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

Spring Breakup — A Change of Seasons

March 26, 2025

If you ask almost anyone about the time of year that people feel the most down, the time people are most at risk for depression, suicide, and increased substance use, they will answer winter. Surprisingly, perhaps, the research shows that it’s actually when spring moves into summer. Joshua Arvidson discusses that research and what can…

Finding Purpose After the Dream

March 19, 2025

Like a lot of young people, Bradie Ewing dreamed of playing college and professional football. He became one of the few to achieve that dream, but all too soon, the dream ended. Bradie discusses how to reset your life, your goals, and your dreams. Bradie Ewing is a National Account Coordinator for Kelley Supply, Inc….

Cutting Off the Help

March 12, 2025

Getting help for mental health and substance use issues is not easy. It’s made more difficult when access to the appropriate care is denied. Kandyce Walker discusses her work with people experiencing mental health crises, and her advocacy to get them the help they need. Kandyce was the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Nursing…

Spring Breakup — A Change of Seasons

March 26, 2025

If you ask almost anyone about the time of year that people feel the most down, the time people are most at risk for depression, suicide, and increased substance use, they will answer winter. Surprisingly, perhaps, the research shows that it’s actually when spring moves into summer. Joshua Arvidson discusses that research and what can…

Finding Purpose After the Dream

March 19, 2025

Like a lot of young people, Bradie Ewing dreamed of playing college and professional football. He became one of the few to achieve that dream, but all too soon, the dream ended. Bradie discusses how to reset your life, your goals, and your dreams. Bradie Ewing is a National Account Coordinator for Kelley Supply, Inc….

Cutting Off the Help

March 12, 2025

Getting help for mental health and substance use issues is not easy. It’s made more difficult when access to the appropriate care is denied. Kandyce Walker discusses her work with people experiencing mental health crises, and her advocacy to get them the help they need. Kandyce was the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Nursing…

A Healthy, Fresh Start

March 5, 2025

It’s not unusual that those who have experienced substance use disorders or severe mental illnesses have had interruptions and difficulties in their employment. Re-entering the workforce in recovery presents obstacles. Abbie Timmerman talks about the challenges and opportunities people new to recovery with issues in their employment history face when seeking employment. Abbie is a Talent…

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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