The Hanley Effect Podcast - Addiction and Mental Health

In this gripping episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Molthan — better known as “M2 The Rock” — to talk about his extraordinary journey from high-profile luxury homebuilder to 27 mugshots, addiction, and incarceration… and ultimately, to recovery, redemption, and purpose.

Michael shares candidly about the spiritual awakening he experienced while in prison, the childhood trauma that fueled his addiction, and the transformational power of service. With raw honesty and passion, Michael challenges the stigma around addiction by making a bold statement: “Everyone is an addict.”

This conversation dives deep into:

• The hidden trauma beneath substance use disorder
• How spiritual disconnection drives addiction
• What recovery really looks like (and why it's not about willpower)
• Why Step 2 may be the most dangerous moment in early sobriety
• How to find peace and purpose on the other side of pain
• Michael’s "spiritual autopsy" and how it led to healing
• Turning pain into purpose — and mugshots into a mission

Michael’s story is proof that nothing is wasted — and that healing is possible no matter how far you've fallen. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental and spiritual health, this episode will move and inspire you.

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about Michael Molthan: M2TheRock.com
• Hanley Foundation: HanleyFoundation.org

On this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation—a true champion for community brain health in Palm Beach County.

Join us on The Hanley Effect as we sit down with Patrick McNamara, President & CEO of Palm Health Foundation, to explore the groundbreaking work happening in Palm Beach County around brain health, mental wellness, and addiction prevention.

Patrick shares how Palm Health Foundation is transforming community health through innovative initiatives like the “Brain Coast” vision—a movement to make South Florida a world leader in brain science, research, and healing. Discover the pillars of brain health (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social connection), the power of prevention, and how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia and support recovery from substance use disorders.

We dive into community-driven solutions with the “Healthier Together” program and the exciting field of NeuroArts, which leverages art, music, and movement to promote mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, someone in recovery, or simply interested in optimizing your health, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration in this episode.

To learn more about Hanley’s prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on prevention, recovery, and the science of mental health!

#BrainHealth #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Neuroscience #PalmBeachCounty #HanleyFoundation #BrainCoast #NeuroArts #CommunityHealth #SubstanceUsePrevention #RecoveryJourney #Wellness #Prevention #HealthyLiving #Podcast #TheHanleyEffect

In this eye-opening episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome a pioneer in the field of mental and sexual health, Dr. Rachel Needle, for a refreshingly candid and empowering conversation about sex, addiction recovery and mental health. A licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, educator, and founder of several institutions including Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University, Dr. Needle brings humor, depth, and expertise to topics that are often stigmatized—including sex, trauma, substance use, and recovery.

Dr. Needle shares her personal journey into the field, shaped by her family’s experience with addiction and her early exposure to women’s health education. She dives into the intersections of sexual health, mental wellness, and substance use disorder, highlighting why open communication is critical for healing and connection.

The conversation also covers:

• The importance of starting sex education early and using proper terminology
• Reframing “sex addiction” and discussing compulsive sexual behavior with nuance
• Why therapists need continued education, mentorship, and self-care
• The power of empathy and advocacy in the mental health space
• Dr. Needle’s popular social series Sex Tip Saturday and how she uses social media to destigmatize difficult topics

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone on the path of recovery, this episode offers insight, laughter, and a much-needed push toward normalizing conversations around sexual and mental health.

About Our Guest: Dr. Rachel Needle, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, author, educator, and the founder of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University. She specializes in trauma, sexual health, substance use disorder, and relationship wellness. Dr. Needle is also known for her engaging and educational social media content and has been featured in national media outlets including Glamour, Men’s Health, and The Washington Post.

📍 Learn more about Dr. Rachel Needle’s work at modernsextherapyinstitutes.com

📍 Discover Hanley Foundation’s programs and resources at hanleyfoundation.org

📞 Need help? Call us at 844-502-4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome longtime educator and community leader Marcia Andrews. A proud Palm Beach County native and four-time elected member of the Palm Beach County School Board, Mrs. Andrews shares her journey through nearly five decades in education, starting as a teacher and rising to the role of Chief of Human Resources before joining the School Board in 2010.

Listeners will hear how her unwavering commitment to equity, literacy, and opportunity has shaped generations of students, particularly in underserved communities. From helping build three new schools in the Glades to launching the Glades Career Readiness Roundtable, Mrs. Andrews speaks about the importance of early literacy, mental health services in schools, and access to vocational and technical education. She also shares insights from her role as Chair of the Council of the Great City Schools and her collaboration with national education leaders.

With heart, humor, and hope, Marcia Andrews reminds us of the power of showing up for kids and families—every day, in every zip code. Don’t miss this conversation with one of Palm Beach County’s most beloved and impactful public servants.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation: hanleyfoundation.org

In this compelling episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw—a leader whose vision has transformed law enforcement in South Florida and beyond to talk about law enforcement's role in community mental health, prevention, and public safety.

Sheriff Bradshaw shares the remarkable story of how, during his 20-year tenure, he's implemented groundbreaking programs that extend far beyond traditional policing. From early investments in youth prevention and community support to launching the nation's first law enforcement-based mental health unit, his approach is rooted in compassion, prevention, and forward-thinking public health strategies.

Together, they discuss:

• Why Sheriff Bradshaw has invested millions into youth programs and prevention services
• The creation of Palm Beach County's mental health unit and how it works alongside clinicians to de-escalate crises
• How therapy dogs and trauma-informed deputies are changing lives in high-stress environments
• The reality first responders face with trauma and addiction—and the importance of specialized treatment programs like Hanley's Patriots Program
• Why collaboration between law enforcement and mental health professionals is critical to public safety

Whether you're a mental health professional, a public servant, or someone impacted by addiction or trauma, this episode offers potent insights into what's possible when leaders choose compassion and community care.

Listen now and discover how Sheriff Bradshaw is changing the conversation around safety, service, and healing.

Learn more at hanleyfoundation.org

Need help? Call 844-502-4673

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of The Hanley Effect, we sit down with renowned addiction interventionist and mental health expert Heather Hayes, M.Ed., LPC, CIP, CAI. Known for her unflinching dedication to complex cases and deep compassion for families in crisis, Heather opens up about her personal journey from addiction to recovery, and the calling that led her to a lifetime of service.

From working with adolescents and families to training with the FBI in hostage negotiation, Heather brings unmatched insight into the worlds of trauma, addiction, and healing. She also offers an honest look into what it takes to sustain a career in mental health without losing yourself—and why staying humble, teachable, and connected is essential.

🎙️ Topics in this episode include:

• Heather’s early recovery and why it sparked her passion for working with teens
• What it really means to do ethical, skilled intervention work
• The role of trauma in addiction—and how EMDR and other modalities can support healing
• Her experience as a hostage negotiation expert and what it taught her about human connection
• The importance of early intervention and empowering families to seek help
• How professionals can protect their own mental health while serving others
• The message she wants every new therapist, clinician, or coach to hear

This episode is a must-listen for clinicians, students, families, and anyone working in—or touched by—the recovery world.

👉 Resources & More

Visit Heather’s website: www.heatherhayes.com

Learn more about Hanley Foundation programs: hanleyfoundation.org

Call for help or info: 844-502-4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, we welcome Renee Layman, LMHC, President & CEO of Center for Child Counseling, to discuss early intervention, trauma-informed care, and breaking cycles of adversity for children and families.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): How childhood trauma impacts long-term mental and physical health.
• The Role of Prevention & Early Intervention: How positive childhood experiences (PCEs) can buffer the effects of ACEs.
• Addressing Mental Health at the Community Level: The public health approach to mental health, including education, early screening, and caregiver support.
• Resources & Programs for Families: How Center for Child Counseling and Hanley Foundation are collaborating to support children impacted by addiction and trauma.
• The Importance of Collaboration: How nonprofits, schools, pediatricians, and families can work together to create a healthier future for children.

On this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben & Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Pam Feinberg-Rivkin, RN, BSN, CCM, CRRN, the founder of Feinberg Care, to discuss the vital role of case management in supporting individuals and families through addiction, recovery, and complex medical needs.

With nearly 30 years of experience, Pam shares how her nursing background and commitment to holistic care have shaped her work in interventions, case management, and long-term recovery coaching. Her team helps clients navigate the challenges of life post-treatment, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and support needed to thrive.

Key Takeaways:

• What is case management? Why ongoing support is crucial after treatment.
• Family matters. How educating and involving loved ones can lead to better outcomes.
• A roadmap to recovery. How case managers guide individuals through the complexities of health, employment, and life after treatment.
• Breaking stigma. How awareness, education, and open conversations are shifting perceptions about addiction and mental health.
• Pam’s personal mission. From working in dialysis and medical case management to supporting addiction recovery, she shares how her passion for helping others led to the creation of Feinberg Care.

This episode is perfect for families of loved ones in recovery, healthcare professionals, and anyone navigating addiction, behavioral health challenges, or complex medical needs.

Learn more: FeinbergCare.com

Hanley Foundation: hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, we welcome Michelle Gonzalez, CEO of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies (HMHB) of Palm Beach County. Michelle shares how HMHB provides critical resources, education, and support for pregnant women—regardless of income or background—helping ensure healthy births and stronger families.

Joining the conversation is guest host Ali Jimenez, LMHC, NCC, CAP, Hanley Foundation’s VP of Program Development, who has been instrumental in launching Casa Flores, Hanley’s perinatal recovery program. Together, they discuss collaboration, community support, and breaking stigma for pregnant and postpartum women, especially those facing substance use disorders.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

💜 The Mission of Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies:

• Serving 70% of pregnant women in Palm Beach County through education, care coordination, and maternal mental health support.
• Programs include teen mother mentoring, an infant pantry, peer support groups, and their culturally focused doula program.

🤰 The Power of Doula Support in Recovery:

• Doulas provide physical, emotional, and informational support before, during, and after birth.
• Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies' specialized doula program trains and certifies women to assist mothers and at-risk populations.
• Now, Hanley Foundation’s Casa Flores program is offering doulas to every mom in treatment—a game-changer for recovery and bonding.

👶 Centering Pregnancy: Changing Prenatal Care

• A group-based prenatal care model where 8-12 women meet with healthcare providers for two-hour visits rather than traditional short appointments.
• Encourages peer support, education, and improved birth outcomes (lower preterm birth rates, healthier babies).
• Hanley and HMHB discuss expanding these sessions to include mothers in recovery.

🩵 Breaking Stigma & Encouraging Vulnerability:

• Many pregnant women struggling with substance use are afraid to ask for help due to stigma.
• HMHB staff build trusting relationships so women feel safe opening up about their struggles.
• The power of community support: "Every mom deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued."

📞 Need Support?

• Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies: hmhbpbc.org
• Hanley Foundation: hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673

In this inspiring episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal welcome Lyanne Azqueta, LMHC, Hanley Foundation Board Member, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and dedicated advocate for addiction recovery and mental health. Lyanne shares her journey from business studies to behavioral health, her passion for working with individuals in recovery, and the transformative power of hope and human connection.

Key Topics Discussed:

🔹 The Power of Hope in Recovery – Why belief in someone’s potential can change their life.

🔹 Lyanne’s Journey – How a spiritual awakening led her to work with individuals battling addiction.

🔹 Early Days at Hanley – The importance of spirituality in recovery and how treatment has evolved.

🔹 Serving Others – Why Lyanne believes in showing up every day with a servant’s heart.

🔹 Perinatal Addiction & Women’s Trauma – The sacred bond between mother and child in recovery.

🔹 A Simple Framework for Mental Wellness – The four key relationships every person needs for balance.

🔹 Children’s & Family Programs – How supporting kids before addiction starts can break cycles.

This episode is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond hope. Whether you are in recovery, supporting a loved one, or seeking inspiration, Lyanne’s message of faith, connection, and healing will resonate deeply.

📞 Need support? Call Hanley Foundation: (844) 502-4673

🌐 Visit us online: hanleyfoundation.org

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. There is hope. 💙 #TheHanleyEffect #Recovery #HopeHealingTransformation