Saving Lives: The Zero Overdose Podcast

In this episode of the Saving Lives Podcast, host Stacy Agosto sits down with Jona Tanguay, MMSc, PA-C, AAHIVS, CAQ-Psych(they/them), to explore how substance use disorder care can better serve LGBTQIA+ communities. Tanguay shares insights on the specific substances more commonly used in queer and trans communities, the unique overdose risks they pose, and how Overdose Safety Planning (ODSP) can be tailored to reflect the lived experiences of LGBTQIA+ people.With roles spanning Vice President of Medical Services and Gender-Affirming Care at Amida Care, President of GLMA, part-time telehealth clinician at Whitman-Walker Health, and founder of ChemsexHarmReduction.org, Tanguay brings a deep understanding of harm reduction, medical equity, and community-centered care.

In this episode of Saving Lives: The Zero Overdose Podcast, Dr. Andy Cruz—Chief Medical Officer at Guidelight Health—joins us to share his extraordinary journey from music to medicine, from the emergency room to executive leadership. Drawing on both clinical expertise and lived experience, Dr. Cruz speaks candidly about harm reduction, overdose prevention, and the power of Overdose Safety Planning (ODSP). We explore how clinicians can lead with authenticity, why the “middle space” of care matters, and how stories can shift systems toward equity, access, and healing.

In this episode of the Zero Overdose Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Beth Meyerson, a Professor at the University of Arizona specializing in harm reduction and sexual health policy within the College of Medicine-Tucson (Family and Community Medicine). Drawing from her extensive expertise, Dr. Meyerson shares how small, targeted changes can drive significant progress in reducing overdose rates and improving community health outcomes.

In this powerful episode, we welcome Dr. Stephen Loyd, a respected addiction medicine specialist and Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Recovery. Dr. Loyd's journey, which partially inspired Michael Keaton’s character in the Hulu series Dopesick, brings unique insights into addiction treatment. Dr. Loyd draws from his experiences as a physician, former Tennessee Opioid Czar, and advocate to address the critical challenges and opportunities within the opioid crisis. This episode will explore Dr. Loyd’s personal recovery story, the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT), the barriers of stigma, and innovative approaches like telehealth that are shaping the future of addiction care. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on overcoming addiction and advancing the fight against the opioid epidemic.

In Episode 3 of the “Saving Lives Podcast,” host, Stacy Agosto and guest Chris Thompson, CEO of Sober Sidekick, delve into addiction awareness and prevention. The conversation focuses on breaking the stigma surrounding addiction while offering practical safety planning strategies and resources. Chris shares his personal recovery journey and the motivation behind founding Sober Sidekick, a digital health platform providing real-time support for individuals during moments of vulnerability. The episode highlights the platform’s innovative approach to fostering community connections, addressing relapses and mental health crises, and promoting access to addiction recovery resources. Through this insightful dialogue, the podcast encourages proactive action and expands awareness of support options.

In this episode of the Zero Overdose podcast, we delve into the critical topic of preventing teen overdoses. Our guest, a psychiatrist and public health advocate, Dr. Jorge R Petit, shares his personal journey of navigating the intersection of parenthood and professional expertise in addressing the opioid crisis. Drawing from his own experiences, Dr. Petit provides invaluable insights into initiating conversations with teenagers about the risks of opioid and fentanyl use. From understanding the facts to being prepared with life-saving interventions like naloxone, this episode offers essential guidance for parents, caregivers, and communities. Join us as we explore practical strategies for raising awareness, reducing stigma, and fostering safer environments for our youth.

The podcast episode titled "Sibling Stories: Navigating Loss and Resilience after Overdose" features a heartfelt conversation between the host, Stacy Agosto, and her guest, Cameron Romer. Cameron shares her personal journey of dealing with her older brother's addiction and eventual overdose. Through their candid discussion, they explore the complexities of sibling relationships, the challenges of supporting a loved one struggling with addiction, and the profound impact of loss on families. Cameron reflects on her experiences as both a professional in the criminal justice system and as a sibling trying to navigate her brother's addiction. She discusses the lack of support and resources available for siblings coping with addiction and emphasizes the importance of treating the whole family unit in addiction recovery efforts. The episode offers valuable insights into the grief and resilience experienced by siblings affected by addiction and underscores the need for greater awareness and support for this often overlooked demographic.