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
126
The Struggle is Real
Sharon Spruell, mom of 3 and CEO of Queen of Peace Center, reflects on the complexities of motherhood and highlights the unique challenges of women’s treatment and recovery services. #jugglenotbalance #momlife
18 min
127
Stories That Move Us
Fan-girling occurs when Amy Shaw visits the PrevenTable to talk about how Nine PBS went back to its roots during the pandemic. Local, human, and relevant content are the differentiators that make public television "more than...
24 min
128
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
129
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
130
Close to Home Pt. 1
Peer specialists Kenajo and Ryan drop by the PrevenTable to school Nichole on what peer support really looks like: recovery taxis; searching the woods; helping others find their worth; and putting their own oxygen masks on.  
20 min
131
Purposeful Philanthropy
Elizabeth George from the St. Louis Community Foundation stops by the PrevenTable to talk about (gasp!) money, legacy giving, and the importance of giving your mom credit for all the good ideas.
22 min
132
Not Slinging My Story
Jordan Hampton stops by the PrevenTable to talk about the role recovery housing plays in sobriety and how he harnesses his experience, strength, and hope to refine his craft as a peer.
22 min
133
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
134
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
135
Make Room for Yourself
High school senior Pooja joins the PrevenTable to talk about her new Naloxbox nonprofit, The Opioid Project, and ponders a political career. Pooja for President!
18 min
136
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
137
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
138
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
139
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
140
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
141
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
142
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
143
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
144
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
145
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
146
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
147
Therapy Slaps
Nichole welcomes teens Annemarie and Tom back to the PrevenTable to weigh in on social norms, self-care, and “checking-in” on your friends. Don’t be surprised when they starting quoting Freud.
18 min
148
Kids These Days
Teens get a bad rap. On this inaugural episode of the PrevenTable, Nichole Dawsey talks with two “normal” teens, Annemarie and Tom, about what teens are really doing these days. And the answers may surprise you.
17 min