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

Imagine losing not just one, but two loved ones to suicide. This week's Grieving Out Loud guest, Jim Nelson, has faced these unimaginable tragedies head-on. Jim's life was forever changed when his brother completed suicide in his early 20s. The pain and devastation were indescribable, but little did Jim know that life had even more sorrow in store for him.
In a devastating twist of fate, Jim's daughter battled mental health issues for years before succumbing to the same dark struggle. The anguish that Jim experienced is something no parent should ever endure. And yet, amidst this unimaginable grief, Jim has found a way to rise above the darkness. He joins us to share his story, shed light on his journey through the depths of despair, and provide hope to those walking a similar path.

If you want to learn more and support our mission, visit our website. We have many resources, ways to get involved, and opportunities to make a real impact. You can also read more about Miranda's story on our new website, morethanjustanumber.org. It's an incredible reminder that every person is more than just a statistic. 

Check out the non-profit's LinkedIn page to learn more about the Miranda Leigh Nelson Foundation. 

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

Fawna Asfaw was an only child who had her world turned upside down when she lost not just one, but both of her parents at a young age. It's unimaginable. She didn't know how to handle all that grief, so she turned to alcohol. As you may have guessed, that led Fawna down a dangerous and devastating path. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Fawna to talk about how she navigated her darkest moments and eventually found a way back to a life filled with joy and purpose. Her journey serves as a reminder that no matter how deep our pain may be, there is always hope. 

Also, be sure to check out Fawna's book and her recovery coaching. 

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

The Rosebud Reservation is one of the most impoverished areas in the United States, and the nationwide drug epidemic has struck its residents. According to new CDC data, Native Americans are experiencing the highest number of deadly drug overdoses involving fentanyl and meth. Additionally, government reports suggest that Mexican drug cartels intentionally target rural Native American Reservations. But despite these challenges, there is hope.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke speaks with Carrie Reinders, a licensed professional counselor with 24 years of experience working in the Todd County School District on the Rosebud Reservation. For more than two decades, Carrie has been fighting against the rising trend of addiction in her community, and she's now part of the pilot program for the Emily's Hope Prevention Education curriculum.

Designed for K-5 students, this curriculum aims to elementary school students about the impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain, body, and life to empower them to make healthy choices. Tune in to hear how Emily's Hope Prevention Education aims to make a difference in the Rosebud Reservation by giving its elementary school students the tools they need to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

On this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," we'll explore the depths of grief and the journey to healing. Host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Eric Hodgdon, a remarkable individual who has navigated the unimaginable pain of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Zoi, to suicide.

Initially consumed by grief, Eric struggled with sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and agonizing phantom pains. However, as time passed, he discovered the inner strength to confront his sorrow head-on, leading to a profound personal transformation. Today, Eric stands as a beacon of hope, extending a compassionate hand to others who are grieving. As a TEDx speaker, author, and advocate, Eric shares his invaluable insights and practical strategies to overcome grief in all its forms. Whether it's the loss of a child, the end of a marriage, or the devastation caused by job loss, his heartfelt words resonate profoundly and provide peace for those seeking healing.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

"Mother's intuition" is a well-known term that refers to a unique sense that mothers have to ensure their children's safety and well-being. However, have you ever considered other forms of intuition? 

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke has a fascinating conversation with Katie Beecher, a renowned medical and spiritual intuitive with an international reputation. Rather than relying on conventional medicine, Katie employs her intuition to identify the root causes of physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Her insights are especially valuable for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. She's even written a book about it, Heal from Within: A Guidebook to Intuituve Welness. Join us for an enlightening discussion that may shift your perspective on the power of intuition in our lives.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, meet Sonia Kahlon, an accomplished orthodontist who built a successful seven-location orthodontic group and appeared to have it all. But behind the scenes, she was secretly battling a high-functioning alcohol addiction that had started with a nightly glass of red wine and progressed to a full bottle every night, leaving her feeling sick every day.

In this powerful episode, Sonia shares her inspiring journey of overcoming substance use disorder and how she has since channeled her experience into a new business that provides online small group recovery meetings. Join us as Sonia opens up about her struggle, overcoming it, and her mission to help others do the same. You can learn about Sonia’s business, EverBlume, here. 

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, welcomes guest Susan Lynch, a professional, award-winning dog trainer who has always known the importance of our furry friends. However, it wasn't until her son tragically passed away from a drug overdose that she truly understood just how essential they can be in our lives.

Susan found herself struggling to continue living and feeling judged by others due to the stigma associated with her son's drug use. However, through it all, her dogs were a constant source of unconditional love and support, never judging her or her grief. Since then, Susan has made it her purpose to share her knowledge and experiences with others. She writes and speaks about complicated grief, the seriousness of our nation's drug epidemic, staying connected to loved ones who have passed, along with the valuable lessons she's learned about living and grieving well from her dogs. She's even written an award-winning book, Life After Kevin: A Mother's Search for Peace and the Golden Retrievers That Led the Way.

Join us as we hear Susan's story of how her dogs helped her through the darkest moments of her grief and how she now uses her expertise to help others who are going through similar struggles.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Kim Hix, a mother who tragically lost her daughter Kelsie to fentanyl poisoning. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, are on the rise, with almost 71,000 Americans dying from fentanyl in 2021. Kim Hix is on a mission to raise awareness about this deadly drug through Kelsie's Cause. Kim shares the heartbreaking story of finding her daughter almost lifeless from fentanyl poisoning and the devastating loss she experienced when Kelsie died at the hospital. 

Join us as we dive into the impact of fentanyl on families and the vital importance of raising awareness and educating others about the dangers of this powerful drug.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

From teacher of the year to homeless, Edward Krumpotich has battled substance use disorder for two decades. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with Eddie as he shares his harrowing journey with substance use disorder, treatment, and ultimately finding hope and purpose in raising awareness about substance use and harm reduction.

Despite being in and out of up to 50 treatments, Edward's story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community. Join us as we listen to Eddie's story and learn from his experiences of overcoming substance use disorder and finding purpose in helping others.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

On the latest episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, speaks with Julie Baumgard, a mother who lost her daughter Shauna to fentanyl poisoning on a day that was supposed to be a celebration: her own son's 20th birthday.

Julie shares how her daughter Shauna battled with meth addiction but was in recovery when she tragically made a deadly mistake. She tried to buy a Percocet but unknowingly ingested fentanyl, which caused her death. Julie speaks candidly about the pain and heartache of losing a child to fentanyl poisoning and how her family has coped with the loss. She also discusses her efforts to raise awareness about addiction and the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has become increasingly common in drug-related deaths.

Through Julie's words, we gain a powerful insight into the impact of addiction on families and the urgent need to address the opioid crisis. Her story is a reminder of the importance of reducing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and supporting those struggling with substance use disorders.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz