Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic

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 act. In addition to anchoring a special hour-long segment on the opioid crisis, the duo took their commitment a step further by completing naloxone training. Now equipped with the life-saving skills to administer Narcan, they’re ready to help someone in the grip of an overdose.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear how these journalists transitioned from reporting the news to potentially responding to the opioid epidemic.

If you’d like to learn how to administer Narcan, watch this video to gain life-saving knowledge and discover more about Emily’s Hope’s mission to distribute naloxone to those in need.

Watch the full special, More Than a Number: The Opioid Epidemic in Central New York, here: https://www.localsyr.com/more-than-a-number-the-opioid-epidemic-in-central-new-york/

Awareness, Action, and Hope: Navigating the Opioid/Fentanyl crisis: https://www.drugfreeisuptome.org/

Learn more about Narcan here: https://emilyshope.charity/narcan/

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

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For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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 coached at the collegiate level, says he didn’t have any major concerns about his son, but little did he know that his son had a secret struggle.

Hear how Vonn has now transformed his playbook of life to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragic loss.

You can also watch a national TV special, “Saving a Generation, The Fentanyl Crisis", featuring both Vonn and Angela.

Visit the Stay Shaded website to learn more: https://stayshaded.org/ 

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

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For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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.

We heard from a grieving father battling Purdue Pharma, a paramedic turned bereaved mother, and the cousin of the late musician Prince, who offered insight into his untimely death.

These conversations have touched hearts and sparked meaningful dialogue, including efforts to make naloxone more accessible, the tragic consequences of pill mills, and safe havens for opioid-exposed newborns. As we reflect on these unforgettable moments, we honor the courage of our guests and the resilience of those navigating unimaginable loss. Join us as we revisit the stories that have inspired hope, raised awareness, and called for action.

Episode 177 with Lauren Sisler

Episode 146 with Carol Wolfe

Episode 149 with Chris Didier

Episode 153 with Justin Phillips

Episode 161 with Charles “Chazz” Smith

Episode 159 with Stephen Loyd

Episode 178 with Philip Eil

Episode 189 with Jazmin Pedroza

Episode 192 with Nicola Marshall

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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 pain of a tragedy that silenced him for a couple of years: the sudden loss of his 17-year-old son to fentanyl.

Now, Mark courageously opens his heart, transforming his grief into something he calls a gift. In this episode, he shares his deeply moving journey and offers wisdom to anyone grappling with loss—whether from death, divorce, or another life-altering heartbreak. His story is one of unimaginable pain, unyielding love, and the resilience to find meaning in the darkest moments.

Visit Mark's website: https://markbodnarczuk.com/

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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 truths of the opioid epidemic with the founder of Truth Pharm. She argues that the actual number of overdose deaths could be three times what’s reported. But she’s not just exposing the gaps—she’s fighting for justice. From holding pharmaceutical companies accountable to advocating for meaningful support for those battling substance use disorder, her mission is a beacon of hope in the face of devastating loss. She’s also launched Trail of Truth, a yearly event in Washington, D.C., where families can honor loved ones lost to substance use. You can find more details, along with pictures from the event, at emilyshope.charity.

Join us on this episode as we uncover the deeper realities behind the numbers and spotlight the relentless fight to save lives.

Truth Pharm website: https://truthpharm.org/

Learn more about the Trail of Truth: https://www.trailoftruth.org/

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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 understanding grief and supporting others as they navigate their own journeys, offering hope when it feels hardest to find. Nicola is working on writing a book, is a TED Talk speaker, and hosts sessions where people can share their grief.

Listen to Nicola Marshall's Ted Talk "The Power of Grieving as a Tribe" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYF_4m4r5Yw

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear what she has learned about life after loss and her heartfelt advice for those trying to heal or help others in their grief journey.

Read Angela's Blog
Crying at Costco
Wiping of the Tears

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Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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, Michele Hein kept her son's struggle with substance use disorder private. But after Tyler's tragic death from fentanyl poisoning, she's speaking out to anyone who will listen. On today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear Michele’s emotional plea to others navigating the same heartbreaking journey. Michele started the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation in Minneapolis. 

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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 manslaughter in the overdose deaths of two patients.

In this episode of “Grieving Out Loud,” we speak with Charlotte Bismuth, the former assistant district attorney who prosecuted Li. She’s also the author of "Killer in a White Coat: The True Story of New York's Deadliest Pill Pusher and the Team that Brought Him to Justice." Join us as we examine the details of this case, the challenges of holding doctors accountable, and the fight to seek justice for overdose victims.

You can find the manual Bismuth helped create for prosecutors working on overdose homicide cases through the Prosecutor's Center for Excellence. Click here: https://pceinc.org/

Listen to Episode 161: Prince’s cousin’s efforts to expose the truth behind the musician’s fentanyl death

Listen to Episode 162: Grieving father takes on Purdue Pharma after son dies from OxyContin

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Addiction's impact extends far beyond adults and teens—each year, over 20,000 babies are born dependent on drugs due to prenatal exposure. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we speak with a neonatal nurse practitioner who saw a critical need to provide care for these vulnerable newborns and their families.

At Hushabye Nursery in Phoenix, more than 800 babies have received life-saving treatment in the four years since its opening, offering specialized support for opioid-exposed infants and their mothers in recovery. 

We’ll also hear from a mother whose life was transformed by the compassionate care she and her baby received, illustrating how, even amidst substance use disorder, hope and healing are possible.

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

We're taking a break this week for the election, but we will return next week with a powerful new episode of Grieving Out Loud. Next week's episode dives into a struggle that too many families face, but often goes unspoken. Every year, more than 20,000 babies are born affected by a mother's substance use during pregnancy. That's one baby every 25 minutes, each entering the world already fighting.  

"Every time I would take it, I would just feel so bad because I knew he was moving inside me. And it was just, it was horrible." 

We'll hear from Jazmin, a mother who faced addiction while pregnant. She tells us about her journey and how she and her newborn son found healing and help from a place where stigma is left at the door. 

"They made me feel like a person again. They made me feel like I'm a human again.  Just because I used, it happens, but they didn't judge me. You know, they didn't judge. They saw Jazmin. They saw Jazmin in recovery. They saw Jazmin trying to get help."  

Tara Sundem, co -founder of Hushabye Nursery, shares how her center is redefining care for substance exposed babies and supporting mothers to build a future with their children.  

"This is how I'd want you to treat my daughter. I'd want you to like hug her and embrace her and tell her, number one, congratulations. Congratulations. Everyone that's pregnant, the first thing you hear is congratulations, I'm so excited for you. My families never get told that." 

While we're on a short break, I invite you to join us next week for this moving new episode of Grieving Out Loud. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please visit emilyshope.charity for resources. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on the resilience to overcome and the power of compassion in recovery.

We'll see you next week on Grieving Out Loud. 

Send us Fan Mail

Behind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.

They were...

• daughters
• sons
• mothers
• fathers
• friends
• wives
• husbands
• cousins
• boyfriends
• girlfriends.

They were More Than Just A Number. 

Support the show

Connect with Angela

Follow Grieving Out Loud

Follow Emily's Hope

Read Angela’s Blog

Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates

Suggest a Guest

For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz