The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Join Dr. Ken Huey on The Voice of Hope, where real stories and expert insights meet to inspire healing and transformation. With decades of experience in behavioral health and trauma therapy, Dr. Huey draws from his personal journey and professional expertise to offer practical advice for families, adoptees, and anyone seeking growth. Discover strategies to navigate trauma, build stronger relationships, and embrace hope in every episode. Tune in for thoughtful conversations that uplift and empower.
The Voice of Hope with Dr. Ken Huey
Brent Esplin, LMFT - Leading with Hope: Building Trust, Teams, and Treatment for Teens in Crisis
In this episode of The Voice of Hope, Dr. Ken Huey sits down with Brent Esplin, LMFT - Executive Director at Oasis Ascent and a seasoned leader in adolescent residential treatment. With more than 20 years of experience in behavioral health, Brent shares his deep passion for working with teens, his collaborative leadership philosophy, and his unique approach to building trust with youth in emotional pain.
From ski slopes to staff meetings, Brent reveals how connection, humility, and intentional team-building can catalyze healing. He also discusses the evolving dialogue around suicide prevention and offers parents practical guidance on having hard conversations with their kids.
Whether you're a clinician, parent, or program leader, this episode is a powerful reminder that hope isn’t a buzzword - it’s a process.
00:14 — Introduction
Ken Huey introduces Brent Esplin, LMFT, and his role at Oasis Ascent.
00:56 — What drew you into working with adolescents in residential treatment?
Brent shares how he "fell into" working with teens during his clinical training—and how it became his passion.
02:05 — How long do teens typically stay at Oasis, and how do you foster stability in such a short time?
Brent outlines the 60–90 day model and explains how they serve as one important step on the healing journey.
02:56 — You're known for building strong teams. What do you look for when assembling your leadership group?
Brent talks about hiring to offset his own weaknesses and creating space for creative autonomy.
04:40 — Tell us more about your leadership philosophy.
He describes his collaborative, trust-based approach and how it empowers others to grow.
06:18 — Do you see yourself more as a therapist or a business leader—and how do you balance the two?
Brent shares how his clinical training helps him understand systems—from families to organizations—and how his wife (a CPA) helps him navigate the business side.
10:00 — You work with teens in pain. How do you build trust with someone who is standoffish or guarded?
Brent gives real-world tips, from sneaker talk to musical interests, that help him connect with teens in authentic ways.
12:17 — You've spoken about suicide prevention. What needs to shift in our broader cultural conversations about suicide, especially among teens?
Brent reflects on the past 15 years of progress and what more needs to be done to equip both parents and peers with language and tools for these critical conversations.
17:03 — Is there a story from Oasis that still motivates you today?
He recounts a ski trip with a student who had never skied—and how that moment reframed the boy’s identity for his parents and himself.
21:08 — The theme of this podcast is struggle leading to hope. Do you have a personal or professional story that fits that arc?
Brent shares how that same student returned a year later to thank the staff—and how Oasis became a turning point in his life. Brent reflects on what it means to offer "a place of refuge and healing" and to bring an abundance of hope.
23:53 — How can people get in touch with you or learn more about Oasis Ascent?
Brent provides his contact details and highlights his commitment to personally connecting with families in crisis.
