Our guest, Clem Richardson, CEO of Manna Behavioral Services, shares his inspiring journey from addiction to becoming a respected leader and mentor in his Milwaukee community. Clem opens up about how his past experiences shaped his mission to serve others, showing how true transformation begins with a change in mindset, not just behavior.
Clem discusses the importance of reentry programs that focus on reshaping thought patterns and addressing the deep effects of trauma in addiction and recovery. His program, “Beyond the Block,” empowers individuals to rise above their circumstances, rebuild their lives, and embrace their full potential. Through practical support and compassionate guidance, Clem helps people find purpose and direction as they reintegrate into their communities.
Podcast listeners will also hear Clem’s insights on self-care, relationship-building, and the essential role of faith and mentorship in sustaining long-term change. His message reminds us that community engagement isn’t just about helping others; it’s about collective growth and healing.
Tony Moore sits down with Sharmaine Harris, an inspiring individual who transformed his life from incarceration to empowerment. He tells podcast listeners about his journey of overcoming adversity through education, emphasizing how both formal and self-education served as pivotal tools in his transformation.
He was pardoned by the Governor of Wisconsin, became a popular author, an in-demand speaker, and started his own business.
Tony and Sharmain have a fascinating conversation about how education became the great equalizer for him, enabling him to rise above societal odds and redefine his purpose.
Find out how Sharmain became a powerful catalyst for change and resilience, and how you can be, too, despite your difficult childhood and criminal record.
In this episode of Criminal Thinking Deterred, Tony Moore opens up about his powerful journey from incarceration to receiving a full pardon from the Wisconsin governor. That single decision not only restored his voting rights but also reignited his role in civic life and community leadership. Tony reflects on the personal transformation that made it possible, the responsibility that comes with a second chance, and the ripple effects of clemency on both individuals and society.
You will hear an inspiring story of redemption and resilience. Grace and justice can work together.
Tony Moore can be reached at Moore & Associates.
Incarceration and addiction taught our return guest, Juan Salazar, life-changing and eternal lessons. His path to redemption not only changed his life but also gave him a passion for helping others. This podcast episode shows the power of faith-based recovery, featuring Juan's heartfelt story of writing a letter that marked the turning point in his life.
He and Tony discuss how his commitment to personal growth led him to become a youth outreach minister and a positive influence for others. In our conversation, they talk about the impact of programs like Living Free and Simple Steps Recovery at Heritage Baptist Church on individual transformation and community leadership.
Juan's experiences as a peer mentor inspired him to assist others in reclaiming their lives with renewed purpose and determination. He and Tony address the challenges of counseling individuals in need of recovery versus those who support the ministry.
Juan Salazar can be reached at his church. You can also reach him at his business, www.pikecreekexterminating.com.
Once trapped in a cycle of crime, Tony Moore found himself at a crossroads, yearning for change. Through the guiding power of the Four Ps—prayer, performance, patience, and planning—he charted a new course, leaving behind a life that no longer served him. This episode is an intimate recounting of his development, highlighting how these principles not only aided his rehabilitation but also empowered him to pursue higher education, mend broken relationships, and ultimately, find redemption.
Tony emphasizes the critical role of structured planning and disciplined performance in overcoming past obstacles. Returning to school at 35 to earn a master's degree in human services was a pivotal step that opened doors to new opportunities, including founding businesses in clinical counseling. This episode sheds light on the necessity of confronting and reshaping criminal thinking patterns, underscoring the courage required to face fears and discomfort head-on.
Listeners can get more resources through the Criminal Thinking Deterred platform, enhancing their understanding of these themes. As this podcast episode concludes, Tony appeals for you to adopt the principles of patience, resilience, and faith.
To learn more about Tony Moore’s journey, his books, and his workbooks, visit his Amazon Page and explore his resources at www.mooreandassociates.biz.
From gang life to godly purpose—Juan Salazar shares his raw and redemptive journey from repeated incarceration to becoming a youth minister at Heritage Baptist Church (Kenosha, WI). In this compelling podcast episode, Juan opens up about how jail time, family support, and faith in Christ turned his life around.
Now, he's on a mission to reach at-risk youth before it’s too late. Hear how he’s mentoring the next generation and calling the church to step up in their communities.
Real stories. Real transformation. Real hope. This is a podcast you do not want to miss.
Find Juan Salzar at www.pikecreekexterminating.com and www.heritagebaptistkenosha.com/.
In this powerful episode, returning guest Mike Williams shares his personal journey from abandonment and rejection to becoming a mentor for troubled youth. Growing up without parental support, Mike struggled with feelings of unworthiness—until his life took a transformative turn through faith.
Now working alongside host Tony Moore, Mike has become an expert in guiding at-risk youth away from criminal behavior. He delves into the Criminal Thinking Errors model, explaining why people often laugh at these patterns—because they recognize them in themselves. He also stresses the importance of having a backup plan when life takes an unexpected turn.
Mike reveals how early childhood, particularly between the ages of 3 to 4 and 5 to 7, is when criminal thinking begins to take root, shaping future behaviors. He also breaks down The Four Core Needs in Life and The Seven Desires God Has Placed in Us, showing how these concepts play a crucial role in behavioral therapy.
If you or someone you know struggles with criminal thinking, this episode offers real-life solutions and hope. Learn more about Mike’s work at www.traumaresilience.net.
In this powerful solo episode, host Tony Moore deeply discusses the Five Deterrents of Criminal Thinking, practical steps to help break harmful thought patterns and avoid life-altering mistakes:
1. Consider the Immediate Consequences
2. Think About Who Gets Hurt
3. Plan Ahead & Choose Wisely
4. Examine Your Conscience Daily
5. Let It Go—Don’t Dwell on It
Tony shares his struggles with criminal thinking and how applying these deterrents can prevent actions that may hurt others and jeopardize your freedom.
Want to learn more? Visit the highly acclaimed Criminal Thinking website for deeper insights.
Our podcast took a high-tech turn as we welcomed guests, David Whitesock, Founder/CEO, and Johanna Dolan, COO, from Commonly Well. It was a fascinating discussion of how they are using "Recovery Intelligence" in treating substance abuse.
"Recovery Intelligence" takes a snapshot of the patient's current recovery status and moves them intelligently to take the correct steps and to plan appropriately.
Another Commonly Well treatment is the "Recovery Capital Index" which is a tool that measures an individual's internal and external resources necessary to initiate and sustain recovery.
Cell phones are also innovatively used to guide and monitor the patient in the substance abuse recovery treatment!
Commonly Well is leading the way in treating people in need of recovery. Tony's conversation with our guests will fascinate you.
"The challenge is to be the new me," says our guest, Christopher Waggoner, a recovering cocaine addict. He went through the Moore & Associates drug recovery program and wants people to know that if he can be sober, so can you.
Christopher has battled addiction since his early childhood. He was sexually and physically abused and was in the foster care system. All of this set the table for cocaine addiction. After being incarcerated, Christopher decided it was time to get clean.
He tells us how he has stayed clean and how you can be sober during the holidays. (It can be done!) He is also a Certified Peer Specialist and a drug addiction recovery advocate i his community.
If you are addicted to cocaine or know someone who is, listen to this podcast.
"This (drug testing) will help you get your freedom," says our podcast guest, Ms. Minata Saddy, CEO and Founder, NYS Diagnostics & Supply. "We have a quick turnaround time for different kinds of testing."
Ms. Saddy explains to Tony Moore the most accurate types of drug testing. Rapid results are also useful to the recovery community as it will show that the patient in recovery is reliable and staying clean.
"They can decide to be healthy," Ms. Saddy continues. She also explains how being on medications can bias a result.
If you have ever wondered how drug testing plays a role in addiction recovery, this podcast will definitely enlighten you.
For more information, visit the Criminal Thinking website for her blog.
"The holiday season has begun," says our host, Tony Moore, Moore & Associates. "The recovery community tends to be forgotten during this time."
"You have to maintain awareness of people around you," Tony continues. He discusses the 4 P's (from his book). He also talks about maintaining an awareness of people around you, friends, family, and co-workers who may not be as far along on the recovery trail as yourself. You can perform positive habits from volunteering to breathing exercises. (TV shows can even be negative so it's good to not watch shows that may trigger substance abuse.)
Tony gives time-tested advice that anyone who is recovering and dreading the holidays needs to hear. It's both educational and encouraging. If you are concerned about the holidays, please listen to this podcast.
It sounds pretty ominous. Kids are starting earlier, such as middle school, in doing drugs and joining gangs. But, as our guest, Lloyd Lewin Director of Outreach & Schools, Boys & Girls Club, Kenosha WI, tells us, there is hope.
"Yes, they are starting younger," Mr. Lewin says, "but if educate them, have parental involvement, and work with the schools, we can steer them away." The BGC has partnered with several organizations and now provides drug addiction and gang involvement prevention.
Tony Moore and Mr. Lewin discuss the desire of kids to belong to something and that by high school they can be resistant to change. Yet, the club and its leaders present a positive way to succeed and stay away from drugs and gangs. No child is sentenced to a life of addiction or gangs. There are better ways, but it takes work (and funding) to get it done.
"A person's whole life can be embedded in nicotine use," says our returning guest, Dr. George Kolodner, from Triple Track Treatment. Dr. Kolodner discusses the four smoking triggers and the types of therapy and support groups that can help addicts end their dependency on smoking.
Relapse, of course, can occur, but if a patient continues with the treatment program, they can recover and quit smoking entirely.
Dr. Kolodner and Tony Moore also discuss the dangers of vaping and the surprising role coffee plays in smoking cessation.
If you are a smoker or know a smoker who wants to quit, there is hope. This podcast is for you.
Too often, substance abusers are treated for their addiction but not treated for their mental health. So, once they return home sober, they are still haunted by their mental health issues. Then, they hear voices or experience other severe mental health issues and to treat it, they return to the substance they were abusing.
Our host, Tony Moore, discusses this terrible, never-ending cycle and how it can be broken. The stigma of mental health issues can impede people from getting treatment. Tony tells about how mental health and substance abuse treatment go hand-in-hand.
Please join Tony Moore (mooreandassociates.biz) for this important podcast.
"Smoking is no longer cool," says our guest, Dr. George Kolodner, Founder/Medical Director, Triple Track Treatment, Washington, D.C. "However, it is still highly addictive and the pain from quitting smoking can be the toughest."
Dr. Kolodner tells how smoking cessation has been proven to work. However, they have to battle the wealthy tobacco companies. Tony tells him how he had to stop smoking but it took much longer than drugs or alcohol.
There is also a fascinating discussion about process addictions and oral fixations. We will definitely have Dr. Kolodner back for future episodes!
Tony also told us about the upcoming "Minority Mental Health Awareness Month" event.
Brandon Morris returns to promote a huge event for youth and parents in the Kenosha, Wisconsin area. The "This is My Story: Empowerment Speaker Series" event this coming Memorial Day weekend.
"Young people need to ask for help early and often," says Brandon. "May is 'Mental Health Month,' which is the perfect time for this event."
He and Tony also discuss how parents may miss the tell-tale signs of a child being depressed or suicidal. Kids also need to volunteer in their community and help others. They can share their skills and give to others.
"Fentanyl has been killing people!" said our guest, Darren Taylor, a substance abuse counselor and recovering addict (24 years) from Racine, Wisconsin.
He tells Tony about how self-care was a major factor in his recovery. Darren also discusses the difference, and it is huge, between abstinence and recovery. They are NOT the same. Mental health assessments are also essential in treating the whole person.
This is a fascinating and important podcast, especially if you are a drug addiction counselor. Darren and Tony have time-tested advice for you.
Darren can be found at www.jaminracine.com.
Our guest, Dr. Galen C. Nelson, PA-C, is a Physician Assistant in Beloit, WI. He is an expert on drug addiction and the fentanyl crisis that is killing so many Americans.
Dr. Nelson tells Tony how fentanyl is fifty times more potent than heroin and one hundred times more potent than morphine. He and Tony discuss the signs of fentanyl use and the keys to preventing people from using it and becoming addicted to it.
Dr. Nelson can be reached at pagcnel@gmailcom or pagcnel@accessandhealthwellnes.com.
"We don't want to be in pain," said guest, Guida Brown, from Guided by Guida. Thus began a spirited discussion on fentanyl. Over 72,000 people died last year from using fentanyl.
Unfortunately, "harm reduction" has become the catch-all phrase for everything. Guida and Tony talk about opioids and fentanyl and how it is so potent in making you feel good temporarily. Then the pain returns.
Guida does have a solution to the epidemic and it starts in schools. If you have a fentanyl problem in your community, we highly recommend that you listen to this podcast.
Guida Brown lives in Kenosha Wisconsin with her family. She is the author of a blog, 4 Cs of Addiction.