Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes retired Admiral Eric Olson, a former Navy SEAL and distinguished leader with a wealth of experience in the U.S. Navy, particularly in Special Operations. Admiral Olson shares his reflections on pivotal military events, including the Battle of Mogadishu, and discusses how Special Operations Forces have evolved…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Admiral Eric Olson who shares his experiences as a highly decorated Navy Admiral, discussing pivotal moments in military history, particularly the Battle of Mogadishu, where he was awarded the Silver Star Medal, for valor in combat. Admiral Olson reflects on the evolution of Special Operations Forces, their …

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Sarah Murphy, a first-generation bison rancher who transitioned from a corporate marketing career to ranching with the purchase of 15 bison and a daring passion to try something new. In their conversation, Sarah discusses the challenges and rewards of her new lifestyle, emphasizing the vital role community s…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes Scott Strode, the founder of The Phoenix who shares his inspiring journey of recovery and discusses the mission of his nonprofit organization. The Phoenix provides a free, sober, and active community for individuals overcoming addiction, emphasizing the transformative power of community support. Scott highlig…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes Michael Lopéz-Alegría, the chief astronaut at Axiom Space, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring astronaut to seasoned space traveler. He discusses his experiences aboard various spacecraft, the emotional aspects of space travel, and the vital role of training in managing fear and uncertainty. Michae…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Professor Robin Fivush, a psychologist from the Samuel Candler Dobbs Center at Emory University who discusses how family storytelling strengthens connection, memory, and identity. She and Mary explore its role in processing experiences, fostering communication, shaping generational identities, and its cultur…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Marisa Wayne, who reflects on her father, John Wayne, his legacy, and their work with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation. Marisa shares fond memories, including family traditions, her father’s humor, and their time together on their boat. She discusses the foundation’s efforts in cancer research, prevention, a…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Steve Gelfand, a retired rheumatologist who discusses the opioid crisis, covering its history, medical education's role, addiction stigma, fentanyl's rise, and the need for education and open dialogue on drug use.Door Mary Bono

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono welcomes Emmy-winning actress Eileen Davidson who shares her journey from starting her acting career in her late teens to becoming a beloved figure in daytime television, particularly known for her role as Ashley Abbott on The Young and the Restless. Eileen reflects on the hurdles she overcame, including the emotional…

Sagely Speaking With Mary Bono welcomes Cammie Wolf Rice, a dedicated philanthropist and activist. Cammie shares her personal story of loss from the opioid crisis and her journey of resilience. She is the founder of the Life Care Specialist Program, which provides vital support and education to hospital patients about opioid use. Cammie stresses th…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Scott D. Payne, a retired FBI agent with 28 years of law enforcement experience, who shares insights on the evolving challenges in policing. He discusses the dynamic nature of smuggling, emphasizing that demand influences supply and methods, while expressing concern about the impact of open borders on nationa…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41). They cover key issues like border security, immigration reform, and the fentanyl crisis. The Congressman discusses his advocacy for the Legal Workforce Act, which mandates E-Verify for new hires, emphasizing strong border policies for a secure workforce. He addresses the fent…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Dr. Aaron Weiner, a psychologist and addiction specialist. They explore the complexities of addiction, its psychological underpinnings, and the societal factors contributing to its prevalence. They also discuss the biopsychosocial model of addiction, the impact of technology and social media, and the role of…

Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono® welcomes Virginia's Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security, Terrance "Terry" C. Cole. He reflects on the significance of September 11, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Virginians and the ongoing threat of terrorism as a national security concern. He pointed out the challenges posed by trafficking, particu…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes William C. Moyers, the Director of Public Relations and Communications at the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. He is also the author of two insightful books that chronicle his personal recovery journey. In this episode, he sheds light on the foundation's vital efforts to combat the stigma associated with seeki…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Chris McGreal, a seasoned reporter for The Guardian, who has covered key regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Central America. Now residing in the United States, Chris has been reporting on the opioid epidemic since its inception, focusing on the unique factors that made it an American crisis. With deep …

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Congressman Hal Rogers who has served Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District for 22 consecutive terms, playing a crucial role on the House Appropriations Committee. Facing the devastating impact of the opioid crisis, particularly OxyContin, Rogers launched Operation UNITE, a grassroots effort mobilizing thousa…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Sally Satel, a lecturer at Yale University School of Medicine, a visiting professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and an author. In this episode, Dr. Satel offers valuable insights into addiction and mental health, particularly regarding the op…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Regina LaBelle, a distinguished scholar and expert in addiction policy. As the director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at Georgetown Law's O'Neill Institute and experience having been the Acting Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2021 and Chief of Staff at OND…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Christine Brennan, an esteemed sports journalist who has earned "the best seat in the house" after covering 21 Olympic Games, both Summer and Winter shares her insights into the evolving world of women’s sports, highlighting the profound impact of the "Caitlin Clark effect" on increasing visibility, popularit…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Nzinga Harrison, author of Un-Addiction: Six Mind-Changing Conversations That Could Save a Life, is a leading expert in addiction medicine who challenges the common misconception that addiction is simply a matter of choice. In her book, she reframes addiction as a chronic illness, similar to diabetes or a…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes legendary golfer Dave Stockton Jr. who shares his profound insights into the mental game of golf. Known not only for his prowess on the course but also for his expertise in coaching, Dave emphasizes the importance of maintaining mental focus while also savoring the camaraderie that makes the game so special. …

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Beau Kilmer, serving as the respected Co-Director at the esteemed RAND Drug Policy Research Center, as they delve deeply into the intricate landscape of drug policy in our recent dialogue. An expert in the domains of public health and safety, Dr. Kilmer's extensive research is dedicated to investigating t…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes John Ondrasik, the amazing musician known for his work as Five for Fighting. He opens up about using his music to advocate for important social causes. With beloved hits like "Superman,” "100 Years," and his new release, “OK,” he's touched the hearts of fans around the globe. In fact, his songs have been stre…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Steve Adami as they discuss his remarkable journey from handcuffs to hope. Steve turned his life around after spending time in prison, embracing sobriety and personal growth. These days, Steve is all about giving back. He's teamed up with the Salvation Army to tackle San Francisco's addiction challenges head-…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Lucy Pet Products COO and partner, Rick Rockhill who gives us such an inspiring perspective on the wonderful benefits of having a pet, emphasizing how they bring a sense of calm, stability, and can even help relieve anxiety. He also surprises us with insights into the health benefits of keeping something as t…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Robert Dupont who delves into the critical topic of recovery, emphasizing the profound lessons that can be learned from those who have navigated this challenging journey. He discusses the resilience and strength required to overcome adversity, and how hearing these stories can inspire and guide others on …

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Paul Solotaroff, a no-holds barred investigative reporter from Rolling Stone Magazine who has been covering very serious and tough stories for decades. Famous for his persistence, Paul has been on the trail of social media companies and their role in making drugs very accessible to the children of America. Hi…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes a very special guest, especially since he is her husband...Rear Admiral Stephen Oswald, USN (ret). Steve is a distinguished former astronaut and Naval Aviator who embarked on a remarkable career that spanned various facets of aviation and space exploration. His journey began at the United States Naval Academy…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Ed Bisch, the relentless advocate and founder of Relatives Against Purdue Pharma (RAPP), who talks about his 23 year struggle to make sure Purdue Pharma is held accountable for their irresponsible promotion and distribution of the highly addictive and potentially deadly drug OxyContin. Motivated by personal t…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Chris Didier, a pilot for United Airlines and Executive Board Member for Stop the Void who shares the heart-wrenching story of losing his 17-year-old son to a single pill laced with fentanyl. Chris talks about this tragic incident and how it underscores the critical need for parents to have open and honest co…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Katheryn Burgum, the First Lady of North Dakota, who is a powerful advocate for initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding drug addiction. Drawing from her own courageous journey of 15 years in recovery, she openly shares her experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering a more compassionate und…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Kim Humphrey, the Executive Director of Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL). Kim's organization plays a crucial role in assisting parents who are navigating the challenging journey of having children with addiction issues and how they empower parents to lead by example. By fostering resilience and promoting …

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers who has served in the House of Representatives for the past 20 years. During her tenure she has risen to hold the gavel on one of the most prestigious and powerful committees in the US Congress, the Energy and Commerce Committee. We spoke about her work combatting the opio…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Gil Kerlikowske. Gil served as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Obama for 5 years. After that service, he lead the Customs and Border Protection. It’s worth noting that he had a strong background in law enforement after leading the Seattle Police Department and then t…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Kevin Sabet whom Congressman Patrick Kennedy (ret.) calls the “Happy Warrior.” Kevin is a warrior when it comes to smart drug policy, and the sheer weight of his beliefs and his dedication to his convictions will win any debate. He strongly believes in drug abuse prevention first.…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Bertha Madras who has been at the forefront of discussions around drug policy for decades. Among the many areas she focuses on, we discussed her research into psychedelic drug therapies and her very concerned viewpoint. With billions of dollars pouring into this emerging field, Dr. Madras sheds light on t…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Emmitt Smith, the three time Super Bowl champion and football legend emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and physical resilience in the sport. Smith, who famously played through injuries with minimal medication, warns about the dangers of relying on opioids for pain management. He talks about his ro…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, is an influential figure at the forefront of the multifaceted challenges facing California, including homelessness, rampant retail theft, and the alarming rise of fentanyl addiction. He is leading the efforts on a California measure called, Th…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes a seasoned expert, a 32-year veteran of the DEA, Bill Bodner, whose insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of the drug trade. Our conversation delved into the complex interplay between supply and demand, touching upon the operations of drug cartels and the influence of global players like China. We exp…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Lorraine Martin who talks about her leadership at the National Safety Council, and how the NSC serves as a vital conduit for workplace safety information. She offers comprehensive guidelines for general safety practices and talks about the concerning rise in drug overdoses in workplaces and the proactive meas…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Michael Braun, retired from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as Chief of Operations, Assistant Administrator. He sheds light on the intricate network behind the Mexican cartels' dominance in supplying fentanyl, emphasizing their dependence on chemical companies in China for production. He unders…

A proven thought leader and Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, Dr. Keith Humphreys emphasizes the crucial role of law enforcement and health care workers joining together to solve our Nation's drug problem. He also talks about his leadership as a former drug policy advisor at the White House in expanding public access to naloxone, the …

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes renowned addiction specialist and popular television host, an author, and a public speaker Dr. Drew Pinsky. They dive into the complex landscape of addiction, parenting, treatment and the lack of facilities, and the policies surrounding these issues and gives the most honest, practical, and up-to-date medical…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Adam Leventhal as they delve into the complex world of the drug epidemic. An innovative academic response with the founding director of the Institute for Addiction Science at host Mary Bono's alma mater, the University of Southern California (USC). In this insightful conversation, Dr. Adam Leventhal, disc…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Captain Christopher Jones, the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, who discusses the critical importance of safeguarding our loved ones from the dangers of substance abuse. Their conversation delves into the multifaceted challenges faced by communities in combatting drug abuse and the urgen…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes a friend and a leader in advocacy and policy at Safe States Alliance, Rich Hamburg who works tirelessly to address a myriad of issues, always prioritizing prevention and wellness. His dedication to promoting policies that safeguard communities against illness and injury is unparalleled. Whether advocating for…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Angela Kennecke, whom despite enduring the heart-wrenching loss of her daughter to a tragic drug overdose finds solace in channeling her grief into a beacon of hope for others. With unwavering determination, she founded a charity in her daughter's name, Emily's Hope, which is dedicated to supporting parents g…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Rob Perry, the visionary founder of XOMAD. He talks about revolutionizing influencer marketing by tapping into the "power of local messengers," recognizing the potential to reach audiences en masse by employing local influencers. XOMAD can use the technology to disseminate the word about the current drug epid…

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Tom Wolf, a fierce advocate against failing addiction and homeless policies. He bravely took the stage, opening up about his journey through drug addiction and subsequent recovery. His story unfolds as a testament to resilience and the transformative power of rehabilitation. Wolf's candid account not only she…