Episodes

  • The Marijuana Conversation

    The Marijuana Conversation
    Feb 28 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the complex and often confusing conversation surrounding marijuana use.

    Joined first by psychiatrist and geriatric specialist Dr. John Wernert, the discussion examines the history of cannabis regulation, what current research tells us about safety and brain development, and why age and frequency of use matter.

    The episode then shifts to two lived-experience stories. "Miles" reflects on starting marijuana use in high school, moving to Colorado where it was legal, and later working in the cannabis industry before stepping away. "David," now substance-free for nearly sixteen years, shares how marijuana and alcohol functioned as self-medication and why recovery ultimately meant choosing clarity over intoxication.

    Together, these perspectives offer a balanced and thoughtful look at marijuana’s risks, realities, and impact across a lifetime.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview Summary
    Dean speaks with Dr. John Wernert, a psychiatrist and geriatrician with more than four decades of experience in clinical care and behavioral health integration. Dr. Wernert explains how cannabis has evolved from a historically criminalized substance to one that is now legal for medical or recreational use in many states, while still remaining federally classified as a Schedule I substance. The conversation addresses common misconceptions about marijuana safety, the differences between THC and CBD, and the importance of understanding the developing brain. Dr. Wernert highlights research showing that younger individuals may be more vulnerable to cognitive and psychiatric risks, particularly with frequent or high-potency use. He also discusses the growing use of cannabis among older adults seeking relief from chronic pain, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and mood symptoms, emphasizing the need for medical supervision, accurate labeling, and responsible use.

    Segment 2: Personal Story Summary
    Jodi interviews two guests who bring lived experience to the conversation. "Miles" shares how marijuana became part of his life in high school as a way to fit in and connect socially. After moving to Colorado for college, he experienced the cultural shift of legalization and eventually worked in the recreational cannabis industry. While he observed customers seeking both recreational and symptom relief benefits, he later recognized that habitual use had affected his motivation and stress response. In recovery, he reflects on the importance of moderation, brain development, and understanding why we use substances in the first place. "David" offers the perspective of long-term recovery. Beginning marijuana and alcohol use at a young age, he describes how both became tools for self-medication, particularly for anxiety and fear. He used daily for decades before eventually achieving sobriety. Now nearly sixteen years substance-free, David speaks candidly about motivation loss, lingering cognitive effects, and the clarity that came with recovery. He also addresses the concept of “California sober,” explaining why abstinence from all mood-altering substances is necessary for his own recovery.

    Takeaways
    • Age and brain development significantly influence the impact of marijuana use.
    • Legalization reduces stigma but does not eliminate cognitive, emotional, or motivational risks.
    • Marijuana may provide symptom relief, but self-medication can mask deeper issues.
    • High-potency products and inconsistent labeling increase safety concerns.
    • Recovery and moderation are deeply personal decisions rooted in self-awareness and clarity.

    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #MarijuanaConversation #CannabisEducation #SubstanceUseAwareness #RecoveryJourney #BrainHealth #YouthPrevention #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthMatters #CBDandTHC #SubstanceFree #ClarityInRecovery #PublicHealthConversation #EndTheStigma #ResponsibleUse #IntegratedCare

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
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    53 mins
  • Medications in Adolescent Recovery

    Medications in Adolescent Recovery
    Jan 22 2026
    In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller focus on adolescence, substance use, and the role treatment and medications can play when young people struggle. Dean speaks with Dr. Alexander Thomas, an addiction psychiatrist and program director, about when medication should be considered for adolescents, why opioid use requires earlier medical intervention, and why integrated treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions matters. Jodi interviews Spencer Medcalf, a person in long-term recovery who began using substances as a teenager, about early warning signs, stigma, gaps in adolescent services, and what helped him move from despair to a life he values. Together, these conversations offer clear guidance for families, clinicians, and communities, with compassion for what young people and caregivers carry.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview Summary (Dean + Dr. Alexander Thomas)
    Dean’s conversation with Dr. Alexander Thomas centers on the realities of treating adolescent substance use disorders with clinical precision and caution. Dr. Thomas explains that substance use often begins in the teen years, yet research, treatment systems, and public dialogue frequently focus on adults. He emphasizes that medication decisions depend first on the substance involved. For adolescents using opioids, he recommends bringing medication into treatment early because of overdose risk and the strength of evidence supporting medication for opioid use disorder. Dr. Thomas outlines a practical framework for decision-making. For many substances, especially when severity is mild or moderate, clinicians should start with therapy and psychosocial interventions, including individual therapy, family involvement, and environmental changes. Medication becomes more appropriate when risk and severity increase, when therapy alone has not been sufficient, and when a reliable system exists to support adherence. He also stresses that adolescents metabolize medications differently than adults, and many medications used in adults have limited evidence in youth, which increases the need for careful risk-benefit justification.

    Segment 2: Personal Story Summary (Jodi + Spencer Medcalf)
    Jodi’s interview with Spencer Medcalf reveals what adolescent substance use can look like from the inside, long before a young person has the language to describe what they are feeling. Spencer describes a childhood with an early sense of stability, followed by a sudden rupture when he discovered his mother intoxicated and later learned it was the day she filed for divorce. That moment marked a shift in his foundation, and by his mid-teens, he began using alcohol and marijuana, then escalated quickly into opioids and benzodiazepines.


    Takeaways
    • Adolescent substance use often begins earlier than adults expect, and treatment systems still lag behind that reality.
    • Medication for teens requires careful clinical judgment, limited youth-specific evidence means risk-benefit decisions must be individualized.
    • Opioid use disorder in adolescents warrants early medical involvement due to overdose risk and the effectiveness of medication-based treatment.
    • Integrated care matters, treating substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions together improves outcomes and reduces suffering.
    • Families can influence recovery by changing what they control, communication patterns, supervision systems, and the environments a teen moves through.
    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance, #RecoveryIsPossible, #AdolescentSubstanceUse, #TeenMentalHealth, #YouthRecovery, #SubstanceUseDisorder, #AddictionRecovery, #MedicationAssistedTreatment, #OpioidUseDisorder, #Naltrexone, #Buprenorphine, #Methadone, #CoOccurringDisorders, #IntegratedCare, #FamilySupport, #TraumaInformedCare, #SuicidePrevention, #HarmReduction, #ShawnPNeal, #AdvoCast

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Finding Recovery Through Employee Assistance Programs

    Finding Recovery Through Employee Assistance Programs
    Nov 30 2025
    Hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the human side of public safety in this moving episode of Beyond Substance. Brandon Dreiman, a retired Indianapolis firefighter and wellness coach, shares how peer support and employee assistance programs are breaking barriers to care for first responders. Jerry Richard, a veteran firefighter, opens up about his decades-long struggle with alcohol use, the toll it took on his life, and how recovery helped him reclaim purpose and connection. Together, their stories illuminate the vital role of lived experience, trauma-informed care, and trust-based support systems in healing public servants on the front lines.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview Summary
    Dean speaks with Brandon Dreiman, a 23-year veteran of the Indianapolis Fire Department and former wellness coordinator, now a recovery coach at Pro Team Wellness. Brandon outlines how peer support systems and employee assistance programs (EAPs) work—especially those tailored to public safety. He emphasizes the unique challenges first responders face, including elevated rates of PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Brandon shares data showing one in three firefighters may have diagnosable AUD, yet stigma and job culture still keep many from seeking help. Through first-hand insights, Brandon breaks down how trust, confidentiality, and peer-led connections can help bridge the gap between suffering and recovery.

    Segment 2: Personal Story Summary
    Jodi introduces Jerry Richard, a firefighter whose passion for service masked a private battle with addiction. From early marijuana use to years of secretive alcohol dependency, Jerry reflects on the personal and professional consequences of his substance use—and the moment when he finally asked for help. With honesty and humility, he shares the losses that pushed him back into substance use after a period of sobriety, and how peer support and breathwork therapy helped him begin again. Today, Jerry leads with compassion, offering others the same safe space and support that saved his own life.

    Takeaways
    • First responders experience high rates of trauma-related conditions, including PTSD and substance use disorder.
    • Alcohol use remains the most common—and most overlooked—issue in public safety professions.
    • Peer support programs, when backed by confidentiality and lived experience, are powerful tools for early intervention.
    • Recovery is possible—even for those who once believed it was out of reach.
    • Changing the culture starts with telling the truth: you're not alone, and help exists.

    Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #RecoveryIsPossible #FirstResponderWellness #PeerSupportWorks #EmployeeAssistance #PublicSafetyMentalHealth #TraumaInformedCare #StigmaFree #AlcoholUseDisorder #SubstanceUseRecovery #FirefighterMentalHealth #JodiMiller #DeanBabcock #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #AddictionRecovery #EAPSupport #PTSDRecovery #MentalHealthAwareness

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
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    53 mins
  • When Schools Become a Part of Recovery

    When Schools Become a Part of Recovery
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore how schools play a critical role in shaping youth experiences with substance use, prevention, and recovery. John Ferguson, a licensed marriage and family therapist with decades of experience, shares how supportive school policies and family engagement can prevent escalation and foster resilience. Ted, a parent in recovery, offers a deeply personal look at how he and his family navigated his son’s high school substance use challenges—finding hope through compassionate educators, recovery resources, and open communication. Together, these conversations reveal how recovery for young people begins not with punishment, but with presence, understanding, and connection.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview – John Ferguson
    Dean speaks with John Ferguson, a licensed marriage and family therapist and manager of the Ascension St. Vincent School-Based Mental Health Program, about how school systems address substance use among students. Drawing from two decades of experience in both youth and adult treatment settings, John discusses the evolving landscape of school-based interventions—from traditional prevention and education to trauma-informed and family-integrated approaches.


    Segment 2: Personal Story – Ted’s Family Journey
    In a candid and heartfelt conversation, Ted shares how his own recovery journey became intertwined with his son’s struggle with substance use during high school. When his son began experimenting with marijuana and vaping, Ted and his wife faced a difficult path—navigating school policies, family emotions, and community stigma. What they found, however, was compassion and partnership from school counselors, coaches, and eventually, an alternative recovery school, Hope Academy, that helped their son rediscover purpose and stability.


    Takeaways
    • Supportive, comprehensive school policies—those that include prevention, counseling, and treatment—create better outcomes than punitive or zero-tolerance approaches.
    • Family engagement and advocacy are vital in addressing youth substance use; schools and parents are most effective when they work as partners.
    • Substance use often coexists with mental health challenges; trauma-informed teaching and early detection make a measurable difference.
    • Compassion, communication, and connection—not punishment—are the foundations of true prevention and recovery.


    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #AdvoCast #ShawnPNeal #DeanBabcock #JodiMiller #HopeAcademy #YouthRecovery #SubstanceUsePrevention #SchoolCounseling #TraumaInformedCare #MentalHealthMatters #FamilyRecovery #AddictionAwareness #RecoveryIsPossible #CommunityHealing #ParentingInRecovery #VapingAwareness #ZeroToleranceReform #SupportNotStigma #AdvoCastMedia

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
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    51 mins
  • Season 2 Finale: Panel on Overdose Deaths- Progress and Challenges

    Season 2 Finale: Panel on Overdose Deaths- Progress and Challenges
    Sep 1 2025
    In the season two finale of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller bring together a panel of leaders working across Indiana to address the opioid epidemic. Joining the conversation are Jodi Miller (peer recovery leader and co-host), Sarah Grubb (Forensic Epidemiologist, Marion County Public Health Department), Dr. Eric Yazel (ER Physician and Indiana EMS Medical Director), and Justin Phillips (Founder of Overdose Lifeline). Together, they reflect on the progress made in reducing overdose deaths, examine data-driven insights and community initiatives, and highlight the ongoing challenges that demand attention. This roundtable brings multiple perspectives—clinical, public health, advocacy, and lived experience—into a collective call for continued collaboration, innovation, and hope.

    Takeaways
    • Naloxone access saves lives: Large-scale distribution and low-barrier access remain critical.
    • Bridge programs matter: Linking ER patients to long-term care improves outcomes and prevents relapse.
    • Data drives change: Real-time overdose surveillance helps communities respond quickly and effectively.
    • Peer support builds hope: Recovery coaches create essential trust and reduce stigma.
    • Equity is essential: Addressing racial and demographic disparities must remain a priority.

    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #OpioidEpidemic #RecoveryIsPossible #NaloxoneSavesLives #HarmReduction #SubstanceUseRecovery #EndOverdose #PeerRecovery #IndianaRecovery #CommunityHealth #DataDrivenSolutions #MAT #BridgeProgram #PublicHealth #Epidemiology #OverdoseLifeline #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #StigmaFree #HopeAndRecovery

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
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    59 mins
  • Finding Recovery in Community Corrections

    Finding Recovery in Community Corrections
    Aug 6 2025
    In this powerful episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Jodi Miller and Dean Babcock explore recovery, redemption, and the systems that support both. Jodi sits down with Megan Pino, a graduate of the Hamilton County Drug Court Program, who shares her deeply personal journey through addiction, motherhood, and healing. Dean interviews Morgan Walker, Executive Director of Hancock County Community Corrections, who offers a systems-level look at how evidence-based practices and collaborative support structures are transforming the criminal justice landscape. Together, their stories reflect the heart of what real recovery looks like—accountability, compassion, and hope.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview
    Dean speaks with Morgan Walker, Executive Director of Hancock County Community Corrections, to discuss the evolving role of community corrections within the justice system. Morgan emphasizes a shift from compliance-focused models to evidence-based approaches that prioritize client outcomes and dignity. She explains how her agency integrates partnerships with recovery programs, case managers, and the courts to create holistic support systems for individuals with substance use disorders. Morgan also reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped service delivery and revealed the need for flexible, human-centered strategies. Her insights provide a critical lens into how justice-involved individuals can be empowered through meaningful engagement, supportive accountability, and compassionate systems.

    Segment 2: Personal Story
    Megan Pino opens up to Jodi Miller about her struggle with alcohol use, the pain of repeated legal consequences, and the toll it took on her children and sense of self. After her fourth DUI, Megan reached a breaking point—and what followed was a life-changing journey through the Hamilton County Drug Court and Community Corrections programs. Through tears, gratitude, and fierce honesty, Megan shares how accountability, structure, and support helped her reclaim her identity. She reflects on rebuilding trust with her children, rediscovering her worth, and how gratitude became a powerful tool in her ongoing recovery. Megan’s story reminds us that people are not defined by their lowest moments—and that recovery is possible with the right support system.


    Takeaways
    • Community corrections is shifting toward evidence-based, compassionate support strategies.
    • Recovery journeys often begin with accountability—and are sustained through connection.
    • Drug courts can serve as life-saving interventions when integrated with wraparound services.
    • Systems that honor dignity can transform justice-involved lives.
    • Personal healing often involves rebuilding relationships and rediscovering self-worth.


    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236


    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #RecoveryIsPossible #CommunityCorrections #DrugCourt #HarmReduction #AccountabilityInRecovery #TraumaInformedCare #EvidenceBasedPractice #AddictionRecovery #JusticeReform #WomenInRecovery #SupportNotStigma #PeerSupportMatters #HealingJourneys #JodiMiller #DeanBabcock #CriminalJusticeSupport #RedemptionStories

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
    Show More Show Less
    47 mins
  • Perspectives on Stigma in Medical Care

    Perspectives on Stigma in Medical Care
    Jul 1 2025
    In this powerful episode, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore stigma from two deeply connected vantage points: the clinical world of healthcare and the lived reality of addiction and recovery. Dr. Christopher Suelzer, a retired internal medicine physician with decades of experience treating veterans, shares his perspective on how stigma within the medical community affects patient care and trust. Then, we meet Gloria Haynes, a woman in long-term recovery whose journey from addiction to becoming a respected peer recovery coach reveals the transformative power of support and self-worth. Together, their insights challenge us to dismantle bias and see the humanity behind the diagnosis.

    Segment 1: Professional Interview Summary
    Dr. Christopher Suelzer, a primary care physician and long-time advocate for veterans and people with substance use disorders, offers a candid look into the role healthcare providers play in perpetuating or alleviating stigma. He describes how stigmatizing assumptions—often subconscious—can erode trust, reduce treatment efficacy, and undermine patient autonomy. Drawing from real-life examples, he emphasizes that providers must challenge ingrained biases, receive better training, and prioritize compassion alongside clinical skill. Dr. Suelzer also explores the systemic nature of stigma, how language and charting practices reinforce it, and the urgent need for exposure to recovery narratives in medical education.

    Segment 2: Personal Story Summary
    Jodi Miller sits down with Gloria Haynes, a certified peer recovery coach and perinatal community health worker whose recovery journey began in a Cook County jail. Gloria recounts her descent from a fast-paced life in Chicago into addiction, homelessness, and incarceration. Through court-ordered treatment and a critical moment of surrender, she found her way into long-term recovery. Gloria’s story highlights the impact of supportive judges, the healing power of community, and the strength that comes from lived experience. Today, she works with pregnant and postpartum women, physicians, and recovery programs, using her voice to inspire connection, empathy, and change.

    Takeaways
    • Stigma in healthcare can lead to delayed treatment, inadequate care, and broken trust between providers and patients.
    • Recovery is not just possible—it’s powerful. Seeing people thrive in recovery changes how professionals understand substance use.
    • Self-stigma is real, but connection, community, and purpose can break through shame and transform lives.
    • Person-first, non-stigmatizing language matters. It shapes how people are perceived—and how they perceive themselves.
    • Both systemic change and individual empathy are needed to truly support recovery in medical and community settings.


    Podcast Information
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #RecoveryIsPossible #AddictionRecovery #StigmaFreeHealthcare #PeerRecovery #SubstanceUseDisorder #VeteransRecovery #DrChrisSuelzer #GloriaHaynes #JodiMiller #DeanBabcock #NaloxoneSavesLives #MATWorks #PersonFirstLanguage #EmpathyInMedicine #HealthcareBias #CHAMPIndiana #WeCare #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • Finding Recovery In Jail

    Finding Recovery In Jail
    Jun 1 2025
    In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore how the criminal justice system—particularly county jails—can be a surprising gateway to recovery. Through conversations with Kelly Gunn, Director of Jail Programs in Hamilton County, and Jennifer Bella, a peer recovery coach who found hope behind bars, this episode examines the transformation possible when dignity, support, and structured programs are prioritized. Together, their stories highlight the intersection of incarceration, trauma, and recovery—and the systems working to bridge the gap between punishment and healing.

    Segment 1
    Kelly Gunn, Director of Jail Programs in Hamilton County, shares her experience running recovery-oriented reentry services inside the jail. She outlines the shift in local policy that now keeps many level-six felony offenders in county jails, creating a need for more structured, rehabilitative programming. Gunn highlights Hamilton County's TOWER program and the women’s Launch Hope initiative, which provide therapy, life skills, employment support, and community-based reentry services. She emphasizes the importance of voluntary engagement and ongoing support beyond incarceration, and how partnerships with nonprofits, employers, and treatment providers help build a system of hope.

    Segment 2
    Jennifer Bella’s powerful personal story reveals a recovery journey that began during her 16-month incarceration. After years of abuse, addiction, and multiple felonies, she was introduced to Launch Hope in the Hamilton County Jail. With the support of peer mentors and Jodi’s Refuel Wellness program, Jennifer has found her purpose. Today, she is a peer recovery coach, helping others through the same system that once held her. Her story is a testimony to what happens when people are met with trust, tools, and belief in their worth. Takeaways
    • Jails can become a starting point for recovery with the right programming and support.
    • Hamilton County’s TOWER and Launch Hope programs provide holistic, trauma-informed care inside jail walls.
    • Jennifer Bella’s story shows that recovery can begin in jail—with the right support system and structure.
    • Programs like Suboxone and Vivitrol are essential tools for safe transition out of incarceration.
    • Peer mentors and post-release support are key to reducing recidivism and sustaining recovery.
    Chapters
    00:00 Opening Reflections and Data Overview
    03:43 Introducing Kelly Gunn and Hamilton County Programs
    06:42 The Need for Structured Reentry Support
    09:32 Partnering with Other Jails and Expanding Services
    12:57 Launch Hope and Refuel Wellness
    18:23 Medication-Assisted Treatment and Harm Reduction
    21:26 Measuring Success Beyond Recidivism
    24:44 Jennifer Bella's Story: Loss, Addiction, and Incarceration
    30:28 Transformation Through Launch Hope
    34:14 Reentry, Peer Coaching, and Continued Barriers
    41:08 Stigma, Determination, and a Message of Hope
    46:51 Looking Ahead

    Podcast Information
    Hosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller
    Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    Mixed at AvoCast Studio236

    Episode Hashtags
    #BeyondSubstance #RecoveryBehindBars #LaunchHope #PeerSupport #SubstanceUseRecovery #HarmReduction #ReentryPrograms #TOWERProgram #AddictionRecoveryStories #CriminalJusticeReform #PublicHealthInJails #IndianaRecovery #NaloxoneSavesLives #MATPrograms #StigmaFreeRecovery #RefuelWellness #JenniferBella #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCast #CommunityHealing

    Podcast Information:
    • Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Audio Engineer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AdvoCast Studio236
    Show More Show Less
    48 mins