The Hanley Effect Podcast - Addiction and Mental Health

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.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal chat with bestselling author and education expert Jessica Lahey to explore the powerful intersections of parenting, education, addiction prevention, and resilience.

Jessica—author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation—shares her personal journey through recovery, the science behind adolescent substance use prevention, and why failure is essential to raising capable, confident kids. Drawing from decades of research, writing, and personal experience, she offers a compassionate and practical framework for parenting in a culture of dependence.

Highlights include:

• Why early prevention starts with toddlers (and toothpaste!)
• The importance of modeling healthy coping mechanisms
• Why “just say no” doesn’t work—and what does
• How parents can use scripts to have powerful, age-appropriate conversations
• The gift of failure and how it fosters long-term resilience

Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or in recovery, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration to help raise healthier, happier kids.

🔗 Learn more about Jessica’s work and resources at jessicalahey.com

📘 Check out her books The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation wherever books are sold.

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

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with licensed mental health counselor and certified addiction professional Tommy McGee, LMHC, CAP. With warmth, humility, and deep insight, Tommy shares his powerful personal journey from growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas to overcoming a 13-year battle with addiction—and ultimately finding purpose as a therapist, educator, and community leader.

Tommy’s story is one of transformation, love, and the quiet power of human connection. He opens up about formative experiences in his childhood, his struggle with substance use and identity, and the moment his mother knocked on his door and asked the simple question that changed everything: “Do you want some help?”

Now based in Lake Worth, Florida, Tommy reflects on his path through recovery, his pursuit of spiritual understanding through education, and his passion for helping others heal. He reminds us that recovery isn’t always about hitting “rock bottom”—sometimes it begins with a whispered miracle and an open heart.

Highlights:

• Growing up in Oak Cliff and navigating early experiences of rebellion and grief
• The intersection of addiction, identity, and athleticism
• The pivotal moment that led Tommy to seek help and land in Florida
• Why love—more than anything else—can be the most powerful intervention
• His academic and spiritual exploration of theology and psychology
• The role of community in healing and recovery
• Why he stayed in Florida and how distance helped him serve his hometown

· · Learn more at HanleyFoundation.org

· Need help? Call us at 844-502- 4673

In this compelling episode, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg to discuss his groundbreaking work cleaning up Florida’s rehab industry. From creating the nationally recognized Sober Homes Task Force to helping pass game-changing legislation, Dave shares how his office fought corruption, saved lives, and helped reduce opioid-related deaths across the county.

Tune in as Dave reflects on:

• How “patient brokering” and insurance fraud harmed vulnerable people seeking help

• The challenges of navigating federal law and loopholes in the treatment industry

• The success of the Sober Homes Task Force and what other states can learn

• His next chapter as a private attorney helping ethical behavioral health providers

• The importance of speaking out to break stigma around addiction and recovery

Dave’s insights are both inspiring and urgent—especially for families, clinicians, policymakers, and those in recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about ethics, advocacy, and meaningful reform in mental health and substance use treatment.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s treatment programs.

Learn more about Dave’s work and legal services at davearonberglaw.com

Need help? Call 844-502-HOPE.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal talk with Ryan Penley—Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC II), podcast host, and author of Man Up. Sober Up.—to hear his extraordinary story of transformation.

Ryan spent 11 years immersed in the fast-paced nightlife of Las Vegas, living a double life of bartending by night and battling addiction behind the scenes. After years of substance use and personal turmoil—including a diabetic coma, run-ins with the law, and complete spiritual isolation—Ryan hit rock bottom. But instead of breaking, he began the long journey of rebuilding.

With six years of sobriety under his belt, Ryan shares how his darkest moments became the foundation for a life of purpose. He now dedicates his life to helping others navigate recovery through his platform, MyRockBottomRecovery.com, and his deeply personal book. He opens up about the lack of resources he encountered when transitioning from early sobriety to building a fulfilling life, and why he’s made it his mission to fill that gap for other men in recovery.

In this candid conversation, Ryan reflects on:

• The pivotal moments that led to lasting change
• Finding purpose beyond addiction
• How addiction can be reframed as a “superpower” when directed toward service
• Dealing with online stigma and staying resilient in the face of negativity
• The importance of incremental progress and how small daily improvements lead to unstoppable growth

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for hope and insight, Ryan’s story is a reminder that even the most shattered lives can be rebuilt—stronger than ever before.

Tune in to hear how one man’s fall led to a powerful rise, and how his commitment to sharing his truth is helping others rise with him.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s prevention, treatment, and recovery services at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-HOPE.

What happens when the truth you've believed your whole life changes overnight?

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome Lisa Sugarman—author, columnist, and mental health advocate—for an honest conversation about grief, suicide loss, and finding purpose through pain.

A three-time suicide loss survivor, Lisa shares how discovering the truth about her father's death 35 years later reshaped her world and mission. From that moment on, she has worked tirelessly to normalize conversations around suicide and mental health, and to provide compassionate support for those in crisis through her work with The Trevor Project, NAMI, and her platform, The HelpHUB™.

Lisa shares how that revelation not only led to years of personal grief but also propelled her into a new purpose: normalizing the conversation around suicide, loss, and mental health. She speaks candidly about the stigma surrounding suicide, what real support looks like for those in crisis, and the importance of simply saying, "I don't know" when facing pain.

Lisa also introduces listeners to The HelpHUB™, a free online platform she created to connect individuals to mental health resources specific to a wide variety of communities. From her work with The Trevor Project to being a storyteller with NAMI, Lisa's message is clear: healing starts with honest conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
• The HelpHUB – www.thehelphub.co
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – www.nami.org
• The Trevor Project – www.thetrevorproject.org

To learn more about Hanley Foundation visit hanleyfoundation.org.