Sagely Speaking

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Beau Kilmer, serving as the respected Co-Director at the esteemed RAND Drug Policy Research Center, as they delve deeply into the intricate landscape of drug policy in our recent dialogue. An expert in the domains of public health and safety, Dr. Kilmer's extensive research is dedicated to investigating the complexities of substance use, illegal markets, crime control, and public policy dynamics.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes John Ondrasik, the amazing musician known for his work as Five for Fighting. He opens up about using his music to advocate for important social causes. With beloved hits like "Superman,” "100 Years," and his new release, “OK,” he's touched the hearts of fans around the globe. In fact, his songs have been streamed worldwide over 1 billion times!

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Steve Adami as they discuss his remarkable journey from handcuffs to hope. Steve turned his life around after spending time in prison, embracing sobriety and personal growth. These days, Steve is all about giving back. He's teamed up with the Salvation Army to tackle San Francisco's addiction challenges head-on through an innovative program called The Way Out. This initiative focuses on recovery and aims to help those struggling with drug addiction and homelessness.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Lucy Pet Products COO and partner, Rick Rockhill who gives us such an inspiring perspective on the wonderful benefits of having a pet, emphasizing how they bring a sense of calm, stability, and can even help relieve anxiety. He also surprises us with insights into the health benefits of keeping something as tiny as a fish, demonstrating that no matter the type of pet, they contribute immensely to our well-being. Rick's insights will leave you feeling uplifted and reminded of the incredible joy and peace that our animal companions bring into our lives.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Dr. Robert Dupont who delves into the critical topic of recovery, emphasizing the profound lessons that can be learned from those who have navigated this challenging journey. He discusses the resilience and strength required to overcome adversity, and how hearing these stories can inspire and guide others on their own paths to healing. This episode offers a reminder that recovery is not just an individual effort but a shared journey enriched by the wisdom and encouragement of those who have walked the path before.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Paul Solotaroff, a no-holds barred investigative reporter from Rolling Stone Magazine who has been covering very serious and tough stories for decades. Famous for his persistence, Paul has been on the trail of social media companies and their role in making drugs very accessible to the children of America. His in-depth research has shown how these platforms and drug traffickers distribute deadly substances, which has created a national nightmare. After extensive interviews with federal and local law enforcement, parents and others, Paul discusses his findings and disturbing flaws which are causing heart-breaking losses to families across our country.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes a very special guest, especially since he is her husband...Rear Admiral Stephen Oswald, USN (ret). Steve is a distinguished former astronaut and Naval Aviator who embarked on a remarkable career that spanned various facets of aviation and space exploration. His journey began at the United States Naval Academy in 1973. Following his graduation, Steve served in the U.S. Navy, then went on to Test Pilot School, where he honed his skills as a pilot. He piloted 2 missions aboard Space Shuttle Discovery, and was Commander on Space Shuttle Endeavour, logging a total of 33 days in space. We discuss the many sunrises and sunsets, the importance of camaraderie and the mental prowess it takes to endure such missions.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Ed Bisch, the relentless advocate and founder of Relatives Against Purdue Pharma (RAPP), who talks about his 23 year struggle to make sure Purdue Pharma is held accountable for their irresponsible promotion and distribution of the highly addictive and potentially deadly drug OxyContin. Motivated by personal tragedy with the loss of his son, and driven by a commitment to justice, Ed's dedication and unwavering efforts have brought national attention to the devastating impact of opioid addiction.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Chris Didier, a pilot for United Airlines and Executive Board Member for Stop the Void who shares the heart-wrenching story of losing his 17-year-old son to a single pill laced with fentanyl. Chris talks about this tragic incident and how it underscores the critical need for parents to have open and honest conversations with their children about the dangers of drugs. He emphasizes that beyond parental vigilance, there must be a societal push to hold drug dealers accountable for the lives they endanger and destroy.

Former Congresswoman Mary Bono welcomes Katheryn Burgum, the First Lady of North Dakota, who is a powerful advocate for initiatives aimed at reducing the stigma surrounding drug addiction. Drawing from her own courageous journey of 15 years in recovery, she openly shares her experiences, breaking down barriers and fostering a more compassionate understanding of addiction as a disease.