Just Say Something Podcast

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Chris Hale from Mental Health America of Greenville County about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and the support available to anyone who may be struggling.

Chris explains that a crisis looks different for everyone, and you do not have to reach a certain level of distress before asking for help. As he puts it, “If in doubt, reach out.” Phil and Chris also discuss the stigma that can keep people from seeking help, what happens when someone contacts 988, and the trained professionals who are there to listen without judgment. Whether someone needs to talk through a difficult moment or needs help finding mental health, substance use, or other community resources, 988 is available by phone, text, or chat. The message is simple: you do not have to figure it out alone.

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Suzie Foley, Executive Director of the Greenville Free Medical Clinic, about the important role the clinic plays in providing healthcare to uninsured adults in Greenville County. Suzie explains how the clinic has evolved since opening in 1987 and how volunteer physicians, dentists, healthcare professionals, hospital systems, and community partners work together to provide comprehensive medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and behavioral health services.

Phil and Suzie also discuss the barriers that can prevent people from taking care of their health, including transportation, food access, housing, childcare, and financial challenges. Suzie shares how community health workers help patients address those needs while building trusted relationships that can lead to better health outcomes. The conversation highlights why collaboration among healthcare providers, nonprofits, and community organizations is so important in helping individuals and families access the care and resources they need.

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark reminds parents and caregivers that they do not have to wait until something goes wrong to start an important conversation. Prevention begins long before a bad grade, a call from school, a discovered vape, or another warning sign. It starts by building trust, communication, and connection through the everyday moments families already share.

Phil shares practical ways to move beyond questions like “How was school?” and create conversations that give parents a better window into what young people are experiencing. From friendships and academic stress to vaping, alcohol, social media, and peer pressure, the goal is not one perfect talk. It is creating a relationship where young people know they have a trusted adult who will ask questions, listen, and be there when difficult situations arise.

Phil can be reached at [email protected]

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks about youth vaping and why we cannot accept nicotine use as an inevitable part of growing up. While cigarette smoking among young people has declined dramatically, vaping has created a new challenge, and many young people may not fully understand the risks associated with nicotine and e-cigarettes.

Phil encourages parents and other trusted adults to focus less on lectures and more on connection. Prevention does not require one perfect conversation. It happens through small, honest conversations over time that build trust and give young people a safe place to ask questions and talk about what they are experiencing. He also highlights PreserveYourAir.com, a Just Say Something resource designed to provide parents, educators, students, and community members with reliable information about vaping, nicotine, and prevention.

#JustSaySomething #PreserveYourAir #VapingConversation 

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark shares everything you need to know about the 2026 Just Say Something Red Ribbon 5K, happening Sunday, October 4 at Sugar Creek Clubhouse #3 in Greer.

Whether you run, walk, volunteer, cheer from the sidelines, or bring the whole family for the Kids Fun Run, the event is an opportunity to come together for healthier kids, stronger families, and a healthier community.

But the Red Ribbon 5K is about much more than race day. Phil explains how participation supports Just Say Something's prevention programs, education, resources, and work with families throughout the community. Prevention starts before there is a crisis, with communication, strong relationships, and adults who are willing to have important conversations with young people. Every person who participates in the 5K helps make that work possible.

To register for the 5K, visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Greer/RedRibbon5KatSugarCreek

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark recognizes National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day, observed last week on August 21, while emphasizing that fentanyl awareness and prevention need our attention all year long!

Illicitly manufactured fentanyl can be found in counterfeit pills and other illegal drugs, meaning someone may be exposed without realizing what they are taking. Phil encourages parents and caregivers to make conversations about fentanyl, counterfeit pills, and substance use an ongoing part of helping young people make safer decisions.

Phil also highlights the work of the Power Collective, which brings organizations across Greenville County together to prevent opioid misuse and overdose through education, awareness, prevention, intervention, and community resources. From educating families and encouraging safe medication storage and disposal to reducing stigma and connecting people with resources, this work continues throughout the year.

National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day gives us an important opportunity to bring greater attention to the issue, but prevention can't be limited to a single day. Phil encourages families, schools, businesses, organizations, and community members to keep learning, sharing accurate information, and having conversations year-round. When it comes to fentanyl prevention, what we know, what we share, and what we do together can make a difference.

To learn more about Just Say Something's Power Collective initiative, visit PowerCollectiveSC.com

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark recognizes National Wellness Month and discusses why August is a great time for families to reset as summer winds down and a new school year begins. Phil explains that wellness goes far beyond exercise and nutrition. Healthy sleep, managing stress, taking breaks from technology, building positive relationships, staying active, and spending meaningful time together all contribute to stronger physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Phil also explores the connection between wellness and prevention, particularly for young people. Consistent routines, trusted adults, family meals, healthy boundaries, and opportunities for honest conversations can serve as protective factors that help children build resilience and make healthier decisions. He encourages parents and caregivers to look for simple opportunities to connect, whether around the dinner table, during a car ride, or while walking the dog.

The episode is a reminder that positive change doesn't require completely overhauling your life. Small, consistent choices can become healthy habits that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. As the school year begins, Phil encourages listeners to take care of themselves, stay connected to the young people in their lives, and remember that wellness and prevention go hand in hand.

Contact Just Say Something: justsaysomethingsc.org

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Cal Beyer, Senior Director of SAFE Workplaces at SAFE Project, about prevention, substance use, mental health, and the important role workplaces and communities can play in supporting people before a crisis occurs. Cal shares how his own experience with prescription pain medication as a teenager helped shape his commitment to prevention and taught him that substance misuse can affect anyone.

Phil and Cal discuss the stigma that can prevent people, particularly men working in physically demanding industries, from asking for help with mental health or substance use challenges. They also explore opioid safety in the workplace, the importance of naloxone access, and ways employers can take a more proactive approach to protecting and supporting their employees.

The conversation also emphasizes the power of prevention at home and in the community. Cal encourages parents and caregivers to educate themselves about today's substances, including the increased potency of THC, and to recognize the influence they can have as a protective factor in a young person's life. Ultimately, Phil and Cal remind listeners that prevention works best when families, businesses, nonprofits, and communities work together to address challenges before they become crises.

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark welcomes Lillian Garcia, Director of the Family Violence Intervention Program (FVIP) at Compass of Carolina, to discuss how education, accountability, and support can help break the cycle of family violence. Lillian explains how the program works with both victims and court-mandated offenders, providing practical tools to improve communication, manage emotions, and build healthier relationships. Offered in both English and Spanish, the program creates opportunities for lasting change through structured classes led by trained facilitators.

Lillian shares how many participants begin the program simply wanting to fulfill a court requirement but leave with a new understanding of themselves and the impact of their actions. Rather than focusing on shame, the program emphasizes personal growth, emotional regulation, and learning healthier ways to respond to conflict. The conversation also explores how breaking the cycle of violence can positively impact children and future generations.

The episode also highlights the importance of ongoing support through counseling and community resources. Phil and Lillian discuss how Compass of Carolina and Just Say Something work together to connect individuals and families with programs that strengthen relationships, improve communication, and provide hope for a healthier future.

Learn more about services at Compass of Carolina here: compassofcarolina.org

As families begin the countdown to a new school year, it's easy to focus on school supplies, class schedules, and getting everyone back into a routine. But one of the most important ways to prepare students for success doesn't come from a backpack or a classroom. It starts with connection. In this episode, Phil Clark discusses why the transition from summer to the school year is the perfect time for parents and caregivers to reconnect with their children, have meaningful conversations, and stay engaged in their lives. He shares why changes in behavior, peer influence, and social media deserve our attention, while reminding families that prevention begins with trust, communication, and strong relationships. As the new school year approaches, learn how staying connected can help students make healthy choices both inside and outside the classroom.