In this emotionally charged episode, hosts Dr. Farzad Kamyar and Amani Wilson welcome two extraordinary guests who reveal how the language we use profoundly shapes recovery journeys. EMPOWERED Program Care Manager Evonne Hernandez joins forces with EMPOWERED Mom Fabiana to share intimate perspectives on the transformative power of person-first language.
Fabiana bravely recounts her personal story, detailing how dismissive and stigmatizing terminology once deepened her shame and delayed her healing process. Her raw vulnerability illuminates how words can either wound or nurture the spirit of someone navigating substance use challenges.
Meanwhile, Evonne brings professional insight from years of supporting individuals in recovery, explaining how intentional language choices have revolutionized care approaches. Together, they offer listeners practical guidance for shifting vocabulary from judgment to compassion.
This powerful conversation goes beyond semantics to explore how language reflects our deepest values, affects self-perception, and either reinforces isolation or creates community. Listeners will come away with a renewed appreciation for how simple word choices can honor human dignity and create pathways to healing.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, someone in recovery, or supporting a loved one, this episode provides essential tools for communicating with respect and fostering environments where recovery can flourish.
If you live in Southern Nevada, in Reno, Carson City, Churchill County, or Lyon County in Northern Nevada, or in Weber County or Davis County in Utah, and you’re pregnant or recently had a baby and using opioids or stimulants for any reason, there is non-judgmental help available to you. No referral or insurance is required. Visit empoweredmoms.org for information or to request services.
If you live outside of these areas, we encourage you to find resources in your community.
EMPOWERED Voices is a podcast production of the EMPOWERED program at Roseman University College of Medicine, supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Overdose Data to Action Grant through the Southern Nevada Health District. This project has been funded by grant number NH28CE003534 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the Southern Nevada Health District, CDC, or the U.S. Government.
Hosted by Dr. Farzad Kamyar, and Amani Wilson.
Executive Producers are Dr. Andria Peterson and Jason Roth, with production assistance by Rachel Mack.
Recorded at the Video Podcast Studio at Canico Media in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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