Shows / The Catalyst Podcast
The Catalyst Podcast
A weekly podcast and newsletter, The Catalyst is Chestnut Health Systems’ platform for sharing ideas, insights, and innovation that advance public health and strengthen systems of care. Rooted in Chestnut’s decades-long commitment to direct care, prevention, research, and education, The Catalyst highlights real-world solutions that support whole-person health, foster resilience, and help individuals, families, and communities reach their full potential. It reflects the full scope of Chestnut’s…
Episodes
The Catalyst Podcast"Help, Not Handcuffs": How and Why Problem Solving Courts Work
What if the smartest response to addiction, relapse, and repeat court involvement is not harsher punishment, but a highly structured path back to stability?…
The Catalyst PodcastBehavioral Healthcare Meets Predictive Analytics: The Science of Making Compassionate, Effective Mental Healthcare Scalable.
Michael Castanon is the founder and CEO of Alter Behavioral Health and Care Predictor, and founder of the Behavioral Health Outcomes Consortium. After 30 years…
The Catalyst PodcastMissouri’s Shocking – and Preventable - Maternal Health Crisis: Data, Barriers & What Works
Mental health and substance use disorders are behind a shocking share of pregnancy-related deaths across Missouri – indeed, nationwide - and many of those…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Looming Medicaid Crisis: Administrative Hurdles to Strip Millions of Working Americans of Vital Coverage in 2027
Starting January 1, 2027, changes to Medicaid eligibility requirements will leave millions without coverage. Dr. Timothy McBride, the Bernard Becker Professor…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Hidden Opioid Crisis No One Talks About: Seniors and the Residential Recovery for Seniors Act
Grant Wood’s American Gothic (1930), depicting a middle-aged rural couple, is what “seniors” look like in the popular imagination, but recent data tell a very…
The Catalyst PodcastInside the ASAM Criteria 4th Edition: A New Blueprint for Person-Centered Care
The ASAM Criteria Fourth Edition (released in 2023) is the most widely used, evidence-based set of standards for assessing, placing, and treating individuals…
The Catalyst PodcastCelebrating the Lighthouse Institute’s 40th Anniversary with Dr. Mark Godley.
Dr. Mark Godley was there at the creation, 40 years ago, when he was the first director of Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute for Research and…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Other First Responder: Mental Health in Partnership with Police
In a recent article on our Catalyst Substack, titled. “A Growing Trend in Modern Policing: First-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies,” we examined how…
The Catalyst PodcastFood as Medicine: Rethinking the Connection Between Diet, Trauma and Healing
The extraordinary Dr. Leslie Korn is a pioneering integrative medicine expert with over 40 years of experience living among and studying indigenous cultures…
The Catalyst PodcastFinancing Strategies for Improving Youth Mental Health Services.: RAND's Alex Dopp
Alex Dopp is an implementation scientist and child clinical psychologist who studies the use of research evidence and related policy implications for improving…
The Catalyst PodcastDrilling Down on Oral Health: Making Dentistry More Accessible and the Connection Between Oral and Overall Health
With respect to the great Sly Stone, this episode of the Catalyst is a family affair. We spoke with three members of the Koehne family, all practicing…
The Catalyst PodcastFirst-Responders in Mental Health Emergencies: a Growing Trend in Modern Policing
Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback reveals how his department is transforming responses to behavioral health emergencies, emphasizing the power of…
The Catalyst PodcastValue-Based Care: Transforming Lives Through Connection, Community and Innovation
Value-based care is about connection, community, and innovation – the true metrics of success, as evidenced by the lives this approach is transforming across…
The Catalyst PodcastBridging the Gap Between the Business of Treatment and the Treatment Business: In the Field with Jamelia Hand
Jamelia Hand, CEO of Vantage Clinical Consulting, advises healthcare systems, corporate organizations, and advocacy groups in their efforts to reduce the…
The Catalyst PodcastHow Community Health Navigators Bridge the Gap for Vulnerable Populations
Karen Sours and Angela Marinas-Mackenzie are Community Health Navigators with Chestnut Health Systems, whose persistent community outreach bridges gaps in…
The Catalyst PodcastA Vital Conversation on Building Workforce Sustainability for Healthcare Organizations
Most healthcare leaders overlook one of the most critical factors threatening their workforce’s sustainability: burnout is escalating, and traditional…
The Catalyst PodcastHoming in on Solutions for America’s Homelessness Crisis
Most states are overwhelmed by the rising tide of homelessness and grappling with its various downstream effects. Max Seely, Director of Government Affairs at…
The Catalyst PodcastInside the Rise of Sports Betting: America's “Hidden” Epidemic
Most people underestimate the rapid rise of sports gambling addiction—until it hits close to home. Amanda Arrowsmith, Associate Director of Residential…
The Catalyst PodcastDigital Addiction on Trial: Unpacking the $6 Million Verdict Against Meta and YouTube
Employment law expert Jon Hyman joins us to unpack the groundbreaking $6 million judgment that held social media giants Meta and YouTube liable for addictive…
The Catalyst PodcastWhat We Get Wrong - and Why - About Public Health and Social Justice: a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Harold Pollack
"Meeting our current challenges requires that we reform and strengthen criminal justice systems, following where the evidence leads to promote public safety…
The Catalyst PodcastScenarios for Success Amid Unprecedented Change: Open Minds VP Michael Allen on Building Organizational Resilience
The pace and scope of change buffeting behavioral health organizations – large and small – is unprecedented, yet some organizations are thriving while others…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Challenges of Finetuning a Therapy Bot and the “PeerBot Paradox”: a Conversation with Dr. Christopher R. Larrison
We’re joined by Dr. Christopher R. Larrison, Associate Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Larrison’s research includes studying…
The Catalyst PodcastHow “The Ripple Effect” Program Promotes Connection and Social Capital: a Conversation with OWLS CEO Dr. Joel Bennett
Dr. Joel Bennett is President, Organizational Wellness & Learning Systems (OWLS), a consulting firm specializing in evidence-based wellness and e-learning…
The Catalyst PodcastPredicting Risk, Protecting Youth: Inside the e‑Connect Suicide Classifier with Dr. Casey Sarapas
Dr. Casey Sarapas, a research scientist at Chestnut Health Systems’ Lighthouse Institute, unpacks a study he led, titled Predictive Validity of the e-Connect…
The Catalyst PodcastTransforming Community-Based Behavioral Health: Horizon's Dr. Jennifer Ramey Smith on Agility and Innovation in Improving Integrated Service Delivery
Dr. Jennifer Smith Ramey is the Director of Grants and Programs with Horizon Behavioral Health. She has worked with a variety of populations, including adults…
The Catalyst PodcastAn Inside Look at Healthcare Advocacy with Political Consultant Chris Lowery
This podcast does the impossible: it gives lobbying a good name. Political lobbying invariably evokes images of bespoke suits, steakhouses, expensive cigars…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Economics of Healthcare: Myths, Policy, and Reform with Dr. Timothy McBride
Alternative title: Everything you wanted to know about healthcare - from the ACA to Medicaid - but were afraid to ask. Healthcare economics is a notoriously…
The Catalyst PodcastAdvancing Behavioral Healthcare Through Innovation and Entrepreneurship: with MHCA's CEO Kiara Kuenzler
We're joined by Kiara Kuenzler, the newly appointed president and CEO of MHCA, Mental Health Corporations of America. MHCA was created to support CEOs and…
The Catalyst PodcastAdvocacy in Action: a Conversation with Federal Policy and Advocacy Strategist Peter Delia
Several months ago, we were joined by Chuck Ingoglia, the CEO and President of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, for an excellent and informative…
The Catalyst PodcastMaking Healthcare Add Up: a Conversation with Healthcare Informatics Pioneer Lou Servizio
Lou Servizio is the founder/CEO of Wellcast ROI, the leading international provider of analytical tools that calculate the ROI of wellness, behavioral…
The Catalyst PodcastDr. Kate Elkington E-Connects the Dots in Understanding Juvenile Justice and Mental Health
Katherine (Kate) Elkington, PhD, is a Professor of Medical Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University and a Research Scientist at the New York State…
The Catalyst PodcastA Blend of Heart and Business: a Conversation with Rosecrance’s CEO David Gomel
"We have over 100 board members because we feel it’s important to have representation in all of our communities.” In this episode of the Catalyst Podcast, we…
The Catalyst PodcastChecking in With Dennis Watson on the Impact of Recovery Management Checkups (RMC) in Primary Care Settings
Dennis Watson, Senior Research Scientist with Chestnut Health System, breaks the land-speed record by making an unprecedented third appearance on the Catalyst…
The Catalyst PodcastWhen Behavioral Health is More than the Sum of its Parts: Centerstone's CEO David Guth
A fascinating, wide-ranging conversation with David Guth, CEO of Centerstone, a nonprofit health system specializing in mental health and substance use…
The Catalyst PodcastLeading with Love: Mark Ishaug's Inspiring Journey with Thresholds
In this episode we’re joined by Mark Ishaug, President and CEO of Thresholds, providers of healthcare, housing, and hope for thousands of persons with mental…
The Catalyst PodcastStreaming to Recovery and Wellness: Chestnut's Michael Dennis Redefines mHealth for Emerging Adults
When most think of mobile health (mHealth) apps, they think of Calm, BetterHelp, Talkspace, etc. They don't typically think of the music streaming or exercise…
The Catalyst PodcastOases of Care in Medical Deserts: The OSF-Chestnut Partnership Model
Dr. Jared C. Rogers, Medical Director at Chestnut Family Health Center, and Dr. Todd Kettering of OSF Healthcare discuss the partnership between the two…
The Catalyst PodcastBalancing Mission with Performance: an Inspiring Conversation with Chestnut's New CEO Puneet Leekha
A culture of resilience and innovation, and the importance of balancing mission with performance, are the themes of this fascinating and inspiring conversation…
The Catalyst PodcastFrom the Frontline to the Backend: a Conversation with Chestnut Data Scientist Dr. Katie Clark
Dr. Katie Clark, Data Scientist at Chestnut Health Systems, discusses her unusual journey, from counseling individuals experiencing substance use, mental…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Integrated Care Playbook with Chestnut’s Chief Clinical Officer Matt Mollenhauer
We spoke with Matt Mollenhauer, Chief Clinical Officer at Chestnut Health Systems, where he’s been for the past 33 years. We discussed: What a CCO does, and a…
The Catalyst PodcastChestnut's Dave Sharar: a Legacy of Leadership and Innovation
In this special episode of the Catalyst, we visit with Dave Sharar, the CEO of Chestnut Health Systems. After a remarkable 36-year career, Dave is stepping…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Art of Overcoming Barriers to Care: Chestnut's Chief Problem Solver, Amy Gibbar
Amy Gibbar, VP of Integrated Care at Chestnut and problem solver extraordinaire, discusses her extensive experience in overcoming barriers to care and the…
The Catalyst PodcastDriving Recovery at the Speed of Trust: a Conversation with Chestnut’s Nadia Klekamp
Nadia Klekamp is the Director of Integrated Community Education at Chestnut Health Systems. For the last fifteen-plus years, she has helped promote…
The Catalyst PodcastWomen and Substance Use: Christine Grella Shares Insights from 30+ Years of Groundbreaking Research
Christine Grella, Senior Research Scientist with The Lighthouse Institute, joined us to discuss her decades of research on substance use disorders, with a…
The Catalyst PodcastIntegrating Care, Improving Lives: Inside IHPA’s Behavioral Health Model
Two leaders from the Illinois Health Practice Alliance (IHPA) — David Berkey (CEO) and Gilbert Lichstein (COO) — join us to discuss IHPA’s mission as a…
The Catalyst PodcastSeeing Through Barriers to SUD Treatment
Joe E. Glass is a senior research scientist who recently joined Chestnut Health Systems after a nearly five-year tenure at Kaiser Permanente Washington Health…
The Catalyst PodcastUnderstanding Addiction: Jessica Hulsey, Founder of the Addiction Policy Forum
Jessica Hulsey, President and CEO of the Addiction Policy Forum, joins us to discuss her advocacy work in the addiction and recovery field. Jessica was…
The Catalyst PodcastMarch of Folly: Harvard's Dr. John Kelly on the War on Drugs and the Way Forward
For over 50 years, America’s “war on drugs” has been a war with unintended consequences. Framed as a battle to be won, it reshaped addiction not as a public…
The Catalyst PodcastEverything You Wanted to Know about the BBB and its Impact on Medicaid But Were Afraid to Ask
If you are among the many people confused about the One Big Beautiful Bill barreling through Congress and its implications for Medicaid, we have just the guy…
The Catalyst PodcastTransforming Care: the Medicaid Innovation Initiative
Austin Howald is the Director of Integrated Community Services at Chestnut Health Systems. His work targets the intersection of mental health, housing…
The Catalyst PodcastNavigating Chaos with Agile Leadership: a Conversation with Conlon Public Strategies
We are joined by Kevin Conlon (Founder and President) and Linda Shapiro (Executive Vice President) of Conlon Public Strategies (PS) to discuss the need for…
The Catalyst PodcastCreative Solutions for Delivering Integrated Care Across Missouri: Chestnut's Jim Wallis
Jim Wallis is Director of Business Development with Chestnut Health Systems. He has over 32 years in behavioral health, starting his career in 1989 as a Deputy…
The Catalyst PodcastThe Power of “Professionalized” Peer Support in Treatment and Recovery
Chestnut’s Dennis Watson and Justin Bell join us to discuss the role of peer support specialists in substance use disorder treatment and the challenges they…
The Catalyst PodcastA Capital Conversation with Marvin Ventrell, CEO of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers
Marvin Ventrell is the CEO of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP). Since 1978, NAATP has served its membership by providing…
The Catalyst PodcastChaos Theory: OPEN MINDS CEO Monica Oss on Innovating in Turbulent Times
There’s no better person to help us navigate and understand today’s chaotic - her word - mental health ecosystem than Monica Oss, the CEO and founder of OPEN…
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Why Medicaid Matters: Chestnut CEO Dr. Dave Sharar on Mental Health, Access, and Reform
On this episode of the Catalyst Podcast we speak with Chestnut Health Systems' CEO Dr. Dave Sharar. We discussed: Dave’s 35-year career at Chestnut Health…
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Transforming Lives: Inside MDFT's Family-Centered Approach to Youth Recovery
We’re joined by Melissa Sienna, Executive Director of MDFT International (Multidimensional Family Therapy), and by Sandra Arguelles, National Trainer, also…
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The Catalyst Goes to Washington: A Conversation with Chuck Ingoglia, President. and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Dateline: Washington, DC. This week’s guest is Chuck Ingoglia, President and CEO of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, the. unifying voice of America’s…
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At the Intersection of Research and Lived Experience: the Personal and Professional Journey of Research Scientist, Patrick Hibbard
There’s lived experience…and there’s lived experience. Patrick Hibbard, Assistant Research Scientist at Chestnut Health Systems, has had anything but a…
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The State of the Art in Behavioral Healthcare: Interview with MHCA's Dale Shreve
Dale Shreve is President and CEO of MHCA (Mental Health Corporations of America), a national association of innovative, entrepreneurial behavioral healthcare…