Always the Last to Know

Hey y'all, due to some inclement weather that impacted recording last week and some weddings Ash has to attend this week, we will be back on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

In this episode we investigate the post-Arthur Sackler era, when his brothers Mortimer and Raymond, alongside their children, took Purdue Pharma to new heights. With OxyContin as their cash cow, the new generation of Sacklers not only sustained but aggressively expanded the opioid epidemic. Join us as we explore how their calculated decisions prioritized profit over lives, amplifying the crisis that continues to haunt communities today.

Empire of pain by Patrick R Keefe

Crime of the Century a documentary on HBO

https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC65831/text

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/30/the-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9339402/

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-global-resolution-criminal-and-civil-investigations-opioid

https://oag.dc.gov/release/ag-racine-announces-sackler-family-purdue-pharma

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/13/meet-the-sacklers-the-family-feuding-over-blame-for-the-opioid-crisis

https://www.forbes.com/profile/sackler/

In this episode we delve into the origins of the opioid epidemic by examining the life and decisions of Arthur Sackler, the visionary behind modern pharmaceutical marketing. From his revolutionary promotion of Valium to laying the groundwork for OxyContin’s rise, we explore how Sackler’s innovations fueled a culture of over-prescription. As we untangle the web of profits and pain, discover how his influence set the stage for the devastating opioid crisis that grips the nation today.

Empire of pain by Patrick R Keefe 

Crime of the Century a documentary on HBO 

https://www.congress.gov/event/116th-congress/house-event/LC65831/text

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/10/30/the-family-that-built-an-empire-of-pain

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9339402/

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-announces-global-resolution-criminal-and-civil-investigations-opioid

https://oag.dc.gov/release/ag-racine-announces-sackler-family-purdue-pharma

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/feb/13/meet-the-sacklers-the-family-feuding-over-blame-for-the-opioid-crisis

This week, Katy teaches us about the history of pain management from ancient times through present day.

If you, or anyone you know needs help with addiction please reach out to  1-800-662-HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

SOURCES

https://painmanagementcollaboratory.org/pain-management-history-timeline/ (this is the timeline I mention in episode)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5760261/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6311547/

Empire of Pain by Patrick Radden Keefe

Crime of the Century, (watched on hulu)

https://www.londonpainclinic.com/informational/the-evolution-of-pain-medicine-a-historical-overview/

https://omegapaindoctor.com/blog/history-of-pain-management/

https://www.hrsa.gov/opioids

https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trends-statistics/overdose-death-rates

Today, we learn the history of Labor Day and hear the story of the first NYC Labor Day Parade.

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/labor-day-1

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history-daze

https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history

This week, we have a couple updates to some topics we covered in 2022. We see where the Chinatown jail project is at, the impacts on the community so far, and what the future of the project looks like. We also talk about some progress in the rape kit processing systems around the country.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/21/new-york-jail-chinatown-rikers-island

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2023/09/08/sexual-assault-survivors-can-now-track-their-rape-kits-in-most-states/

In part two, we discuss Edie's relationships with Andy Warhol & the crew at The Factory, her mental health and drug addiction struggles, and the events of her final days. Trigger warning for content related to eating disorders, suicide, and child abuse. 

In part one, Katy tells us about the early life of model, actress, and socialite, Edie Sedgwick. Trigger warning for content related to eating disorders, suicide, and child abuse.

This week, we learn about the first lesbian rights group in the US. Ash is on a kick of learning all she can about LGBTQ+ history, we hope you enjoy the journey along with her.

This week, Katy teaches us all about the life of Harry Houdini. His childhood, his tricks, and his interesting relationship with Spiritualism.