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.

What happens when the truth you've believed your whole life changes overnight?

In this powerful and emotional episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome Lisa Sugarman—author, columnist, and mental health advocate—for an honest conversation about grief, suicide loss, and finding purpose through pain.

A three-time suicide loss survivor, Lisa shares how discovering the truth about her father's death 35 years later reshaped her world and mission. From that moment on, she has worked tirelessly to normalize conversations around suicide and mental health, and to provide compassionate support for those in crisis through her work with The Trevor Project, NAMI, and her platform, The HelpHUB™.

Lisa shares how that revelation not only led to years of personal grief but also propelled her into a new purpose: normalizing the conversation around suicide, loss, and mental health. She speaks candidly about the stigma surrounding suicide, what real support looks like for those in crisis, and the importance of simply saying, "I don't know" when facing pain.

Lisa also introduces listeners to The HelpHUB™, a free online platform she created to connect individuals to mental health resources specific to a wide variety of communities. From her work with The Trevor Project to being a storyteller with NAMI, Lisa's message is clear: healing starts with honest conversation.

Resources Mentioned:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988
• The HelpHUB – www.thehelphub.co
• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – www.nami.org
• The Trevor Project – www.thetrevorproject.org

To learn more about Hanley Foundation visit hanleyfoundation.org.

In this gripping episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Molthan — better known as “M2 The Rock” — to talk about his extraordinary journey from high-profile luxury homebuilder to 27 mugshots, addiction, and incarceration… and ultimately, to recovery, redemption, and purpose.

Michael shares candidly about the spiritual awakening he experienced while in prison, the childhood trauma that fueled his addiction, and the transformational power of service. With raw honesty and passion, Michael challenges the stigma around addiction by making a bold statement: “Everyone is an addict.”

This conversation dives deep into:

• The hidden trauma beneath substance use disorder
• How spiritual disconnection drives addiction
• What recovery really looks like (and why it's not about willpower)
• Why Step 2 may be the most dangerous moment in early sobriety
• How to find peace and purpose on the other side of pain
• Michael’s "spiritual autopsy" and how it led to healing
• Turning pain into purpose — and mugshots into a mission

Michael’s story is proof that nothing is wasted — and that healing is possible no matter how far you've fallen. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental and spiritual health, this episode will move and inspire you.

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about Michael Molthan: M2TheRock.com
• Hanley Foundation: HanleyFoundation.org

On this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation—a true champion for community brain health in Palm Beach County.

Join us on The Hanley Effect as we sit down with Patrick McNamara, President & CEO of Palm Health Foundation, to explore the groundbreaking work happening in Palm Beach County around brain health, mental wellness, and addiction prevention.

Patrick shares how Palm Health Foundation is transforming community health through innovative initiatives like the “Brain Coast” vision—a movement to make South Florida a world leader in brain science, research, and healing. Discover the pillars of brain health (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social connection), the power of prevention, and how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia and support recovery from substance use disorders.

We dive into community-driven solutions with the “Healthier Together” program and the exciting field of NeuroArts, which leverages art, music, and movement to promote mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, someone in recovery, or simply interested in optimizing your health, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration in this episode.

To learn more about Hanley’s prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on prevention, recovery, and the science of mental health!

#BrainHealth #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Neuroscience #PalmBeachCounty #HanleyFoundation #BrainCoast #NeuroArts #CommunityHealth #SubstanceUsePrevention #RecoveryJourney #Wellness #Prevention #HealthyLiving #Podcast #TheHanleyEffect

In this eye-opening episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome a pioneer in the field of mental and sexual health, Dr. Rachel Needle, for a refreshingly candid and empowering conversation about sex, addiction recovery and mental health. A licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, educator, and founder of several institutions including Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University, Dr. Needle brings humor, depth, and expertise to topics that are often stigmatized—including sex, trauma, substance use, and recovery.

Dr. Needle shares her personal journey into the field, shaped by her family’s experience with addiction and her early exposure to women’s health education. She dives into the intersections of sexual health, mental wellness, and substance use disorder, highlighting why open communication is critical for healing and connection.

The conversation also covers:

• The importance of starting sex education early and using proper terminology
• Reframing “sex addiction” and discussing compulsive sexual behavior with nuance
• Why therapists need continued education, mentorship, and self-care
• The power of empathy and advocacy in the mental health space
• Dr. Needle’s popular social series Sex Tip Saturday and how she uses social media to destigmatize difficult topics

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone on the path of recovery, this episode offers insight, laughter, and a much-needed push toward normalizing conversations around sexual and mental health.

About Our Guest: Dr. Rachel Needle, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, author, educator, and the founder of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University. She specializes in trauma, sexual health, substance use disorder, and relationship wellness. Dr. Needle is also known for her engaging and educational social media content and has been featured in national media outlets including Glamour, Men’s Health, and The Washington Post.

📍 Learn more about Dr. Rachel Needle’s work at modernsextherapyinstitutes.com

📍 Discover Hanley Foundation’s programs and resources at hanleyfoundation.org

📞 Need help? Call us at 844-502-4673

In this episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome longtime educator and community leader Marcia Andrews. A proud Palm Beach County native and four-time elected member of the Palm Beach County School Board, Mrs. Andrews shares her journey through nearly five decades in education, starting as a teacher and rising to the role of Chief of Human Resources before joining the School Board in 2010.

Listeners will hear how her unwavering commitment to equity, literacy, and opportunity has shaped generations of students, particularly in underserved communities. From helping build three new schools in the Glades to launching the Glades Career Readiness Roundtable, Mrs. Andrews speaks about the importance of early literacy, mental health services in schools, and access to vocational and technical education. She also shares insights from her role as Chair of the Council of the Great City Schools and her collaboration with national education leaders.

With heart, humor, and hope, Marcia Andrews reminds us of the power of showing up for kids and families—every day, in every zip code. Don’t miss this conversation with one of Palm Beach County’s most beloved and impactful public servants.

Learn more about Hanley Foundation: hanleyfoundation.org