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.

• Guests
  • Jodi Miller (peer recovery leader and co-host)
  • Sarah Grubb (Forensic Epidemiologist, Marion County Public Health Department)
  • Dr. Eric Yazel graduated from Indiana University with a B.S. in Biology, followed by a M.A. in Clinical Physiology from Ball State University. He received his Medical Degree from the University of Louisville and completed his residency in Emergency Medicine there as well, serving as Chief Resident.  He currently serves as the EMS Medical Director for the State of Indiana. In addition, he also hold positions as an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Louisville, Attending Physician at Norton Clark Emergency Department, Clark County Health Officer, Chief Medical Officer for LifeSpring Health Systems, and Chief Tactical Physician for the Jeffersonville Police Department. 
  • Justin Phillips, MA and White House Champion of Change for Advocacy, Prevention and Treatment is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Overdose Lifeline, Inc. (ODL). Justin is a featured speaker on the national, regional and local circuit sharing about the national opioid health crisis. Justin has received the Fairbanks Circle of Hope Award, the Drug Free Marion County Parent Advocate of the Year Award, and the Indiana Jefferson Award. The Indiana State Health Commissioner awarded Justin the Excellence in Public Health Award and in 2017 Justin testified before President’s Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction. In 2021 Justin spoke on two separate occasions to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. In 2024 Justin was named USA Today’s Indiana Woman of the Year, Forbes 50 over 50, Indiana Torchbearer, and Governor Holcomb awarded Justin the Sagamore of the Wabash which is the highest honor from the state.  

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

Podcast Information:

• Hosted by: Dean Babcock & Jodi Miller
• "A Look at the Numbers" Host: Allie Martin
• Executive Producer: Shawn P Neal
• Produced and Mixed at AdvoCast Leadership Advisory's Studio236

Beyond Substance explores substance use prevention, treatment, recovery, public health, and the people working to build healthier communities through informed conversations and evidence-based perspectives.

Topics:
Substance Use, Recovery, Prevention, Public Health, Mental Health, Community Health, Healthcare, Education

Hashtags:
#BeyondSubstance #SubstanceUse #Recovery #RecoveryMatters #Prevention #PublicHealth #MentalHealth #CommunityHealth #Healthcare #HealthEducation