End It For Good

For decades, families have been told that "tough love" is the best way to help someone struggling with addiction. But what if that approach is making things worse?

In this episode, Christina sits down with Kathie McKinney, a parent, SMART Family & Friends facilitator, and advocate for families impacted by addiction. Kathie shares her own journey of moving from fear, frustration, and trying to “fix” the problem to learning how trust, empathy, and communication can transform relationships.

They discuss why families need support and skills of their own, how approaches like motivational interviewing and Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) can help loved ones respond differently, and why creating a safe space for honest conversations can make all the difference in recovery.

If you love someone struggling with substance use, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that connection is often the starting point for change.

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Ethan Nadelmann shares his insights from his four decades of experience in drug policy reform. The biggest wins, painful losses, and how we get to a healthier world.

Watch the TED Talk on ending the drug war by Ethan Nadelmann: https://www.ted.com/talks/ethan_nadelmann_why_we_need_to_end_the_war_on_drugs

Keywords: drug policy reform, marijuana legalization, harm reduction, criminal justice, psychedelics, tobacco harm reduction, public health, policy change, advocacy, Ethan Nadelmann

Christina Dent interviews Jon Seidl about his journey as a Christian who began struggling with alcohol addiction long after he became a Christian. They explore the power of storytelling, radical honesty, and practical steps for communities to support people on recovery journeys.

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Keywords: faith, addiction, storytelling, recovery Christianity, mental health, sanctification, sobriety, church, vulnerability

Sam Chapman, founder of the Center for Psychedelic Policy and a driving force behind much of the psychedelic policy reform happening today, breaks down what it actually takes to move reform from idea to implementation. Drawing on Oregon’s first-in-the-nation psilocybin therapy program, he explains how the policy came together, what’s working so far, and where challenges remain. This conversation explores the intersection of mental health, regulation, and public perception—and what other states can learn before following Oregon’s lead.

Keywords: Psychedelic policy, psilocybin therapy, Oregon Measure 109, drug policy reform, psychedelic legalization, mental health treatment alternatives, regulated psychedelics

Colonel Steven Maxwell is a seasoned and decorated law enforcement officer, spending more than 30 years in narcotics work, rising to Executive Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

Maxwell shares his change of mind over the years as education and experience helped him understand addiction as a health crisis. He emphasizes the importance of listening to people and organizations that have differing viewpoints, because we can learn across differences in ways that strengthen both sides.

In this conversation, Brittany Denson shares her personal journey of recovery and the significance of events like Recovery Day at the Capitol in Mississippi. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, advocacy for legislative changes, and the role of sober living environments in the recovery process. Brittany emphasizes the need for individuals to engage in advocacy and the impact of sharing personal stories to foster understanding and support for those struggling with addiction.

Recovery Day 2026:

Join us January 22 at the Mississippi State Capitol for Recovery Day!

More info: https://enditforgood.com/events

Keywords: Recovery Day, addiction, advocacy, sober living, community support, Mississippi, mental health, recovery journey, legislative change, peer support

In this celebratory 100th episode of the End It For Good podcast, hosts Christina Dent and Bryan Mauk reflect on their favorite podcast episodes and the milestones of the organization. They also share their vision for the future in the midst of realities that are rolling back progress, such as bombing boats of suspected traffickers. Listeners are invited to share their personal stories as we look towards the next 100 episodes and the people End It For Good exists to help.