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

The phrase "drug cartel" often evokes images of distant violence and illicit trade, chiefly tied to Mexico. But the truth is, the influence of these formidable Mexican drug organizations reaches deep into the heartland of America in ways that might astonish you. A recent year-long operation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has unearthed stark ties between these cartels and numerous American communities.

At the helm of the Omaha Division, Special Agent in Charge Justin King has pinpointed 26 investigations over the last year that tie back to two primary drug cartels. As the investigations progress, more links are anticipated. However, with over twenty years on the front lines, King contends that neither sealing the border nor zeroing in on the cartels alone will be enough to halt America's surging opioid dilemma.

Join us in this installment of Grieving Out Loud, where we delve into the current observations of Agent King amidst America's most lethal drug crisis to date. Discover his insights on the required shifts in strategy and why America is trapped in this devastating epidemic.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Is addiction a disease or a disability, and why does it matter?

Dr. John Maier, a distinguished researcher, therapist, and philosopher, is writing a groundbreaking book championing the concept of addiction as a disability rather than a disease. In this enlightening episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into Maier's perspective and explore why this distinction holds such significance. We hope that this episode has left you feeling more informed and empowered, ready to make a positive impact in today's world.

Maier would like to hear from people struggling with substance use disorder about how they think it should be classified. Don't hesitate to contact him by email or on Twitter.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Cooper Noriega seemed to be living the dream. At just 19 years old, the social media influencer had amassed millions of followers on TikTok and hundreds of thousands more on other social platforms. Not stopping there, he ventured into modeling and had ambitious plans to launch a clothing line focusing on mental health awareness. However, beneath the surface of his stardom, Cooper faced his battles with mental health and substance abuse. In fact, just days before his deadly drug overdose, the star launched a safe space for his fans to discuss mental health openly.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, you'll discover how his parents are carrying forward that critical mission in Cooper's name through Coop's Advice. His dad, Harold Noriega, also shares insights into what might have contributed to their son's challenges and has a heartfelt message for other parents. 

We hope this conversation enlightens you and provides valuable insights into one of the most pressing issues affecting today's youth: fentanyl.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

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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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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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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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