Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
185 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 59 ratingsAngela Kennecke is a journalist who lost her 21-year-old daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning on May 16, 2018. Angela is "grieving out loud" to try to put an end to this epidemic by stopping the stigma and promoting the treatment of substance use disorder as the disease it is. Anyone coping with loss and looking for inspiration can benefit from listening to this podcast.
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Episodes
A grieving father's fight to bring deadly drug dealers to justice
July 17, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBShould drug dealers face prison time? It's a contentious issue with strong opinions on both sides. For years, law enforcement often treated drug overdose deaths as accidental or the fault of the victim. However, with a record surge in fentanyl-related fatalities in the United States, attitudes are evolving. The alarming rise in deaths has intensified pressure on narcotics investigators nationwide, from the DEA to local police forces, to pursue justice for grieving families. Unfortunately, s...
Promising young entrepreneur dies after taking counterfeit percocet
July 10, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBAt just 19 years old, Jack Nathan had a bright and promising future. He founded his own apparel company, Happy Jack, and generously donated some proceeds to support children struggling with mental health issues. However, a single decision changed everything. Jack's life was tragically cut short when he took what he thought was a Percocet, but it was a deadly dose of fentanyl. Hear the heartbreaking story of Jack's death, and learn how his mom, Bradi Harrison Nathan, is now dedicated to hel...
The silent crisis of alcohol and women's liver disease
July 03, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBOriginally released on August 4th, 2022 Deaths from alcohol-related liver disease are rising sharply among women. Today's guest, Dr. Jessica Mellinger, a liver specialist at the University of Michigan, has witnessed a 60% increase in waitlisting and transplants for patients with alcoholic hepatitis. She's on a mission to raise awareness about the true definition of moderate drinking in hopes of reversing this deadly trend. You might be surprised at how small amounts of alcohol can have sign...
CEO launches passion project to educate others about grief
June 26, 2024 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBGrief—it's a heart-wrenching emotion that most of us will likely have to experience. Often, we're unprepared for the overwhelming pain and sorrow, and we struggle to know how to support friends who have lost loved ones. A Sioux Falls, South Dakota, businesswoman has started a passion project to educate others about grief following her mother's death. Natalie Eisenberg will share her insights on navigating grief, offer dos and don'ts for supporting loved ones dealing with loss, and explore h...
A mother's urgent message on mental health and addiction
June 19, 2024 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.2 MBHave you ever wondered how deeply intertwined mental health and addiction can be? According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, around half of those with serious mental health issues also struggle with substance use disorder. Experts say that certain substances can trigger mental health problems, while mental health struggles can lead to alcohol or drug abuse, creating a complex and often devastating cycle. Stephanie Marquesano knows this cycle all too w...
One woman's path to overcome abuse and addiction
June 12, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBIn this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke talks with Elaine Mingus about her journey through severe challenges and eventual recovery. Elaine shares her story of surviving sexual abuse and battling depression, an eating disorder, and a substance use disorder. Her experiences highlight the power of resilience and the importance of finding hope even in the darkest times. Elaine describes her upbringing in an upper-middle-class Christian family and how internal and external pressure...
“Half my original family is gone” - Fentanyl’s deadly toll on families
June 05, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBAfter 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. I...
A middle-class family man's journey into homelessness and heroin
May 29, 2024 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBTom 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...
A grieving mother's memoir about addiction inspires a screenplay
May 22, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MB"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 u...
Embracing hope after the loss of a daughter to suicide
May 15, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBThe 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...
A wake-up call for parents on Fentanyl Awareness Day
May 07, 2024 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31.2 MBFentanyl—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...
Grieving father takes on Purdue Pharma after son dies from OxyContin
May 01, 2024 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBAs 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. I...
Prince's cousin's efforts to expose the truth behind the musician's fentanyl death
April 21, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBEight 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, joi...
A mother-daughter journey from Hollywood to heroin to healing
April 17, 2024 11:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBFrom 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 ...
A candid conversation with the real doctor who inspired Michael Keaton's 'Dopesick' character
April 10, 2024 11:00 - 55 minutes - 38.1 MBWorld-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 losse...
Cancer patient uses his addiction battle to create a potentially life-saving device
April 03, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBEver 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 i...
Mother spearheads lawsuit against Snapchat in wake of teen's fentanyl fatality
March 27, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBFrom 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 onlin...
A paramedic's harrowing shift from lifesaver to bereaved mother in the fentanyl crisis
March 20, 2024 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBAs 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. Support the Show. For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our...
Grief, marijuana, and addiction: A conversation about cannabis use disorder
March 13, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MBWith 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;...
Podcast star shares story of overcoming grief & trauma
March 06, 2024 11:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBAs one of the most popular podcasters in the world, Meghan Judge has seen a lot of success throughout her career. She’s also married to a Hollywood actor, but now she speaks out about the trauma she survived starting at a young age. Because of all of her grief, abuse, and abandonment issues, doctors diagnosed Meghan with Complex PTSD. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Meghan opens up about her past traumas and grief. Hear about the pivotal moments that led her to heal and the invaluable...
A conversation with a trailblazer making naloxone more accessible and saving lives
February 28, 2024 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBWith fentanyl being the number one killer of Americans under 50, it’s more important than ever to have easy access to naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses. In fact, naloxone has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people. Today, on a heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, we are privileged to have Justin Phillips join us—a remarkable woman at the forefront of making naloxone more accessible. Her unwavering mission stems from personal tragedy; she endured the devastating loss of...
A prescription for danger: The hidden cost of the opioid crisis
February 21, 2024 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBIn an era where streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu bring the grim realities of America’s opioid crisis to the forefront through compelling narratives and star-studded casts, the painful truth hits home for countless families. Among them is Sandra Martinez, whose daughter Qarinna’s journey began with a seemingly benign prescription for opioids to address a health condition. However, this prescription marked the start of a harrowing descent into substance use disorder, echoing the chill...
Rising from sorrow: A mother's path through a decade of the fentanyl crisis
February 14, 2024 11:00 - 27 minutes - 18.9 MBOver the last ten years, Lauri Badura has been on a determined quest to confront the escalating crisis of fentanyl-related deaths. Despite her unwavering dedication, the shadow of this epidemic continues to grow. Lauri's path to advocacy was marked by personal tragedy in 2014 when she lost her son, Archie, to an overdose. This loss became the catalyst for her founding Saving Others For Archie (SOFA), a nonprofit dedicated to combating America's fentanyl crisis—a mission that has taken her to...
A sister’s role in getting brother off opioids
February 07, 2024 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBOriginally released on July 18th, 2022 Today's episode is an unexpected revisit dedicated to the memory of one of our past guests. Maryrose Fealey was a TikTok star who gained fame after she shared her relationship with her brother, Ian, who suffers from substance use disorder. Her journey was also shown in an eye-opening documentary that followed Ian and Maryrose for almost a month while he suffered from withdrawals and cravings. Tragically, Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke got a ca...
Snaps of sorrow: A father's advocacy after losing son from Snapchat drug deal
January 31, 2024 11:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBBuying drugs online is "nearly as convenient as using one's phone to order a pizza or call an Uber," a report by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser found. Sadly, an increasing number of grieving parents are painfully discovering the truth behind this statement. Chris Didier's 17-year-old son Zach was an Eagle Scout, talented soccer player, and straight-A student who decided to buy what he thought was a Percocet via Snapchat. Unfortunately, that pill was a deadly dose of fentanyl. In this...
“This was life or death:” How an Emily’s Hope scholarship saved a woman battling addiction
January 24, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MBWine Wednesday, Mom Juice, Liquid Courage--our culture has all sorts of cute catchphrases encouraging people to drink. In fact, excessive drinking seems to be normalized, but unfortunately, it's also one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S., with more than 380 Americans dying every day. In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear from Kylee Hanson, whose journey through substance use disorder began almost from her first sip. Kylee's mom also opens up about the hea...
Resilience revealed: How Life Coach Lynn Gillette is using her loss to help others
January 17, 2024 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBHow do you navigate life's unexpected challenges? Do you crumble under the weight, foster resentment, or embrace each trial as an opportunity for personal growth? In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we welcome Lynn Gillette, who, at first glance, seemed to have life all figured out. With her children's recent high school graduation, she entered an empty nest, ready to dedicate herself to a career as a school principal. However, life had other plans. A sudden and tragic turn of events saw ...
Nashville nightmare: Deadly fentanyl poisonings after a destination wedding
January 10, 2024 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.8 MBImagine a trip brimming with celebration and laughter—Carol Wolfe's son, Josh, embarked from Nebraska to Nashville, eager to witness the heartfelt "I dos" of two dear friends. Little did anyone know that this journey, meant for joy, would take an unexpected turn. Post-wedding festivities, Josh and a friend, decided to extend their Nashville stay for just one more night—an ordinary decision that would soon become extraordinary. Just moments after capturing a picture, Josh and two others coll...
Mental health expert offers advice after his own son battles depression, anxiety & addiction
January 03, 2024 11:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBAs an experienced mental health nurse practitioner, John Lally has extensive knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder issues. Yet, when his son confronted the challenges of anxiety, depression, and addiction, John discovered the profound difficulty of navigating such struggles. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, John not only shares his difficult personal journey and what he wishes he would have done differently, but he also offers advice to parents going through similar str...
Finding power in pain: Unforgettable stories that shaped 2023
December 27, 2023 10:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBOur 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...
Surviving the holiday season while grieving
December 20, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBOriginally 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 a...
Warning signs your loved one may be abusing drugs: Insights from a grieving father
December 13, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBGrieving 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 heartbre...
A parent's guide to surviving a loved one's addiction
December 06, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBIn 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 Am...
Life-saving scholarship: How Emily's Hope treatment scholarship gave a woman her life back
November 28, 2023 10:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBA 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 ...
Mindfulness and Grief with Heather Stang
November 22, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBOriginally 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 S...
From Mexico to Main Street: How Cartels fuel America's opioid crisis
November 15, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBThe 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 pi...
New research points to addiction as a disability, not a disease
November 08, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBIs 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 impac...
From stardom to heartbreak: TikTok star's fentanyl poisoning death
November 01, 2023 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MBCooper 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...
Grieving mother copes by drawing caricatures of those lost in fentanyl epidemic
October 25, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBWhen 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 w...
Inside the Washington D.C. Rally: Taking on the fentanyl crisis
October 18, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBOver the past couple of months, Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke had the opportunity to make two trips to Washington, D.C., to shine a spotlight on America's growing drug crisis, which is killing a record number of Americans. During her first visit, Angela had the privilege of meeting with some of our country's top leaders, including the U.S. drug czar, the director of the CDC, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris. On her second visit to...
Parents Seek Solutions with Snapchat Following Son's Tragic Death from Deadly Pill Purchase
October 11, 2023 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBIn this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the poignant story behind "Song for Charlie." Ed and Mary Ternan deeply value the song, but its origin is rooted in profound loss. Their son Charlie, believing he was purchasing Percocet on Snapchat, was tragically misled and consumed a counterfeit pill laced with deadly fentanyl. Listen as Ed recounts the events surrounding Charlie's untimely passing, his fervent message to others, and how his non-profit, Song for Charlie, is working dili...
Living your best life at 102: Dr. Gladys McGarey's secrets to fulfillment amid adversity
October 04, 2023 17:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBAt 102 years old, Dr. Gladys McGarey not only stands as a living testament to holistic healing but also serves as an inspiration for all generations. Known as the 'Mother of Holistic Medicine,' Dr. McGarey's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of Grieving out Loud, we uncover her story, from enduring cancer, the loss of a daughter, to navigating divorce at almost 70 years old. Her response to adversity is nothing short of awe-inspiring. As we explore her life, Dr. McGar...
When a water bottle turns deadly: How fentanyl shows up in unexpected places
September 27, 2023 17:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBLaw enforcement has found deadly doses of fentanyl in some truly unexpected places, such as baby bottles and fake Jolly Ranchers. Our guest on Grieving Out Loud has firsthand experience with the strange and tragic ways this super-strong synthetic opioid is killing Americans. Barb Walsh believes her daughter died from drinking a bottle of water that contained diluted fentanyl. Join us as Walsh opens up about her heartbreaking loss, the powerful message she wants to convey to other parents, a...
The Oxy era: A personal journey through America's opioid crisis
September 20, 2023 17:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThe opioid crisis, which claims thousands of American lives each year, traces its origins back to overprescribing painkillers. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear the compelling story of a woman who defied the odds. Jessica Chumley was a college graduate with a successful career, but her doctor prescribed her Oxycontin following surgery. Those pills led to a battle with substance use disorder that almost took her life. Today, Jessica shares her path to recovery and invaluable insight...
The other side of loss: Grandparents, grief, and the opioid crisis
September 13, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBAccording to U.S. census data, more grandparents are raising their grandchildren than ever, and the opioid epidemic is mainly to blame. It's hitting home for many families; Patricia Drewes' journey is a prime example. Her daughter's life was tragically cut short by a drug-tainted with a deadly dose of fentanyl. In this emotionally charged episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits with Patricia for an important conversation. We'll delve deep into her journey, discussing her ins...
Lights, camera, change: Emmy nominated producer creates documentary about addiction following son’s death
September 06, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBAs an Emmy Nominated Producer and Film Director, Kay Sumner has been making waves in the entertainment industry. She has an impressive track record, boasting three Emmy nominations and not one but two People's Choice awards. Her claim to fame includes being the co-creator and producer of the renowned show The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, but her most recent project aims to change the most lives. Kay, along with her husband Murray, created the film Survivor. The compelling documentary v...
Beyond the court: Former NBA player Chris Herren's battle with substance use disorder
August 30, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBLike countless young boys, Chris Herren had an ambitious dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Chris turned his dream into reality, first playing for the Denver Nuggets and then achieving his ultimate goal of joining his hometown team, the Boston Celtics. But the life of a successful athlete isn't all glory. It comes with its challenges—long weekends, time away from home, stress, and pressure. Behind the scenes, Chris was also keeping a secret—a battle with substance use disord...
Straight talk with an addiction care doc: Understanding substance use disorder
August 23, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBAddiction is a complex condition, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution during recovery. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with a highly respected psychiatrist specializing in addiction care. Dr. Hannah Statz DeVries is also a valuable Emily's Hope board member. Throughout this episode, Dr. Statz DeVries will be addressing your questions on addiction and substance use disorder. We'll dive deep into the challenges individuals face seeking help, especially in...
Resilience amid adversity: Nadia Davis' triumph over trauma, scandal & addiction
August 16, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBThe allure of attention-grabbing headlines, especially those involving public figures and controversial topics like "sex" and "drugs," often captivates our curiosity. However, amidst sensationalism, we overlook the struggles those individuals face behind the spotlight. Nadia Davis, a prominent lawyer and public figure, experienced such unwanted attention firsthand when she became the target of blackmail due to a sex tape while married to a significant political figure. Through her personal...
From Hollywood to healing: A mom's battle with Ambien addiction
August 09, 2023 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBLaura Cathcart Robbins was part of a Hollywood power couple. She was a publicist and the PTA president of her children's prestigious private school. Her then-husband was an actor and director who eventually became the CEO at Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. However, beneath the glamorous facade of red-carpet premieres and social events, Laura carried a hidden burden that affected every aspect of her life. Motherhood took its toll on Laura. Anxiety and exhaustion became constant companion...