In this season finale, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore how creative expression—through art, music, dance, and storytelling—builds resilience and prevents substance misuse in kids. Joined by special guests John Lawler, award-winning director and arts education leader, and Dr. Steve Schlozman, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center, this episode highlights the transformative power of creativity in fostering mental well-being, empathy, and connection.

The conversation dives into the critical role arts education plays in schools and families, offering parents and caregivers practical ways to encourage creative outlets at home while building strong, resilient kids.

Topics Covered:

The role of creative expression in developing resilience and preventing substance misuse
How arts education fosters emotional well-being and academic success
Practical tips for parents to incorporate creativity into daily life
Using pop culture, music, and storytelling to teach life lessons and build connections
The importance of community-based arts programs and equitable access to creative opportunities

Guest Bios: John Lawler is an award-winning director, writer, and arts educator. He has served as principal of two nationally recognized arts high schools, including the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), and co-founded multiple nonprofit organizations. With a celebrated career in theater and film, John is a leader in ensuring students have equitable access to high-quality arts education. https://www.psarts.org

Dr. Steve Schlozman is the Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Medical Director at the Vermont Center for Children, Youth, and Families at the University of Vermont Medical Center. A renowned child psychiatrist and professor, Dr. Schlozman integrates popular culture into his work, combining his passion for storytelling with his expertise in mental health.

Host Bios: Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate best known for her roles on Full House and Fuller House. Her memoir, unSweetined, chronicles her journey through addiction and recovery, fueling her advocacy for substance use awareness. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is the Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital's Division of Addiction Medicine, specializing in adolescent substance use. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/

Supporting Organizations: The Elks: With nearly one million members across 2,000 lodges, the Elks are dedicated to youth drug prevention through their Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program. They have donated over $3.6 billion to various causes, including the creation of the first VA hospital for veterans. Elks Drug Awareness Program Website: https://bit.ly/44SunO6

The DEA: Established in 1973, the DEA enforces U.S. controlled substance laws nationally and internationally, with offices around the globe. DEA Website: https://bit.ly/44ed9K9

Resources/Links: SAMHSA Help and Treatment: https://bit.ly/3DJcvJCGet Smart About Drugs: https://bit.ly/45dm8vYDEA on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3KqL7UjElks Kid Zone Website: https://bit.ly/3s79ZdtSAMHSA's "Talk. They Hear You." Campaign: https://www.samhsa.gov/talk-they-hear-you DSM-5 Substance Use Disorder Definition: https://www.psychiatry.org/file%20library/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/apa_dsm-5-substance-use-disorder.pdf

Jodie Sweetin's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodiesweetin/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jodiesweetin?lang=en

Amy McCarthy's Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymccarthylicsw/ Boston Children's Hospital Addiction Medicine: https://www.childrenshospital.org/departments/addiction-medicine

John Lawler PS Arts Website: https://www.psarts.orgDr. Steve Schlozman University of Vermont Medical Center: https://www.uvmhealth.org/medcenter #AwkwardConversations #SubstanceUseDisorder #SAMHSA #Prevention #MentalHealth #DrugMisuseAwareness #EmpathyInParenting #YouthWellBeing