What Parents Are Saying — Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment

This episode features man-on-the-street interviews at SAMHSA’s 2024 National Prevention Day. Hear from more than 30 people that spanned the range of parents, prevention experts, and SAMHSA leadership. They offer helpful ideas, insights, and advice on how parents can help their kids navigate away from alcohol and other substances. You’ll learn that so many agree – when you talk, they hear you. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

December is National Impaired Driving Awareness Month. The holidays are a joyful time for family and friends to celebrate, however they can pose challenges for some. Then for those who have lost family through impaired driving they can be excruciating., In this episode, we talk about substance use in and around all of this and explore ways to traverse the holidays safely. Rhonda Campbell, a Senior Victim-Services Specialist with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), joins us to frame what “victim impact” means and the importance of parent voice when it comes to impaired driving and keeping families safe so all can remain joyful. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Delaney Ruston and Ms.Lisa Tabb, creators of the Screenagers movie series, about the recent release of Screenagers: Under the Influence. In the film they focus on how alcohol, drugs, and vaping are being portrayed in the media, what parents should know, and provide ideas to take action. This is the perfect conversation as we all get ready to go back to school. A filmmaker, author, and Stanford-trained physician, Dr. Ruston has created award-winning documentaries for social change over the past 25 years, with a focus on topics concerning mental health, fIn addition, she serves as a primary care physician for underserved teens and adults in Seattle, WA. Ms. Lisa Tabb has been a storytelling entrepreneur for more than 30 years. In addition to a news media career in San Francisco,CA, Lisa has co-produced the three Screenager movies with Dr. Ruston and also co-directed the most recent Screenagers: Under the Influence film. Together, they have sparked a movement around screen time, teen mental health, and now underage substance use with these movies. Over 9 million young kids and adults have viewed these films in community screenings in over 100 countries. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

We know raising kids isn’t easy, especially when it comes to navigating underage drinking and other drug use. We also know that effective communication can help us along this journey. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Emily Kline and learn that it’s not just what you say to your kids about alcohol and other drugs, but—more important—how you say it. She offers some easy ways to change the manner in which we communicate with our kids that can make all conversations more productive. We learn that communicating doesn’t just mean talking, it also means listening: “when you listen, they listen.” No matter the ages of your children, you’ll get something valuable out of Dr. Kline’s communication techniques and advice. To learn more about Dr. Kline, including her new book and free e-learning modules, visit: https://www.dremilykline.com/. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Join us for a conversation with Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy and his wife, and co-founder of The Kennedy Forum, Amy Kennedy. They speak about their parenting experiences (5 children, ages 4-15), specifically parenting in recovery, as well as the work they do nationally to expand the dialogue around mental health and addiction. They also discuss the importance of brain development, children’s mental health, and how early substance use impacts this process. Their insights exemplify the focus of this podcast series —“prevention wisdom, authenticity, and empowerment.” Share this episode with every parent you know. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In recognition of SAMHSA’s National Prevention Week (May 7th through 13th 2023) and the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign’s 10th anniversary, in this episode, we hear from seven Spotlight Partners – community organizations using the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign in truly dynamic ways. Our partners are the heartbeat of the campaign as they champion prevention efforts in their communities and beyond. Clark County Partners in Prevention – Springfield, Ohio (02:00, 55:50) Gallia Jackson Meigs Alcohol Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board – Gallipolis, Ohio (10:20, 41:40, 58:40) Central Florida Behavioral Health Network – Tampa, Florida (16:30, 59:50) Fayette Prevention Coalition – Lookout, West Virginia (21:43) Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board – Cleveland, Ohio (28:09, 1:05:35) Safe Yakima Valley – Yakima, Washington (31:35, 1:03:14) Sacramento County Coalition for Youth – Sacramento, California (39:00, 42:50, 1:01:30) This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In December 2021, SAMHSA launched the “Talk. They Hear You.”® campaign’s new “What Parents Are Saying—Prevention Wisdom, Authenticity, and Empowerment” podcast. This podcast provides a platform where parents and caregivers can get informed, be prepared, and take action by having open and honest conversations with their kids about substance use and mental health. In this episode we speak with active community members who are also parents. They talk with us about hosting a successful Parents’ Night Out event in their community. Parents’ Night Out are educational sessions developed and made available for free from SAMHSA’s “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign. It’s designed to facilitate valuable discussion amongst parents and caregivers in your community and acts as a starting point for them to better understand underage substance use. Tune in to learn more about the program and this community’s experience. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In this episode of “What Parents Are Saying” we flip the script and talk to high school students – high school athletes to be more specific. Listen in as we get their perspectives on the impact of using substances, the effects of peer pressure, ways they’ve been able to make a difference with their peers, and even how parents can better support their efforts to stay substance free. This group of students come from different states across the country and are a part of the Substance-Free Athletics program within their school. They do a fantastic job of talking about why they choose not to use and the importance of lending their voices to this topic. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

All parents have the same goal of raising healthy kids, but there are family uniquenesses we can all learn from. Lisa Kennedy, who advocates for grandfamilies in the state of Pennsylvania, shares her understanding of this diverse family structure. Look for resources like these in your state - Pennsylvania Kinship Care,Pennsylvania Caregiver Support, Grandparents Raising Grandkids Resource Guide and listen to as Lisa describes and offers guidance for grandparents and us all. Send any questions or comments about this episode or podcast to WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Listen as Charlotte, a grandmother raising her grandson, joins us to share specifics about returning to the role of primary caregiver. There is much to learn from her personal experience and wisdom around a topic that affects many families. If you have any questions or comments about this episode or podcast, please send them to WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Join us for the third and final episode of brain-based parenting with Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAboutsGuide. In the first two episodes, we covered how a brain is formed and how to protect it. In episode three, we discuss many tips, tools, and techniques that can help parents in these efforts. Review the lists and graphs that we mention here. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

We are back for episode two of a three-part series on brain-based parenting with Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. In the first episode, we covered how the brain is formed and how to understand age-defined, executive function. In this second episode we cover how to protect that brain, the role of dopamine in human development, and something called the hedonic threshold. Don’t panic! Dr. Collier’s easy manner and clear ways of explaining these complex topics will help all parents understand the opportunities to support their kids. Review the lists and graphs that we mention here. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In this first episode of a three-part series on brain-based parenting, we are joined by Dr. Crystal Collier, psychotherapist and author of The NeuroWhereAbouts Guide. The idea of brain-based parenting is helping so many parents better understand several important roles they play in their kids’ lives. Understanding this concept can help reduce the risk of underage drinking and drug use and empower brain development as kids move towards becoming fully functioning adults. In part one, we discuss the “building of a brain,” and what executive function looks like at different ages - elementary middle, and high school, and beyond. In the second episode we learn how to protect the brain, the role of dopamine in human development, and something called the hedonic threshold. Finally, in episode three, we talk about tips, tools, and techniques that can help parents in these efforts. Review the lists and graphs that we mention here. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Red Ribbon Week, occurring each year at the end of October (23-31), is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign. It’s also the perfect time to educate and encourage parents/caregivers and youth to participate in prevention activities nationwide. In this episode, our guests are parents motivated to help other parents. Listen as Jamila Robinson, of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), shares more about Red Ribbon Week and how the campaign got started in 1988. You’ll also hear from Simone, a mom from California, about her experiences talking with her kids about alcohol and other drugs. Lastly, Joelle Orrock, coordinator of a local coalition focused on prevention (Sacramento County Coalition for Youth), discusses how her organization brings materials to the community to assist parents like Simone in these efforts. Look for coalitions like this in your community and use Red Ribbon Week as an opportunity to start talking with your kids about alcohol and other drugs. It marks an important moment in our history and is a great way to get the conversation started. DEA Programs to explore: Red Ribbon Week, One Pill Can Kill, Other Materials for Parents, Educators, and Caregivers This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

People in recovery have unique insights into the dangers and risks of underage drinking and other drug use. In this episode we hear from Ben Cort, a father who is in recovery. Ben talks about the opportunities, the occasional discomfort, and the urgency around how he helped his kids navigate away from drinking and using drugs at an early age. Ben is also in the business of assisting others in his community and around the country to have these tough conversations with kids. Both parents who are in recovery and those who are not will walk away with useful insights from this episode. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

To use or not to use? That is the question! This back-to-school episode explores the opportunity for parents and caregivers to support their kids in making "One Choice" not to use substances (alcohol, marijuana, nicotine and beyond) now and as they start a new school year. Find out how many kids choose not to use today versus when parents were in high school (you’ll be surprised). Also hear from Dr. Caroline Dupont and Corinne Shea of The Institute for Behavior and Health (IBH) as they discuss the rationale behind, and benefits of, choosing not to use. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In this episode hear how one mom approached youth alcohol and other drug use to help raise a very social and substance-free teen. Socialization is an important part of middle and high school development. Getting through it without using substances protects mental health and best prepares adolescents for the next phases of their lives. Find out how this mom did it and how Asian American cultural values shaped her parenting experience. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

In episode #3, parent guests Becky Savage (525Foundation.org) and Ed Ternan (SongForCharlie.org) share the difficult stories of their children’s opioid overdoses to highlight the importance of youth opioid prevention, safety, and education. Mr. Ternan also discusses the first annual National Fentanyl Awareness Day (fentanylawarenessday.org), which takes place on May 10, 2022. Learn more at talktheyhearyou.samhsa.gov. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

Underage substance use is problematic, but most parents don’t really understand why. In this episode we speak with Dr. Leslie Walker-Harding to better grasp what we need to know to keep adolescent drug and alcohol use in proper perspective. Dr. Walker-Harding (@AskTeenDoc) is the Ford/Morgan Endowed Professor, Chair of the Department of Pediatrics and Associate Dean for the University of Washington. She is also the Chief Academic Officer and Senior Vice President for Seattle Children's Hospital. She has been dedicated to the health and wellbeing of children and adolescents for over 25 years - particularly focused on adolescent substance use prevention and promotion of healthy adolescent development. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.

EPISODE #1: Parenting Through the Holidays, focuses on the many opportunities available during this time of year to discuss the risks of underage drinking and other drug use with kids. You’ll hear directly from three moms with children of various ages providing their unique experiences and how they handle these situations. As a reminder, the views expressed here do not necessarily represent the views of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This podcast is brought to you by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The views expressed here are not necessarily those of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. For questions or comments about this podcast, please contact WhatParentsAreSaying@gmail.com.