30 JAN 2023 · Amy Tee has been a fixture on the Boston comedy scene for decades. In this raw and honest interview, she discusses the challenges she faced during childhood, what led her to pursue a career in comedy, how her battle with substances began and the ways in which she copes with her mental health today. Amy grew up as an obese child who was teased and bullied incessantly throughout her life. Being thrown into lockers and called names was an everyday experience. After losing weight and beginning the pursuit of a lifelong dream to do stand-up, Amy slowly succumbed to an addiction to alcohol before hitting rock bottom and having an "aha" moment. Today Amy is happily married and has a new career as an approved IOOV (In Our Own Voice) Presenter for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Through her presentations to young people and families as well as her work on stage she has touched many lives. Amy describes the ways in which she has inspired others and been inspired by them as she seeks to live according to ECT: being responsible for the Energy you bring into the world and practicing Compassion and Tolerance.

16 JAN 2023 · Laura Stack of Johnny's Ambassadors talks about the risks of modern marijuana and its impact on the developing teen brain. Laura is extremely knowledgeable about the various new forms of marijuana (i.e. waxes, dabs, shatter), how marijuana differs in potency from even 10 years ago and the science behind marijuana's addictive nature. Laura also shares her personal story. She is from Colorado and lost her son to suicide after he became psychotic, paranoid and delusional as a result of his addiction to marijuana. Johnny was only 19 years old. He had begun using marijuana products when he was 14 after trying some at a party at a friend's house. Recreational marijuana had been legalized in CO just two years before. Laura's message is a cautionary one, but it is also one of hope. She has made it her mission to ensure that families are educated and that teens make safe and healthy choices.

2 JAN 2023 · Karen Beatty has been the health teacher at Hingham High School, Hingham, MA., for over 20 years. She talks about a unique prevention program that she incorporates into her 10th-grade health classes and its impact on her students. She also shares information on past and current trends in youth substance use and also delves into the critical role parents play in preventing that use. Ms. Beatty oversees the administration of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey in grades 7, 9 and 11 in the Hingham Public Schools. She describes its scope and purpose in assessing and teen behavior so that it can be effectively addressed. Tune into this warm and thoughtful conversation with a teacher on the front lines.

19 DEC 2022 · Dr. Todd Kerensky reveals the science behind addiction, breakthroughs in treatment and the reasons underage use of drugs and alcohol is so risky. He also describes how different substances impact the body and shares a poignant personal story of what brought him into this line of work. Dr. Kerensky has had a long career in the field of addiction and recovery, currently serving as Medical Director of Addiction Medicine at South Shore Health and Medical Director of Spectrum Health System's Opioid Treatment Program (Weymouth, MA.).

5 DEC 2022 · Sarah Holler, John Jenkins and Rachel O'Connor are students at Hingham High School, Hingham, MA., where they run the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) program. SADD is designed to provide students with the tools necessary for making healthy choices in a variety of ways, including around substances. Sarah, John and Rachel talk about the work they do as well as their experiences and those of their peers. They encourage other teens to surround themselves with a solid group of friends who support them regardless of the decisions they make around substances and describe the important role parents play in teen substance use. Their knowledge on the subject is also on display. From brain development to the science behind addiction, these kids are a wealth of information. All three are hard-working athletes who are committed to maintaining healthy, active lifestyles which makes them really great role models for others.

20 NOV 2022 · Kathi Meyer began to speak about alcohol awareness and the importance of making good choices in 2009 after her daughter passed away from underage drinking. She met her future husband, Chris Sullivan, when she presented at her first parent night. A former NFL player, Chris was attending not as a parent, but as a man suffering from substance use disorder, anxiety and depression. Their road of healing continues together as they share their stories with colleges, high schools, community organizations and prevention coalitions around the country. Hear how one act of kindness can change the outcome of someone’s life and make a positive change in this world.