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
Crazy
Michael Rebellino talks about Crazy, his followup novel to his critically-acclaimed novel of recovery, Clean. In Crazy, Rebellino uses a creative mix of prose and poetry to examine the challenges of caring for a loved one’s mental health while managing one’s own recovery and mental health. Where is the line between self care and selfless care for others? Michael is a writer, a professional civil engineer, and a substance use disorder/mental health advocate. Michael’s information and his book can be found at Michael Rebellino
American Madness: The Broken Mental Health System
Dr. Alice Feller grew up in a family affected by mental illness and then made it her life’s work. She discusses her work within the mental health system and her thoughts on the state of care available to those who need it. Her book, American Madness: Fighting for Patients In a Broken Mental Health System, is an honest examination of a system in need of overhaul. Dr. Alice Feller is a board-certified clinical psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and author. She has worked in private practice, hospital emergency rooms, psychiatric wards, chemical dependency programs, and public clinics in East Oakland, California, and beyond. Dr. Feller’s contact information can be found at Alice Feller, M.D. | Author of American Madness.
Surviving Alex
Patricia Roos, Professor Emerita of Sociology, was at Rutgers University when, in 2015, she lost her son Alex, who was 25 years of age, to a heroin overdose. As a professor who had devoted her career to the study and research of work, gender, inequalities, stratification, work/family dynamics, and addiction, Patricia shifted her research and advocacy interests, turning grief into activism. In her new book Surviving Alex, Patricia weaves together the personal and the sociological as she examines the broader set of factors implicated in mental health and substance use disorders. Patricia’s book, her other works, and contact information, can be accessed at Patricia A. Roos
How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life
When one is stressed and under pressure, there are many paths towards healing and mental health. Jeanie Y. Chang discusses the unique role that K-dramas (Korean dramas) might play in that process. Jeanie Y. Chang is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and author of the new book, “How K-Dramas Can Transform Your Life: Powerful Lessons on Belongingness, Healing, and Mental Health.” She is an accomplished international speaker, providing keynotes and workshops for corporations, community organizations, and universities addressing the intersectionality of mental health and identity, DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), and psychological safety, as well as education about topics such as burnout, resilience, mindfulness, stress, and mental health conditions including anxiety and depression. Jeanie’s contact information, socials, and book can be accessed at Noonas Noonchi
Communities That Care
It may take a village to raise a child, but how do you organize the village to care and work together? Timmie Sinclair talks about a prevention initiative called Communities That Care and what it takes to get it going and keep it going as well as how programs like these make a difference in people’s lives. Timmie Sinclair is a Community Impact Coordinator for the United Way of Door County Wisconsin. Communities That Care is part of the Social Development Research Group, an internationally recognized, interdisciplinary team of researchers and practitioners united in a common mission to understand and promote healthy behaviors and positive social development among children, adolescents, and young adults. Information about Communities That Care can be found at The Center for Communities That Care. Timmie Sinclair and The United Way of Door County Wisconsin can be reached at United Way of Door County – United We Fight. United We Win.
Big Boys Do Cry
“Suck it up” and “Deal with it” were phrases many men heard if they began to express their feelings while growing up. Ryan Kopyar saw multiple generations of men in his family live out those phrases. Ryan discusses his new book, Big Boys Do Cry: A Man’s Guide to Navigating Emotions and Showing Up More Vulnerable in Relationships, and the importance in expressing difficult emotions. Ryan is an internationally-licensed counselor and acclaimed author with a diverse background in holistic healing, counseling, and hypnotherapy. Ryan’s books, his other works, and contact information, including event speaking and booking, can be accessed at Ryan Kopyar Holistic Healing and Counseling
Love is Love
Despite a growing acceptance, in many parts of our society, of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQIA+) community, this subset of the population has a significantly elevated risk of addiction and mental health difficulties compared to the general U.S. adult population. Recent studies have also shown that significant differences even exist among individual LGBQ and T subgroups. Kelly and Andrew, a mother – son duo, team up to educate folks about understanding and accepting gender dysphoria. Educational materials can be found at: 5 Short Videos for Teaching Students About What It Means to Be Transgender
ThePeerNetwork.com
Loneliness, isolation, and stigma are hallmarks of substance use disorders and mental illness, yet recovery requires understanding and support. In the midst of his own recovery, Kurt Schmidt recognized that need and went about the business of meeting it. Kurt is the Founder and CEO of ThePeerNetwork.com, which is a tele-health platform where recovering individuals who are self-determined in their journeys from mental illness and substance use disorders have access to online peer support and resources to empower them to lead fulfilling lives. Kurt is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and Licensed Master Social Worker. Kurt and The Peer Network can be reached at https://thepeernetwork.com/
The DAD Project
David Comer talks about the DAD Project, a City of Milwaukee Health Department program that works to strengthen the bonds between fathers and their children. Through weekly in-home visits and group sessions, the program supports Milwaukee fathers in engaging in early literacy activities, tracking their child’s development, and building a community of fathers. David is a Health Project Supervisor for the DAD Project and holds a Master of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. The DAD Project can be accessed at DAD Project.
Recovery Has Given Me Peace
Chrissy Dunn began drinking and using marijuana in early high school. Before she graduated she discovered heroin and crack cocaine. What followed was a series of failed rehabs, relapses, and a pregnancy. Now five years into recovery, Chrissy discusses how she got to a place of peace. Chrissy got help at The Horizons Program at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. It is a substance use disorder treatment program for pregnant and/or parenting women and their children, including those whose lives have been touched by abuse and violence. Chrissy and the program can be reached at https://www.med.unc.edu/obgyn/
