Episode 120: The First 30 Days of School

Episode 120: The First 30 Days of School

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark explains why the first 30 days of a new school year are some of the most important when it comes to prevention, healthy habits, and student success. While parents often focus on school supplies and schedules, Phil encourages listeners to also pay attention to the routines, friendships, and connections students are building during those first few weeks, as these early experiences can shape the rest of the school year. Phil shares practical ways parents and caregivers can support their children by asking meaningful questions, creating opportunities for natural conversations, establishing healthy routines, and staying engaged in their child's emotional well-being. He also discusses the role that belonging, school connectedness, and trusted relationships play in reducing risky behaviors and helping young people make healthy decisions. The episode reminds listeners that prevention doesn't happen through one big conversation. It happens through consistent connection, everyday interactions, and showing up for young people before challenges arise. As a new school year begins, Phil encourages families and communities to focus on building the strong relationships that help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom.

Episode 119: Tyler Burgess - CEO of SE Retail

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark welcomes back Tyler Burgess, CEO of SE Retail, for an honest and deeply personal conversation about addiction, recovery, family, and the power of communication. Tyler shares his journey from being prescribed Adderall for ADHD to developing a severe addiction that eventually led him to seek treatment and rebuild his life. Today, he celebrates nearly a decade of recovery and reflects on the lessons he has learned along the way. Tyler talks candidly about the role his wife, Laura, played in his recovery, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and why support systems matter. He explains that recovery is not something anyone can do alone and emphasizes the value of trusted friends, family members, therapists, and community connections that provide accountability and encouragement. Throughout the conversation, Phil and Tyler return to a central theme: communication. Whether talking about addiction, mental health, parenting, or everyday challenges, both stress the importance of creating safe spaces for honest conversations. The episode is a powerful reminder that asking for help is a sign of strength, recovery is possible, and meaningful change often begins with a simple conversation. Thank you for being on the podcast, Tyler!

Episode 118: Kimberly Tissot with Able - South Carolina

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Kimberly Tissot, CEO of Able South Carolina, about the organization’s mission to empower people with disabilities and create a more inclusive South Carolina. Kimberly explains how Able South Carolina helps individuals gain greater independence, understand their rights, navigate life transitions, and access the resources they need to thrive. The conversation explores the broad definition of disability and highlights the many barriers people with disabilities still face, from transportation and employment challenges to stigma and misconceptions. Kimberly shares how Able South Carolina works through education, advocacy, leadership development, and direct support services to help individuals and families overcome those barriers while promoting self-advocacy and inclusion. Phil and Kimberly also discuss the importance of listening to and learning directly from the disability community when developing programs, policies, and services. The episode is a powerful reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to live with dignity, independence, and a sense of belonging, and that stronger communities are built when everyone has a seat at the table. Learn more about Able: https://www.able-sc.org/ [https://www.able-sc.org/] To be a guest on our podcast, email: phillip@justsaysomethingsc.org

Episode 117: Dennis Gillan - Half A Sorrow Foundation

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark talks with Dennis Gillan, founder of the Half A Sorrow Foundation, about suicide prevention, mental health, and the personal experiences that led him to this work. Dennis shares the heartbreaking story of losing two brothers to suicide and how those losses eventually inspired him to dedicate his life to helping others navigate mental health challenges and recognize the signs of someone who may be struggling. Throughout the conversation, Dennis discusses the importance of breaking the silence around mental health, paying attention to warning signs, and trusting your instincts when something feels wrong. He explains that prevention starts with connection and that one of the most powerful things a person can do is ask a direct, caring question and truly listen to the answer. The episode also highlights the resources available to individuals and families in crisis, including local mental health organizations and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Above all, Dennis reminds listeners that no one has to face their struggles alone and that sometimes the simplest act of reaching out can make a life-saving difference. To learn more about Half a Sorrow Foundation: https://halfasorrow.org/ [https://halfasorrow.org/] JustSaySomethingSC.org

Episode 116: The Evolving Conversation On Tobacco

In this episode of the Just Say Something Podcast, Phil Clark reflects on how the conversation around tobacco use has changed and why many adults are still viewing today’s challenges through an outdated lens. While traditional cigarette use once dominated prevention conversations, vaping has reshaped the landscape with sleek devices, flavored products, and messaging that often makes nicotine use feel harmless or socially acceptable to young people. Phil explains how the accessibility and normalization of vaping can blur the line between experimentation and addiction, especially for teens whose brains are still developing. He also highlights the role stress, peer pressure, and misinformation play in these decisions, emphasizing that many young people are not fully aware of the risks they are taking. The episode encourages parents, schools, and communities to move beyond fear-based messaging and instead create honest, ongoing conversations rooted in trust and curiosity. As World No Tobacco Day approaches, Phil reminds listeners that prevention starts with engagement, consistency, and the willingness to have real conversations before misinformation fills the gap. Learn more on our site: PreserveYourAir.com