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

The 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. H...

Fentanyl—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 ra...

As 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.In t...

Eight 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, joins ...

From 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 hea...

World-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 losses, ...

Ever 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 is tur...

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 online g...

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 websit...

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; hi...

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 ad...

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 he...

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 chilli...

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 ...

Originally released on July 18th, 2022Today'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 call fr...

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 ep...

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 heart-...

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 the...

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 collaps...

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 strugg...

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 ...

Originally Released on November 30th, 2022Season'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 e...

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 heartb...

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 Ame...

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, bu...

Originally released on March 6th, 2021From 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...

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 pinpo...

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 i...

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 ...

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...

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 th...

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 diligen...

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. McGarey sh...

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, and ...

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 insights f...

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 insigh...

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 vent...

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 disorde...

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 th...

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 jo...

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 companions. ...

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 of ...

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 this ...

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 a h...

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 Grieving ...

Originally released on May 23, 2021Jessica Lahey is a mother, teacher, and author of The New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Jessica, who has been sober for eight years, says her new book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence, came out of concern for her own children following that same path. The book delves into genetics, psychology, and the science of addiction and off...

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 angu...

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 with...

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 Ke...

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 pers...

"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 physi...

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 she...

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 all...

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 devasta...

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 we l...

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 heart...

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 ep...

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 rais...

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 inspiri...

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. H...

In this week's episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke speaks with another family she met at the DEA Family Summit, a conference for midwest parents who've lost a child to fentanyl, that she attended in November of 2022. Bridgette and Tom Norring, a Hastings, Minnesota family, is one of the dozens of families suing the parent company of Snapchat after their children died from drug overdoses. Norring's son, Devin, was an athlete, honor student, and musician who made a deadly mistake...

In this emotional episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with Shannon Sayers, a mother who tragically lost her daughter and stepson to the deadly drug fentanyl. With both of their deaths occurring less than a month apart, Sayers' world was turned upside down, and she was forced to confront the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic. Her stepson, who had given her daughter what they believed to be Oxycontin, but was actually a lethal dose of fentanyl, took his own life using the same bat...

Every five minutes, an American dies from a drug overdose. It's a startling statistic that Ann Breeding and Natalie Kritenbrink know about all too well. We caught up with the two Des Moines area mothers who lost sons to overdoses at the DEA Family Summit for parents who've lost children to fentanyl in November of 2022. Hear how these two mothers have bonded over their grief and about their mission to prevent other moms from going through similar situations in this episode of Grieving Out...

Join host Angela Kennecke on this week's episode of Grieving Out Loud as she sits down with Gary Mendell, founder, and CEO of the non-profit Shatterproof.Gary Mendell appeared to have it all. He founded one of the fastest-growing hotel investment firms in the United States that became a multi-billion dollar company. However, Gary was secretly struggling because one of his children was dealing with a substance use disorder. Tragically, Brian died by suicide, leaving behind a note outlining the...

In this milestone episode, your host of Grieving out Loud, Angela Kennecke, reflects on the last four years of the Emily's Hope podcast. Angela started the podcast after losing her daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning. Through her interviews with parents and experts in addiction and grief, Angela has created a community where families dealing with loss and addiction can find support and hope.Angela takes us back to the beginning, revisiting her first episode and sharing some of the most poign...

You may check out TikTok to get a laugh, learn a new recipe, or catch up on the latest makeup trend. However, a bereaved grandma and mom uses the platform to raise awareness about a much more serious topic.Teresa Carreon has experienced the tragedy of losing her daughter and unborn grandson to a drug overdose. She is now using TikTok to raise awareness about the realities of substance use disorder and to prevent future overdose tragedies.On this episode of Grieving Out Loud with Angela Kennec...

Your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with author Brianne Edwards. After losing her ten-month-old son to SIDS, Brianne's grief was unbearable, struggling to eat, breathe, and think. However, she found healing and broke the cycle of pain.Listen to her powerful story of loss and recovery, and learn how she has helped hundreds of people through grieving on this episode of Grieving Out Loud.Support the Show.For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charityWis...

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, speaks with Jeff Grossman. Jeff shares his battle with substance use disorder.At 22 years old, Jeff found comfort in alcohol, using it to help him cope with struggles of his identity and sexuality. Over time, his drinking became more and more destructive, impacted his relationships and jobs, and even put his life and others' lives in danger. However, after a life-altering accident, he sought help and received support from an Em...

Fentanyl poisoning is now the number one cause of death for people ages 18 to 45. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Phyllis Babrove knows that all too well. She lost her daughter to the epidemic; now, she has a warning for other parents.Babrove believes the drug situation in the U.S. is destroying American families. That's why she wrote the book "Words From A Mother In Mourning: How To Protect Your Child From Drugs."In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Babro...

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Honesty Liller, a recovering addict and "Hope Dealer" for those battling substance use disorders. Honesty shares her story of addiction, including her near-fatal overdose at 17 and giving birth to her daughter while on heroin. Now in long-term recovery, Honesty talks about the importance of addressing the growing need for help for those struggling with addiction. Honesty has also written a book about her experiences.&nb...

As the U.S. struggles with a deadly drug epidemic, Nathan Smiddy has made it his mission to prevent deaths and mourning. He believes that by distributing Narcan, he has saved around 450 lives in the past year. The issue hits home for “Narcan Nate” because he started not only using but selling drugs in high school. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear how Nate overcame his substance use disorder after a couple of close encounters with death.Nate has created a Go Fund Me page to help...

Maria Kliavokoff is a former hospice worker who now helps people learn how to grieve healthily. As a grief coach, Maria is trying to revolutionize our thoughts about grief and mourning. Her website, Healthy Mourning, provides grief resources and online grief support to ensure healthy grief and healthy mourning. They are there to support you and help you through your grief journey, teach you how to cope with your grief by reframing it, and they are dedicated to supporting you as you convert yo...

Originally released on April 14th, 2019Your host of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke, first met Melissa Flynn just a few months after Emily died. Melissa contacted Angela to see how she could help with her newly formed charity, Emily's Hope. Melissa had lost her 25-year-old stepson, Nicholas, to fentanyl poisoning just ten days after Emily died. Angela and Melissa met, and they have been doing advocacy work together ever since.In this episode, Melissa talks about losing Nicholas to a fentan...

Originally released on August 16, 2020Brandon Novak was a world-famous champion skateboarder. However, he was also in his first treatment center for addiction to heroin at age 17. Brandon went on to co-star in TV and movies in the MTV Jackass and Viva La BAM series. To his numerous fans, he seemed to have it all. He was getting paid to skate and hang out with his friends, but Brandon Novak's life was crumbling into several pieces off-screen. At age 35, after several years of being an addict, ...

Maura Jamie thought she had experienced the worst loss of her life when her 25-year-old husband died in 2001 from a heroin overdose. Ironically, on the 20th anniversary of her husband's death, Maura lost their 22-year-old son Carter to fentanyl poisoning.Maura also battled her own substance use disorder for nearly two decades. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, talked with Maura about how the drug epidemic has shattered her life in unimaginable ways. Maura creat...

Art Kleinschmidt was the Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy or Deputy Drug Czar under President Trump. He also served on the Domestic Policy Council in the White House as Senior Advisor for mental health & addiction, as well as the same role for SAMHSA. Art is in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and became a licensed clinician who has extensive experience with treatment. He is also the founder of the Recovery for America Now Foundation,...

Your host of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke, first met Dr. Mark Vande Braak shortly after the death of her 21-year-old daughter, Emily. Dr. Vande Braak sat down with Angela’s entire family to help them “reframe” their loss.Dr. Mark Vande Braak is a board-certified music therapist and Thanatologist (grief educator). He previously spoke with Angela on Episode 10 of Grieving Out Loud, Broken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We Grieve. Now, Mark is back on the podcast for this episode to take about cop...

Originally released July 15th, 2019Celia Farmer, unfortunately, knows the pain of losing a child to suicide. Her 14-year-old daughter, Mali, completed suicide in 2017. Celia was among the first parents who've experienced loss to reach out to Angela after Emily died from fentanyl poisoning. Both Celia and Angela have experienced the stigmatized death of a child, where parents can find themselves being harshly judged by society. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela and Celia share ...

Brenda Schivito says her son Nick’s drug usage began when he was just a kid and would ride his bike to the gas station and buy Spice, a synthetic marijuana. The adverse side effects of Spice include psychosis, hallucinations, delirium, and paranoia. When Nick was older, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and his battle with substance use disorder kicked into high gear. Nick died of fentanyl poisoning at the age of 22. In response to their family’s tragedy, Brenda started Angels Agai...

Former drug dealer Scott Silverman now helps families in crisis navigate the road to recovery. The California man is also the author of The Opioid Epidemic: What You Don't Know Will Destroy Your Family and Your Life. Your host, Angela Kennecke, has a frank conversation with Scott about the public health crisis involving fentanyl. Scott is a crisis coach and family navigator and runs a recovery center in San Diego. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, he has advice for families dealing w...

In our last episode, we introduced you to the central character of the Netflix docuseries, The Pharmacist, Dan Schneider. Dan told us he had no idea his son was using crack before he was murdered in New Orleans in the late 90’s. While police didn’t show much interest in his son’s case, Dan took it upon himself to use every investigative tool at the time to find his son’s killer. But the story doesn’t end there. In his role as a pharmacist, Dan was among the first to spot the opioid epidemic i...

Netflix docuseries, The Pharmacist, shows how Dan Schneider solved his son's murder in the case of a drug deal gone wrong. Schneider was an early identifier of the opioid crisis in this country and pushed for reform. He joins your host, Angela Kennecke, for two episodes of Grieving Out Loud to give us all the twists and turns in the case and how the unbelievable unfolded. In this first episode, Schneider shares what happened to his son, how he pushed police to take the case seriously, a...

Shortly after her husband, Doug, was elected governor of North Dakota in 2016, Kathryn Burgum decided to share her personal story. Burgum is in recovery for substance use disorder after battling alcohol addiction for 20 years. Her platform as First Lady of North Dakota is to end the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction. Kathryn’s Recovery Reinvented event is coming up on November 3rd, and you can participate. She shares what keeps her in recovery and what she's doing to...

Don’t let the title of this episode fool you. Angela is NOT signing off on this podcast, In fact, you’ll be hearing more from Angela on this platform. But she has signed off on her last broadcast after a 35-year television career to focus on the mission of Emily’s Hope. Angela talks about what went into her decision precipitated by the death of her oldest daughter at age 21 and how she is now determined to save as many lives as possible. The two books mentioned as inspiration in this po...

27-year-old Mariah Earp, a mother to three children, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2020 after taking what she thought was Xanax. Now her mother, Rachel Carlisle has become an outspoken advocate to break the stigma and tell Mariah’s story on TikTok, where her videos have received more than 200,000 likes. Rachel says he wants other parents to know it’s okay to talk about the loss of a child to fentanyl and to know they are not alone, just like we do on this podcast. Rachel also had billboards p...

Dr. Nzinga Harrison is working to change the conversation around substance use disorder and encouraging it to be treated like any other disease. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, she shares a new approach to those who suffer from addiction which involves compassion and support. Dr. Harrison is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Eleanor Health, whose mission is to help people affected by addiction live full, healthy lives. She was also featured in the documentary, Tipping the...

Your host, Angela Kennecke, has brought you conversations she has had with different speakers and authors from the Bereaved Parents USA Conference over the last four weeks. This week, Angela wraps up the series with a conversation she had with Pat Sheveland.Angela and Pat first met in 2020, when she was a guest on Grieving Out Loud, for the first time. Since that conversation, Pat has lost her mother and now has a new book called The Confident Grief Coach. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud...

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.The death of Brenda’s son, Kevin’s addiction to painkillers, started after a traumatic brain injury. The loss of Kevin took Brenda down a new path to study grief and help others in this unfortunate club of bereaved parents.Next wee...

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.Beth D’Angelo is an incredibly deep and spiritual person, in spite of, or perhaps because of, the loss of one of her three children. Beth is finding purpose and meaning after the loss of her 19-year-old son, Sean. She is the co-fou...

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.Peggy Green sadly lost her baby girl at daycare, then suffered child loss again when her adult son completed suicide. As a grief coach and author, Peggy is now helping others move through their grief to healing. Her new book, “Surv...

For the next five weeks, your host, Angela Kennecke, will be bringing you conversations that she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with their own grief and have transformed it into helping others cope.We are kicking off this series with Diane Bergeron and coping with grief. One of her identical twins died shortly after birth, and this loss changed the trajectory of her life and t...

It’s becoming an all-too-common story; a young person buys a pill via social media that turns out to be 100 percent fentanyl. Laura Didier’s 17-year-old son, Zach, was experimenting with a couple of pills when he made this fatal mistake. Now Laura is turning her heartbreak into action through advocacy work and helping other parents who’ve lost children to fentanyl poisoning through the organization Song for Charlie.Support the Show.For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our w...

Lana Olshove is among the more than one million grandparents raising a grandchild due to the drug epidemic. That grandchild is Maddie, who came to live with her five years ago when she was in kindergarten. Lana's son is currently in prison for meth, and Maddie's mother, who also suffered from substance use disorder, was murdered by another man when Maddie was four years old. Lana and Maddie are speaking out because they want people to know how addiction affects many others in a family. M...

Women are drinking more than ever before, as much as men for the first time in history. Dr. Jessica Mellinger says today’s stressors make women an easy target by the alcohol industry. Dr. Mellinger is a liver doctor at the University of Michigan who sees more young women with liver disease, and she says a woman who drinks like a man gets sicker, faster. She hopes educating women about what moderate drinking really means, will turn this dangerous trend around.Support the Show.For more episodes...

Susan Bartz Herrick’s only child Luke was “set up” for addiction due to several factors while still in his teens. He had years of sobriety and accomplishments but experienced setback after setback. On August 28th, 2021, Susan lost her 30-year-old son, Luke, to fentanyl poisoning. She is now speaking out to tell Luke’s story and advocate for substance use disorder. Soon, Susan will release a book and potentially a film that chronicle’s his life and loss.Support the Show.For more episodes and t...

Maryrose Fealey gained TikTok fame as she shared her relationship with her brother, Ian, who suffers from opioid use disorder, through a series of raw videos. Maryrose’s efforts to get Ian off substances and into recovery are shown in a gritty Brut Documentary that followed Ian and Maryrose for 21 days while he suffered through withdrawals and cravings. Maryrose is the founder of the 4 The Younger Me movement. Maryrose started this movement to change the stigma surrounding the addiction commu...

To say that Morgan Godvin has had an unconventional life is an understatement. Morgan grew up with two mothers and always knew that her father was a sperm donor. She was very bright and excelled in school, but an emptiness inside, along with being bullied, led her to drugs. Addiction also ran in her family. She lost her mother and several close friends to overdose. Eventually, Morgan wound up in prison. Morgan just graduated from college at the top of her class and is now working to end overd...

Rod Courtney was a probation and parole officer and trained social worker. But even with that experience, Rod Courtney couldn’t save his son. Chad, who was 38, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2016. Following his son’s death, Rod has dedicated his life to helping those who suffer from substance use disorder and their families. Rod’s advocacy work includes serving as Executive Director of CRUSH of Iowa, which stands for Community Resources to Stop Heroin. He talks about how he copes with his loss...

The fact that Garrett Sheppard is alive at all is a miracle. Garrett struggles with several mental conditions from anxiety to depression to PTSD and ADHD. He started using meth at a young age, and pretty soon it didn't matter what kind of drug he took, he couldn’t live without them. Sheppard has a long list of felonies on his record and tried to complete suicide multiple times. However, today Garrett has turned his life around by getting psychological help, plus incorporating exercise a...