In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with licensed mental health counselor and certified addiction professional Tommy McGee, LMHC, CAP. With warmth, humility, and deep insight, Tommy shares his powerful personal journey from growing up in Oak Cliff, Texas to overcoming a 13-year battle with addiction—and ultimately finding purpose as a therapist, educator, and community leader.

Tommy’s story is one of transformation, love, and the quiet power of human connection. He opens up about formative experiences in his childhood, his struggle with substance use and identity, and the moment his mother knocked on his door and asked the simple question that changed everything: “Do you want some help?”

Now based in Lake Worth, Florida, Tommy reflects on his path through recovery, his pursuit of spiritual understanding through education, and his passion for helping others heal. He reminds us that recovery isn’t always about hitting “rock bottom”—sometimes it begins with a whispered miracle and an open heart.

Highlights:

• Growing up in Oak Cliff and navigating early experiences of rebellion and grief
• The intersection of addiction, identity, and athleticism
• The pivotal moment that led Tommy to seek help and land in Florida
• Why love—more than anything else—can be the most powerful intervention
• His academic and spiritual exploration of theology and psychology
• The role of community in healing and recovery
• Why he stayed in Florida and how distance helped him serve his hometown

· · Learn more at HanleyFoundation.org

· Need help? Call us at 844-502- 4673

In this compelling episode, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg to discuss his groundbreaking work cleaning up Florida’s rehab industry. From creating the nationally recognized Sober Homes Task Force to helping pass game-changing legislation, Dave shares how his office fought corruption, saved lives, and helped reduce opioid-related deaths across the county.

Tune in as Dave reflects on:

• How “patient brokering” and insurance fraud harmed vulnerable people seeking help

• The challenges of navigating federal law and loopholes in the treatment industry

• The success of the Sober Homes Task Force and what other states can learn

• His next chapter as a private attorney helping ethical behavioral health providers

• The importance of speaking out to break stigma around addiction and recovery

Dave’s insights are both inspiring and urgent—especially for families, clinicians, policymakers, and those in recovery. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about ethics, advocacy, and meaningful reform in mental health and substance use treatment.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s treatment programs.

Learn more about Dave’s work and legal services at davearonberglaw.com

Need help? Call 844-502-HOPE.

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal talk with Ryan Penley—Nationally Certified Recovery Coach (NCRC II), podcast host, and author of Man Up. Sober Up.—to hear his extraordinary story of transformation.

Ryan spent 11 years immersed in the fast-paced nightlife of Las Vegas, living a double life of bartending by night and battling addiction behind the scenes. After years of substance use and personal turmoil—including a diabetic coma, run-ins with the law, and complete spiritual isolation—Ryan hit rock bottom. But instead of breaking, he began the long journey of rebuilding.

With six years of sobriety under his belt, Ryan shares how his darkest moments became the foundation for a life of purpose. He now dedicates his life to helping others navigate recovery through his platform, MyRockBottomRecovery.com, and his deeply personal book. He opens up about the lack of resources he encountered when transitioning from early sobriety to building a fulfilling life, and why he’s made it his mission to fill that gap for other men in recovery.

In this candid conversation, Ryan reflects on:

• The pivotal moments that led to lasting change
• Finding purpose beyond addiction
• How addiction can be reframed as a “superpower” when directed toward service
• Dealing with online stigma and staying resilient in the face of negativity
• The importance of incremental progress and how small daily improvements lead to unstoppable growth

Whether you’re in recovery, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for hope and insight, Ryan’s story is a reminder that even the most shattered lives can be rebuilt—stronger than ever before.

Tune in to hear how one man’s fall led to a powerful rise, and how his commitment to sharing his truth is helping others rise with him.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation’s prevention, treatment, and recovery services at hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-HOPE.