The statistics are deeply troubling. Between 2007 and 2021, youth suicide rates surged by more than 60%. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that teens living in the most impoverished areas were 37% more likely to die by suicide. However, this distressing trend isn't confined to those facing socioeconomic challenges; it also impacts young people who outwardly appear to have everything.

Angela Drake understands the devastating impact of this epidemic all too well. Her 17-year-old daughter lost her life after battling depression. Rather than allowing grief to consume her, Drake made a courageous decision to confront her pain head-on and dedicate herself to preventing further tragedies. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, she shares her invaluable insights for navigating loss and discusses her efforts to support the community.

We want to stress that if you or someone you love is grappling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. Remember, you are not alone.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Fentanyl—dubbed by some as America's haunting "F" word—continues to carve a path of destruction across the nation. With the U.S. facing its deadliest drug epidemic in history, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says fentanyl is one of the main culprits.

But today, on National Fentanyl Awareness Day, we're not just dwelling on the bleakness. Instead, we're diving into conversations with parents who've faced the unimaginable—the loss, the struggle, the heartache. Their stories are raw, but they're also filled with resilience and hope.

So, as we gather on this day of awareness, let's not just focus on the statistics or the darkness. Let's remember the power of love, community, and standing together in the fight against fentanyl. Because even in our darkest moments, there's always a glimmer of hope, a chance for redemption. And together, we can make a difference.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

As the inspiration behind characters in the award-winning books "Dopesick" and "Raising Lazarus," Ed Bisch shares his journey of turning personal tragedy into a force for powerful change. Following the heart-wrenching loss of his high school son to an OxyContin overdose early in the opioid epidemic, Bisch took on the daunting task of raising awareness about the dangerous drug. More than that, he confronted the influential pharmaceutical company behind OxyContin's production and marketing.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, dive into the compelling story of an ordinary man on a mission well before the opioid crisis gained widespread attention. Bisch sheds light on the persistent challenges faced by the nation as it grapples with its deadliest drug epidemic to date.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Eight years have passed since the world lost Prince, an unparalleled musical force and one of America's most revered artists. During his life, the creative genius sold over 100 million records, ranking him among the best-selling musical artists ever. However, despite his worldwide fame, the circumstances surrounding his sudden death from fentanyl poisoning remain shrouded in mystery, with no one held accountable for the tragedy.

In an eye-opening interview, Prince's cousin, Chazz Smith, joins Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke to talk about his mission to preserve his loved one's legacy and search for truth in the icon's unexpected passing.

Join us as Chazz shares intimate stories about growing up alongside the musical genius, witnessing the challenges of fame, and ultimately grappling with his cousin's passing due to a drug that has now become one of the leading causes of death in America. In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the personal struggles of an icon and the quest for justice that continues to shape Prince's narrative eight years after his passing.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

From a young age, Sarah Spier seemed destined for success. At 18 years old, she landed a job as a film specialist for the Academy Award-winning movie No Country for Old Men. But her Hollywood dreams quickly turned into a nightmare of heroin addiction. Sarah fell in love with a drug dealer, thinking it was a modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale. No one could pull her away from him or her addiction.

However, her mother’s love and determination saved Sarah’s life not once but twice. Join us for a heart-wrenching story as we sit down with Sarah and her mom, Cary, and learn about a mother’s unwavering love and how addiction can affect anyone.

Sarah also helps others suffering from substance use disorders through her organization Follow the Poppy. You can find details about her mission here.

If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please email Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke or connect with her on Facebook.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

World-renowned actor Michael Keaton has won several awards, including his first Emmy, for his performance in the Hulu series "Dopesick." The "Batman" actor portrays a hard-working doctor in a small mining town who gets addicted to the pain pills he starts prescribing. Today on Grieving Out Loud, we have an exciting interview with the man who was the real-life inspiration behind that compelling character.

Dr. Stephen Loyd overcame abuse, wrestled with addiction, and faced heartbreaking losses, all while trying to maintain his composure as a dedicated medical doctor and professor. Hear his story, why he finally sought help, and how he's now making a difference in the lives of others grappling with substance use disorder.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Ever feel like you've hit a certain age, and your chance to impact the world has passed you by?

In today's Grieving Out Loud episode, we'll introduce you to Neil Jackson, who proves that age is just a number. In his early 60s, Neil faced the devastating news of a rare cancer diagnosis and the slim odds of survival after a risky surgery. But his story doesn't end there. Neil found himself confronting a new battle – addiction to the very painkillers meant to ease his suffering.

Now, Neil is turning his pain into purpose, not just by sharing his story but by inventing a device aimed at helping others battling substance use disorder. Please tune in to discover how Neil's innovation has the potential to change lives and reshape our nation's devastating drug crisis.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

From FOX News to CNN and ABC, Amy Neville has found herself under the national news spotlight, but it's for a cause she wishes never existed. Amy faced the heart-wrenching loss of her 14-year-old son, who, on the brink of his first year in high school, ingested what he thought was oxycodone, a purchase made through Snapchat. Now, Amy is on a mission, challenging the social media giant, striving to prevent other families from enduring the same devastating loss.

Amy says David Kessler's online grief therapy has helped her heal. You can find more information about the program here.

Also, please leave a positive review for this episode and share it with friends and family. Your support helps further Emily's Hope's mission to remove the stigma of substance use disorder and get more people the treatment they desperately need. Together, we can make a difference.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

As a seasoned paramedic, Shani Reisnour has seen the painful impact of our nation’s drug crisis up close. But she never expected it to hit her family. Unfortunately, fentanyl doesn’t discriminate.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Shani opens up about her daughter’s struggle with substance use disorder, shares the lessons she’s learned, and what she wants every parent out there to know… before it’s too late.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

With a record number of Americans using marijuana, cannabis use disorder is also on the rise. Recent research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association finds that more than one-fifth of people who use cannabis struggle with dependency or problematic use.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Chris Raeford courageously opens up about his journey—dealing with grief, turning to marijuana for comfort, and then confronting his addiction. It's not just about personal struggles; his story is truly inspiring. We hope it motivates you to face your challenges and extend a helping hand to others going through difficult situations.

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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 & Marley Miller