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In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson address a critical and often overlooked topic: the intersection between substance use disorders and human trafficking, with specific focus on Nevada. Through expert insights and compassionate discussion, this episode explores how substance use creates vulnerability to trafficking, how traffickers use drugs as tools of control, and the specialized support survivors need to heal from both trauma and addiction.

Content Warning: This episode discusses human trafficking, substance use, and trauma. While we approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for survivors, the subject matter may be difficult for some listeners.

The conversation features Jhenna Strasser, Manager of the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Jhenna leads collaborative efforts bringing together law enforcement, victim services, and community partners to combat human trafficking in Southern Nevada and support survivors on their path to freedom and recovery. Her expertise provides critical insight into trafficking patterns in our region, how to recognize warning signs, and the multidisciplinary approach needed to help survivors escape exploitation.

Also joining the discussion is Caspian "Cassie" Matheus, Outreach Director of the RISE Anti-Human Trafficking Program at Signs of HOPE. With more than a decade of experience in anti-violence work and victim advocacy, Cassie provides human trafficking-related training to law enforcement, hospitality and tourism partners, medical providers, victim service organizations, educational institutions, and other community members. As co-chair of the Victim Services Committee for the Southern Nevada Human Trafficking Task Force, Cassie offers an invaluable perspective on trauma-informed care and the comprehensive services survivors need to rebuild their lives.

Together, Jhenna, Cassie, Dr. Kamyar, and Amani examine why substance use and trafficking are so deeply interconnected. The discussion covers how pre-existing substance use creates vulnerability to exploitation, how traffickers deliberately use drugs to establish control and dependency, and why the cycle of addiction and trafficking becomes so difficult to break.

This is a difficult but essential conversation that aims to increase awareness, reduce st

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Send us a text

Visit empoweredmoms.org/podcast to share your thoughts, ask questions, or suggest future episode topics.

In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore the complex intersection between substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health challenges, especially as they affect women during pregnancy and early motherhood. Understanding how trauma, depression, anxiety, and other psychological factors intertwine with substance use provides essential insight into why integrated, compassionate care is so critical for recovery.

The conversation features Bianca McCall, a retired professional women’s basketball player, TED Speaker, healthcare CEO, and nationally recognized human behavior expert with 25 years of experience in behavioral health. Bianca’s work focuses on psychological injury prevention and innovative approaches to address dissociation, isolation, and the deeper human factors shaping mental wellness. Her expertise brings powerful context to the challenges pregnant and postpartum women face when navigating both mental health conditions and substance use disorder.

Joining the discussion is Rachel Mack, Program Director of EMPOWERED, who offers firsthand insight into the real-world barriers and opportunities experienced by the families the program serves. Rachel highlights the importance of wraparound services, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive approaches that meet each individual where they are. Her perspective helps illuminate how integrated support systems—not just clinical treatment—create pathways to recovery and resilience.

Together, Bianca, Rachel, Dr. Kamyar, and Amani dig into why mental health conditions and substance use so often co-occur, how pregnancy and postpartum shifts intensify these dynamics, and the central role trauma plays in both. The episode examines what effective integrated treatment looks like, the barriers that prevent women from accessing comprehensive care, and the innovations—such as telehealth, digital tools, and community-based models—that are reshaping dual-diagnosis support.

Through expert insights, practical strategies, and lived experience from those working directly with families, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how integrated, holistic care empowers women facing co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Send us a text

Visit empoweredmoms.org/podcast to share your thoughts, ask questions, or suggest future episode topics.

In this episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson explore the social determinants of health and how they shape experiences with substance use and recovery outcomes. Understanding these broader social, economic, and environmental factors helps illuminate the systems and contexts that affect both individual well-being and community health.

The conversation features Brittany, an EMPOWERED program client whose recovery journey deeply involved addressing key social determinants, including housing stability and access to supportive services. Her personal narrative brings a powerful perspective to how systemic support makes recovery possible.

Joining her is Dr. Joe Greer, Dean of the Roseman University College of Medicine, who came to Roseman in 2020 with a vision to build a medical school that truly grows from the community it serves. Before coming to Las Vegas, he spent years in Miami working directly with underserved communities, where he led the nationally recognized NeighborhoodHELP™ program at FIU. At Roseman, he and his team created GENESIS, a program providing household-centered care to Las Vegas while educating medical students about social determinants of health. His work has been recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama and a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship. He is also the author of Waking Up in America, about caring for people who are often overlooked and shaping policy that listens to real lived experience.

The episode explores what social determinants of health are and how factors like housing, employment, education, social support, and healthcare access specifically impact individuals with substance use disorders. Dr. Greer and Brittany discuss systematic changes that can improve recovery outcomes, how healthcare institutions can address social determinants, and the interconnectedness of individual and community health. Through personal stories and policy perspectives, listeners gain an understanding of how addressing these foundational needs supports lasting recovery and builds healthier communities.

If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.

If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.

EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.

Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.

Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.

Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.