Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic artwork

Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic

169 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 59 ratings

Angela 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.

Health & Fitness Religion & Spirituality loss grief opioid epidemic substance use disorder drug addiction death inspiration opioids overdose
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Episodes

Mother spearheads lawsuit against Snapchat in wake of teen's fentanyl fatality

March 27, 2024 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MB

From 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 MB

As 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 we...

Grief, marijuana, and addiction: A conversation about cannabis use disorder

March 13, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.3 MB

With 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 MB

As 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 MB

With 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 MB

In 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 MB

Over 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...

Snaps of sorrow: A father's advocacy after losing son from Snapchat drug deal

January 31, 2024 11:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MB

Buying 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 MB

Wine 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 MB

How 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 MB

Imagine 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 MB

As 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 MB

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...

Warning signs your loved one may be abusing drugs: Insights from a grieving father

December 13, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MB

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 heartbre...

A parent's guide to surviving a loved one's addiction

December 06, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MB

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 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 MB

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 ...

Mindfulness and Grief with Heather Stang

November 22, 2023 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MB

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 S...

From Mexico to Main Street: How Cartels fuel America's opioid crisis

November 15, 2023 12:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MB

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 pi...

New research points to addiction as a disability, not a disease

November 08, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MB

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 impac...

From stardom to heartbreak: TikTok star's fentanyl poisoning death

November 01, 2023 17:00 - 42 minutes - 29.3 MB

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...

Grieving mother copes by drawing caricatures of those lost in fentanyl epidemic

October 25, 2023 17:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MB

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 w...

Inside the Washington D.C. Rally: Taking on the fentanyl crisis

October 18, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MB

Over 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 MB

In 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 MB

At 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 MB

Law 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 MB

The 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 MB

According 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 MB

As 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 MB

Like 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 MB

Addiction 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 MB

The 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 MB

Laura 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...

Beyond the darkness: A mother's empowering tale of love, loss, and renewed hope

August 02, 2023 17:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MB

Join host Angela Kennecke on this powerful episode of Grieving Out Loud as she sits down with Valerie Silveira, a woman whose journey will leave you inspired and moved. Valerie's impact on the lives of countless individuals dealing with grief, depression, and the challenges of having a family member battle addiction is nothing short of extraordinary. Valerie's story began with unimaginable challenges as she faced her daughter's harrowing battle with heroin addiction and the traumatic event ...

The pill trap: When surgery prescriptions lead to addiction

July 26, 2023 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

At first glance, Kate Kerr seemed to have it all—a beautiful apartment, impeccable fashion sense, and was a nurturing mother who ensured her children were well cared for. However, behind this seemingly perfect exterior, a secret lay hidden, unknown even to her closest loved ones. Kate struggled with substance use disorder after a doctor prescribed her painkillers to recover from surgery. Unfortunately, that struggle took a deadly turn that her mother is still trying to piece together. In th...

Addiction & grief counselor shares insights after losing daughter to fentanyl poisoning

July 19, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

On this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with an incredible guest, Patty Stovall, who knows firsthand that as parents, our knowledge alone isn't always enough to shield our children from the battles of drug or alcohol use. Growing up, Patty witnessed her parents' ongoing struggle with alcohol addiction. It wasn't an easy road, but both of her parents eventually found their way to recovery. In fact, Patty's mom has become a true beacon of hope, extending ...

Uniting for change: A bereaved mother organizes D.C. march to combat fentanyl crisis

July 12, 2023 17:00 - 29 minutes - 20.1 MB

In just a few weeks, the nation's capital will witness an awe-inspiring rally that aims to shake the foundations of our country's drug crisis. Picture hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of passionate individuals marching to the White House, demanding attention from lawmakers who some believe have taken too little action. Leading this movement is none other than April Babcock, but what drove her to become the driving force behind this event? In a gripping and heart-wrenching episode of Grievi...

Resilience in the face of tragedy: A father's story of healing after daughter's and brother's suicides

June 28, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MB

Imagine losing not just one, but two loved ones to suicide. This week's Grieving Out Loud guest, Jim Nelson, has faced these unimaginable tragedies head-on. Jim's life was forever changed when his brother completed suicide in his early 20s. The pain and devastation were indescribable, but little did Jim know that life had even more sorrow in store for him. In a devastating twist of fate, Jim's daughter battled mental health issues for years before succumbing to the same dark struggle. The an...

Navigating grief and addiction: A 'Sober Daughter's' journey to reclaiming her life

June 21, 2023 17:00 - 33 minutes - 23.3 MB

Fawna Asfaw was an only child who had her world turned upside down when she lost not just one, but both of her parents at a young age. It's unimaginable. She didn't know how to handle all that grief, so she turned to alcohol. As you may have guessed, that led Fawna down a dangerous and devastating path. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Fawna to talk about how she navigated her darkest moments and eventually found a way back to a life filled wit...

Emily's Hope Prevention Education Curriculum making a difference on the reservation

June 14, 2023 16:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MB

The Rosebud Reservation is one of the most impoverished areas in the United States, and the nationwide drug epidemic has struck its residents. According to new CDC data, Native Americans are experiencing the highest number of deadly drug overdoses involving fentanyl and meth. Additionally, government reports suggest that Mexican drug cartels intentionally target rural Native American Reservations. But despite these challenges, there is hope. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela...

Living beyond loss: A father’s journey to healing after 15-year-old daughter dies to suicide

June 07, 2023 17:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MB

On this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," we'll explore the depths of grief and the journey to healing. Host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Eric Hodgdon, a remarkable individual who has navigated the unimaginable pain of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Zoi, to suicide. Initially consumed by grief, Eric struggled with sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and agonizing phantom pains. However, as time passed, he discovered the inner strength to confront his sorrow head-on, leading to a profound p...

Unlocking the healing potential of intuition: A conversation with a medical and spiritual intuitive

May 31, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MB

"Mother's intuition" is a well-known term that refers to a unique sense that mothers have to ensure their children's safety and well-being. However, have you ever considered other forms of intuition?  In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke has a fascinating conversation with Katie Beecher, a renowned medical and spiritual intuitive with an international reputation. Rather than relying on conventional medicine, Katie employs her intuition to identify the root causes of physica...

The double life of an orthodontist who hid her alcohol addiction and is now helping others

May 24, 2023 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MB

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, meet Sonia Kahlon, an accomplished orthodontist who built a successful seven-location orthodontic group and appeared to have it all. But behind the scenes, she was secretly battling a high-functioning alcohol addiction that had started with a nightly glass of red wine and progressed to a full bottle every night, leaving her feeling sick every day. In this powerful episode, Sonia shares her inspiring journey of overcoming substance use disorder and how ...

Fur-ever grateful: A mother's journey through grief with her canine companions

May 17, 2023 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, welcomes guest Susan Lynch, a professional, award-winning dog trainer who has always known the importance of our furry friends. However, it wasn't until her son tragically passed away from a drug overdose that she truly understood just how essential they can be in our lives. Susan found herself struggling to continue living and feeling judged by others due to the stigma associated with her son's drug use. However, through it ...

'I just want to see my girl:' A mom's message after daughter dies from fentanyl

May 10, 2023 17:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MB

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Kim Hix, a mother who tragically lost her daughter Kelsie to fentanyl poisoning. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, are on the rise, with almost 71,000 Americans dying from fentanyl in 2021. Kim Hix is on a mission to raise awareness about this deadly drug through Kelsie's Cause. Kim shares the heartbreaking story of finding her daughter almost lifeless from fentanyl poisoning and the devast...

Breaking the stereotypes: A teacher of the year's battle with homelessness and substance use disorder

May 03, 2023 17:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MB

From teacher of the year to homeless, Edward Krumpotich has battled substance use disorder for two decades. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with Eddie as he shares his harrowing journey with substance use disorder, treatment, and ultimately finding hope and purpose in raising awareness about substance use and harm reduction. Despite being in and out of up to 50 treatments, Edward's story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community. Join us as w...

Mom dies from fentanyl poisoning on son’s 20th birthday

April 26, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MB

On the latest episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, speaks with Julie Baumgard, a mother who lost her daughter Shauna to fentanyl poisoning on a day that was supposed to be a celebration: her own son's 20th birthday. Julie shares how her daughter Shauna battled with meth addiction but was in recovery when she tragically made a deadly mistake. She tried to buy a Percocet but unknowingly ingested fentanyl, which caused her death. Julie speaks candidly about the pain and he...

The TikTok doctor: An addiction medicine expert's mission to reach the younger generation

April 19, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MB

She's one of TikTok's favorite addiction medicine docs. Dr. Elizabeth Zona is board certified in both Anesthesia and Addiction Medicine. In addition to seeing patients at her clinic, she also tries to reach the younger generation, which is largely suffering from our nation's drug epidemic, through TikTok.   Dr. Zona's personal connection to substance use disorder through her mother's struggle with alcohol addiction also brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her work. In this epis...

Grieving with purpose: Jenna James' story of finding strength in tragedy

April 12, 2023 17:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MB

Jenna James thought she had time to save her 21-year-old son, Brandon "Bam," when he admitted to taking what he believed to be Percocet. She moved him back into her house and had open and honest conversations with him, but time was not on her side. Tragically, shortly after moving in, Bam took a pill laced with fentanyl and overdosed, leaving Jenna devastated by her loss.  Like a growing number of others who have lost loved ones to fentanyl, Jenna James decided to use social media to raise ...

Breaking the stigma: Counselor shares candid story of battling substance use

April 05, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.3 MB

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we hear Brian Wall's story - a story of a promising college athlete with big dreams of making it to the Olympics and becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, after experimenting with drugs, his dreams came crashing down as he found himself battling substance use disorder.  Despite the challenges he faced, Brian's recovery journey has brought him to a place where he can now help others struggling with addiction.  Join us as we listen to his inspiring st...

How a SD Hall of Famer overcame trauma and addiction

March 29, 2023 17:00 - 26 minutes - 18.5 MB

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with South Dakota Hall of Famer Evelyn Leite, who has overcome incredible adversity in her life.  Growing up with a father who struggled with alcohol addiction, Leite experienced firsthand the destructive power of substance use disorders. Unfortunately, her struggles didn't end there - she went on to marry a man who battled addiction and was abusive, and she eventually turned to alcohol herself as a way to cope. How...

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