In this impactful episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Florida Senator Tina Polsky, a dedicated public servant representing the state’s 29th District. Known for her relentless advocacy on public health and safety issues, Senator Polsky has become a leading voice in Florida’s fight against fentanyl-related deaths.

She shares the personal connections and community tragedies that motivated her to pass Fentanyl Awareness Day (August 21), legalize fentanyl test strips, and co-sponsor Gage’s Law, requiring hospitals to test for fentanyl in suspected overdose cases. Each of these legislative victories represents a crucial step toward saving lives in a state that ranks #2 in the nation for drug overdose mortality rates.

Listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process—the “sausage-making” that turns community ideas into actionable policy. Senator Polsky explains how bills move forward, the compromises sometimes needed to get them passed, and why bipartisan cooperation is essential in tackling the fentanyl crisis.

Along the way, she urges Floridians to understand the real-life impact their elected officials have, stay informed, and use their voices—whether by voting, advocating, or bringing forward life-saving ideas.

• How Senator Polsky’s background and personal experiences led her into politics.
• Florida’s alarming fentanyl statistics and why awareness matters.
• The story behind Fentanyl Awareness Day and how it came from a student’s idea.
• Why legalizing fentanyl test strips was a game-changer for prevention efforts.
• The heartbreaking case that inspired Gage’s Law.
• Navigating legislative challenges and building bipartisan support.
• How communities, schools, and parents can spread awareness and prevent tragedies.

• Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s prevention programs
• Learn where to find free Narcan and how to use Narcan.
• Call Hanley for help or resources: 844-502-4673

In this inspiring episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. Michele Borba joins hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal for a heartfelt and practical conversation about how to raise kids who thrive, not just survive. Dr. Borba is an educational psychologist, is a best-selling author who has authored 27 books, and Today Show contributor. Drawing on 40 years of experience and decades of research, Dr. Borba breaks down what children truly need to build resilience, regulate emotions, and navigate a fast-changing world.

The conversation covers:

• Why prevention and protective factors matter more than ever
• The three “P’s” every child needs: a person, a place, and a protective buffer
• The top seven character strengths that correlate with resilience
• What parents can do, just one to three minutes at a time, to model emotional regulation
• Social media's impact on empathy, sleep, and self-control
• Real-world parenting strategies that help foster independence and self-confidence
• How to build a family culture that supports growth and mental wellness

Dr. Borba also shares stories from her books, discusses the science behind raising emotionally strong children, and offers immediately actionable tips for parents and caregivers who want to build connections and character in their kids.

Learn more about Dr. Michele Borba and download free parenting resources at www.micheleborba.com

Learn more about Hanley Foundation's prevention programs at www.hanleyfoundation.org

Listen now and discover how we can all raise a generation that thrives, even in the face of adversity.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. Judith Grisel, behavioral neuroscientist, professor at Bucknell University, and author of the best-selling book Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction, joins Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben for an eye-opening discussion on addiction, brain science, and healing.

Dr. Grisel shares her remarkable personal journey from homelessness and active addiction to recovery and groundbreaking neuroscience research. Now a nationally recognized expert and TED-Ed speaker, she focuses on the biology behind addiction vulnerability, exploring how genetics, development, and environment influence who becomes addicted and why.

Together, the group dives into:

• Why some people are biologically more prone to addiction
• The dangers of early drug use on developing brains
• The similarities between addictive drugs and modern digital stimuli (social media, pornography, and gaming)
• How our brains adapt to overstimulation—and what we lose when they do
• The importance of presence, real-world relationships, and sensory experiences in rewiring the brain for recovery
• Why there is always hope for healing—and how paying attention is a form of medicine

Dr. Grisel also reflects on her early recovery experience and shares a heartfelt connection to Hanley Foundation, where she was evaluated during her own journey to wellness.

Learn more about Dr. Judith Grisel’s work: Never Enough on Amazon

Need help? Visit hanleycenter.org or call 844-502-4673.

Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, or someone in recovery, this conversation is rich with insight, compassion, and scientific clarity.