PosCom Talks: Prevention Science (FRFAA)

Bob & Karen Series: Brink of Death to Infinite Life

Bob opens up about his life as an addict and his journey through recovery, sharing personal anecdotes about his near-fatal car accident, his diagnosis with hepatitis C, and the possibility of liver cancer. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful and relies on his spiritual faith. He emphasizes the importance of working the steps, maintaining relationships, and the impact of spiritual principles in his recovery.
Through his experiences, Bob illustrates the power of community, the significance of making amends, and the strength found in unity. His story is of perseverance, commitment, and steadfast resilience in the awakening of the spiritual transformation he was given in the rooms of Narcotics Anonymous.
Narcotics Anonymous is not affiliated with the PosCom Talks Prevention Science Podcast. However, the message shared by Bob L. is evidence that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use drugs and find a new way to live.

Bob & Karen Series: In Karen We Trust

Karen C., from Connecticut, courageously shares her journey through addiction to recovery. Karen is vulnerable and she is in her early recovery (1988) as she shares her struggles with trust, her family life, and her battle with bulimia and anorexia.
Through the 12 Steps of Narcotics Anonymous, Karen finds the strength to open up and trust others, learning invaluable lessons about faith, friendship, and self-acceptance. Her story reinforces the power of the program and the miracles that can happen when you let go and trust in a higher power.
Today, with 40 years clean, Karen continues to inspire with her raw honesty, resilience, and the deep connections she has formed along her path to recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous is not affiliated with the PosCom Talks Prevention Science podcast. However, the message shared by Karen C. is evidence that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use drugs, and find a new way to live.

Bob & Karen Series: Bob's Journey from Despair to Hope

Bob L. shares his horrors during active addiction to a life of recovery, hope, and spiritual awakening. Bob recounts his early struggles with substance abuse, the numerous failed attempts at treatment, and the pivotal moment when he discovered Narcotics Anonymous in 1984.
Bob's story is one of resilience and spiritual transformation. He discusses the challenges he faced, including 21 treatment failures and 13 years on methadone (methadonian), before finally finding life beyond his wildest dreams. Through humor and sincerity, Bob highlights the importance of community, sponsorship, and the 12-step program in his recovery.
Join us as Bob reflects on the lessons he's learned, the amends he's making, and the spiritual awakening that has guided him through 16 years of sobriety. Bob's share is a reminder of just how powerful recovery is, the strength of the human spirit, and the unwavering support of the Narcotics Anonymous fellowship.
Narcotics Anonymous is not affiliated with the PosCom Talks Prevention Science podcast. However, the message shared by Bob L. is evidence that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use drugs and find a new way to live.

Bob & Karen Series: The Power of the 12 Steps & Traditions

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the transformative journey of recovery through the lens of the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Our speaker, Karen, shares her personal experiences and insights on how these steps have helped her and countless others reclaim their lives from addiction. She emphasizes the importance of community, the power of a higher power, and the crucial role of self-inventory in maintaining long-term recovery.
Karen also discusses the significance of the first four traditions of NA, highlighting how unity, integrity, and autonomy play vital roles in the recovery process. Through her story, we learn about the challenges and triumphs of staying clean, the value of sponsorship, and the impact of living a life guided by spiritual principles.
Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand the journey, Karen's message offers profound insights and practical advice on navigating the path of life in recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous is not affiliated with the PosCom Talks Prevention Science Podcast. However, the message shared by Karen C. is evidence that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use drugs and find a new way to live.

Bob & Karen Series: Journey of Recovery-From Addiction to Inspiration

In this powerful episode, Bob L. takes us through his raw and emotional journey of overcoming addiction and finding redemption in the Fellowship of Narcotics Anonymous. Bob, who got clean on October 16, 1984, shares his experiences with humor and heartfelt honesty, reflecting on the adversities and triumphs that have marked his path to recovery.
Bob recounts his early days in Connecticut, the struggles of dealing with addiction, and the turning points that led him to get clean. He emphasizes the importance of laughter, community, and the 12-step program while also sharing personal anecdotes about his life, including his move to Los Angeles, his return to Connecticut, and his enduring relationship with his wife, Karen.
Bob highlights the significance of having a sponsor, working the 12 steps, and being part of a supportive community. He also touches on his involvement in World Services and the impact of literature and service work in his recovery.
This message is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of recovery. Bob's story is an inspiring reminder that, with determination and support, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
Narcotics Anonymous is not affiliated with the PosCom Talks Prevention Science Podcast. However, the message shared by Bob L. is evidence that any addict can stop using drugs, lose the desire to use drugs and find a new way to live.

Exploring the Deep Significance of Interconnectedness

In this episode of PosCom Talks Prevention Science, Professor P invites listeners on an enriching journey revolving around a central theme: relationships - with self, society, technology, and everyday objects. Starting with light-hearted anecdotes about dealing with the mundane, Professor P provides sincere, profound reflections that touch upon the fabric of our lives and human connections.
The episode takes a deep dive into the essence of relationships - relationships as vessels that foster personal growth and transposition. Drawing from his unique perspective of recovery and resilience, Professor P discusses the transformative power of unity, drawing parallels between human interactions and the workings of the universe.
This insightful conversation moves from heavy reliance on technology in the modern world to the simplicity and resilience of traditional map reading, all the while exploring the multi-faceted nature of relationships in an age of digitalization. Reflections on internal dialogues, self-perception, and the role these play in our interactions further enrich the narrative.
Diving into the spiritual aspect of life underscores the importance of religion in shaping our relationships. From moments of ecstasy to undeniable adversities, this episode embraces the dynamic nature of relationships, shedding light on the love, sacrifice, unity, and spiritual surrender inherent to them.
Whether you are wrestling with personal challenges, evaluating your relationships, or simply seeking thought-provoking perspectives on human connections, this philosophical exploration offers meaningful guidance and insights.

Chris B.'s Journey Towards Sobriety & Spirituality

Join Professor P. for an inspiring finale to his exploratory series, hosting a powerful interview with Chris B., a recovery and peer support specialist. Chris delves into his transformative journey from addiction to sobriety using a unique healing method – music. Re-live Chris's poignant account of his struggle with addiction, his low points, and his eventual path to healing. This episode also addresses the pervasive drug problem across societal segments, thereby broadening the dialogue about addiction.Get an intimate insight into Chris's family dynamics and how they influenced his addiction. Hear about his complicated relationship with his father, a fellow recovering addict, and how it both fueled his addiction and served as an inspiration to overcome it. Witness the deep emotional toll of addiction in a family setting and gain better understanding of such complexities.Participate in Chris's spiritual journey towards recovery. Despite struggling with his Catholic faith, Chris recognizes that believing in a higher power played a vital role in his healing process. This episode also shares a meaningful anecdote involving Chris's father and a symbolic rock that reinforced Chris's faith in his recovery journey.Follow the narrative of a 41-year-old teacher grappling with addiction and eventually achieving recovery. Learn about his experiences in prison, his path to self-acceptance, struggles with a 12-step fellowship, subsequent relapse, and finally, his unusual sanctuary within prison where deep introspection led to personal growth and strength to beat addiction.Dig into the importance of music in Chris's life. Witness his transformation from a self-doubting musician seeking validation to an artist creating music purely for self-expression and satisfaction, free from fear of judgement. Discover the powerful blend of music therapy and recovery, and how it's not only about healing from addiction but also about finding passion and redefining one's identity.Experience Chris's drive to educate others, a trait he nurtured from a young age and preserved despite his addiction. Learn about his roles as a peer recovery specialist, training, facilitating, and helping others in their recovery journeys. Despite the challenging past marked by addiction, he continues to engage with his musical passion, yielding a new album with renowned collaborators, a duet career with his wife, and a renewed excitement for music.As Professor P. and Chris wrap up, listeners are left with a vital message of hope, change, resilience and the healing power of music. This account not only brings empathy and admiration for those battling addiction but also reaffirms the undeniable will of human spirit and the inspiring hope that recovery is always within reach.

Sex, Substance Abuse, and Social Parameters

Welcome to a riveting episode with your favorite Professor P, focused on a universal conversation stimulator – sex, risky behaviors, and social parameters. Focusing on teenage behavior and sexuality, this episode uncovers the typically unrecognized impacts of substance abuse and early sexual activity on adolescents.Referencing groundbreaking research by thought-leaders such as Kirby, Chin et al., and the Community Preventive Service Task Force, Professor P highlights the varied strategies used in mitigating risky behaviors among teenagers. There's exploration from abstaining from sex to harm reduction techniques, and how these approaches have transformed over time, affecting STD rates, teen pregnancies, and overall welfare of teenagers and their families.Simultaneously an international lens comes into focus as we learn about harrowing trends in countries like India, where alarmingly younger children are falling prey to substance abuse. The implications this severe problem poses to their mental health and societal integration are analyzed. While expanding our viewpoint, we touch upon familial values, societal impacts, and the role of media in shaping adolescent behaviors. Professor P uses personal perspectives to further understand the influences of childhood experiences on future decisions regarding sex and substances.Delving into Professor P's unique outlook on sexuality, this episode challenges societal conventions surrounding the notion of sex and their implications on younger generations. It calls into question the systemic messages conveyed about sex, religion, and communication.The episode underlines the increasing influence of media on individual perceptions of sexuality, pointing out its usurping role. It stresses on the need to acknowledge the shift from traditional control structures like the government and religion to media-dominated systems. Specifically, it reflects on the impact of social networks, both their potential negative effects and the positive role they play in fostering empathy and compassion.In conclusion, Professor P calls for responsible usage of digital platforms to propagate positive messaging around crucial subjects such as safe sex and avoidance of drug use. The goal is to harness the power of these platforms to shape an empathetic, understanding future generation.

The American Black Woman and Evolving Family Systems

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the concept of leading humanity, focusing majorly on the role of American Black Women, and the changes and adaptations of family systems in modern times. The speaker recognizes the essential task of narrative inquiry—the collection of first-hand stories and experiences—which is fundamental in understanding the complexities of our society, bridging historical gaps and bias.The powerful narratives of the American Black Woman demonstrate unique resilience and strength which have played a major role in their journey towards equality. Historical abuse, challenges, and changes shaped their experiences and contributed significantly to their roles in today's families. Their stories, as highlighted in this episode, are integral in understanding the ever-changing dynamics of the modern family unit.The speaker discusses the importance of diverse and developing family systems that continue to evolve as societal constructs and ideals change. This episode explores how these changes, along with the inclusivity and acceptance of diversity, are helping redefine the family unit.In-depth analysis of the four assumptions of Family Theory and further discussions on family holism enhance the understanding of family as an evolutionary unit. The episode concludes as the speaker emphasizes the impact and implications of globalization, as well as technological advances on families.Listen to this episode to get illuminating insights into the roles of various individuals in a family, the importance of diversity and development, and how families adapt to the changing dynamics of our modern society.

Diving Deep & Reflection

In this intellectually stimulating episode, we journey through the complexities of global politics and the imbalances in educational environments. We start with an enthralling discussion on East vs. West, representing the intricate dynamics of democracy and communism and their impact on the histo-political backdrop of the world. We further explore the layers of geopolitical struggles, from the Cold war to the intertwining of Hollywood and global politics, probing the paradoxes of political systems. We pause to question whether the ongoing tussle between democracy and communism still poses a threat to humanity.Moving from global politics to local realities, we delve into critical issues of educational inequality in America. We highlight the disturbing gaps in funding per student in different school districts, pointing to persistent racial and economic disparities. The comparison between disadvantaged districts in Chicago and wealthier ones brings to light systemic imbalances and questionable allocation of funds in education. We discuss how this manifests in the learning outcomes of disadvantaged youth and the privileges enjoyed by students in better-financed and thus better-equipped districts.We also scrutinize the correlation between literacy levels, juvenile delinquency, and school dropout rates. We ruminate on the potential of literacy improvements, teacher retention, and organizational growth to address educational disparities. Participate in our discourse as we unravel the complexities of global politics, societal structures, and cultural influences on our educational systems. Join us in dissecting these concerning issues and advocating for change in this informed and reflective conversation.In this episode’s special segment, we spotlight the divergences in funding and facilities between high and low-income school districts, specifically in Chicago’s Ridge District and Roundout District 72. We delve into the socio-political factors that attract and retain educators in wealthier districts, often leaving poorer areas underserved. Focusing on racial and economic biases entrenched in educational systems, we explore how these inequalities sculpt attitudes and life prospects of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.Interweaving trails of social expectancy, the American Dream, and personal aspirations, we delve into how the realities of adult life often starkly contrast with the dreams of childhood. The conversation segues into discussions on work, retirement, and economic conditions, touching upon wider social and global issues.This episode concludes with an emphasis on kindness, openness, and our inseparable connection with nature. Stay tuned for this deep dive into the pressing educational issues revolving around Ridge District and Roundout District 72, potential solutions, and the profound impact they have on the expectations and realities of life.