Answering The Call
a First Call podcast
Answering the Call is a podcast from First Call that explores the impact of addiction in our communities—and the hope found in recovery. Through honest conversations with individuals, families, and professionals, we break down stigma, share powerful stories, and highlight the work being done to end the addiction crisis. Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who struggles, or want to better understand the issue, this podcast is your invitation to be part of the solution.
Listen Now
Episode 1: A Call for Change
In our very first episode, we’re kicking things off with a powerful conversation between host Bill Brandmeyer and First Call’s President & CEO, Emily Hage. Emily shares the inspiring history of First Call, how we’ve grown over the years, and the driving force behind our mission to end the addiction crisis. =
Episode 2: How To Talk To Your Kids
Talking to your kids about drugs and alcohol doesn’t have to be awkward—it just has to be honest. In this episode, we’re joined by Margaux Mueller, First Call’s Director of Prevention, for a conversation every parent, caregiver, and trusted adult needs to hear. Margaux shares practical tips, age-appropriate strategies, and why how you talk is just as important as what you say. Whether your child is 8 or 18, this episode will help you start the conversation—and keep it going. Learn more at: firstcallkc.org/talk
Episode 3: From Sober Curious to Sober
Jenny Platten brought her full truth into the room. We explored the sober curious movement, challenged assumptions with respect, and created a safe space for honest conversation. It was the kind of exchange that helps people feel seen, not judged—and encourages them to ask deeper questions about their own choices.
Episode 4: The Truth About Addiciton
Daniel’s story was raw and redemptive. From nine treatment centers to the phone call his mom made to First Call that changed her life and his. This story is a testament to persistence, family, and grace. His vulnerability—paired withEmily’s leadership and First Call’s support structure—makes this episode a must-hear for anyone impacted by substance use.
Episode 5: Addiction is a Family Disease
When one person struggles with addiction, the whole family feels it. In this episode, First Call Family Services Counselor Shelby Krech sits down with Emily Hage and a courageous mom who took First Call’s How to Cope class. Together, they explore the emotional toll addiction takes on loved ones—and how healing often begins with education, connection, and support. You’ll also hear how Recovery Advocate Bailey B is making a difference for the whole family by supporting the mom’s son in his own recovery journey.
Episode 6: Second Chances at Work: Building Recovery Friendly Workplaces
Eric Cohen of Ace Pipe Cleaning shares his personal journey through addiction and into recovery—and how it led him to create change in the workplace. As a leader at a recovery-friendly employer, Eric talks about the power of second chances, the importance of support on the job, and how businesses can play a vital role in ending the stigma of addiction. This episode is a powerful look at how recovery can thrive when compassion meets opportunity.
Episode 7: From Courtrooms to Care
What happens when the justice system treats addiction as a health issue instead of a crime? In this episode, we’re joined by John Maynie of the Kansas City Municipal Court and First Call’s Keith Faison to talk about the powerful shift from punishment to treatment. From diversion programs to in-court advocacy, we explore how rehabilitation—not incarceration—can lead to real, lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.
Episode 8: When Kids Carry the Weight
Addiction doesn’t just affect the person using—it reaches into classrooms, lunchrooms, and childhoods. In this episode, Cathy Lorino, a social worker at Rushton Elementary, joins First Call’s Megan Keller to talk about how addiction shows up in the lives of young people. From behavioral changes to emotional struggles, they explore the hidden ways kids are impacted—and how schools, families, and communities can show up to support them.
Episode 9: Youth Leading the Way
In this episode of Answering the Call, we sit down with Belton High School students who are stepping up to confront the overdose crisis in their community. Through town halls and panel discussions with local stakeholders, these young leaders are sparking vital conversations and creating change where it’s needed most. Their voices remind us that the fight against addiction is not just for adults—it’s a movement for everyone.
Episode 10: Finding Healing After Loss
In this powerful episode of Answering the Call, we sit down with Laura Bratt and Dawn Owens, co-founders of the Kansas City chapter of GRASP—Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing. After losing loved ones to substance use, Laura and Dawn transformed their pain into purpose by creating a safe, compassionate space for families to grieve without judgment. They share their personal journeys, the importance of community in healing, and how GRASP is helping others find understanding and hope after devastating loss. This conversation reminds us that no one should have to face grief alone—and that even in the wake of tragedy, connection can be the first step toward healing.