Beste Opioid Epidemic podcasts (2025)

1
Investigative Reporter Uncovers Abuse and Profit in Rehab Programs 37:45

5d ago37:45

37:45

Imagine going to a treatment center for addiction, only to be sent to work at a chicken processing plant for no pay. That’s one of the shocking realities investigative reporter Shoshana Walter uncovered in her national investigation into court-mandated addiction treatment. Her reporting exposed how a broken system turned thousands of people into an…

1
Cookies, Grief, and Hope: A Mother’s Recipe for Healing After Fentanyl Loss 47:04

12d ago47:04

47:04

Grief changes everything. It’s the kind of pain that steals your breath and reshapes your world, a weight that never fully lifts. For Stephanie Wiley, that pain runs deeper than words can express. She suddenly lost her teenage son, the boy who never missed a chance to say “I love you,” to fentanyl poisoning. In the aftermath of unimaginable loss, S…

1
Inside Victoria’s Voice: The Diary That’s Waking Parents Up 37:17

19d ago37:17

37:17

A 2012 documentary, The Queen of Versailles, introduced the world to David and Jackie Siegel, the powerhouse couple behind Westgate Resorts. The film showcased their booming business, lavish lifestyle, and bustling household of eight children. But behind the glamour, life took a devastating turn. The Siegels’ world came crashing down after the loss…

1
A Paramedic Using His Battle With Addiction to Save Others 33:53

26d ago33:53

33:53

On any given day, paramedics are called into chaos—heart attacks, car crashes, overdoses, and everything in between. For Aaron Westfall, those emergencies too often involve the painful grip of addiction. But instead of only seeing tragedy, he chooses to see the person behind the struggle. That’s because Aaron has been there himself. He not only bat…

1
4,000 Tombstones on the National Mall Tell the Story of America’s Drug Crisis 40:01

1M ago40:01

40:01

This fall, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was transformed into a sea of grief and remembrance. Four thousand tombstones stretched across the grass—each one representing a life cut short by substances. The Trail of Truth was more than an event; it was a call to action, shining a light on the nation’s fentanyl and substance use disorder epide…

1
Coping With Grief and Choosing Life After Tragedy 50:09

1M ago50:09

50:09

From appearances on the Oprah Show to features in the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Ken Druck has long been recognized as a leading voice on grief. A pioneer in grief literacy, he has earned numerous honors, including the “Distinguished Contribution to Psychology” award. But what makes his voice so powerful isn’t just decades of expertise—it’s the perso…

1
Why So Many Teens are Struggling, and What We’re Missing 41:10

2M ago41:10

41:10

The numbers are heartbreaking. Nearly 40% of high school students say they feel persistently sad or hopeless, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in five reported struggling with anxiety or depression in just the past two weeks, and another one in five said they seriously considered suicide in…

1
Choosing Love After a Hate Crime Took Her Son and Father 41:13

2M ago41:13

41:13

From a school shooting in Minneapolis to bomb threats against Jewish hospitals in New York, hate crimes continue to make headlines across the country. FBI data shows that reported incidents rose by more than 200 in just one year, from 2022 to 2023. With every act of hate comes unimaginable grief, something today’s guest knows far too well. Mindy Co…

1
A Grieving Mother’s Story of Loving and Losing a Wild Child 39:30

2M ago39:30

39:30

What began as a joyful winter break reunion quickly turned into tragedy. In January 2016, a group of college friends gathered at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to celebrate the new year. But before the celebration was over, four of them had vanished—including Sally McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, …

1
Thousands of Tombstones by the U.S. Capitol to Honor Lives Lost to Substance Use 38:31

2M ago38:31

38:31

Picture this: 3,800 tombstones stretched out near the U.S. Capitol. Each one represents a life lost to substances— not a number, not a statistic — but a son, a daughter, a sibling, a friend. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, I sit down with Kimberly Douglas and Alexis Pleus, the women behind the Trail of Truth. For them, this mission is deeply …

1
What This Grief Expert Wants You to Know About Healing and Hope 42:25

2M ago42:25

42:25

Grief is something most of us will face at some point in our lives—but it’s not exactly coffee shop conversation. Gary Roe is hoping to change that. He’s not only an award-winning author who’s written more than 20 books on grief, but also someone who speaks with honesty, compassion, and deep personal experience. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud…

1
A Childhood Shaped by Loss, a Life Reclaimed in Sobriety 36:40

3M ago36:40

36:40

How do you keep going when your world falls apart? It is a question even adults struggle to answer, so imagine what it is like for a child. For many, the pain of losing someone they love becomes unbearable. In the search for something, anything, to numb the hurt, they turn to alcohol or other substances. When grief is left unspoken and untreated, t…

1
Murder Took One Son, Fentanyl Took the Other 46:37

3M ago46:37

46:37

New York City is home to more than twice the population of any other U.S. city, so when a story makes headlines there, it usually means it’s something big. But for Scott Caddell, the reason his son’s name appeared in the news was devastating. First, Scott lost his oldest son to a brutal and widely publicized murder. Then, years later, his younger s…

1
How Do We End the Fentanyl Epidemic? A Candid Conversation with a Former DEA Chief 44:11

3M ago44:11

44:11

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down for a one-on-one conversation with a man who’s spent decades on the front lines of the United States' battle against illicit drugs and overdose deaths. Derek Maltz, who recently served as acting administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), built a nearly 30-year career as a speci…

1
A Father’s Road Trip for Grief, Healing and Hope 35:19

3M ago35:19

35:19

Imagine watching a documentary about the dangers of opioids—then moments later, learning your only living child is gone. That’s the devastating reality Michael Land faced when his son unknowingly took a pill laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl. In the wake of unimaginable loss, Michael is choosing to keep his son's memory alive by living out the a…

1
Grieving Moms Take on Snapchat and Congress After Their Sons' Fentanyl Deaths 38:48

4M ago38:48

38:48

They call themselves “bereaved besties,” but it’s a bond born from heartbreak. Amy Neville and Bridgette Norring never imagined their lives would intersect like this, until both of their teenage sons died after taking what they believed was a prescription pill they bought on Snapchat. Instead, it was a deadly dose of fentanyl. Now, these two mother…

1
Can We Save Lives While Cutting Funding? A Tough Conversation at the Top 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we’re having an important one-on-one conversation with a key figure from President Trump’s administration—someone deeply involved in shaping how our country responds to the addiction and mental health crisis. Right now, more than 48 million Americans are living with substance use disorder. Yet, the administrati…

1
Your To-Die List: Bestselling Author on Living Fully and Resiliently 41:55

4M ago41:55

41:55

Most of us have a daily to-do list—sometimes scribbled on paper, sometimes just running through our heads. But today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud invites you to consider a different kind of list: a to-die list. Bestselling author and self-help coach Karen Salmansohn has written more than 25 books for adults and tweens, with more than two million bo…

1
He Wanted Justice for His Son, So He Became the Investigator 38:31

4M ago38:31

38:31

Most of us would never imagine taking on the role of a law enforcement investigator. But for so many grieving parents, that’s exactly what they’ve had to do. After losing their children to fentanyl, they find themselves combing through phone records, tracing dealers, and trying to uncover the truth—because no one else will. For too long, overdose d…

1
Faces We Can't Forget: The INTO LIGHT Project 35:25

5M ago35:25

35:25

Imagine walking into a room lined with hand-drawn graphite portraits—each one capturing the face of someone lost to fentanyl poisoning or a drug overdose. It’s a powerful experience, one that says more than statistics ever could. That’s the vision behind the INTO LIGHT Project, a nationwide nonprofit turning personal tragedy into public awareness t…

1
Forever 15, A Young Life Stolen By Fentanyl 34:36

5M ago34:36

34:36

When parents find out their child is facing a serious challenge, most will do whatever it takes to help. That was certainly true for Janel Rodriguez after she learned her teenage son was battling a marijuana addiction. But despite her efforts, Janel's world was shattered in a way she never saw coming. Just weeks into his sophomore year, her son Noa…

1
Naloxone Saved Me, Now I’m Saving Others: Morgan’s Story 32:01

5M ago32:01

32:01

Around three dozen of her friends—that’s how many lives Morgan Mentele believes have been saved thanks to Emily’s Hope distributing free naloxone in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. In this powerful episode of Grieving Out Loud, Morgan courageously opens up about her journey: how she went from being a mom of two and Sunday School teacher to batt…

1
Telling Everyone’s Story While Hiding Her Own: A Journalist's Battle with Addiction 45:27

6M ago45:27

45:27

To some people, “the media” has become a dirty word. There’s no doubt—journalism is a tough job, especially in today’s divided world. Between public scrutiny and constant deadlines, award-winning journalist Taylor Six felt the pressure closing in. Behind the scenes, she was quietly fighting a hidden battle with substance use disorder. For years, sh…

1
‘It Was Like Going to My Own Funeral:’ Identical Twin Talks Life After Loss 37:23

6M ago37:23

37:23

Identical twins often share an extraordinary bond—shaped not only by shared DNA but by a deep emotional connection. For Christa Parravani and her twin sister, Cara, that bond was strengthened by a difficult, abusive childhood. But then came the unimaginable. After Cara was kidnapped and raped, she spiraled into trauma, eventually turning to drugs. …

1
He Couldn’t Save His Brother, But He’s Working to Save Yours 31:16

6M ago31:16

31:16

There’s something uniquely powerful about the bond between siblings. They’re like built-in best friends — there for the good, the bad, and everything in between. But when someone loses a brother or sister, their grief is often overlooked. Many people focus on the parents or the children and forget that siblings are mourning too. In this episode of …

1
Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up 29:48

6M ago29:48

29:48

In this deeply personal episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with her own children to talk about the very public loss of their sister, Emily, who died of fentanyl poisoning in 2018. While the nation saw the news story, what it didn’t see was the quiet heartbreak that unfolded behind closed doors. In episode one of What About…

1
When Words Are All That’s Left After Suicide 38:44

6M ago38:44

38:44

Sometimes, life delivers blow after blow, leaving you gasping for air. Whether it’s the loss of a job, a home, or someone you love, grief can feel all-consuming—like joy may never return. For Betsy Stephenson, the heartbreak came in rapid succession. Within just six weeks, she lost her mother-in-law to dementia, her family dog to cancer, and—most d…

1
A Mother's Warning About Laced Marijuana 34:04

7M ago34:04

34:04

As more states legalize marijuana, its use is on the rise across the country. A recent analysis of National Survey on Drug Use and Health data shows that daily marijuana consumption has now surpassed daily alcohol use. But for one grieving mother, the growing acceptance of the drug comes with an urgent warning—where it comes from matters, and one b…

1
A Mother Speaks Out After Her Daughter’s Deadly Online Encounter 49:12

7M ago49:12

49:12

Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but do you really know what your child is doing online? The DEA warns that drug networks are increasingly using these platforms to find new customers, while sex traffickers also exploit them to lure victims. Now, the FBI is raising alarms about a rise in violent online networks tar…

1
She Dialed a Hotline Before Using Drugs: That Call Saved Her Life 40:08

7M ago40:08

40:08

As the United States continues to grapple with a deadly opioid crisis, Narcan—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—has become more accessible. Experts credit this expanded availability as one reason overdose deaths have declined over the past year. But Narcan can only save a life if someone is there to administer it—and that’s not always …

1
‘The ugliest, biggest elephant in the room:’ Confronting addiction as a disease 39:53

7M ago39:53

39:53

Nicolas Getz once had a very specific image of what someone suffering from drug addiction looked like—a person panhandling on the street, wearing tattered clothing. But in his 20s, he learned firsthand that addiction doesn’t fit a single stereotype. Substance use disorder affects 48.5 million Americans, or 17 percent of the population. Getz became …

1
A Pill Bought via Craigslist Cost Him His Life 39:59

8M ago39:59

39:59

Peter and Erica Zurkow never imagined they would be part of a nationwide TV special—especially for a reason that once felt unimaginable. They thought their 23-year-old son, Henry, was safe in his own home, sleeping soundly in his bedroom. But in reality, he was in danger. The pill he purchased through Craigslist turned out to be deadly. In this emo…

1
Mother Blames Cannabis-Induced Psychosis for Son’s Death 39:42

8M ago39:42

39:42

As more states legalize marijuana, its use is becoming increasingly normalized—even among teenagers. According to the latest data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one in four high school seniors reported using cannabis in the past year. But on today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, a grieving mother is warning others about the risks. Laura…

1
Beating the Odds from Gang Life to Changing Lives 36:21

8M ago36:21

36:21

From an abusive childhood to growing up in extreme poverty and joining a gang at just 11 years old, Jose Rivera’s path could have led to devastation. Most of the people he once ran with are no longer alive—but Jose beat the odds. Now, he's dedicating his life to helping others struggling with abuse, mental health challenges and substance use disord…

1
Saving Lives After Overdose One Call at a Time 28:18

8M ago28:18

28:18

Every six minutes, an American dies from a drug overdose—let that sink in. Every six minutes. The United States is in the midst of its deadliest drug epidemic, yet many overdose deaths could be prevented. One critical warning sign? A non-fatal overdose. Survivors of an overdose face a significantly higher risk of another—one that could be fatal. Re…

1
Addiction Behind the Headlines 34:28

9M ago34:28

34:28

From movies like The Morning Show to classic TV series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, audiences have long been captivated by the fast-paced world of journalism. But behind the scenes, real-life newsrooms can be anything but glamorous. Journalism is a high-pressure profession, with tight deadlines and little room for error. While there isn’t a wide…

1
A TV Anchor Shares Her Loss to Overdose and Efforts to End Stigma 39:22

9M ago39:22

39:22

As an evening news anchor, Laura Monteverdi is used to reporting difficult stories—but one of the hardest stories she’s ever told is her own. In this powerful episode of Grieving Out Loud, Laura opens up about the devastating loss of her boyfriend, Brock Eidsness, to a heroin overdose. At just 27 years old, Brock was full of life and ambition, work…

1
‘I lost who I was.’ Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship gives mom second chance 31:04

9M ago31:04

31:04

Chances are, you or someone you know is battling substance use disorder. The latest numbers from the U.S. National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that nearly 49 million Americans struggle with addiction. Getting help is tough. First, there’s the hard part: admitting there’s a problem and deciding to seek treatment, especially with the stigma su…

1
From Adoption to Loss—One Mother’s Journey of Love and Resilience 31:42

9M ago31:42

31:42

From infertility struggles to adoption, and then watching her child fight cancer, Brenda Reedy’s journey has been anything but easy. Through every challenge, she faced it with unwavering dedication and resilience. But just as she thought the worst was behind her, life took another heartbreaking turn—when her son entered his teenage years, he began …

1
Minnesota’s First Addiction and Recovery Director on Drugs, Policy, and Controversial Solutions 31:17

9M ago31:17

31:17

To battle the nation’s opioid and substance use disorder epidemic, Minnesota has created a new position focused on the problem. The governor appointed Jeremy Drucker to serve as the administration’s first Addiction and Recovery Director. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Drucker to gather his insights both pr…

1
The Mission to Unite America Against the Fentanyl Crisis 41:49

10M ago41:49

41:49

People from across the nation will come together this September to walk in support of raising awareness about the fentanyl crisis. Surprisingly, the man behind this movement doesn’t have a personal connection to the epidemic. Instead, his mission was sparked when he ran through a town grappling with the opioid crisis and felt compelled to make a di…

1
Reading, writing, and recovery at a high school helping teens with addiction 31:29

10M ago31:29

31:29

Being a teen is challenging enough, but imagine facing the added burden of addiction. Drug use is especially harmful to the developing brain, altering its structure in ways that can increase the risk of long-term addiction and other serious issues. But thanks to a unique high school in Las Vegas that combines education with substance use disorder t…

1
TV Anchors step up with naloxone training to fight the opioid crisis 22:50

10M ago22:50

22:50

Award-winning journalists Iris St. Meran and Christie Casciano bring Syracuse, New York's biggest stories to light, covering everything from government decisions to crime. This year, however, they encountered a crisis they couldn’t simply cover from the newsroom. After repeatedly hearing overdose calls on the police scanner, they felt compelled to …

1
Former college coach speaks out after losing standout athlete son to fentanyl 29:13

10M ago29:13

29:13

For so many young athletes, playing a college sport is the dream. But for Taelin Webb, one wasn’t enough—he excelled in two. From standout basketball player to football star at Southern Utah University, Taelin was the kind of athlete who seemed unstoppable: disciplined, passionate, and in peak physical condition. Taelin’s dad, Vonn Webb, who also c…

1
‘I can, so I do:’ Powerful stories of loss, advocacy & hope from 2024 55:48

11M ago55:48

55:48

Welcome to a special edition of Grieving Out Loud, where we reflect on some of the most impactful conversations of 2024. This year, we shared stories that illuminated the devastating effects of the overdose and fentanyl crisis—stories ranging from a Nashville wedding overshadowed by tragedy to a sister’s fight for justice after her brother’s murder…

1
Changing lives through grief and the gift of pain 40:29

11M ago40:29

40:29

His resume is nothing short of remarkable. Mark Bodnarczuk is a brilliant intellectual, a celebrated author, and a respected researcher who manages and provides oversight for three programs at Stanford. Yet, his latest book Finding New Life After the Death of my Son ventures far beyond his professional accolades—it delves into the raw, devastating …

1
Shedding light on underreported overdose deaths with Truth Pharm 41:25

11M ago41:25

41:25

Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. have dropped to their lowest levels since 2020, with new CDC estimates showing just over 60,650 lives lost between June 2023 and June 2024—an 18% decrease from the previous year. While this is a hopeful trend, the real story might be far more sobering. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the hidden…

1
Her shocking loss made international headlines—Now she’s helping others navigate grief 39:34

12M ago39:34

39:34

Nicola Marshall’s world was shattered by a sudden, heartbreaking loss that made headlines around the globe. Her 12-year-old son died after falling from a balcony while they were vacationing in Spain. Yet, amidst this unimaginable heartache, Nicola discovered a way to move forward—one careful step at a time. Now, she has dedicated her life to unders…

1
A Minnesota mother’s public plea to save lives after a fentanyl tragedy 35:11

12M ago35:11

35:11

Nearly 49 million Americans, or about 17% of the population, are battling addiction, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Now, picture ten of your closest friends—nearly two of them could be quietly fighting this hidden battle. Yet, addiction often remains a silent struggle, weighed down by stigma and shame. For years, Mi…

1
Exposing ‘New York’s Deadliest Pill Pusher’ 39:31

12M ago39:31

39:31

Doctors are people we often trust to make the best decisions for our health. While that's usually the case, it’s not always true. Dr. Stan Li, a once-respected anesthesiologist, became known as "New York’s deadliest pill pusher." Li wrote more than 21,000 prescriptions for drugs such as oxycodone and Xanax and was ultimately convicted of manslaught…

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