INTERSECTIONS Exchange Podcast

Dr. Larry Force, Andrew O’Grady and moderator Elisa Gwilliam introduce the goals of the INTERSECTIONS Exchange podcast series and discuss the benefits of self-care and dimensional solution-based programming for mental health and substance abuse care.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team speaks with president of the board of Mid-Hudson Addiction Recovery Centers (MARC) Foundation and NOAAR co-founder Dave Brinkerhoff about the role of community in addiction treatment. Brinkerhoff also discusses the history of addiction treatment and the strides that have been made to diversify and individualize recovery programs.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team speaks with Jim Ball, CRPA, CASAC-T, Director of Peer Services at MHA-Dutchess and NOAAR co-founder, and Stephanie Camardella, LMSW, CASAC-2 and MHA-Dutchess Community Recovery Specialist. The panelists discuss the goals and methods of NOAAR’s INTERSECTIONS program, including the importance of the program’s modules on self-care and wellness to recovery. Camardella emphasizes the power of human connection and the vast potential for success in digital recovery programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro to discuss the steps taken by the Dutchess County government to address addiction and recovery. Molinaro describes lessons learned from his lifelong career in local government and underscores the importance of reframing addiction as an illness which can have community solutions.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by psychotherapist and recovery meditation specialist Kathryn Sajdak, LCSW-R to highlight the importance of self-care, wellness and mindfulness practices. From simple daily routines to long-term lifestyle changes, the speakers discuss the power of self-care to achieve successful recovery and overall well-being.

Author, speaker and consultant Mark Bryan joins the INTERSECTIONS Exchange team to speak on his creative process and psychological approach to recovery. Bryan also discusses reframing recovery as a more solution-oriented journey and the therapeutic power of positivity. Mark is the co-author of The Artist’s Way, The Artist’s Way at Work, and The Artist’s Way Workshops focused on using our creative talents.

Topics Discussed

Regional Director of Outpatient Services at Mountainside Treatment Center Boris Ingberg joins the INTERSECTIONS Exchange panel to discuss the effects of COVID-19 on mental health treatment. Ingberg discusses the challenges recovery professionals have faced in maintaining a holistic approach to treatment while integrating technology into their methods.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team discusses the pressures associated with socializing around the holidays and offers suggestions to dealing with these situations. At 5:07, Dr. Force leads an interesting discussion on the merits of harm reduction versus abstinence-based recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Brenna Hackbarth, a recovering alcoholic and advocate for recovery treatment. Brenna is a graduate of Marywood university and is currently based in the Albany area. At 5:30, Hacknarth shares her journey through addiction and recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Paul Gionfriddo, president and CEO of Mental Health America. Gionfriddo discusses his professional journey from the Connecticut State Legislature to the mental health field and his firsthand experience with difficulties accessing care for family members. At 21:30, Gionfriddo and Dr. Force discuss changing perspectives in mental health treatment.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Brenna Hackbarth, a recovering alcoholic and advocate for addiction recovery, as well as her mother, Eileen Linn to discuss the impacts of addiction on family dynamics. At 13:30, Linn and Dr. Force describe the work families have to put in to be proactive in their loved one’s rehabilitation and recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Gerry Cooney, a retired professional boxer who challenged twice for world heavyweight titles in 1982 and 1987. Cooney is also a strong advocate for recovery from addiction and alcoholism. The team discusses relapse and recovery as well as the importance of giving back to one’s community. At 17:00, Cooney describes his tumultuous upbringing in Manhattan and Long Island, and how these circumstances affected his career and his addiction.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Dr. Kayliz Oakes, who holds graduate degrees in clinical psychology and psycho-theological counseling, specializing in addiction. Beginning at 18:40, Dr. Oakes describes her personal spirituality and recovery journey. Additionally, the panel discusses the importance of community in recovery opposed to the isolation of addiction.

In the last episode of season one of the INTERSECTIONS Policy, Program, and Practice Exchange (IPPPE) podcast, the team reflects on the discussions that they have led and reviews many of the points that have been highlighted throughout the season. As the holiday season approaches, the team emphasizes that no one is alone in their recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team returns from a brief hiatus to discuss addiction and recovery in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 holiday season. While these circumstances can lead to tremendous levels of isolation, the panel emphasizes that you are not alone in your recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by author, speaker, and advocate Kristin Tierney. Tierney is based in Portland, OR and is the author of Cracked…Not Broken, a fascinating memoir detailing the devastating effects of drug addiction on her life and the lives of those around her. In this episode, Tierney shares her story of addiction and her thoughts on recovery.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team is joined by Vance Larson, a life coach and crisis counselor based in Virginia. A close friend of Dr. Force, Larson describes his journey into the mental health and life coaching field and how his background has shaped his outlook on life.

The INTERSECTIONS Exchange team looks back on the impacts of COVID on society and the lessons that can be learned from this shared experience. Throughout the podcast, Andrew O’Grady and Dr. Force discuss some positive impacts of the pandemic, such as the leveraging of technology to make healthcare more accessible.