When we decide to share our talents, it's like giving a gift to others. And you know what's beautiful? It often brings us a blessing in return.

Today's Grieving Out Loud guest, Debbie Evans, uses her artistic talents in a way she never imagined. Like thousands of other Americans, Debbie lost her son Jamie to fentanyl poisoning. She's decided to raise awareness and deal with her grief through art. Debbie draws caricatures of other young people who died in this epidemic as she imagines them with Jamie in Heaven.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear Debbie's unbelievable and tragic story–a rollercoaster that includes her son's traumatic robbery and shooting, his battle with addiction triggered by prescription painkillers, and his effort to seek help shortly before dying from fentanyl.

Despite her profound loss, Debbie has channeled her grief into a powerful force for good, supporting other grieving parents. This episode serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change, even in the face of the darkest circumstances.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Over the past couple of months, Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke had the opportunity to make two trips to Washington, D.C., to shine a spotlight on America's growing drug crisis, which is killing a record number of Americans. During her first visit, Angela had the privilege of meeting with some of our country's top leaders, including the U.S. drug czar, the director of the CDC, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris.

On her second visit to the nation's capital, Angela joined hundreds of others who have felt the profound pain of losing loved ones to illicit substances. The rally aimed to deliver a powerful message to policymakers and the public: it's high time to take decisive action against the scourge of fentanyl trafficking and its heartbreaking toll.

Today, Angela shares the stories of three remarkable individuals she met during the rally. Tune in to hear their passionate calls for change in our country and the urgent message they're sending to all of us.

Please also check out Angela's nonprofit, Emily's Hope, dedicated to destigmatizing substance use disorder through awareness, education, prevention, and removing financial barriers to treatment and recovery.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the poignant story behind "Song for Charlie." Ed and Mary Ternan deeply value the song, but its origin is rooted in profound loss. Their son Charlie, believing he was purchasing Percocet on Snapchat, was tragically misled and consumed a counterfeit pill laced with deadly fentanyl.

Listen as Ed recounts the events surrounding Charlie's untimely passing, his fervent message to others, and how his non-profit, Song for Charlie, is working diligently with social media platforms to try to curtail the online distribution of deadly pills.

To further understand the efforts to address substance use disorder and its effects, please learn more about Emily's Hope and our innovative K-5 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

At 102 years old, Dr. Gladys McGarey not only stands as a living testament to holistic healing but also serves as an inspiration for all generations.

Known as the 'Mother of Holistic Medicine,' Dr. McGarey's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of Grieving out Loud, we uncover her story, from enduring cancer, the loss of a daughter, to navigating divorce at almost 70 years old. Her response to adversity is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As we explore her life, Dr. McGarey shares her invaluable wisdom and advice on living a fulfilling life, regardless of age or circumstances. She opens up about the fundamental principles that have sustained her through the decades, offering a unique perspective on holistic living, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

For more information on Dr. McGarey, check out her book, The Well-Lived Life, and her website.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Law enforcement has found deadly doses of fentanyl in some truly unexpected places, such as baby bottles and fake Jolly Ranchers. Our guest on Grieving Out Loud has firsthand experience with the strange and tragic ways this super-strong synthetic opioid is killing Americans.

Barb Walsh believes her daughter died from drinking a bottle of water that contained diluted fentanyl. Join us as Walsh opens up about her heartbreaking loss, the powerful message she wants to convey to other parents, and her tireless efforts to prevent more tragic deaths amidst our nation's fentanyl crisis.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

The opioid crisis, which claims thousands of American lives each year, traces its origins back to overprescribing painkillers. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear the compelling story of a woman who defied the odds.

Jessica was a college graduate with a successful career, but her doctor prescribed her Oxycontin following surgery. Those pills led to a battle with substance use disorder that almost took her life. Today, Jessica shares her path to recovery and invaluable insights for those grappling with substance use disorder or other life challenges. Tune in for a powerful narrative of resilience, recovery, and hope in the face of adversity.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

According to U.S. census data, more grandparents are raising their grandchildren than ever, and the opioid epidemic is mainly to blame. It's hitting home for many families; Patricia Drewes' journey is a prime example. Her daughter's life was tragically cut short by a drug-tainted with a deadly dose of fentanyl.

In this emotionally charged episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits with Patricia for an important conversation. We'll delve deep into her journey, discussing her insights into why her daughter turned to drugs, how she's navigating the immense weight of this tragedy, and her unwavering commitment to transforming her pain into progress through legislative avenues.

If you've lost someone to the drug crisis, Emily's Hope invites you to submit a memorial for your loved one at https://morethanjustanumber.org/

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

As an Emmy Nominated Producer and Film Director, Kay Sumner has been making waves in the entertainment industry. She has an impressive track record, boasting three Emmy nominations and not one but two People's Choice awards. Her claim to fame includes being the co-creator and producer of the renowned show The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, but her most recent project aims to change the most lives.

Kay, along with her husband Murray, created the film Survivor. The compelling documentary ventures into the real stories of triumph over opioid addiction and the heart-wrenching tales of loss. However, for the Sumners, the film is more than just a project – it's a channel for grief and a heartfelt tribute to their late son. A talented musician, her son's life was tragically cut short by a drug overdose at 43.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with the Sumners to delve into their mission,  their aspirations, and what they hope to achieve through their impactful work.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Like countless young boys, Chris Herren had an ambitious dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Chris turned his dream into reality, first playing for the Denver Nuggets and then achieving his ultimate goal of joining his hometown team, the Boston Celtics. But the life of a successful athlete isn't all glory. It comes with its challenges—long weekends, time away from home, stress, and pressure. Behind the scenes, Chris was also keeping a secret—a battle with substance use disorder that was wreaking havoc on his mind and body.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Chris opens up about the hurdles he faced, the obstacles he overcame, and how addiction affected every aspect of his life in unimaginable ways. But here's the incredible part—Chris has a powerful message to share with others who might be going through similar struggles. His story is about resilience, hope, and the fight against substance use disorder.

Chris now travels across the country, bringing his story to students, adults, and professional athletes. He's even created a wellness program, authored a book, and his story has been featured in a film to prevent others from going down the dark road of substance abuse.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Addiction is a complex condition, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution during recovery. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with a highly respected psychiatrist specializing in addiction care. Dr. Hannah Statz DeVries is also a valuable Emily's Hope board member.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Statz DeVries will be addressing your questions on addiction and substance use disorder. We'll dive deep into the challenges individuals face seeking help, especially in the face of stigma and the misconception that recovery should be quick and straightforward.

Beyond that, we'll explore essential topics for family members supporting their loved ones during their battle with substance use disorder. Dr. Statz DeVries will provide valuable insights into the time and support needed for true healing to take place.

In addition, we'll venture into the most contentious issues surrounding our nation's drug epidemic and addiction, including harm reduction and the legalization of marijuana.

Be prepared for a conversation that will leave you with profound reflections and a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction and substance use disorder. This is a discussion that everyone should hear, especially considering the critical challenges posed by our country's deadliest drug epidemic in history.

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Connect with Angela

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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