Never the Same

In this episode of Never the Same, Dr. Tony Pisani sits down with Jonathan Singer, a social work professor at Loyola University, co-author of Suicide in Schools, and past president of the American Association of Suicidology. Jonathan is also the creator of The Social Work Podcast, which he started in 2007 while teaching as a doctoral student. He thought “25 people would listen,” but by the end of the semester, there had been over 3000 downloads, from 80 countries.They explore how jazz improvisation shaped Jonathan’s approach to therapy and collaboration, why schools with fewer suicides pay attention to “weak signals,” and what postvention can look like after a student suicide death.Guest BioJonathan Singer is a social work professor at Loyola University and the co-author of Suicide in Schools. He is the past president of the American Association of Suicidology. Jonathan is also the host and creator of the Social Work Podcast.Referenced Resources The Social Work PodcastSuicide in Schools: A Practitioner's Guide to Multi-level Prevention, Assessment, Intervention, and Postvention Suicide Contagion Explainer Universal Suicide Risk Screening in Schools: Outcomes from 9 Years of ImplementationLife Under Pressure: The Social Roots of Youth Suicide Cook County real-time suicide data dashboardJohns Hopkins COVID dashboard

In this special episode of Never the Same, we share the full keynote address from host, Professor Tony Pisani, delivered at the Suicide Prevention Australia Conference.Professor Pisani explores how the structure of our relationships—not just how supported we feel—can protect people from suicide risk. Drawing on studies in schools, the military, and health settings, he shows how strong, shared connections make a difference, especially when people don’t or can’t speak up.He introduces the Connect Program, a group-based training that strengthens team cohesion and reduces suicide risk without needing people to self-identify. The episode also includes real-world examples from Western Australia and beyond.It explores not only the importance of social structure in prevention, but HOW we can build those networks. Key Points CoveredWhy social structure matters in suicide preventionThe power of shared trusted adults in reducing suicide riskHow Connect builds protective networksInsights from high school and military researchShifting suicide reviews from blame to learningLocal examples from Western Australia, including first responder initiatives and postvention pilots🔗 Resources MentionedSafeSide Prevention: https://safesideprevention.com.auConnect Program: WA Workplace Connect info pageNever the Same podcast home: Podcast page

In this inspiring instalment of Never the Same, host Dr Tony Pisani welcomes Professor Pat Dudgeon, the first Aboriginal psychologist in Australia and a global voice for First Nations mental health. Pat describes how confronting the racism in the system sparked her mission to “decolonise” psychology and build a new framework called Social and Emotional Wellbeing, a model that places self, family, community, culture, and Country at the centre of healing.Across the episode, Pat and Tony revisit moments such as the Ways Forward national report, discuss why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide demands distinct responses, and celebrate community-led successes, from Indigenous Rangers caring for land to universities rewriting psychology curricula. Key PointsPat’s path to becoming the first Aboriginal psychologistOrigins and pillars of the SEWB paradigmThe Ways Forward report and Boat Shed DeclarationDistinct drivers of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander suicideSuccess stories: Indigenous Rangers, psychology curriculum reformThe role of climate action and caring for Country Resources MentionedWays Forward: National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Policy Report SEWB model diagram & “Working Together” chapter Dance of Life wellbeing model by Prof Helen MilroySweetgrass Research Method — Dr Mark Standing Eagle BaezIndigenous Rangers Program (Australia) Professor Pat Dudgeon is a Bardi woman from the Kimberley and Australia’s first Aboriginal psychologist. She co-chairs the Centre of Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention and advocates for culturally informed mental-health systems worldwide.Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.

Nicole Doyley’s life and writing centre on one key question: What about the children?In this episode, Nicole reflects on growing up in a biracial family, her evolving racial identity, and the parenting values she developed as a result. She discusses transracial adoption, the impact of Black History Month, how culture shapes resilience, and why awareness and humility are essential for any caregiver.Nicole shares her family’s story, from her parents’ marriage in the 1960s (when their marriage was still illegal in some states) to her own cross-cultural marriage to a Jamaican man, and how these experiences shaped her understanding of race, belonging, and what it means to be “seen.”Guest: Nicole Doyley is an author and podcast host whose latest book, What About the Children? Five Values for Multiracial Families draws from her personal and professional experiences. Nicole grew up in a biracial family, served as a campus pastor, and now helps parents and communities navigate race, identity, and parenting with honesty and cultural awareness.Host: Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.Resources and References: Nicole Doyley – What About the Children? Five Values for Multiracial FamiliesChimamanda Ngozi Adichie – The Danger of a Single StoryThe Mis-Education of the Negro by Carter G. WoodsonLecrae – story of racial identity, healing, and therapyU.S. Census – changes to allow multiple racial identities (2000)Nicole's podcast – First a Man: growing up in a Black nation (featuring her husband Marvin)

Welcome to the Never the Same Podcast! Today, we dive into the science of suicide prevention with Jacinta Hawgood, a clinical psychologist, senior lecturer, and researcher at Griffith University.Host Tony Pisani is joined by Jacinta, a leader in the field with nearly 25 years of experience, to discuss how structured approaches like the STARS Protocol are reshaping conversations about suicide. Together, they explore:How STARS (Systematic Tailored Assessment for Responding to Suicidality) bridges structured tools and personal stories.Why protective factors and client-driven care are essential for meaningful interventions.How suicide prevention is evolving, with new roles for non-clinical professionals and lived experience leaders.The biggest misconceptions about suicide, including fears around asking direct questions.Jacinta also reflects on her career, how her thinking has changed over time, and why listening deeply is at the heart of effective care.Don't forget to like & subscribe so you never miss an episode! Together, we’re exploring the stories and strategies that can make a difference.(c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

Dr. Tony Pisani interviews Dr. Arielle Sheftall, a leading researcher in youth suicide prevention, about the crucial issue of suicide among children and pre-teens. Dr. Sheftall shares insights from her work on understanding and preventing suicide in young people, particularly addressing the rising rates among Black youth. This conversation covers the importance of direct communication about suicide with young people, the role of cultural understanding in prevention, and how to build protective factors for at-risk youth. Key moments include discussions about:Breaking stigma around youth mental healthHow to talk with children about suicideThe impact of family and community supportCultural considerations in suicide preventionResources for families and professionals If you or someone you know needs support: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (US): 988 Lifeline (Australia) - 1800 551 800 Lifeline (New Zealand) - Phone: 0800 543 354 or Text 4357 Production Credits:Hannah Mang, Senior Video Editor and ProducerAnnie Lewis, Content and Communications ManagerLuke Pisani, Music (c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

This episode of Never the Same delves into addressing suicide concerns among loved ones who use substances. Featuring lived experience insights from Jack Stem and his daughter Kim, alongside Dr. Ken Connor (University of Rochester) and Morica Hutchinson (University of Connecticut), the conversation combines lived experiences and professional insights.The episode coincides with the release of a no-cost online training resource developed by SafeSide Prevention in collaboration with the UR Medicine Recovery Center of Excellence on SUD Prevention to support those standing together with someone grappling with substance use and suicide challenges. Explore the resource here. Key topics include:How to start difficult conversations about suicide and substance useWays to ask about suicide directly and sensitivelyHow to respond effectively when someone shares their concerns. In this episode, the participants share personal experiences and professional insights, creating a balanced discussion that addresses both the practical and emotional aspects of supporting someone at risk of suicide who also struggles with substance use.Guests:• Jack Stem: A seasoned counselor and recovery advocate with decades of experience navigating addiction and peer support.• Kim Stem: A passionate speaker on addiction and mental health, sharing her lived experiences to foster understanding and hope.• Dr. Kenneth Conner: Professor in Emergency Medicine and Psychiatry at the University of Rochester, specializing in suicide prevention and substance use research.• Morica Hutchison: the Faculty in Public Health Sciences at the University of Connecticut, focusing on family and community-based approaches to substance use and mental health.Host: Dr. Tony Pisani: Dr. Tony Pisani is a professor, clinician, and founder of SafeSide Prevention, leading its mission to build safer, more connected military, health, education, and workplace communities.Referenced Resources (Timestamped): Online Family and Friend Training Module (01:30): Developed with the University of Rochester Recovery Center of Excellence. Access here. Three Steps to Ask About Suicide (10:18): A guide for friends and family. 988 Crisis Line (01:03:00): National resource for immediate support. Learn more here.Hope Kit (01:03:30): Mentioned as a resource for stabilization. Learn more here. Resources to contact if you need crisis helpSafeSide does not provide crisis intervention. These crisis resources are there for you:United States 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineAustralia LifeLine AustraliaCanada Crisis Services CanadaNew Zealand LifeLine (c) 2024. SafeSide Media, LLC.

Welcome to “Never the Same,” where we explore how influential people and ideas have evolved over time and where they might go in the future. Reflecting the ever-changing nature of life and personal growth. Each episode features conversations with guests from various fields, highlighting defining moments and shifts in thinking. The podcast aims to uncover new insights for suicide prevention while offering broader perspectives on personal and professional growth.