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Welcome to Changing the Conversation! We discuss critical and timely topics focused on equity, homelessness, substance use, mental health, and trauma. Our hosts interview health and human service experts, researchers, and advocates. Conversations explore how we can adapt our systems to the rapidly changing landscape of social services.

 

Learning from Recovery Elders: Laura Van Tosh

Apr 27, 2026

"There are people that have created those pathways for themselves. We have national leadership now. That national leadership may not have occurred if it were not for the local programs that were funded…10 years earlier." Long-time mental health peer activist Laura Van Tosh and host Livia Davis discuss the history of...

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Learning from Recovery Elders: LaVerne Miller

Mar 30, 2026

"People like Howie the Harp and Sally Zinman... laid that fertile soil for those of us that have come after them, for us to really grow". Attorney and rights advocate LaVerne Miller joins host Livia Davis to discuss her experiences in the recovery movement, the lessons she has learned, and her hopes for the future of...

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Learning from Recovery Elders: Shannon CrossBear

Feb 16, 2026

What does healing look like from different perspectives, ways of knowing, and approaches? Indigenous elder Shannon CrossBear discusses her wellness journey and the lessons she has learned along the way with host Livia Davis. This episode is part of a series where we share the wisdom amassed by recovery leaders over the...

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Learning from Recovery Elders: Laurie Johnson-Wade

Feb 2, 2026

"We have more power very often than we give ourselves credit for. And we have to keep ourselves educated on our options. Knowing our options also helps us with the ebbs and flows." Laurie Johnson-Wade shares her experiences starting and running a recovery community organization in Pennsylvania with host Livia Davis. 

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Learning from Recovery Elders: Mark Salzer

Jan 5, 2026

“Recovery is the goal. Here’s one way to pursue that goal...really promoting community inclusion, supporting people and having opportunities to live a life that they want to live and supporting them with funding." Mark Salzer shares insights on defining and measuring recovery and promoting meaningful community...

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