Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem “Portrait of Two Fathers,” which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. Saundra shares a children’s book about legendary Appalachian storyteller Ray Hicks. Andrea shares an episode of the public radio show Inside Appalachia. Listen at: https://www.wvpublic.org/inside-appalachia-2021/2021-04-16/matriarchal-moonshiners-legendary-lawbreakers-and-more-inside-appalachia  Interview with Margo Walter, a recovering alcoholic who studied psychology and wrote a book about her life. She offers hope for those struggling to repair family relationships. You can contact her at [email protected]   A final news note: No stranger to controversy, author J.D. Vance generates headlines once more.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Torment," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. Saundra recommends Roadside Theater’s recorded treasures on the web, and Andrea shares a review of David Herzberg’s new book, “White Market Drugs: Big Pharma and the Hidden History of Addiction in America.” The review can be found at https://newrepublic.com/article/161692/america-segregates-drug-use In an interview, Gina Musa of Raleigh, North Carolina shares stories from her past as an addict and sex worker and insight into her work under a federal grant to bring harm-reduction best practices to seven states in central Appalachia. You can contact her at [email protected]  A news update: The West Virginia Legislature creates new laws that affect needle exchanges and public health boards.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Forgive Me," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. In the Quick Share segment, Andrea recommends Saundra Kelley’s book on Appalachian storytellers. In an interview, Big John Isner of the Appodlachia podcast advocates for legalizing weed in all its aspects – growing and using. He explains why he wants his home state to hurry up and get it done. You can contact him at [email protected]  A final news note: 2020 is on track to become a record-breaking year when it comes to fatal overdoses.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Pain," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. Saundra touts Sheila Kay Adams’ storytelling performance on the Library of Congress website, and Andrea spotlights a photographer’s upcoming book about Appalachia, “Black Diamonds.” See the CNN story: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/rich-joseph-facun-black-diamonds-swing/index.html   In an interview, harm-reduction specialist Jakiera Stewart of Memphis talks about how she makes life safer for trans women of color who are also sex workers. Her email is [email protected]  A final news note: Doctors continue to be a factor in distribution of highly addictive opioids in Appalachia. Two have been indicted in Kentucky. And, in another clinic with locations in Ohio, a CEO has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Running in Place," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. Courtney Holland recommends the book “Dry,” and Andrea highlights an article in The Nation about treatment stereotypes depicted in films and TV. In an interview, music journalist Steve Wildsmith talks about the struggles of musicians in recovery, which he recounts in the blog TheTiesThatBindUs. His email is [email protected]. A final news note: A Yale University study team gets on the phone with 600 for-profit rehab centers and uncovers hard-sell tactics.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem "Comfort Food," which Andrea discusses with AA sponsor Courtney Holland. In the Quick Share segment, Courtney recommends the Daily Reflections at AA.org, and Andrea highlights the independent film movie “Pusher,” which shows a slice of life from the point of view of a small-town drug dealer.  In an interview, Staci Lafferty talks about a two-year-old program that tries to prevent the heartbreak of a newborn taken away from an addicted mom.  Staci Lafferty’s email address is [email protected].  A final news note: In a recent drug bust, authorities in Charleston, West Virginia, recovered enough fentanyl to kill more people than the populations of West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia combined.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Irony of Childhood," which Andrea discusses with Appalachia native Chris Giles. Chris recommends a related Stevie Wonder song, and Andrea touts the Elizabeth Catte book "What You Are Getting Wrong About Appalachia." In an interview, Greg Puckett, Mercer County commissioner and head of Community Connections, talks about how politics gets in the way of helping people. He explains why it’s crucial to stop stigmatizing people with addictions. Puckett’s email is [email protected].  A final news note: The Lancet says the HIV epidemic in the U.S. has moved from urban settings into rural areas like Appalachia, and Lancet series author Dr. Sally Hodder, professor of Medicine at West Virginia University, offers ideas to halt the spread.

Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: An excerpt from Jesse-Ray's poem, "Meth Baby, Crack Baby," which Andrea discusses with Appalachia native Chris Giles. Andrea and Chris tout the Netflix documentary "Heroine" and the YouTube clip "Appalachian English." In an interview, 12-step recovery guide Courtney Holland explores how the pandemic has hampered face-to-face recovery efforts. Holland’s email address is [email protected]. A final news note: West Virginia attorney general announces $10 million settlement with McKinsey & Company.