Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West, we’re joined by Dr. James Willey , a hospitalist with University of Utah Health. Dr. Willey shares insights from his work improving care for hospitalized patients with substance use disorder, with a special focus on rural communities, Veterans, and alcohol use disorder. He also takes on some of our toughest questions — including...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West, we chat with Emily DiBlasi, PhD from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Utah Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine. Dr. DiBlasi shares insights from her work in genetics and explores how genetic research can help identify risk factors associated with suicide deaths. Resources from this episode: ⁠ Kem and Carolyn Ga...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Madeline Brendle, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Texas at Austin. We sit down with Dr. Brendle to discuss her work applying rigorous health services, health economics, and outcomes research methods to evaluate the real-world effectiveness, value, and implementation of behavioral health interventions. This podcast comes from the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam J. Gordon, MD MPH FACP DFASAM, to explore the world of kratom (whether you say kray-tom or krah-tom). Adam walks us through the history of kratom, what it is, its potential benefits and risks, and why it has become such a hot topic today. Resources from this episode: ‘Gas station heroin’ ban passes Utah Legislature - The Salt Lake Tribune Kratom: What You Nee...

In this episode, we are joined once again by Riley Drage, CPSS. This time, Riley talks with us about the future of drug checking and why this work is so essential. He also shares meaningful ways we can all practice compassion during overdose response. Resources from this episode: Learn more about ⁠Utah Naloxone’s resources and services⁠ , including their training and event calendar and a map of Ut...

In this episode, we are joined by Riley Drage, CPSS, Program Manager of Utah Naloxone . Riley shares how instrumental Utah Naloxone and Andy's Wellness Center have been in expanding access to risk reduction and overdose prevention services across Utah. He also reflects on his personal journey and how he continues to do what he does best: connecting the dots for individuals seeking education, r...

In this episode, we hear two powerful stories of lived experience from Shauna Filion and Reshma Arrington. Though their journeys are different, both share the profound experience of losing a loved one to a substance use disorder and how that loss has inspired their commitment to advocacy. Their stories highlight resilience, healing, and the meaningful ways they now support others in the recovery c...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we are joined by Mindy Vincent, MSW, LCSW, MPA, Founder and Executive Director of the Utah Harm Reduction Coalition (UHRC) . UHRC is a non-profit, community-based organization providing harm reduction services, education, and advocacy throughout the state of Utah. Mindy talks with us about the work of UHRC, her pioneering ef...

In this episode, we’re joined once again by Evan Done, Advocacy and Public Policy Director at Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA) , a statewide recovery community organization. Evan discusses the origins of the harm reduction movement, reflecting on how it began as a grassroots effort both within the community and in his own life, starting with the harm reduction supports he crea...

In this episode, we’re joined by Evan Done and Valerie Jansen from Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness (USARA). Together, we explore how Peer Support specialists—and the core values that guide their work—are shaping and strengthening harm reduction efforts here in Utah and beyond. Resources from this episode: Learn more about USARA here . Learn how to become a Utah Certified Peer Support...

In this episode, we sit down with Jennifer Harris, a person in long-term recovery and a dedicated harm reduction advocate in Salt Lake City. Jennifer opens up about her powerful journey to recovery and healing, and shares how harm reduction became a cornerstone of her resilience, sense of belonging, and commitment to helping others. Resources from this episode: Odyssey House of Utah Community Cris...

In this episode, we’re joined by Ashley Yaugher, PhD, a Health & Wellness Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor and HEART Initiative Coordinator at Utah State University (USU). Dr. Yaugher shares why stigma can be so damaging at every level, from individuals to entire communities. She also offers practical, approachable techniques we can all use to challenge stigma and connect wi...

In this episode, we’re joined by Mackenzie Bray, MPH, Executive Director of the Salt Lake Harm Reduction Project (SHRP), a vital community program providing free, confidential services in Salt Lake City to prevent HIV, Hepatitis, and overdose deaths. Mackenzie breaks down practical safer use strategies, from routes of administration and sterile syringes to fentanyl and xylazine test strips, and ta...

In this episode, we’re joined by Omar Syed, MD, an Addiction Medicine Fellow at the University of Utah. Dr. Syed talks with us about naloxone (Narcan) — a lifesaving medication that anyone can learn to use to help keep our community safer. You can learn more about Dr. Syed here . Resources from this episode: Learn the signs of an overdose at opidemic.utah.gov/overdoses Watch a step‑by‑step video o...

It’s totally normal to ask, “What is harm reduction?” It’s a movement often surrounded by misconceptions and misunderstanding. That’s why in this episode, we sit down with Dr. Yitong Xin from the University of Utah College of Social Work. Dr. Xin’s work centers on harm‑reduction strategies—including psychedelic‑assisted interventions—and strengths‑based research approaches. We talk about what harm...

In this festive final episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West for 2025, we’re sending warm holiday wishes to you and your loved ones! Tune in as we share practical ways to support one another and the recovery community during this cheerful and special season. Before we wrap up 2025, we’ve got exciting news: our brand-new harm reduction series, Use With Care , launches Wednesday...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Benjamin Lewis, MD, to explore his groundbreaking work with psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Lewis shares his perspective on how these therapies could transform care for individuals facing substance use disorders and mental health challenges, and discusses what it will take to make these treatments mo...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Reyes Esparza, MS, CHES, Health Educator and Wellness Coach at the University of Utah’s Center for Campus Wellness. Reyes discusses how his team is creating open, judgment-free spaces for college students to talk about substance use, set personal goals, and explore practical strategies for reducing risk. To...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Stephanie Fitch, MHA, MS, PCLC, LAC, PMH-C—Women’s and Children’s Grant Manager at Billings Clinic in Montana. Stephanie shares how her personal and professional experiences have shaped her work and helped bring the Montana Obstetric and Maternal Support (MOMS) program to life. If you are interested in collabora...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Dr. Corey Hayes from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to explore how data is driving innovation in substance use prevention and treatment. We also discuss the unexpected ways people can influence your professional and personal journey — often when you least expect it. This podcast comes from the⁠⁠...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we are joined by Becky Smith-Lacey to learn more about Ice Cream Social , a vibrant and friendly space to indulge in joy with old and new friends over a bowl of ice cream. We hear about Ice Cream Social's goal of creating a safe and welcoming space that is not centered around substances and is for everyone, especially th...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Jordan Dyett, PhD, LCSW, from the University of Wyoming to discuss her work connecting substance use disorder research with community. Dr. Dyett shares how she unexpectedly (but proudly) found her way into this field, offers examples of her own community-based participatory research, and reflects on where she ho...

In this episode of Let’s Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we’re joined by Dr. Marcy Hanson, Associate Professor at the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing on the Missoula campus. Dr. Hanson shares her passion for perinatal mental health and substance use, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in supporting individuals, families, and communities during and after pregnancy. S...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Susannah Burt from Weber Human Services to explore the unique strengths of Weber County, Utah. From strong community connections to innovative local efforts, Susannah highlights what makes the region resilient. We also dive into the challenges the county faces and discuss why prevention is often considered t...

In this episode of Let's Talk About Drugs in the Intermountain West , we sit down with Laura Stolebarger, BSN, and Natasha England to explore the CONNECT Project, a powerful initiative supporting care transitions for individuals with substance use disorders. Join us as we discuss how healthcare providers and community partners can work together to ensure patients receive compassionate, continu...