Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together
by Independence Blue Cross Foundation
Opioid addiction is a national public health crisis that affects individuals and families regardless of their age, race, or income. The statistics are overwhelming – more than 130 people die from opioid addiction every day (1). Sadly, stigma and fear of judgment often discourage people from seeking help or even talking about their experiences with opioid misuse. But, there is hope. Recovery is possible."Someone You Know" is a grassroots public awareness effort of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to reduce the stigma of opioid addiction and inspire hope in our communities.Tune in to this podcast to hear inspiring stories that challenge stigma and humanize the disease of addiction. Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, will guide you through conversations that explore the pain of addiction and the joys of a life in recovery. Make sure to subscribe, and check back in May for more stories from someone you know. Wherever you are on your journey—wh
Episodes
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Series Finale
This episode represents the series finale for the Someone You Know: Facing the Opioid Crisis Together podcast. Host Heather Major looks back and reflects on the podcast series, and features impactful clips from a number of guests over the past 6 years. On this episode, you will learn the origin...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: The importance of 'connectedness' within communities of all demographics (Dr. Latika Davis-Jones)
Secretary of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Dr. Latika Davis-Jones joins our host Heather Major for episode 4 of Someone You Know. This episode was recorded in September 2025, National Recovery Month. In this episode, we discuss: ● How Dr....
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: The importance of 'connectedness' within the recovery journey (Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder)
Pennsylvania Montgomery County Commissioner Jamila Winder joins our host Heather Major for episode 3 of Someone You Know. This episode was recorded in May 2025 in front of a live studio audience. In this episode, we discuss: The vast career of Commissioner Winder, spanning various roles in health...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together - 'Connectedness' in creating safe spaces (Stephen Knight of Dogs Matter)
Stephen Knight, founder of Dogs Matter joins our Host Heather Major for episode two of Someone You Know. In this episode, we discuss: The story of friendship, connection and fostering of his now 18-year-old dog Jade who sparked Stephen's initial idea for Dogs Matter. How his organization uses...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together - The importance of 'connectedness' within recovery (Cass and Kellen Matthews)
Cassandra Matthews, creator behind Cass and the City and Kellen Matthews, founder of Philadelphia's Recovery Run Club join our Host Heather Major for the season 4 opener of Someone You Know. In this episode, we discuss: The turning point that inspired Kellen's Recovery. The pivotal role…
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Inclusive Recovery in Digital Health (Chris Molaro, NeuroFlow)
Chris Molaro is the CEO of NeuroFlow, a digital behavioral health platform that delivers mental health support while tracking and assessing progress through the app. Chris is a graduate of West Point and the University of Pennsylvania, and served in the army for five years, including a tour in…
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Intentional Inclusivity at Caron Treatment Centers (Bethany Franklin & Tom McDermitt)
Bethany Franklin is a Lead Family Therapist, M.Ed., LCSW, CAADC, RAE and Tom McDermitt the Sr. Regional Resource Director, BA, AAC, RAE for Caron Treatment Centers. In this episode, we discuss: How addiction as a family disease The roles family and support systems play in recovery How Caron is...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Exploring the interplay between substance misuse, mental health, and infectious disease (Dr. Jerome Adams)
Dr. Jerome Adams is the 20th Surgeon General of the United States and former member of the President's Coronavirus task force and is presently a Presidential Fellow and the Executive Director of Health Equity Initiatives at Purdue University. In this episode, we hear Dr. Adam's speak on the...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: An MD's perspective on Inclusive Recovery (Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone)
Dr. Jeanmarie Perrone is the Director of the Division of Medical Toxicology and Addiction Medicine Initiatives and a Professor of Emergency Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a successful published research author. In this episode, we discuss Dr. Perrone's role as a national...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: How digital tools can increase inclusion in recovery (Murphy Jensen)
Murphy Jensen is a former professional tennis player who co-founded a digital health management company, WEconnect, to support others in the recovery community. In this episode, we hear about Murphy's journey with substance misuse and recovery, while exploring the importance of digital tools when...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: A Conversation with U.S. Rep. Madeleine Dean and Harry Cunnane
United States Representative Madeleine Dean and her son Harry Cunnane recently joined Independence Blue Cross' Someone You Know Associate Resource Group for a virtual town hall. The discussion was moderated by Patrick Flynn, Government Affairs Specialist and Co-lead of the Someone You Know...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Staying Committed to Recovery (John F. White, Jr. & Kyle Shearer)
The Honorable John F. White, Jr. is the President & CEO of The Consortium, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that provides holistic, community-based services for the empowerment and recovery of all who seek assistance with behavioral health and substance use. Kyle Shearer is a client of The…
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Putting it to the Test (Angela Smith & Kristen Harootunian)
Angela Smith is the Head of School at The Bridge Way School, Philadelphia's first recovery high school. Kristen Harootunian is a Bridge Way School alumni and public speaker in active recovery. In this episode, we discuss the challenges young people face when overcoming addiction, the impact of...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Family Ties (Mary FitzGerald & Briana Cunningham)
Mary FitzGerald is the CEO of Eluna, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by grief or addiction through innovative resources and programs. Briana Cunningham is a public affairs specialist at Independence Blue Cross, whose family has been impacted by substance use...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: The Pressure to Perform (Chris Herren)
Chris Herren is a former professional basketball player turned author, speaker, and advocate for the recovery community. In this episode, we hear about Chris' journey with substance misuse and recovery, exploring the intersection between the pressure to perform and addiction. Chris discusses how…
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Collegiate Recovery (Tim Rabolt & Keith Murphy)
Welcome to season 2 of "Someone You Know®." This season, we'll be focusing on the next generation of young people facing the opioid crisis. On today's episode, we are joined by Tim Rabolt, the Executive Director for the Association of Recovery in Higher Education and Keith Murphy, Substance Abuse...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Season Recap (Dr. Glenn Sterner)
Dr. Glenn Sterner is a professor and researcher at Penn State Abington, whose recent work studies opiate abuse networks and stigma as a barrier to treatment. He also founded the Share Your Opioid Story initiative. In the final episode of Season 1, we discuss the creation and expansion of the...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Messaging (Jenny)
Jenny Wagner is a former investigative health reporter for the Bucks County Courier Times who dedicated much of her time as a journalist to covering the opioid epidemic. In this episode, we discuss the media's role in reporting on the crisis, and the profound impact language and messaging have on...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Mental Health (Patrick & Ramon)
Patrick is a mental health counselor and doctoral student, and Ramon is a behavioral health specialist. Both are in long-term recovery. In this episode, Patrick and Ramon discuss the intersection of substance use disorder and mental health, what it means to have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Community Health (Esperanza Health Center)
In this episode, we speak with employees of Esperanza Health Center, which provides affordable, bilingual health care services in North Philadelphia. Rosa, Janneza and Executive Director Susan Post discuss stigma surrounding the Kensington community and the need for culturally competent care when...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Campus Safety (Erin & Luke)
Erin is a college student and advocate, and Luke is the founder of The Flock, a collegiate recovery program at Saint Joe's University. Both Erin and Luke experienced life in active substance misuse and life in recovery while attending college. In this episode, the two discuss the impact of stigma...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Compassion Fatigue (Bill)
Bill is a husband, father, medical professional, and person in long-term recovery from opioid use disorder. In this episode, Bill discusses his perspective on the opioid epidemic, including the impact of compassion fatigue, stigma within the medical community, and how his family supported his...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Stigma in the Workplace (Patrick & Marci)
Patrick, a government affairs specialist at IBX, is a person in long-term recovery. Marci, a Senior Business Analyst at PECO, is a mother to a person in recovery. Their experiences led them each to want to make a difference, and they saw opportunity in the workplace. Patrick and Marci were...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Service (Michael)
Michael is a veteran and volunteer who found his purpose in recovery by dedicating his life to service. In this episode, Michael discusses his long term struggle with opioid use disorder, his dedication to helping others and how his life changed when he decided to share his story. Listen to...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Connection (Malik & Lisa K.)
Malik and Lisa are both artists who have been affected by the opioid epidemic differently. Despite this difference they found connection through their shared passion. Together, Malik and Lisa share their personal challenges and triumphs with the stigma of opioid use disorder, and the inspiring...
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Facing the Opioid Crisis Together: Intro
"Someone You Know," a grassroots public awareness effort of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation, shares personal stories of bravery, empowerment and recovery. Together, we'll hear inspiring stories that challenge stigma and humanize the disease of addiction. Heather Major, Manager of…
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Topics in this show
About this show
Opioid addiction is a national public health crisis that affects individuals and families regardless of their age, race, or income. The statistics are overwhelming – more than 130 people die from opioid addiction every day (1). Sadly, stigma and fear of judgment often discourage people from seeking help or even talking about their experiences with opioid misuse. But, there is hope. Recovery is possible."Someone You Know" is a grassroots public awareness effort of the Independence Blue Cross Foundation to reduce the stigma of opioid addiction and inspire hope in our communities.Tune in to this podcast to hear inspiring stories that challenge stigma and humanize the disease of addiction. Heather Major, Executive Director, Independence Blue Cross Foundation, will guide you through conversations that explore the pain of addiction and the joys of a life in recovery. Make sure to subscribe, and check back in May for more stories from someone you know. Wherever you are on your journey—wh
Hosted by
Independence Blue Cross Foundation