PrevenTable

Pull up a seat at the PrevenTable and listen to candid conversations about the intersection of alcohol, drugs, and mental health on everyday lives. It's not all sob stories, but it is raw. We share our vulnerabilities and talk with thought leaders and “normal” people in hopes that it will help others who are struggling with substance use.

Health & Fitness
Mental Health
51
Freedom on the Other Side of the Storm
Charlie Backer sits down to discuss sobriety, hot sauce, vulnerabilities and his book, The Sober Impact. He shares how sobriety has shaped him into the man he is today; how he shares his experience and pitfalls with his two kids; and how...
21 min
52
Knock and Go In
Therapeutic Consultant, Dr. Russell Hyken, discusses how he navigates teens and their families through residential treatment and beyond. He explains how his time as a high school principal led him to his current role working within family...
22 min
53
Hold On Pain Ends
What do the construction industry and suicide have in common? Unfortunately, a lot. The suicide rate in the construction industry is 3-5x times higher than the national average. Bo Cooper, Alberici Safety Director, and Brandon Anderson,...
27 min
54
How Can I End This With Me?
Mom, teacher, and author, Jessica Lahey reveals the motivation behind her best-selling book, "The Addiction Inoculation." She talks brain science, middle schoolers, and how being open and honest about her own sobriety keeps her...
21 min
55
Banking on Community
For almost 15 years, Stacy Clay was an advocate and leader in St. Louis Public Schools, and worked to develop comprehensive Student Support Services. When he stepped into a new role at First Bank, his fresh perspective as a non-banker and...
23 min
56
Duty of Care
Chris Becker, founder of Better Rhodes, reveals what drove him to create this lifestyle brand that curates alcohol-free offerings and develops community. Listen as Chris discusses the debate and nuance surrounding NA products with a critical...
25 min
57
The Future of Hospitality is Inclusivity
Founder of Zero Proof Nation, Laura Silverman, describes how she elevates non-alcoholic options and connects people across the sobriety spectrum and across the country. Laura is a booze-free babe in many realms: "soberoke" (sober...
24 min
58
Not a Moment, But a Movement
Chris Marshall, founder of Sans Bar, joins the PrevenTable to discuss its evolution from SXSW to its second national tour in just a few short years. He talks building community, being a Black man in the AF space, and teaching others through...
18 min
59
Coming in Hot
Ever wonder how PreventEd decides what, how, and if to comment on issues? Stacie Zellin of PreventEd describes the animation, enthusiasm, and spirited dialogue that goes on behind the scenes when a "hot topic" surfaces. Listen in...
25 min
60
Andy Cohen. . . Are You Listening?
Heirloom Bottling Co. Founder, Brad Zulick, details his journey from academia to craft cocktail entrepreneur. An early Sans Bar supporter, Brad explains "shrubs" and emphasizes the need for good NA alternatives.
21 min
61
A Fresh Start
Community coalition leader Gerald Watson stops by the PrevenTable to reflect on "mega" status, misconceptions about Black fathers, and life after active addiction.
19 min
62
Close to Home Pt. 2
The conversation was so good, it had to continue. Ryan and Kenajo discuss what a recovery-friendly workplace really looks like, the impact of trauma, and making amends.
17 min
63
It is Never a Survivor’s Fault
Interim CEO of Safe Connections, Cynthia, stops by the PrevenTable to answer questions about domestic violence and sexual assault like, “Can men be victims of abuse?” and “Why doesn’t she just leave?” She also busts myths about the...
20 min
64
Baden and Beyond
Cal and Djuna reminisce at this PrevenTable about the conversation several years ago around their kitchen table that led to the creation of Living With Purpose, their nonprofit that supports people with intellectual disabilities, mental...
23 min
65
Not Out for the Clout
Hear what motivated mom of 2, Shavanna Spratt, to pivot from survival mode to community activist as host of “Da Hood Talks” podcast.  She and Nichole talk about elevating urban voices, podcast swag, and why sometimes you just have...
20 min
66
What's in a Name?
Listen as the newly-married Dr. Kanika Cunningham details why the inclusion of addiction medicine into the primary care setting is a necessary step forward in addressing substance use disorders, particularly in the Black community.
17 min
67
It's All About People
Pickleball and hiking and CrossFit. . . oh my!  Listen as Jim Murphy stops by the PrevenTable to wax poetic about the good ol’ days and to talk about his latest endeavor to support individuals in long-term recovery. 
21 min
68
Attention v. Intention
Suicide prevention expert, Elizabeth Makulec, takes a seat at the PrevenTable to talk about the power of teens, the importance of asking for help, and her desire to retire early. 
22 min
69
Just an Asterisk
How do you help formerly incarcerated people re-enter society? And actually succeed? Hint: it has a lot to do with boredom. Listen as Nichole discusses these topics and more with fellow political theory nerd, Clark Porter.
24 min
70
The Popcorn Keeper
5th grader, Virginia and 3rd grader, Violet join Nichole to talk about the importance of sharing and being a good friend. And they ask the question, “What the heck does it mean to be a grown-up anyway?”
19 min
71
Sans Bar STL
Nichole is joined by Annie, the mastermind behind Sans Bar STL, St. Louis's first zero-proof pop-up (and to date, the largest Sans Bar in history!) Learn more about the AF life and what's next for Sans Bar STL.
21 min
72
100 lb Sack of Potatoes
Nichole sits down with her guest, John, and discusses cabinets, construction, opioid use disorder and the loss no parent should have to go through. Hear how he worked with medical professionals at Washington University in St. Louis to reduce...
30 min
73
What Are You?
Poli “sassy pants” Rijos returns to the PrevenTable for a conversation about colorism, teaching tolerance to kids, and checking privilege. Geriatric pregnancy? Nah, 40 is the new 20.
16 min
74
Mob Doctor
What’s it like to have a parent who has a substance use disorder? Listen as PrevenTable guest Poli Rijos describes her dad’s journey into long-time recovery.
17 min
75
If You Don’t See It, Produce It
Take a seat at the PrevenTable with Nichole and her guest Christia DeShields. They dish about the absurdity of “Mommy Wine Culture” and why advocating for your children is the purest expression of motherhood.
19 min