A man, woman and personified microphone standing on a grassy hill overlooking water and an orange sky.

When does it stop being a party and start becoming a problem? Is there a way to steer clear of addiction?

Every Wednesday, Mike McGowan explores substance use disorders with expert guests.

Latest Episodes

Giving Voice to the Voiceless

August 6, 2025

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…

Step Out of the Disease and Into the Solution

July 30, 2025

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…

It’s in the Genes

July 23, 2025

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…

Giving Voice to the Voiceless

August 6, 2025

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…

Step Out of the Disease and Into the Solution

July 30, 2025

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…

It’s in the Genes

July 23, 2025

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…

Oregon Cares — Empowering Students

July 16, 2025

Good things happen when young people are informed and empowered. The students at Oregon High School in Wisconsin discuss their initiative to educate the community about the health and environmental risks of e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. Gavin Smith and Tim Grice are high school seniors and are joined in the discussion by Amy Miller, Community…

Meet Your Host

Michael McGowan is President of McGowan and Associates, a training and consultation firm specializing in workplace, school, and family issues. He works with helping agencies, companies, schools, parent groups, and students as a trainer, consultant, and motivational speaker.

Mr. McGowan has spent the last twenty-five years working with families and children. He worked as an educator, a family and addiction counselor, an administrator, and a trainer. He has directed state-certified training and rehabilitation programs. And he is host of the national podcast, "Avoiding the Addiction Affliction." During the last twenty years he has given presentations and keynote addresses to tens of thousands of people annually and has trained thousands of social service workers, educators, students, coaches, and administrators worldwide. Additionally, he has worked with the Department of Corrections, professional athletes and teams from the NFL and MLB, and dozens of private companies as a trainer and consultant.

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