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

Getting Off the Generational-Trauma Bus

August 20, 2025

.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 generational trauma. Her work and research focuses on the healing power of emotion transformation and self-compassion. Dr. Bailey can be reached at https://individual-therapy-berlin.de/about-me/ and her YouTube channel is at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCE2DGM97OgfKz-CIvGaYCoA.

Dr. Bailey’s online courses can be accessed at https://individual-therapy-berlin.de/online-courses/ Listeners can receive a 30% discount using the code HEAL.

Additional information on the epigenetic research discussed can be found at https://www.research.va.gov/currents/1016-3.cfm 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

Imagine a New Way to Live

August 13, 2025

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)(https://collegiaterecovery.org/) and works closely with and supports Tulane University’s Collegiate Recovery Program (https://campushealth.tulane.edu/departments/recovery-community) Felicia is also, importantly, a grateful person in long-term recovery. Imagine House can be reached at Imagine House (https://www.imaginehousenola.com/) and Imagine Recovery (https://www.imaginerecovery.com/). Felicia can be reached at [email protected] and at 225-937-1132. The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin (https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/index.htm).

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 (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 work to advance federal policies that reduce opioid overdose deaths through expanding access to treatment, championing harm reduction, and equipping lawmakers with the tools they need to make meaningful change. She continues to be a key voice in pushing for policies that make treatment accessible for all. She and the Overdose Prevention Initiative can be reached at Overdose Prevention Initiative: https://actionforoverdose.org

The State of Wisconsin’s Dose of Reality campaign is at Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin: 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

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 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

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 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

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 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

July 9, 2025

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

July 2, 2025

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

June 25, 2025

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

June 18, 2025

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/