In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal chat with bestselling author and education expert Jessica Lahey to explore the powerful intersections of parenting, education, addiction prevention, and resilience.

Jessica—author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation—shares her personal journey through recovery, the science behind adolescent substance use prevention, and why failure is essential to raising capable, confident kids. Drawing from decades of research, writing, and personal experience, she offers a compassionate and practical framework for parenting in a culture of dependence.

Highlights include:

• Why early prevention starts with toddlers (and toothpaste!)
• The importance of modeling healthy coping mechanisms
• Why “just say no” doesn’t work—and what does
• How parents can use scripts to have powerful, age-appropriate conversations
• The gift of failure and how it fosters long-term resilience

Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or in recovery, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration to help raise healthier, happier kids.

🔗 Learn more about Jessica’s work and resources at jessicalahey.com

📘 Check out her books The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation wherever books are sold.

🌐 Visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673 to explore our prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with licensed mental health counselor and certified addiction professional Tommy McGee, LMHC, CAP. With warmth, humility, and deep insight, Tommy shares his powerful personal journey from growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas to overcoming a 13-year battle with addiction—and ultimately finding purpose as a therapist, educator, and community leader.

Tommy’s story is one of transformation, love, and the quiet power of human connection. He opens up about formative experiences in his childhood, his struggle with substance use and identity, and the moment his mother knocked on his door and asked the simple question that changed everything: “Do you want some help?”

Now based in Lake Worth, Florida, Tommy reflects on his path through recovery, his pursuit of spiritual understanding through education, and his passion for helping others heal. He reminds us that recovery isn’t always about hitting “rock bottom”—sometimes it begins with a whispered miracle and an open heart.

Highlights:

• Growing up in Oak Cliff and navigating early experiences of rebellion and grief
• The intersection of addiction, identity, and athleticism
• The pivotal moment that led Tommy to seek help and land in Florida
• Why love—more than anything else—can be the most powerful intervention
• His academic and spiritual exploration of theology and psychology
• The role of community in healing and recovery
• Why he stayed in Florida and how distance helped him serve his hometown

· · Learn more at HanleyFoundation.org

· Need help? Call us at 844-502- 4673

In this compelling episode, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg to discuss his groundbreaking work cleaning up Florida’s rehab industry. From creating the nationally recognized Sober Homes Task Force to helping pass game-changing legislation, Dave shares how his office fought corruption, saved lives, and helped reduce opioid-related deaths across the county.

Tune in as Dave reflects on:

• How “patient brokering” and insurance fraud harmed vulnerable people seeking help

• The challenges of navigating federal law and loopholes in the treatment industry

• The success of the Sober Homes Task Force and what other states can learn

• His next chapter as a private attorney helping ethical behavioral health providers

• The importance of speaking out to break stigma around addiction and recovery

Dave’s insights are both inspiring and urgent—especially for families, clinicians, policymakers, and those in recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about ethics, advocacy, and meaningful reform in mental health and substance use treatment.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s treatment programs.

Learn more about Dave’s work and legal services at davearonberglaw.com

Need help? Call 844-502-HOPE.