Our journey on Grieving Out Loud has been extraordinary over the past year. We've been graced by the voices of countless individuals who, with unwavering bravery, shared the intimate and challenging chapters of their lives entwined with substance use disorder. In these narratives, we've not only heard the heart-wrenching stories of parents who, despite the unimaginable loss, have summoned the courage to speak out about their children's battles with drug overdoses and fentanyl poisonings, but we've also been touched by the resilience and indomitable spirit that radiates from each story.

This episode is a moment to relive some of the most touching, inspiring, and profoundly insightful conversations from 2023. These stories transcend pain and struggle, painting a vivid portrait of resilience, hope, and the unwavering human spirit that flourishes even amidst profound challenges.

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Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Originally Released on November 30th, 2022

Season's greetings from Grieving Out Loud! For this holiday special, we're revisiting an episode that holds valuable insights for many. Our guest today, Dr. Mark Vande Braak, played a significant role in host Angela Kennecke's grief journey following the loss of her 21-year-old daughter, Emily. As a thanatologist—a fancy term for a grief educator—Dr. Vande Braak guided Angela's family in the aftermath of Emily's passing. You might recall him from an earlier podcast, Episode 10, "Broken Heart Syndrome: Four Ways We Grieve."

In this episode, Vande Braak has helpful, practical advice tailored for those grappling with loss during the holiday season—a time often dubbed the "most wonderful time of the year," yet one that can be the hardest and loneliest for those grieving. Tune in for insights that can bring comfort and support during this challenging time.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke received a special invitation to the White House this year, where she met with some of America's top government officials working to end the historic drug crisis. The visit included discussions with prominent figures such as our nation's drug czar, the CDC director, and the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris's husband. 

Angela also had the opportunity to connect with parents who, like herself, are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their children to the fentanyl epidemic. One of those parents, Gary Carter, is the guest on this episode.

Join us in this very candid conversation as Gary reflects on some of the signs he may have missed when his son started experimenting with drugs. He shares the difficult moments and lessons learned as he watched his son battle substance use disorder, find recovery, and then, amidst the hope and joy--suddenly die from fentanyl. 

Despite his profound grief, Gary is on a mission to help others identify warning signs of drug use and substance disorder through support groups and Hope's Room. Prepare for an enlightening and empowering discussion as we tackle one of the nation's most significant challenges.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

In this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," host Angela Kennecke engages in a poignant discussion with Lisa Gennosa, a physician assistant and author of Incurable Hope: A Memoir and Survival Guide for Coping with a Loved One's Addiction. Despite Lisa's medical background and being married to a doctor, she found herself unprepared for her son's struggles with substance use disorder and mental health issues. This plight is not unique, as drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans under 50.

Recent CDC data reveals alarming trends among high school students: one-third of female students have seriously considered suicide in the past year, with over ten percent of male students also contemplating this tragic choice. Lisa's decision to publicize her journey with her son's addiction offers vital insights and support to families in similar situations.

In their conversation, Angela and Lisa delve into the often-overlooked warning signs of addiction, providing essential guidance and advice for families navigating these challenging circumstances. This heartfelt episode offers hope and support, inspiring a transformation from pain to healing, understanding, and empathy in the face of addiction.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

A record 112,024 Americans have died in the past year from drugs alone; that's around 307 people every day. Today's Grieving Out Loud guest, Natasha Combs, feared she would become a part of that statistic. 

Natasha struggled with substance use disorder after a surgery where she was prescribed painkillers, coupled with the fact that she was battling extreme grief from losing her brother, mother, husband, best friend, and grandma--all within a short period. That's enough to break anyone, but here's where Natasha hoped her story would take a turn for the better. She realized she needed help and checked into a treatment facility.

However, she lost her job and insurance a few days after starting treatment. Natasha contemplated leaving the facility, but at the same time, she feared that if she did, she would relapse. That's when an Emily's Hope treatment scholarship came into play.

You also have the power to make a real difference and save lives by donating money towards a scholarship. During this episode, see how your donation can transform someone's life and discover how Natasha's journey has inspired her to give back and make a real impact.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

Originally released on March 6th, 2021

From the loss of a loved one to grappling with addiction and facing job loss – life presents us with countless challenges. While the list may seem never-ending, maintaining the right mindset can empower you to overcome and persevere and discover moments of joy amidst painful circumstances. 

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we're revisiting a past episode that can offer valuable insights, no matter what you're going through. Our guest is Heather Stang, a thanatologist and grief expert, a yoga therapist, and the author of Mindfulness and Grief and the guided journal From Grief to Peace. Heather founded the Mindfulness and Grief Institute and hosts her podcast, Mindfulness and Grief. 

Join us as we explore practical tips for navigating grief and life's challenges, which can be particularly difficult during the holiday season.

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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

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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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

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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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

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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Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Marley Miller

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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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