In the last episode of our series on America’s fentanyl crisis, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down two critical issues: how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into various drugs, including counterfeit pills sold online, leading to sudden overdose deaths, and how fentanyl addiction often begins with a prescription. They discuss the deadly and hidden risks of fentanyl in the drug supply and explore the path from medical use to dependency.

Special Guest: ESPN’s Lauren Sisler


Lauren Sisler, ESPN broadcaster and former gymnast, joins to discuss her new book, Shatterproof, where she shares her personal story of resilience after losing both parents to addiction. She talks about her journey of healing, the impact of addiction, and her hope to inspire others to address mental health and addiction with compassion and strength.

Key Topics & Timestamps:

11:45 – 14:18: Lauren on courage and willingness to tell her story of losing her parents to addiction 22 years ago.



14:25 – 15:17: Lauren’s perspective on addiction and how it affected her parents, including their struggle with fentanyl addiction.



15:30 – 17:00: Insight into Lauren’s father’s job as a VA technician and the challenges he faced without any clear signs of his addiction’s severity.



17:08 – 20:03: How stigma around addiction may have stopped her parents from seeking help.



20:15 – 23:48: Writing Shatterproof as a therapeutic journey and a part of Lauren’s healing.



24:00 – 26:37: Lauren’s thoughts on discussing addiction with her son when he’s older.



27:00: Lauren’s advice for caregivers with loved ones suffering from addiction.





Resources: 

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 

Guest link: About — Lauren Sisler

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

In the last episode of our series on America’s fentanyl crisis, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick break down two critical issues: how fentanyl is increasingly mixed into various drugs, including counterfeit pills sold online, leading to sudden overdose deaths, and how fentanyl addiction often begins with a prescription. They discuss the deadly and hidden risks of fentanyl in the drug supply and explore the path from medical use to dependency.
Special Guest: ESPN’s Lauren Sisler
 Lauren Sisler, ESPN broadcaster and former gymnast, joins to discuss her new book, Shatterproof, where she shares her personal story of resilience after losing both parents to addiction. She talks about her journey of healing, the impact of addiction, and her hope to inspire others to address mental health and addiction with compassion and strength.
Key Topics &amp; Timestamps:
11:45 – 14:18: Lauren on courage and willingness to tell her story of losing her parents to addiction 22 years ago.
 
14:25 – 15:17: Lauren’s perspective on addiction and how it affected her parents, including their struggle with fentanyl addiction.
 
15:30 – 17:00: Insight into Lauren’s father’s job as a VA technician and the challenges he faced without any clear signs of his addiction’s severity.
 
17:08 – 20:03: How stigma around addiction may have stopped her parents from seeking help.
 
20:15 – 23:48: Writing Shatterproof as a therapeutic journey and a part of Lauren’s healing.
 
24:00 – 26:37: Lauren’s thoughts on discussing addiction with her son when he’s older.
 
27:00: Lauren’s advice for caregivers with loved ones suffering from addiction.
 
 
Resources: 
You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 
Guest link: <a href="https://www.laurensisler.com/about">About — Lauren Sisler</a>
Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg
Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs
NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

The Mission

The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.

We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.

The Hosts

Matt Bair

Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.

Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.

Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.

Ryan Hedrick

Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.

To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.

Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts 
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

Supporting Sobriety Podcast

The Mission
The Supporting Sobriety Podcast is dedicated to providing hope to the unsung heroes behind those struggling with addiction…their friends and family.
We will share insights, stories and resources to help listeners support their loved ones and care for themselves on the recovery journey.
The Hosts
Matt Bair
Matt considers himself blessed to be a recovering alcoholic. His lifetime profession as a radio broadcaster has been derailed multiple times by alcohol abuse but he remains alive and employed through the grace of God and help of others.
Matt lives by the humility introduced in the first step of 12-step recovery, that the alcoholic is truly “powerless over alcohol,” and the alcoholic in use of alcohol possesses a life that is “unmanageable.” He enunciates these beliefs in teaching recovery to alcoholics and addicts, while understanding there’s more to learn from the ones who don’t make it (Keep. Coming. Back). He truly believes everything “always gets better” if you don’t take the next drink or drug. Matt is dedicated to “supporting the supporters” like those who have been critical to his ongoing sobriety.
Matt is the long-time morning and afternoon traffic reporter for WIBC / Indianapolis.
Ryan Hedrick
Ryan Hedrick's life has been a journey of recovery from a challenging battle with addiction spanning nearly 25 years. His struggles with cocaine and methamphetamine led him down a dangerous path, marked by numerous attempts at treatment. However, salvation came in the form of a 12-step program that became his sanctuary.
To break free from the shackles of addiction, Ryan committed himself to giving back to recovery communities nationwide. He extended his support by bringing 12-step meetings to jails and institutions, sponsoring men on their recovery journeys, and regularly attending meetings. Like his co-host, the clutches of drugs and alcohol jeopardized Ryan's life and his career in radio.
Ryan is currently a reporter and morning news anchor at WIBC/Indianapolis where he met his podcast co-host Matt Bair. Together they strive to offer a beacon of hope to those grappling with similar struggles. Their podcast aims to reach and assist individuals behind the scenes by sharing personal experiences, strength, and hope with their followers. Through their collective journey, Ryan and Matt seek to inspire and support those supporting loved ones on the path to recovery.

Episode 43 | Our Main Takeaways from the Fentanyl Crisis Part 4

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the complex dynamics between an addict and their caregiver during the holiday season, specifically focusing on whether or not to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Family gatherings come with numerous considerations: How long has your loved one been sober? Is the environment supportive? Will there be people drinking or using substances, potentially creating discomfort? With the holidays being a difficult period for many, this timely episode explores these questions to help caregivers and recovering individuals make informed choices.



Timestamps and Discussions: 



3:27 - 4:50 – The holidays pose challenges for both those using drugs and those in recovery. Ryan shares a personal story about advising an ex-girlfriend to skip her family’s Thanksgiving due to their drug use.



5:00 - 6:05 – Post-election season can heighten emotions; it’s essential to be mindful of how others might feel and react during gatherings.



6:10 - 7:26 – Matt and Ryan delve into the potential consequences of declining an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing that there are circumstances where an addict should consider not attending.



7:28 - 9:15 – The discussion shifts to the importance of genuine togetherness. Attending out of obligation alone can be detrimental; understanding why you’re choosing to go (or not) is crucial.



9:30 - 10:04 – Establishing an exit strategy is highlighted as a key tool. Open communication with loved ones about feelings and potential triggers is advised.



10:19 - 11:20 – Long trips to visit family can be stressful, especially if there is unresolved tension between members.



12:30 – Closing thoughts wrap up the discussion, reinforcing the importance of planning and self-awareness during the holidays.



Resources

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick discuss the complex dynamics between an addict and their caregiver during the holiday season, specifically focusing on whether or not to attend Thanksgiving dinner. Family gatherings come with numerous considerations: How long has your loved one been sober? Is the environment supportive? Will there be people drinking or using substances, potentially creating discomfort? With the holidays being a difficult period for many, this timely episode explores these questions to help caregivers and recovering individuals make informed choices.
 
Timestamps and Discussions: 
 
3:27 - 4:50 – The holidays pose challenges for both those using drugs and those in recovery. Ryan shares a personal story about advising an ex-girlfriend to skip her family’s Thanksgiving due to their drug use.
 
5:00 - 6:05 – Post-election season can heighten emotions; it’s essential to be mindful of how others might feel and react during gatherings.
 
6:10 - 7:26 – Matt and Ryan delve into the potential consequences of declining an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner, emphasizing that there are circumstances where an addict should consider not attending.
 
7:28 - 9:15 – The discussion shifts to the importance of genuine togetherness. Attending out of obligation alone can be detrimental; understanding why you’re choosing to go (or not) is crucial.
 
9:30 - 10:04 – Establishing an exit strategy is highlighted as a key tool. Open communication with loved ones about feelings and potential triggers is advised.
 
10:19 - 11:20 – Long trips to visit family can be stressful, especially if there is unresolved tension between members.
 
12:30 – Closing thoughts wrap up the discussion, reinforcing the importance of planning and self-awareness during the holidays.
 
Resources
You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 
Al-Anon: Al-Anon.org
Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs
NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Episode 44 | Should You Go to Thanksgiving Dinner?

In this third installment of the fentanyl series, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive deeper into the epidemic, focusing on understanding addiction from all angles, listening to loved ones without judgment, and empowering rather than controlling them. Matt and Ryan discuss their personal journeys with addiction, school experiences, and the support (and challenges) from caregivers. They’re joined by Justin Phillips, Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc., to shed light on actionable steps for caregivers and harm reduction.

Key Points:
Big Picture of the Crisis: Fentanyl continues to take lives across the U.S. each year, with many unaware of how to help.
Understanding vs. Control: Caregivers are encouraged to support their loved ones by fostering independence and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue.

Timestamps and Discussion Highlights:

4:28 - 5:36 | Recap and Stakes: Matt recaps previous episodes, emphasizing the stakes for loved ones.



5:38 - 7:31 | Addiction and Denial: Ryan reflects on his denial during active addiction, showing how addiction’s grip fuels fentanyl use.



8:13 - 9:47 | Listening to Understand: For caregivers, understanding without judgment is key. Recognize signs like self-centeredness and behavioral shifts.



11:35 - 12:07 | Staying Engaged: Caregivers should ask questions and remain engaged, balancing support with respect for boundaries.



12:25 - 13:00 | Resource, Not Solution: Caregivers are there to guide, not to "fix" addiction; true recovery comes from within.



13:10 - 14:30 | Encouraging Independence: Promoting independence can build your loved one's confidence and structure.



14:35 - 15:43 | Scare Tactics: Matt discusses how scare tactics backfired in his journey, pushing him further into addiction rather than away.



18:04 - 18:54 | Keeping Fentanyl Out: Justin shares tips for caregivers to help keep fentanyl away from loved ones.



19:13 - 20:48 | Personal Loss: Justin shares the tragic loss of her son to an overdose, reflecting on behaviors she missed, and lessons learned.



21:08 - 22:30 | Fentanyl Education: Overdose Lifeline provides resources for those looking to educate themselves on fentanyl risks.



22:05 - 23:30 | Social Media Risk: Awareness about fentanyl purchases on social media is critical for caregivers.



23:31 - 28:00 | Harm Reduction Explained: An introduction to harm reduction—what it is, why it’s effective, and how it supports recovery.



29:01 | Closing Thoughts: Wrapping up, Matt and Ryan emphasize the importance of support, education, and the right approach to caregiving.



Resources: 

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 

Guest link: Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

In this third installment of the fentanyl series, Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick dive deeper into the epidemic, focusing on understanding addiction from all angles, listening to loved ones without judgment, and empowering rather than controlling them. Matt and Ryan discuss their personal journeys with addiction, school experiences, and the support (and challenges) from caregivers. They’re joined by Justin Phillips, Founder and Executive Director of Overdose Lifeline, Inc., to shed light on actionable steps for caregivers and harm reduction.
Key Points:
<ul>
<li>Big Picture of the Crisis: Fentanyl continues to take lives across the U.S. each year, with many unaware of how to help.</li>
<li>Understanding vs. Control: Caregivers are encouraged to support their loved ones by fostering independence and engaging in open, non-judgmental dialogue.</li>
</ul>
Timestamps and Discussion Highlights:
4:28 - 5:36 | Recap and Stakes: Matt recaps previous episodes, emphasizing the stakes for loved ones.
 
5:38 - 7:31 | Addiction and Denial: Ryan reflects on his denial during active addiction, showing how addiction’s grip fuels fentanyl use.
 
8:13 - 9:47 | Listening to Understand: For caregivers, understanding without judgment is key. Recognize signs like self-centeredness and behavioral shifts.
 
11:35 - 12:07 | Staying Engaged: Caregivers should ask questions and remain engaged, balancing support with respect for boundaries.
 
12:25 - 13:00 | Resource, Not Solution: Caregivers are there to guide, not to "fix" addiction; true recovery comes from within.
 
13:10 - 14:30 | Encouraging Independence: Promoting independence can build your loved one's confidence and structure.
 
14:35 - 15:43 | Scare Tactics: Matt discusses how scare tactics backfired in his journey, pushing him further into addiction rather than away.
 
18:04 - 18:54 | Keeping Fentanyl Out: Justin shares tips for caregivers to help keep fentanyl away from loved ones.
 
19:13 - 20:48 | Personal Loss: Justin shares the tragic loss of her son to an overdose, reflecting on behaviors she missed, and lessons learned.
 
21:08 - 22:30 | Fentanyl Education: Overdose Lifeline provides resources for those looking to educate themselves on fentanyl risks.
 
22:05 - 23:30 | Social Media Risk: Awareness about fentanyl purchases on social media is critical for caregivers.
 
23:31 - 28:00 | Harm Reduction Explained: An introduction to harm reduction—what it is, why it’s effective, and how it supports recovery.
 
29:01 | Closing Thoughts: Wrapping up, Matt and Ryan emphasize the importance of support, education, and the right approach to caregiving.
 
Resources: 
You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 
Guest link: <a href="https://www.overdoselifeline.org/">Substance Use Disorder Help and Prevention - Overdose Lifeline</a>
Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg
Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs
NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Episode 42 | Fighting the Fentanyl Crisis: Part 3

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick continue their conversation about the fentanyl crisis. They explain how dealers lace drugs and how users use social media to communicate with dealers, often using emojis to hide their actions from loved ones and police.



This episode builds on our ongoing series about fentanyl, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years. Two women from a treatment center in Indianapolis share their stories of fentanyl overdose.



Timestamps and Key Discussions:

4:02 - 12:45: Insights from women at Harbor Light, their shocking comments on fentanyl, and our reactions.



13:01 - 13:56: Ryan recalls a story where a crack dealer explained the need for coded language in user-dealer communication.



14:26 - 18:49: Discussion on common emojis used by dealers and users to communicate about drugs.



18:54 - 20:11: Some dealers use fake test strip photos to claim their drugs are fentanyl-free. Why this happens.



20:14 - 24:15: Narcan as a short-term solution and the difference between recovery and Narcan’s impact. Ryan explains why people in recovery don't consider Narcan as part of recovery.



25:20 - 28:00: Closing thoughts.



Resources: 

You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 

Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg

Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs

NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte

Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Matt Bair and Ryan Hedrick continue their conversation about the fentanyl crisis. They explain how dealers lace drugs and how users use social media to communicate with dealers, often using emojis to hide their actions from loved ones and police.
 
This episode builds on our ongoing series about fentanyl, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in recent years. Two women from a treatment center in Indianapolis share their stories of fentanyl overdose.
 
Timestamps and Key Discussions:
4:02 - 12:45: Insights from women at Harbor Light, their shocking comments on fentanyl, and our reactions.
 
13:01 - 13:56: Ryan recalls a story where a crack dealer explained the need for coded language in user-dealer communication.
 
14:26 - 18:49: Discussion on common emojis used by dealers and users to communicate about drugs.
 
18:54 - 20:11: Some dealers use fake test strip photos to claim their drugs are fentanyl-free. Why this happens.
 
20:14 - 24:15: Narcan as a short-term solution and the difference between recovery and Narcan’s impact. Ryan explains why people in recovery don't consider Narcan as part of recovery.
 
25:20 - 28:00: Closing thoughts.
 
Resources: 
You can find us on X and Instagram: @sobriety_pod. Supporting Sobriety is also available on major podcast platforms like Spotify and Apple. Please like, subscribe, and rate our podcast! 
Al-Anon: Al-Anon.tiorg
Meetings: aa.rgroup.org/meengs
NA Meetings: virtual-na.orginte
Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800) 273-8255

Episode 43 | Our Main Takeaways from the Fentanyl Crisis Part 4

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