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.

When families face addiction and mental health crises, knowing where to turn can be life-changing. In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Appel and Michael Walsh, two renowned interventionists and leaders from Crisis Case Management (CCM)—for a powerful conversation about the importance of long-term support, family systems, and the real heart of recovery.

With decades of experience between them, Mike and Mike bring a compassionate, no-nonsense approach to guiding families through their darkest moments. They share their personal journeys into recovery, the evolution of intervention from a one-time event to an ongoing relationship, and how true healing involves the entire family—not just the identified patient.

You’ll hear stories of redemption, resilience, and second chances—including a woman who got sober at 89 and a family who sent baby pictures from the delivery room to the interventionist who helped them find hope. From practical advice to deeply moving anecdotes, this episode offers inspiration and insight for anyone touched by addiction.

Key Topics:

• What crisis case management really looks like
• The shift from traditional interventions to long-term family support
• Why recovery is never a one-size-fits-all journey
• The importance of spiritual and emotional self-care for professionals
• Why you should never give up on someone you love

Resources & Links:

• Crisis Case Management: www.crisiscm.com
• Hanley Foundation: www.hanleyfoundation.org

If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. Help is available. Call Hanley at 844-502-HOPE (4673).

In this powerful episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by Jerry Henderson—Master Certified Transformational Life Coach, author, speaker, and host of the Permission to Love podcast.

Jerry shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming childhood trauma, addiction, and burnout, and how those experiences led him to a life of purpose, healing, and service. Now, he specializes in helping high achievers and professionals navigate the hidden burdens of success—imposter syndrome, perfectionism, anxiety, and shame—using tools like positive psychology, Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-informed care, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP).

Together, the hosts and Jerry explore:

• Why external success doesn’t always translate to internal peace
• How impostor syndrome manifests differently in men and women
• The emotional cost of burnout and how to heal from it
• What it means to be present in relationships when your worth is tied to achievement
• How transformational coaching supports lasting change from the inside out

Whether you’re a leader, a clinician, or someone seeking a more authentic life, this episode offers deep insight, emotional resonance, and hope for building a life that feels as good as it looks.

Learn more about Jerry Henderson at jerryhenderson.org

For more on Hanley’s treatment and recovery programs, visit hanleycenter.org or call 844-502-4673.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we’re joined by two remarkable guests—Mike Rogers, pro skateboarder and founder of Grind for Life, and James Bartle, CEO of Sandy James Fine Foods. Together, they share stories of resilience, community, and purpose as they gear up for the 2025 Bartle BBQ Hang, an annual event that brings people together to raise awareness about addiction and support individuals in recovery.

Mike opens up about surviving cancer twice, achieving over 27 years of sobriety, and his commitment to helping others heal through action sports and community. James shares the deeply personal story of losing his nephew Cory to an overdose and how that grief transformed into action with the creation of the Cory Bartle Memorial Fund, which funds lifesaving treatment scholarships through Hanley Foundation.

Host Dr. Rachel Docekal emphasizes the extraordinary impact of the Bartle BBQ Hang—not just because of the awareness it raises, but because James Bartle and his company, Sandy James Fine Foods, underwrite the entire event. That means every single dollar raised goes directly to treatment scholarships, helping people access the care they need to begin their recovery journey.

Tune in to hear how food, skateboarding, and recovery intersect in powerful ways—and how one event is saving lives while creating space for hope, healing, and fun.

Learn more and get tickets for the Bartle BBQ Hang: https://hanley.info/bbq

#BartleBBQ #TheHanleyEffect #AddictionAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #GrindForLife #Skateboarding

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Hanley Center's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Angelo Asheh, M.D., to explore his unconventional journey from finance to the frontlines of addiction medicine.

Dr. Asheh shares how a desire for deeper purpose led him from a career in finance to the emergency room, and eventually into the field of addiction treatment.

You'll hear how his early experiences as a physician assistant shaped his empathy and leadership, and how his medical expertise now guides Hanley Center's patient care strategy.

The conversation also tackles the latest science around alcohol and health, including groundbreaking studies on the risks of alcohol use and the outdated myths surrounding moderate drinking.

Dr. Asheh breaks down what the most recent data tells us about the links between alcohol and cancer, liver damage, mental health, and more.

Whether you're a clinician, someone in recovery, or a curious listener seeking evidence-based insights on addiction and wellness, this episode offers wisdom, warmth, and an inspiring reminder that it's never too late to pursue purpose.

For support, call 844-502-HOPE (4673) or visit hanleyfoundation.org

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal talk with Garrett Biss, retired Marine Corps pilot, addiction recovery coach, and TEDx speaker—to explore the unseen emotional toll of military service and the inspiring potential for post-traumatic growth.

Garrett shares his personal story of transition after retiring from the Marines, including struggles with identity loss, suicidal ideation, and the critical role that meaning, connection, and authenticity play in recovery. He offers an enlightening explanation of how trauma doesn’t just lead to suffering—but can also become the seed for transformational healing and growth.

Together, they discuss:

• The trauma of losing identity and purpose after military or first responder service

• The difference between PTSD and Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)

• Why meaning is essential to endurance, healing, and thriving

• How clinicians and civilians alike can better support transitioning veterans

• The importance of mental fitness tools and peer support in recovery

Garrett also introduces his free resource, The Warrior Reset—a toolkit for non-clinical daily practices that support well-being and growth.

Listen in for practical insights, emotional truths, and empowering reminders that growth is possible—even after deep suffering.

Learn more about Garrett’s work at TheWarriorReset.com.

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