Épisodes

  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    53 min
  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    51 min
  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    59 min
  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    47 min
  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    59 min
  • 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
    • Interview Segment Producer: Angela Shamblin
    • Personal Story Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
    • Mixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    48 min
  • Knowledge is Power

    Knowledge is Power
    May 1 2025
    In this episode of Beyond Substance, hosts Dean Babcock and Jodi Miller explore the critical intersection of research, personal experience, and community support in addressing substance use and recovery. They engage with experts Dr. Brad Ray and Dr. Katrina "Kat" Thomas, who share insights on drug trends, the impact of overdose data, and the importance of empathy and education in combating stigma. The conversation emphasizes the need for harm reduction strategies, the role of naloxone, and the power of personal stories in fostering hope and resilience within communities.Segment 1Dr. Brad Ray is a Senior Researcher at RTI International with a PhD in Sociology and Anthropology who conducts research at the intersection of public health and public safety that is aimed at overdose prevention. His training includes multiple quantitative and qualitative methodologies, and he has been the principal investigator on grants from the National Institutes on Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institute of Justice. He has conducted numerous randomized trials, integrated large statewide datasets to identify overdose touchpoints, and studied the implementation of multiple harm reduction strategies. Dr. Ray also oversees technical assistance to state governments to implement programming at the intersection of public health and public safety systems.Segment 2In this conversation, Dr. Katrina "Kat" Thomas shares her personal journey through substance use and recovery, highlighting the impact of trauma and the importance of seeking help. She discusses her transition from personal struggles to a professional career in counseling and advocacy, emphasizing the evolving landscape of substance use and the need for community support. Dr. Kat addresses the stigma surrounding addiction and the misconceptions that persist, ultimately encouraging listeners to seek reliable resources and never give up hope.TakeawaysFentanyl has taken over the illegal opioid market.The transition from heroin to fentanyl has changed drug use dynamics.Drug seizures can lead to increased overdose risks.Naloxone distribution is crucial for overdose prevention.Listening to people with lived experience is vital for effective interventions.Stigma surrounding substance use continues to be a major barrier.Radical empathy is essential in service work.Chapters00:00 Opening01:55 Understanding Drug Trends and Overdose Data04:58 The Role of Research in Public Health10:03 The Impact of Drug Seizures on Overdoses14:51 Innovative Approaches to Harm Reduction19:55 Dispelling Myths About Substance Use25:06 The Journey of Recovery and Resilience30:07 Advocacy and the Power of Personal Experience35:13 The Importance of Community Support40:01 Looking Ahead: Future Conversations on RecoveryHosted by Dean Babcock and Jodi MillerInterview Segment Producer: Angela ShamblinPersonal Story Producer: Shawn P NealExecutive Producer: Shawn P NealMixed at AvoCast Studio236#BeyondSubstance #SubstanceUseRecovery #HarmReduction #OpioidCrisis #NaloxoneSavesLives #FentanylAwareness #AddictionRecoveryStories #TraumaInformedCare #DrugPolicyReform #MentalHealthMatters #RecoveryIsPossible #PeerSupport #OverdosePrevention #RadicalEmpathy #StigmaFreeRecovery #PublicHealthResearch #CriminalJusticeReform #LivedExperienceMatters #IndianaRecovery #CommunityHealing #ShawnPNeal #AdvoCastPodcast Information:Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi MillerInterview Segment Producer: Angela ShamblinPersonal Story Producer: Shawn P NealExecutive Producer: Shawn P NealMixed at: AvoCast Studio236
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    51 min
  • The Impact of Substance Use Disorder on Pregnancy

    The Impact of Substance Use Disorder on Pregnancy
    Mar 1 2025
    This episode of Beyond Substance explores the complex and often misunderstood topic of substance use disorder during pregnancy and beyond. Hosts Dean Babcock talks with expert Dr. Camila Arnado and Jodi Miller talks with Ashna Clark.

    Segment 1: Co-Host Dean Babcock talks with Dr. Camila Arnaudo. Dr. Arnaudo shares her journey as an addiction psychiatrist, her insights on the complexities of substance use among pregnant individuals, and the evolving trends in substance use. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the risks involved and the need for supportive care for pregnant individuals facing substance use disorders. This conversation delves into the complexities of substance use during and after pregnancy, highlighting the critical postpartum period where risks of relapse and overdose increase.

    Segment 2: In our personal story, Co-Host Jodi Miller welcomes Ashna Clark. Ashna shares her profound journey through addiction, motherhood, and recovery. She reflects on her challenging childhood, early pregnancies, and the difficult decisions she made, including giving her first child up for adoption. Ashna discusses her struggles with substance abuse, the turning points that led her to seek help, and the importance of community support in her recovery. Now a child advocate, she emphasizes the significance of being a present and loving mother, while also offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.

    Takeaways
    • There are significant barriers to treatment for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
    • The postpartum period presents unique challenges and risks for mothers in recovery.
    • Stigma and fear of judgment prevent many from seeking help.
    • Mothers often love their children deeply, despite their struggles with addiction.
    • The relationship between mother and baby can motivate recovery efforts.
    • Compassionate care is essential in treating substance use disorders during pregnancy.

    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction to Substance Use Disorder and Pregnancy
    03:08 Understanding the Statistics and Challenges
    06:01 Expert Insights from Dr. Camila Arnado
    12:12 The Complexities of Substance Use During Pregnancy
    17:50 The Postpartum Period: Risks and Realities
    23:59 Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help
    30:00 Ashna Clark's Journey: A Personal Story of Recovery
    42:03 Hope and Support: Building a New Life
    45:52 Conclusion and Future Discussions



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