117: Josh Flaherty, Executive Director of Adventure Recovery
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
Release Date: 03/16/2021
230: Everest Inc.: Debunking Myths with Author Will Cockrell
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Will Cockrell, author of the new book, "Everest Inc.: The Renegades and Rogues Who Built an Industry at the Top of the World." Cockrell delves into the untold stories of the Everest guiding industry, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges the sensational narratives often associated with Everest. His book presents a counter-narrative, focusing on the complexity of the industry and the passionate individuals involved, rather than the common portrayals of chaos and disaster on the mountain. Cockrell explains his motivations for writing the book,...
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229: Healing in the Outdoors: 'No Child Left Inside” author Bryn Lottig on the Journey to Emotional Well-being
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode, Will talks with Bryn Lottig who shares her compelling journey from an aspiring pilot changed by 9/11 to a pioneering force in the field of outdoor experiential education. Through her personal experiences with adversity, including a challenging childhood and a transformative experience with Outward Bound, Bryn discovered her passion for the outdoors and its profound impact on personal development. This realization led her to pursue a career that not only embraces adventure but also utilizes it as a tool for fostering social and emotional growth in individuals. Bryn co-founded ,...
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228: Embark's Closure of New Visions and the Future of Wilderness Therapy
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this special episode, Will sheds light on the upheaval in the wilderness therapy landscape, particularly spotlighting the closure of Embark Behavioral Health's New Visions Wilderness Therapy programs. This narrative delves into the broader implications of private equity's role in the mental health care industry, with a focus on how these financial underpinnings have influenced the recent pivot away from wilderness therapy models, especially in the context of adolescent treatment. The episode underscores the closure of not just New Visions in Wisconsin and Deschutes Wilderness Therapy but...
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227: From Military to Mindfulness: Tripp Johnson's Journey to Behavioral Healthcare Innovation
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this enlightening conversation, Will talks with Tripp Johnson who shares his unique journey into behavioral healthcare and his evolution into a social entrepreneur. His accidental entry into the field, catalyzed by personal challenges with alcohol and a transformative exploration of mindfulness and yoga, marks the start of his commitment to improving mental health care. Tripp discusses his foundational experiences, including his time at West Point, his military service, and his eventual pivot towards integrating his passion for holistic wellness into his professional life. This journey led...
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226: From Addiction to Adventure: How Nature Transforms Lives with Nate Bennick
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will sits down with Nate Bennick, the National Field Director for Adventure Recovery, to dive into the transformative power of combining mental health treatment with outdoor adventures. Nate shares his personal journey from battling addiction to finding solace and strength in the wilderness, leading him to his role in Adventure Recovery. Nate's story exemplifies the impact of nature-based immersions and adventure in fostering recovery and self-discovery, resonating with anyone looking for a path to healing outside the conventional therapy rooms. Nate shares his story from...
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225: Embracing Adventure for Recovery: The Foundation House Experience
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will talks with Dan Schmader, the Program Director at , to delve into the therapeutic integration of outdoor activities in the realm of mental health and addiction recovery. Schmader unveils the unique approach of Foundation House, located in Portland, Maine, emphasizing its dedication to males aged 17 to 35. He outlines the transition journey of residents from structured care environments to a blend of Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), all while residing in a sober living house. Schmader highlights the program's success in...
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224: Navigating Controversy: Dr. Madolyn Liebing's Take on Wilderness Therapy's Future and Addiction Treatment in Outdoor Settings
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this enlightening episode Will sits down with Dr. Madolyn Liebing, a historical figure in the wilderness therapy field and the clinical director at . Dr. Liebing provides an in-depth look at their blended program for adults, which combines intensive clinical therapy with experiential outdoor adventures, designed to support smoother transitions for clients into their communities. She discusses the therapeutic modalities employed, such as EMDR and emotion-focused therapy, and underscores the importance of addressing trauma, substance abuse, and family dynamics within a nurturing, natural...
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223: Recovery in the Outdoors: Roy DuPrez's Journey to Sobriety and the Back2Basics Story
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this episode Will sits down with Roy DuPrez, CEO and Founder of , an outdoor-based recovery program in Arizona. Roy shares his personal journey of recovery, beginning with his early struggles with alcohol and substance abuse in Venice Beach, California. He describes the allure of alcohol in his youth, influenced by his social environment and the perception of success and attractiveness associated with drinking. Roy's journey through addiction led to various consequences, including legal troubles and professional setbacks. Moving to Flagstaff, Arizona, for a fresh start, Roy found a...
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222: Empowering Young Adults when “At the Crossroads” with Mike Hench
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this enlightening episode Will welcomes Mike Hench from At the Crossroads, a program dedicated to helping young adults navigate the challenges of transitioning to adulthood. Mike shares the inspiring journey of , which began in 2005 as a brainchild of Brian and Shannon Virgin, aimed at helping young adults in less restrictive environments than traditional residential programs. The program, located in St. George, Utah, offers a unique blend of real-life experiences, community integration, and outdoor experiences, catering to young adults struggling with issues like social anxiety,...
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221: The Closure of Open Sky: Is this the “Winter” of Wilderness Therapy?
Stories from the Field: Mental Health and the Outdoors
In this special episode Will discusses the announcement of the upcoming closure of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy, marking a significant moment in the private pay, adolescent-focused wilderness therapy sector. This closure is part of a larger trend, as Open Sky is the fifth program of its kind to shut down within a year. The episode offers an in-depth analysis of these closures, examining common challenges such as shifting societal perceptions, increased competition from other types of mental health treatment, and economic difficulties. Listeners are taken through a journey beginning with a...
info_outlineJosh Flaherty is Executive Director of Adventure Recovery (AR). Josh's love for adventure began as a child when he traveled to national parks with his family. After college, he pursued a path as a rock band manager, including Motley Crue. Although successful, he struggled with addiction. In treatment, Josh participated in an outdoor program with AR, which reignited his early passions, and he never looked back.
Josh Flaherty shares his story of being a client, field guide, and executive director at AR.
Bio from AR website: Josh is an Adventure Recovery Guide and avid outdoor enthusiast. He brings 15+ years of experience as an executive in the entertainment industry to his expertise. Beginning at William Morris Endeavor, and then as a top manager and marketing executive at Tenth Street Entertainment, Josh managed numerous multi-platinum recording artists including Blondie, Motley Crue, Papa Roach, and Steven Tyler. Simultaneously, he has created and implemented multiple integrated cross-marketing campaigns for recording albums, tours, books, and many other events with companies such as H&M, LVMH, Marc Jacobs, Gucci, Paco Rabanne, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Major League Baseball, and The Smithsonian. Josh has a passion for recovery and mental health and his career in the field is a testament to this calling. He began as a client with Adventure Recovery in 2018 and then entered and progressed through AR’s Guide Training program. Josh is the first person in AR history to transition from client to Guide. Furthermore, he brings his operational, clinical, and business development acumen to the organization. After serving as the Director of Operations and Business Development for AR for a period, Josh stepped up to Executive Director. Additionally, Josh is in the Masters of Social Work program at Fordham University. Hence, Josh's experience and contacts in the recovery community, entertainment industry, and corporate America provide a unique insight into creating and expanding the Adventure Recovery offering, message, and reach. As Executive Director, Josh manages daily operations, staff supervision, and participates on the executive team, driving strategic growth and development.