In this conversation, Dave Closson sits down with Sara Thompson (Director of Training & Communications at The Montana Institute) to unpack the mindset shift that changes prevention outcomes: moving from problem-saturated narratives to a “spirit first” approach that uncovers and grows what’s already going right.

They dig into Positive Community Norms (PCN) and the Science of the Positive, why misperceptions of the “norm” drive behavior, and how coalitions can start making practical shifts immediately, even before they have perfect data.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Why “raising awareness of the problem” can unintentionally amplify fear and misperceptions
• What “Spirit First” means, and how it changes the way you engage a community
• How proximal norms (your immediate circle) shape what you think is “normal”
• A simple tabling-event question that instantly shifts the narrative toward strengths
• Where coalitions can start when data is limited (and how to build trust for better data later)
• How to measure whether a PCN campaign is working (awareness → perception → behavior)

Resources mentioned

• The Montana Institute

In this special edition of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, Dave sits down with his good friends Nicole Augustine and Rikki Barton to unpack the Prevention Core Competencies curriculum—why it was created, what gaps it fills in the prevention workforce, and why it’s not just for “prevention professionals,” but for anyone who cares about building safer, healthier communities.

They dig into what’s inside the training (in-person and virtual), how the curriculum supports workforce development and prevention advocacy, and why the Train-the-Trainer (ToT) experience is intentionally different than most ToTs in the field—especially with a big emphasis on facilitation skills and classroom management.

They also explore the “social entrepreneur” angle: how becoming a certified trainer can build local capacity and create sustainable revenue streams for individuals, agencies, and organizations.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Prevention Core Competencies exists (and what it adds beyond SAPST + Ethics)
• The origin story: SAMHSA, the PTTCs, and the development/pilot process
• Why this curriculum is for both prevention professionals and community members
• How the training strengthens prevention “why” and helps communities choose more effective strategies
• In-person vs virtual delivery: why they’re not interchangeable (and why that matters)
• What makes this ToT different (hybrid approach + real facilitation skill-building)
• Practical classroom management: navigating over-talkers, over-sharers, disengaged participants, and resistance3
• How the curriculum can support workforce development, advocacy, and communication with decision-makers
• The entrepreneurship and sustainability angle: offering the training, charging appropriately, and building ROI

• Future Proof + intrapreneurship: creating new revenue streams inside prevention organizations

Links & Resources

• Register for the May 2026 Prevention Core Competencies ToT
• Contact Nicole
• Contact Rikki

• Nicole’s book Be Great (Amazon)

In this episode, we explore how mindset shapes the way we experience stress, recovery, resilience, and personal growth. Dave sits down with wellness coach and social worker Cynthia Conigliaro for a grounded, practical conversation about how mindset is formed, how it can shift over time, and what you can do — starting this week — to reset your thinking patterns in a healthier direction.

Together, they unpack how survival mindset can help in moments of crisis but hold us back in everyday life, why awareness is the first step in changing thought patterns, and how small daily practices can create meaningful mindset shifts. The conversation also explores the connection between physical health, emotional health, nervous system regulation, and overall wellbeing.

This episode is especially helpful for prevention professionals, helpers, leaders, and anyone navigating stress, healing, or personal change.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• What “mindset” really means and how it differs from perception
• How negative thought loops form — and how to interrupt them
• Practical tools for flipping and reframing thoughts
• The role of presence and awareness in mindset reset
• Why physical wellness habits support mental resilience
• Moving from gratitude to joy — and why that distinction matters
• Real-life stories of resilience, recovery, and growth
• Simple practices you can implement in the next 7 days

If this episode gave you a useful insight or tool, share it with a colleague or friend in prevention or helping professions. Prevention — and growth — are better together.