After Heather Ruzic tragically lost her son to illicit fentanyl in 2015, she made it her mission to warn others about the danger. Yet, as time passed, she witnessed more parents suffering similar tragedies while the epidemic continued to impact her family in unforeseen ways. 

Heather's first husband also died from fentanyl poisoning. She faced a battle with substance use disorder herself, and her other son is grappling with fentanyl addiction. Despite it all, she refuses to remain silent. Instead, she's bravely speaking out and advocating for change amidst the deadliest drug epidemic our nation has ever seen.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Tom Wolf embodied the quintessential image of a middle-class family man—married, with two children, living in the suburbs, and holding a steady job as a child support officer. However, his life took a drastic turn after a seemingly routine foot surgery led to a prescription for painkillers.

Listen as we delve into Tom's journey from a happy, hardworking American to homeless, living on the streets and consumed by the relentless pursuit of heroin.

We hope today's episode not only informs you about our nation's opioid epidemic and how literally anyone can struggle with substance use disorder but also gives you hope that there is help available. Maybe you, too, can be the one to make a difference in someone's life.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

"Slow Dancing with the Devil"--that's the title of Susan Bartz Herrick's book that's now being turned into a screenplay. It's a story that the grieving mother never wanted to write--a heartbreaking memoir of her son's relentless 20-year battle with substance use disorder, a fight he unfortunately lost due to fentanyl poisoning.

But Susan's narrative goes beyond grief. It's a beacon of hope, a call to action. Join us on this episode of Grieving Out Loud as we dive into Susan's journey, her unwavering mission to raise awareness about substance use disorder, and her fight to erase its stigma.

Also, if you or a loved one are struggling with substance use disorder, it's important to seek help. You can find a list of resources on our website.

Also, check out Susan's book, "Slow Dancing with the Devil," available at several retailers, including Barnes & Noble. 

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

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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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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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

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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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

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