In this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal chat with bestselling author and education expert Jessica Lahey to explore the powerful intersections of parenting, education, addiction prevention, and resilience.

Jessica—author of The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation—shares her personal journey through recovery, the science behind adolescent substance use prevention, and why failure is essential to raising capable, confident kids. Drawing from decades of research, writing, and personal experience, she offers a compassionate and practical framework for parenting in a culture of dependence.

Highlights include:

• Why early prevention starts with toddlers (and toothpaste!)
• The importance of modeling healthy coping mechanisms
• Why “just say no” doesn’t work—and what does
• How parents can use scripts to have powerful, age-appropriate conversations
• The gift of failure and how it fosters long-term resilience

Whether you're a parent, educator, clinician, or in recovery, this episode offers actionable insights and heartfelt inspiration to help raise healthier, happier kids.

🔗 Learn more about Jessica’s work and resources at jessicalahey.com

📘 Check out her books The Gift of Failure and The Addiction Inoculation wherever books are sold.

🌐 Visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673 to explore our prevention, treatment, and recovery programs.