PrevenTable: A PreventEd Podcast

What do you do when you can’t do what you’ve always done? Alexis Thurston details how she pushed forward after a life-altering car accident dashed her college rugby career and found new purpose through motherhood, recovery, exercise, and forest bathing (what the heck is that?).

Dave Kuntz from R3 Development talks all things “building” in East St. Louis: Jobs. Community. Housing. Joy. Sense of Self. Assets. He discusses how to affirm dignity and build trust while pushing against the “white savior” mentality. And how.

Colton Baker describes his role as the Lead Recovery Coach in the EPICC Outreach Project and details how the project works to connect people with resources and peer support after an overdose. He describes the project’s success (e.g. high engagement rate, low response time, coordinated response) in keeping people out of the hospital system and making treatment truly accessible.

Dr. Hedva Barenholtz-Levy explains her role as a geriatric specialist pharmacist and the complexities that accompany working with older adults. Listen as she describes the risks that alcohol, cannabis, and opioids can pose to seniors and as she urges consumers to become an active part of their healthcare team.

Geraldine and Belinda of the First Ladies’ Network discuss high infant mortality rates in St. Louis’ Black community and what they are doing about it. These First Ladies of the church engage in peer-led discussions with prenatal and postpartum moms to support their mental health and provide needed services.

Jen Maness, owner of Hello Juice and Smoothie, discusses how she incorporates health and wellness into her sober lifestyle. Newsflash: It isn’t all avocado toast and acai bowls (although those are certainly delicious!) Jen also dishes on business expansion and (gasp!) ex-boyfriends.

Leslie Robinson, CEO of H.O.P.E. for the Future, describes how and why she founded the mentoring program for teen moms…during the pandemic! She addresses the shame and stigma that often are directed to young parents and speaks to the ways that her organization helps encourage, support, and empower her participants.

Zabrina and Audrey from #SmartParentsDoThis pull up a seat at the PrevenTable to talk the 6 S’s—a parenting framework that makes #momlife and #dadlife a little easier and a lot less stressful.

Brand journalist (what the heck is that?!) and non-profit founder, Kristin Tippit, emphasizes the importance of knowing who you are and what you want to be known for. She explains the difference between organizational alignment and simply drinking the kool-aid. Her authenticity shines through as she reveals how she encourages her children to “feel their feelings” and lean into their vulnerability, while she leans into her own.

Ever wanted to ask a religious leader questions? We did. Pastor Chris from Faith Oakville talks about what ministry really means and why it’s so critical to talk about what’s really going on with people. Forget getting butts in the seats. It’s all about accepting “brokenness,” being available, and not shying away from the tough stuff.