#05
Hard Hats and Healing: A Conversation with Craig Watson
January 13, 2026
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58:34
ABOUT THE EPISODE
In episode number 5 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Craig Watson, LPC-S, Owner of Vitality Counseling in Madison, Mississippi. Craig is a leadership consultant, author of The Construction Leadership Field Manual, and creator of the suicide prevention app Hard Hat Help.
With extensive experience in supporting individuals facing depression, anxiety, and substance use challenges, Craig brings a profound understanding of the pressures faced by those working in construction and other high-stress industries. In this conversation, he discusses the intersection of leadership, mental health, and suicide prevention, along with practical steps workplaces can take to support their people before a crisis occurs.
This episode shines a light on the importance of speaking up, checking in, and building cultures where no one feels like they have to carry their struggles alone.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #MentalHealthInConstruction #SuicidePrevention #VitalityCounseling #LeadershipAndWellness #YouAreNotAlone #ConstructionCommunity #RecoverySupport #CheckOnYourPeople
Meet The Hosts
Daniel Phyfer is the Director of Business Development for Defining Wellness Centers, where he oversees all business development and marketing functions — from outreach and strategic partnerships to brand growth and community engagement. He blends his personal recovery journey with professional expertise to support people searching for a new way of life — whether they’re just beginning or rebuilding along the way. Daniel’s work is rooted in connection, authenticity, and a genuine belief that recovery is possible for anyone willing to reach for it.
Courtney Milan
Alumni Director
More Episodes
From Narcotics to Recovery: Colonel Steven Maxwell
3/24/26
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1:05:44
In Episode 10 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Colonel Steven Maxwell, a 30-year public service veteran and current leader in corrections investigations, for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet. Colonel Maxwell brings a rare perspective shaped by decades on the front lines of narcotics enforcement, leadership, and public health. What he reveals is hard to ignore: the drug landscape has evolved, the risks are higher than ever, and the threat is closer to home than most people realize.
This episode dives deep into the shift from plant-based drugs to synthetic substances like fentanyl, how “harmless” products like gummies and gas station supplements are being used to mask deadly compounds, and why addiction today looks completely different than it did even a decade ago. From children being exposed earlier than ever, to the dangers of unregulated products like kratom, this conversation exposes the reality families are facing right now.
But this isn’t just about the problem, it’s about the solution.
Colonel Maxwell shares powerful insight on leadership, self-accountability, and the importance of seeing people beyond their worst moments. He unpacks the connection between mental health, addiction, and environment, and challenges listeners to think further upstream, where real change begins.
You’ll also hear:
- Why detox is not treatment and where the system is falling short
- The role of communication, parenting, and early intervention
- What law enforcement is seeing across Mississippi communities right now
- How stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of education continue to cost lives
- Why “loving yourself enough to show up” might be the most important message of all
This episode is raw, honest, and urgent, but it’s also grounded in hope. Because as Colonel Maxwell says, “As long as the flag is flying, we’re winning.”
If you care about your family, your community, or the future of the next generation, this is a conversation you need to hear.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #StevenMaxwell #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #FentanylCrisis #KratomAwareness #SubstanceAbuse #PublicHealth #Leadership #RecoveryJourney #Mississippi #CommunityHealth #AudioAlchemyProductions
This episode is produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
Healing Beyond Words: Tim Risler on Equine Therapy, Recovery, and Real Transformation
March 10, 2026
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1:06:43
On this episode number 9 of 365 Proof by Defining Wellness, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Tim Risler, founder and director of Equine Healing Solutions, for a powerful conversation about recovery, trauma, self-awareness, and the life-changing impact of equine therapy.
With more than three decades of experience in substance abuse and mental health treatment, Tim shares how his journey led him from traditional clinical work into experiential healing through horses. He explains how equine therapy helps uncover patterns, break through emotional defenses, and reveal the deeper issues that often sit beneath addiction, trauma, grief, and self-limiting beliefs.
This episode dives into the connection between language and healing, the importance of authenticity in treatment, how horses mirror human behavior, and why true transformation often begins when people are willing to face what they have been avoiding. Tim also discusses his work with veterans, clinicians, athletes, and individuals in recovery, offering insight into why experiential therapy can reach places that traditional talk therapy sometimes cannot.
If you have ever wondered how healing can happen outside the walls of an office, this conversation offers a moving and eye-opening look at what recovery, growth, and self-discovery can really look like.
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #TimRisler #DanielPhyfer #CourtneyMilan #EquineTherapy #RecoveryPodcast #MentalHealthPodcast #AddictionRecovery #TraumaHealing #ExperientialTherapy #VeteranRecovery #HealingJourney #MississippiWellness #AudioAlchemyProductions
Produced by Daniel Anderson at Audio Alchemy Productions.
Leading Through Change with The Dash Group
February 24, 2026
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1:24:17
In episode number 8 of the 365 Proof by Defining Wellness Podcast, Daniel Phyfer and Courtney Milan sit down with Catherine Hickem and Cindy Barber of The Dash Group. Catherine and Cindy have been key partners in Defining Wellness’ organizational growth following the recent acquisition. In this conversation, they discuss what they often see inside organizations, the cultural and leadership challenges that show up during seasons of transition, and when companies typically call them in.
Catherine, a licensed clinical social worker and longtime executive coach, and Cindy, a leadership strategist and author of C.L.E.A.R. the Fear, bring more than 65 years of combined experience in guiding companies through growth, leadership development, and cultural realignment. They share practical insight on strengthening teams, supporting leaders, and building healthier, more resilient workplaces from the inside out.
This episode is about clarity, purpose, and learning how to lead well when everything around you is shifting.
Learn more:
www.thedashgroup.net
#365ProofPodcast #DefiningWellness #TheDashGroup #LeadershipDevelopment #OrganizationalHealth #ResilientTeams #CulturalTransformation #LeadWithPurpose #GrowthAndChange #WorkplaceWellbeing
