The March 2025 Silicon Slopes Promise2Live Mental Health Town Hall addressed addiction as a societal, neurological, and technological challenge.
Lehi, Utah - March 27, 2025
Addiction is no longer just a clinical issue—it’s a societal, neurological, and technological one. At the March 2025 Silicon Slopes Promise2Live Mental Health Town Hall, hosted at Silicon Slopes' Lehi headquarters, a diverse lineup of experts came together to tackle the addiction crisis through innovation, vulnerability, and practical action.
With a focus on substance use, pornography, and social media addiction, the discussion revealed bold new approaches to recovery and reminded attendees that healing requires more than willpower—it demands connection, science, and systems change.
Below are a few takeaways that came from the panel discussion:
Brandy Vega: Creating a Culture of Connection to Save Lives
Brandy Vega, founder of Promise2Live, opened the event with a candid reminder that addiction doesn’t discriminate. “Whether it’s a CEO or a student, we’re all at risk of getting pulled into behaviors that numb pain or fill a void,” she said. Vega shared how the Promise2Live movement was born out of her own experiences with loss and a deep desire to deliver hope, help, healing, and resources to those who are struggling.
Through Promise2Live’s monthly town halls, global livestreams, and community partnerships, Vega is creating a culture of proactive mental wellness—one where people are encouraged to ask “How are you really?” and stay connected. Her message: “We can’t wait until someone is in crisis. Prevention happens through purpose, presence, and people.”
Dr. Dave Morgan: Rewiring the Brain for Recovery
Dr. Dave Morgan, a licensed clinical psychologist, took the audience deep into the neuroscience of addiction. His talk centered on how addictive substances and behaviors hijack the brain’s dopamine system, reinforcing destructive patterns while numbing the ability to feel normal joy. “Addiction rewires the brain. That’s why traditional approaches focused on self-control often fail,” Morgan explained.
But there’s hope. Dr. Morgan shared evidence-based treatments that focus on neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to heal and form new connections. He emphasized the importance of therapy, accountability, and behavioral interventions that help rebuild healthy reward systems. “Understanding the brain isn’t just academic,” he said. “It’s the key to compassionate, effective recovery.”
Brent Esplin: Social Media and the Disconnection Epidemic
Therapist Brent Esplin addressed a more modern addiction—social media—and its profound mental health implications. He described how the endless scroll fuels anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of reality. “Social media is designed to keep us clicking, not connecting,” Esplin said. “But what we need is authentic connection.”
His talk highlighted the importance of digital boundaries and real-life relationships in the recovery process. Esplin urged families, schools, and workplaces to model healthy tech habits and foster environments where vulnerability and in-person interaction are the norm. “Connection isn’t just a buzzword—it’s medicine.”
Curtis Morley: Beyond Sobriety—The Path to True Recovery from Pornography Addiction
Entrepreneur and author Curtis Morley took the stage to tackle pornography addiction—a topic rarely discussed openly. His message: Sobriety is not the same as recovery. “You can stop the behavior, but if you don’t heal what’s underneath it—shame, trauma, loneliness—it’ll come back,” he said.
Morley offered a practical roadmap for lasting change, including identity work, community support, and daily habits rooted in self-worth. His powerful insight that “pornography is a counterfeit connection” reframed the addiction as a deeper cry for intimacy and belonging. He encouraged attendees to lead with honesty and empathy—especially in faith and family settings where the stigma is greatest.
Thomas Wilkinson: Tech-Enabled Recovery Without the Pills
CEO of Neuro Nova, Thomas Wilkinson introduced breakthrough, non-invasive technologies reshaping addiction recovery. His company develops wearable neurostimulation tools designed to modulate brain function without medication. “We’re creating solutions that work with the brain’s natural chemistry—not against it,” he said.
Wilkinson emphasized that innovation must go hand-in-hand with accessibility. He believes tech-enabled therapy can democratize treatment, especially in communities where traditional rehab is out of reach. “Mental health is the next frontier in human performance,” he said. “And innovation is the bridge to better outcomes.”
Jay Tobey: Financing the Future of Behavioral Health
Last but not least, Jay Tobey, behavioral health strategist and founder of Reflexion Point, unpacked how strategic investment can expand access to recovery resources. “Addiction care isn’t just a health issue—it’s a capital issue,” he said. Tobey advocates for creative funding models—like behavioral health syndicates and public-private partnerships—that make long-term treatment financially sustainable.
Tobey emphasized that improving outcomes for individuals also benefits society and business. “Workforce mental health, family stability, and community safety all improve when we invest in behavioral care. It’s not just ethical—it’s economic.”
Make the Promise2Live: Commit, Connect & Community
The March Town Hall reinforced what Promise2Live is all about: making the Promise to Live—and to help others do the same. Whether through cutting-edge neuroscience, real-world strategies, or deeper human connection, the path to recovery starts with awareness and action.
Huge thanks go to sponsor HealthyMindMap.com for generous partnership.
To learn more, get involved, or make the Promise2Live, visit www.Promise2Live.org.