"You Shouldn’t Feel That Way" with Dr. Sarah Nasir
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
The stigma around mental health and/or substance use disorders often stymie a person’s willingness to talk about it and ask for help. Dr. Sarah Nasir talks about her holistic approach to addiction medicine and mental health and the obstacles people face, often from those who say they care the most about them. Dr. Nasir is a dual board-certified family medicine physician with a sub-specialty in addiction medicine. An alumna of UC Davis, she majored in Biological Systems Engineering and later pursued her passion for medicine at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. Currently, as...
info_outline
"Life is Wonderful Now" with Dennis Farmer
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
The adage “three strikes and you’re out” too often is applied to getting help for substance use disorders and mental health. But not at The Bridge House/Grace House in New Orleans, Louisiana. Dennis Farmer was in and out of the program four times before he found long-term recovery. He talks about that recovery and his unique job at Bridge House/Grace House: he runs their used car lot. Dennis went from living under a bridge to working for Bridge House. Dennis and Bridge House/Grace House can be reached at Treatment | Bridge House/Grace House (). The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality...
info_outline
"Us 2" with Sheng Lee Yang
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Study after study has shown a drop in mental health. That is especially true of young people and women. Sheng Lee Yang discusses her work with underserved, marginalized populations and the need for culturally sensitive therapy. Sheng is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Perinatal Mental Health therapist. She is a former professor who taught social justice issues, mental health, and advocacy to social work students. She is a first generation Hmong refugee and, most importantly she says, a proud mom. Us 2 Behavioral Health Care and Sheng can be contacted at Mental Health Services, Diversity...
info_outline
"Bridges and Grace" with Kevin Gardere
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
The Bridge House/Grace House in New Orleans, Louisiana, has a wonderful mission. Simply stated, it is to help rebuild with dignity, honesty, and respect the lives of men and women, in order to help those who have literally lost everything. Kevin Gardere discusses that mission and the challenges, as well as opportunities, that treatment centers encounter. Kevin has been with Bridge House/Grace House since 2002 and is presently the CEO. He is also in long-term recovery. Kevin and Bridge House/Grace House can be reached at The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at More information...
info_outline
"Life is So Sweet Sober" with Michael Massey
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Talent alone doesn’t lead to success, not when that talent gets lost in an ocean of alcohol and lost opportunities. Michael Massey is an accomplished, award-winning musician, speaker, author, composer, and producer. He’s also a recovering alcoholic, whose book, “More: A Memoir,” chronicles his downward spiral into addiction and his climb out of it. Michael, his book, and all of his music can be reached at . The State of Wisconsin's Dose of Reality campaign is at More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at The views and opinions of the...
info_outline
"Getting Off the Generational-Trauma Bus" with Dr. Ghazaleh Bailey
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
When people experience trauma, they often share that trauma and their reactions to it with those closest to them. Research has also shown that response to trauma and the resulting mental health issues that come with it can be passed down generationally. Dr. Ghazaleh Bailey discusses how trauma is passed down generationally and even epigenetically. Dr. Bailey is a certified therapist, couple’s therapist, supervisor, and trainer with a PhD in Psychology. She is based in Berlin, Germany, and has a unique multi-cultural background and approach that she uses to help people overcome childhood and...
info_outline
"Imagine a New Way to Live" with Felicia Montiforte
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Creating healthy lifestyles and healing relationships and learning a new way to live are great goals for anyone in recovery from substance use disorders. It is also the mission of Imagine Recovery and Imagine House in New Orleans, Louisiana. Felicia Montiforte talks about those goals and her work with the recovering community. Felicia is a Co-Founder and CEO of Imagine Recovery and a Co-Founder of Imagine House. She is a graduate of Tulane University. She is also a former board member of ARHE (Association of Recovery in Higher Education)() and works closely with and supports Tulane...
info_outline
"Giving Voice to the Voiceless" with Libby Jones
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
When federal funding is slashed for addiction treatment, education, and research, it affects millions of Americans struggling with substance use disorders and those who work with them. Libby Jones discusses the importance of working with and educating those who make policy and funding decisions. Ms. Jones is the Program Director at the Overdose Prevention Initiative (OPI). She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree with an emphasis on government from William & Mary, and a Master’s of Science degree with an emphasis on human rights from the London School of Economics. Libby leads OPI’s...
info_outline
"Step Out of the Disease and Into the Solution" with Dr. Robb Kelly
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
For many people in recovery, there is a specific moment in time they can point to when their lives turn around. At that moment, life one becomes life two. Dr. Robb Kelly discuss that moment in his life and how life two has led him to a career of helping people. Robb Kelly was born in Manchester, England, into a family that had a history of alcoholism. He obtained his Doctorate in Psychology from Oxford and is now the founder of The Robb Kelly Recovery Group, in addition to being an accomplished author and internationally sought-out speaker. The Robb Kelly Recovery Group and all of their...
info_outline
"It's in the Genes" with Lis Schmelzer
Avoiding the Addiction Affliction
Different cultures look at health in different ways. Sometimes we are enticed by quick fixes and marketing. Lis Schmelzer discusses the role genetics plays on our health and the effects on our health from the choices we make. What we consume affects all our bodies’ systems. The only long-term solution is developing healthy habits and choices. Lis is a Clinical Nutritionist, Nutrition Sales Executive, and wellness advocate. Additional information and Lis’s contact information can be found at The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not...
info_outlineWhat we feed our bodies has a tremendous effect on our physical and mental health. Lis Schmelzer discusses the importance of being aware of how what we consume affects all our bodies’ systems. She also discusses the role of functional medicine in bringing our bodies and minds into a state of well being. Lis is a Clinical Nutritionist, Nutrition Sales Executive, and wellness advocate. Additional information and Lis’s contact information can be found at https://nourishwisconsin.com/
The views and opinions of the guests on this podcast are theirs and theirs alone and do not necessarily represent those of the host or Westwords Consulting.
We're always interested in hearing from individuals or organizations who are working in substance use disorder treatment or prevention, mental health care and other spaces that lift up communities. This includes people living those experiences. If you or someone you know has a story to share or an interesting approach to care, contact us today!
Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Subscribe to Our Email List to get new episodes in your inbox every week!