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.
Episodes
Step Out of the Disease and Into the Solution
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 services can be reached at https://robbkelly.com/ The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm More information about the federal response to the ongoing opiate crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
It’s in the Genes
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 https://nourishwisconsin.com/
Oregon Cares — Empowering Students
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 Education Director & Advanced Learning Coordinator, and Cynthia DiCamelli, Family Resource Coordinator, both at the Oregon School District. Additional information about all of the coalition initiatives can be found at https://oregonareacares.org/
Brick by Brick
Success requires a sound foundation. When the foundation of a child’s life is built of bricks of shame and insults, it seems inevitable that the child feels unimportant and unwanted. Libby Wipperfurth grew up in a home of conflicting boundaries and messages. The turmoil led to deep depression, anxiety, and years of alcoholism. After several attempts to stay sober failed, she found herself at a tipping point. She talks about how she put her life back together brick by brick. Libby is a mother, a wife, a peer specialist, and an author whose book, “Daily Journal: Building a Strong Foundation — One Brick at a Time,” can be found at https://www.amazon.com/Daily-Journal-Building-Strong-Foundation/dp/B0CT5LYYZ4. She can be reached at https://lfwipperfurth.com/ The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm More information about the federal response to the ongoing opioid crisis can be found at https://www.dea.gov/onepill
No Shortcuts
Being the best we can be takes work, but we often look for shortcuts. Sean Casey discusses the pitfalls of looking for quick fixes from supplements that are not regulated. There is a safe and correct way to meet your goals. Sean Casey is a registered dietitian and physical preparation coach who works with everyone from weekend warriors looking to live healthier to middle/high school athletes and elite professionals including an Olympic Gold Medalist. Additional information and Sean’s contact information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/sean.casey.3705
For additional information on the harmful effects of opioids and additional learning opportunities, go to: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm
Wild Ride to Sobriety
The road to success is not lined with empty liquor bottles. Ian Fee shares his story of addiction and redemption. Ian is a successful author and entrepreneur and the creator of Make It Great (MIG). Proudly sober since 2017, he has dedicated himself to personal growth, family, and living a life of purpose and clarity. Ian is the author of a new book, “Wild Ride to Sobriety: A Transformation From Drunken Oblivion to Profound Clarity.” He can be reached at https://makeitgreat.me
Healing From the Inside Out
Working with people with substance use disorders means working with the person’s whole self, body, mind, spirit, and environment. Dr. Sarah Nasir talks about her holistic approach to addiction medicine and the challenges that underserved populations face in getting the help they need to discover their whole selves. 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 the medical director at a methadone clinic, Dr. Nasir specializes in treating patients with opioid use disorders. She founded several holistic wellbeing-focused startups, including Tripti-v, Transcendant You, and the nonprofit Pacific Oasis Foundation. Dr. Nasir’s work and links can be found at https://www.facebook.com/sarahnasirdo/
Irish Roots
Mimi Tallo grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, a northeastern, blue-collar town. She was surrounded by dysfunction, abuse, and addiction. She was also surrounded by relatives she didn’t find out were relatives until she dove into her genealogy. Mimi talks about her upbringing and her father’s life-long belief that he was Sicilian and how it shaped him and their family. He was, at it turns out, Irish. Mimi is a speaker, author, and podcast maven. Access to her books and story are at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mimi-Tallo/author/B09FJ4K65Y?ref=ap_rdr&ccs_id=1efbf676-940e-40e8-bfea-5065d5941dc7, and her podcast can be found at https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/be-heard-empower-yourself/id1680364703. Her previous podcast about her memoir, “Raised by Wolves Trapped by Demons,” can be heard at https://ataapodcast.com/raised-by-wolves-trapped-by-demons/
We Are What We Eat
What 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 Need Still Exists
Mental health needs are at an all time high. Mental Health America Wisconsin is an organization that helps people in desperate need of immediate help. Funding for their Uplift Wisconsin Statewide Warmline, which took 24,000 calls in 2024, was abruptly cut by the federal government recently. Martina Gollin-Graves, the Executive Director and CEO of Mental Health America Wisconsin, discusses their work, their services, and the challenges they face to continue serving people in need. Martina and Mental Health America Wisconsin can be supported and reached at https://www.mhawisconsin.org/
