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!

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/

To be a guest on our podcast, email: phillip@justsaysomethingsc.org

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/

JustSaySomethingSC.org

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

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/

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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

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.

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.