Just Say Something Podcast

Episode 115: Tanner’s Hope

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with sisters Denise and Melissa, founders of Tanner’s Hope, a nonprofit created in memory of their father after he passed away from glioblastoma brain cancer. What began as a deeply personal journey has grown into an organization that provides financial assistance, practical guidance, and emotional support to families facing brain cancer diagnoses. Denise and Melissa share how travel costs, hotel stays, and time away from work can quickly become overwhelming when patients need specialized treatment outside the Upstate. Through Tanner’s Hope, they help remove some of those barriers so families can focus on care rather than logistics. They also connect families to national resources, clinical trial information, and second-opinion opportunities they wish they had known about during their own experience. The conversation is a moving reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, personal loss can inspire meaningful support for others. Through advocacy, fundraising, and one-on-one connection, Tanner’s Hope is helping families know they do not have to face brain cancer alone. Learn more at https://tannershope.org/ #tannershope #justsaysomething #greenvillescnonprofit #braincancer

Episode 114: Rand Williams Greenville Elks 858 DAC Lead

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Rand Williams of the Greenville Elks Drug Awareness Commission about the organization’s longstanding commitment to prevention, education, and community service. Rand shares how the Elks support youth and families through drug awareness initiatives, scholarship programs, sports competitions, and practical resources designed to help communities better understand emerging substance use trends. Rand also discusses his personal connection to this work, shaped by the impact of addiction within his own family. That experience fuels his passion for researching new and dangerous substances and translating complex information into accessible updates, including his widely shared “Elks Nuggets” emails that help parents, educators, and community members stay informed. The conversation highlights the broader mission of the Elks: raising funds to give back through scholarships, youth programs, veteran support, and prevention efforts. This episode is a powerful reminder that education, compassion, and community involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and families. Learn more at PreserveYourAir.com

Episode 113: Chelby Drafts - Miss Golden Corner

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark welcomes Chelby Drafts, Miss Golden Corner and Miss South Carolina candidate, to discuss her passion for substance abuse prevention and the personal story that drives her work. Chelby shares how growing up with a parent struggling with addiction shaped her perspective and inspired her to create her initiative, Breaking Cycles: Prevention Before Intervention. The conversation highlights the importance of early prevention, strong support systems, and empowering young people to make their own choices despite peer pressure and environmental influences. Chelby emphasizes that while addiction can run in families, it does not have to define a person’s future, and that confidence, self-awareness, and community support play a critical role in prevention. Phil and Chelby also discuss their collaboration on upcoming prevention efforts, including initiatives focused on vaping awareness and youth education. The episode closes with a powerful message about courage, speaking up, and the impact of choosing a different path, reminding listeners that prevention starts with both personal decisions and community support. We've launched a new website we would love for you to check out: PreserveYourAir.com.

Episode 112: What Happens When Communities Stay Silent

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark explores the impact of silence within communities and how it can unintentionally allow risky behaviors and challenges facing young people to go unchecked. He explains that prevention is not just about programs or one-time conversations, but about the culture we create and whether adults are willing to notice, engage, and speak up when something feels off. Phil highlights how silence can normalize harmful behaviors, isolate families, and reinforce stigma around topics like substance use and mental health. He emphasizes that speaking up doesn’t require confrontation or perfection; it simply means caring enough to check in, ask a question, or start a conversation. This episode is a powerful reminder that prevention happens in small, everyday moments, and that when communities choose connection over silence, they create safer, more supportive environments where young people can thrive.

Episode 111: Safer Doesn’t Mean Safe

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark addresses a common misconception surrounding vaping: the idea that because it may be “safer” than traditional cigarettes, it must be safe. Phil explains how this line of thinking can lower perceived risk, especially among teens, making vaping seem harmless or socially acceptable when it still carries significant health concerns. He highlights the realities of nicotine addiction, particularly for developing adolescent brains, and how vaping’s ease of access, lack of stigma, and ability to be hidden have contributed to its normalization. Phil also discusses the unknown long-term effects of vaping and how early use can influence decision-making and potentially lead to other risky behaviors over time. The episode emphasizes the importance of clear, ongoing conversations with young people—conversations that focus on understanding, not fear, and reminds listeners that prevention is about building awareness and critical thinking before those moments of choice occur.