opportunities

-National Prevention Summit 2026

Drug Free America Foundation Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Twitter

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 teens in meaningful conversations
✔️ Why social media, substance use, and relationships are essential topics to address
✔️ How parents can build trust and open communication with their kids
✔️ The ripple effect of making one good choice—and the power of one caring adult

Whether you’re a parent, educator, prevention leader, or someone who cares about the next generation, this episode offers practical insights, real-world stories, and encouragement to keep showing up.

Links:

• https://www.m2l.org/
• http://www.facebook.com/#!/more2lifefl
• https://www.instagram.com/more2lifefl/
• https://www.dfaf.org/

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, and hard-earned wisdom to the conversation, emphasizing the importance of listening first, honoring community voices, and building trust through facts, not fear.

Together, Dave and Julieta explore:

• The power of early, ongoing conversations about substance use
• How youth mentoring and community outreach create ripple effects
• Why today's drug landscape demands honest, proactive engagement
• Julieta’s motto: “Knowledge is power” and how it saves lives

This isn’t just a conversation about prevention—it’s a reminder that purpose can grow from pain, and that even one conversation or one booklet can change a life.

Key Takeaways:

• Prevention begins with real conversations, not scare tactics.
• Listening to youth and communities builds trust and relevance.
• The drug landscape is evolving—education must keep pace.
• Empowering parents and mentors with facts makes a lasting impact.

Resources & Links

• Visit drugfreeworld.org to explore free courses and request booklets.
• Learn more about the Drug Free America Foundation at dfaf.org.

Join the Conversation

Loved this episode? Share it with someone who cares about prevention. Leave a review and tell us what inspired you. Let’s continue creating pathways to a healthier, drug-free future—together.

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 now calls it. From that moment, her journey toward healing began—through prayer, love, and the hard work of recovery.

Now a U.S. Air Force Veteran, mother, and recovery advocate with over 300,000 followers, Natalee uses her voice to show others that healing is possible—even after unimaginable loss.

This episode is about grief, yes—but it’s also about resilience, faith, and what it means to choose hope again and again, one day at a time.

Content Warning

This episode contains discussions of grief, addiction, suicide, and traumatic loss. Listener discretion is advised.

Topics Covered

• The physical and emotional weight of grief

• Prescription misuse after trauma

• Surviving addiction and finding purpose

• The role of faith and spiritual turning points

• How one man’s support (Justin) helped save her life

• Why storytelling is healing

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:

• Text or Call 988

• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

Links:

• https://www.instagram.com/nataleeeking

• https://www.facebook.com/people/Natalee-King

  
  

  Drug Free America Foundation Links:

  • Website

  • Facebook

  • Instagram

  • YouTube

  • Twitter

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 threats. Together, Dave and Aaron dive into emotional literacy, family connection, and how adults—whether parents, prevention leaders, or peers—can create safe spaces that protect and empower youth.

What You’ll Learn

• Why addiction isn't just a health crisis—it's a profitable business model.

• How emerging products like gaming vapes and flavored nicotine pouches are targeting young people.

• What’s really behind the rise of psychedelics and cannabis as “wellness” tools—and what prevention professionals need to know.

• How shame and secrecy keep people stuck—and how to counter it with safety and connection.

• Actionable strategies for building youth resilience through emotional literacy and real-world tools.

Key Topics Covered

• The “Addiction for Profit” industry and its shifting tactics

• Current trends in youth substance use—and why prevention is working

• The misleading marketing of psychedelics and the wellness industry

• Helping youth cope with adversity: emotional literacy, mindfulness, and support systems

• The role of parents, peers, and prevention professionals in building trust

• How to operate within your “circle of influence” for lasting impact

Links:

• https://www.weinerphd.com/
• https://www.dfaf.org/

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 challenges and strategies of navigating cannabis legalization and shifting community norms around substance use.

Whether you're a prevention professional, coalition leader, educator, or simply passionate about youth engagement, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable takeaways.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How Emily accidentally discovered her passion for prevention and turned it into a career

✔️ The role of Youth Advisory Coalitions in empowering young people to lead prevention efforts

✔️ How to successfully engage schools and build coalitions across multiple districts

✔️ Strategies for navigating cannabis legalization and changing community norms

✔️ The power of youth-led listening sessions in shaping prevention messaging

✔️ Actionable advice for professionals looking to strengthen youth engagement in prevention

Resources & Links:🔹 Follow Emily’s coalition on Instagram: @SCDrugFree🔹Youth Advisory Instagram: @scyouthadvisory

🔹DFAF Young Professional Advisory Board Instagram: @nextbestgen_dfaf 🔹 Check out prevention strategies from OneChoice: onechoiceprevention.orgJoin the Conversation!We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts on this episode:

💬 What strategies have worked in your community for youth engagement?

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more prevention leaders worldwide!

Drug Free America Foundation Links:

• Website

• Facebook

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Twitter