Teen anxiety is everywhere right now—but it doesn’t have to define our kids’ stories. In this conversation, teen and parent wellbeing coach Laura Ollinger joins Dave to unpack what everyday “living room” anxiety really is, why it shows up so strongly for teens, and how parents can respond in ways that build connection, emotional skills, and a positive sense of identity.

Laura shares what she’s seeing in her coaching work and at home with her four teens, then walks through practical ways parents can normalize emotions, support teens in working with anxiety (instead of avoiding it), and shift from “fixing” to truly connecting. This one’s especially for prevention leaders who are also parents—and for anyone coaching parents in their communities.

About Laura:

Laura Ollinger is a teen and parent wellbeing coach based in Austin, Texas. She combines a master’s in health and wellness education, health and life coach training, and years of parenting four teenagers to help families navigate stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges. She also hosts the “Positively Healthy Mom” podcast.

Connect with Laura: https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/

Listen to her daughter's podcast: Cavaliers and Conversations

Share this episode with a colleague, coalition partner, or fellow parent who’s walking alongside teens.

Lead with intention, not reaction. Dave talks with Louise Montag (Montag Forward Solutions; former ED, Prevention Network) about moving from whack‑a‑mole to values‑aligned leadership in prevention.

What you'll learn:

• Make mission–vision–values a usable North Star
• Turn strategy into action with 90‑day cycles
• Choose funding without mission drift
• Build healthy team norms: focus blocks, urgency vs importance, scheduled send

Links:

https://montagforwardsolutions.com/

https://www.preventionleaders.com/

Joy Journal: A 90‑Day Path to Everyday Joy & Mindful Growth

We've invested heavily in youth prevention, but what happens when those young people enter the workforce? In this eye-opening conversation, Joel Bennett from Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems (OWLS) challenges us to think beyond traditional prevention approaches.

Joel and Dave explore why adult prevention has been overlooked, how workplace culture can be either a risk factor or protective factor, and practical strategies for building resilience in professional settings. From the "drinking culture" in military and first responder communities to the power of simple check-ins and reflection exercises, this episode offers concrete tools for prevention leaders ready to expand their impact.

Whether you're a prevention professional, coalition leader, or someone passionate about workplace wellness, you'll walk away with actionable strategies for cultivating resilience in adult populations.

Meet Joel:

Joel Bennett is President and CEO of Organizational Wellness and Learning Systems (OWLS). His evidence-based programs have been recognized by the Surgeon General and included in the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices. Joel works with organizations nationwide to promote adult prevention and wellness, with specialized programs for military veterans and first responders through the Safe Project.Connect:

• Website: https://www.preventionleaders.com/
• Website: www.daveclosson.com/links
• Connect with Joel:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbennettowls/

• Website: ⁠https://organizationalwellness.com/⁠