This second Listening Session continues our exploration of Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in special populations, shifting the lens to the full lifespan. Building upon Part 1's focus on youth and Tribal communities, Part 2 will examine the intergenerational and biological effects of opioid exposure from the womb through later life stages. Panelists will include a speech-language pathologist and lactation consultant working with opioid-exposed infants in neonatal care, a nutritionist exploring how OUD affects metabolism and nourishment, a biomedical engineer sharing technological approaches for assessing long-term developmental impact, and a gerontological expert addressing OUD in older adults.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall, LMFT sits down with Dr. Tara C. Raines, Ph.D., N.C.S.P., a passionate advocate for youth mental health and community empowerment. Together, they explore how the opioid crisis impacts children, families, and educators—and how compassion, advocacy, and education can inspire systemic change. Dr. Raines shares insights on the importance of understanding the “why” behind student behaviors, the power of lived experience in shaping interventions, and the role of legislative wins in expanding access to mental health services. This heartfelt conversation emphasizes that healing begins in community—through empathy, collaboration, and the courage to take action for the next generation.

In this episode of The NOCE Dose, host Bianca D. McCall sits down with Ryan Mills, a former professional BMX rider whose story embodies both the pain and the promise of recovery. Ryan opens up about his battle with opioid use disorder, exploring how the intense pressure to perform can lead youth and high-achieving athletes down a dangerous path. Together, Bianca and Ryan unpack the importance of holistic pain management, peer support, and the power of lived experience in recovery.

The conversation challenges traditional ideas of accountability, calling for more compassionate and flexible recovery programs that honor the complexities of addiction and identity rebuilding. Ryan’s reflections offer a message of hope—that even after deep struggle, a renewed sense of purpose and community can emerge.