PrevenTable: A PreventEd Podcast

John Gaal, Joseph Whiteman, and Scott Greenhaus join us this week to discuss their knowledge of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), an issue responsible for 25% of fatalities in the construction industry. The trio shares the importance of having good coping mechanisms, improving physical and mental health, and setting new standards for wearing safety helmets.

Reann Hines, founder of the Behind It All Foundation, takes a seat at the PrevenTable for a conversation on promoting mental health wellness and entrepreneurship opportunities in underserved communities. She describes a few key initiatives encompassed in the foundation, talks about the role of life coaching, and explains her goal to create leaders that spread their impact both far and wide.

Missouri Excel Centers Superintendent Dr. Eric Knost joins us for a conversation about his educational journey and current work helping adults obtain their high school diploma. He discusses how The Beatles kickstarted his passion for education, explains the necessity of providing opportunities for education for all ages, and shares insight on making a difference in students’ lives.

Kevin Harris joins the PrevenTable for a conversation about his journey to recovery as a former DJ, identifying himself as a functioning alcoholic — a term he and Nichole help break down. Kevin also discusses his book, “From DJ to Deacon: The Life of an Alcoholic,” praises the mentors in his life, and shares more about his current role as a harm reduction coordinator.

Shima Rostami, Executive Director of Gateway Alliance Against Human Trafficking, talks about how her organization works to both prevent and educate people about human trafficking. She and Nichole discuss why it can be hard to detect elements of trafficking, how domestic trafficking is often not heard about, and the power behind knowledge.

Dr. Hedva Barenholtz Levy sits down at the PrevenTable to talk about her book, “Maybe It’s Your Medications.” She takes us through the process of writing and publishing the book and hits on some of its major topics, including healthy aging, medication use, being an educated consumer, and how to discuss medicine and supplements with a physician.

St. Louis native Kelly McGowan joins Nichole at the PreventTable for a conversation about the importance of local politics. McGowan, the founder and executive director of Transform 314, discusses her entrance into advocacy, breaks down structural racism as an issue in St. Louis, and talks about boosting civic engagement.

Jim Murphy, former board president of NCADA, sits down at the PrevenTable to share more about this year’s RecoveryFest STL, which he founded last year. He explains how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for connection between people in recovery, details some of the food vendors and live music you’ll see this year, and describes how St. Louis is one of the hotbeds in the U.S. for people in long term recovery.

Brandon Boos from Faith Oakville joins us for a conversation on PreventEd’s partnership with the church and the third annual Stomp Out Addiction walk on October 1st. Brandon dives into the church’s mission to connect people, how they strive for community beyond church, and Faith’s deep roots in service.

Darcy Glidewell and Clay Jenkins describe their organization, The Next Step, which aims to provide tuition assistance for people in long term recovery. They explain the story of their kitchen table idea that bloomed into $1.93 million in funding student education, comment on the way education empowers those in recovery, and share the satisfaction of witnessing the support network that develops for students through their work.

Radio personality Donny Fandango joins the PrevenTable for a refreshing reality check about being open with your mental health and emotions. He talks about being real for the radio, provides wisdom about dealing with grief, and shares more about his philanthropic work for the Ronald McDonald House.

Steve Ewing, businessman and frontman for The Urge, joins Nichole to talk about his two greatest endeavors: music and food. He describes how his restaurant, Steve’s Hot Dogs, fed nearly 10,000 people when schools closed down during the COVID-19 pandemic, shares insight into working in the music industry, and delves into his longtime passion for fitness.