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

Being a teen is challenging enough, but imagine facing the added burden of addiction.Drug use is especially harmful to the developing brain, altering its structure in ways that can increase the risk of long-term addiction and other serious issues.But thanks to a unique high school in Las Vegas that combines education with substance use disorder treatment, Landynn Meyers and Giuseppe Russo, along with many other teens are turning their lives around and thriving. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear from the principal of Las Vegas Mission High School, along with a couple of graduates who are now helping others facing similar struggles.Learn more about Mission High School: https://www.missionhighschoollv.org/aboutWaych Awareness, Action, and Hope: Navigating the Opioid/Fentanyl crisis, here:  https://www.drugfreeisuptome.org/ Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Award-winning journalists Iris St. Meran and Christie Casciano bring Syracuse, New York's biggest stories to light, covering everything from government decisions to crime. This year, however, they encountered a crisis they couldn’t simply cover from the newsroom.After repeatedly hearing overdose calls on the police scanner, they felt compelled to act. In addition to anchoring a special hour-long segment on the opioid crisis, the duo took their commitment a step further by completing naloxone training. Now equipped with the life-saving skills to administer Narcan, they’re ready to help someone in the grip of an overdose.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear how these journalists transitioned from reporting the news to potentially responding to the opioid epidemic.If you’d like to learn how to administer Narcan, watch this video to gain life-saving knowledge and discover more about Emily’s Hope’s mission to distribute naloxone to those in need.Watch the full special, More Than a Number: The Opioid Epidemic in Central New York, here: https://www.localsyr.com/more-than-a-number-the-opioid-epidemic-in-central-new-york/Awareness, Action, and Hope: Navigating the Opioid/Fentanyl crisis: https://www.drugfreeisuptome.org/Learn more about Narcan here: https://emilyshope.charity/narcan/Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

For so many young athletes, playing a college sport is the dream. But for Taelin Webb, one wasn’t enough—he excelled in two. From standout basketball player to football star at Southern Utah University, Taelin was the kind of athlete who seemed unstoppable: disciplined, passionate, and in peak physical condition.Taelin’s dad, Vonn Webb, who also coached at the collegiate level, says he didn’t have any major concerns about his son, but little did he know that his son had a secret struggle.Hear how Vonn has now transformed his playbook of life to prevent other families from suffering a similar tragic loss.You can also watch a national TV special, “Saving a Generation, The Fentanyl Crisis", featuring both Vonn and Angela. Visit the Stay Shaded website to learn more: https://stayshaded.org/ Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Welcome to a special edition of Grieving Out Loud, where we reflect on some of the most impactful conversations of 2024. This year, we shared stories that illuminated the devastating effects of the overdose and fentanyl crisis—stories ranging from a Nashville wedding overshadowed by tragedy to a sister’s fight for justice after her brother’s murder.We heard from a grieving father battling Purdue Pharma, a paramedic turned bereaved mother, and the cousin of the late musician Prince, who offered insight into his untimely death.These conversations have touched hearts and sparked meaningful dialogue, including efforts to make naloxone more accessible, the tragic consequences of pill mills, and safe havens for opioid-exposed newborns. As we reflect on these unforgettable moments, we honor the courage of our guests and the resilience of those navigating unimaginable loss. Join us as we revisit the stories that have inspired hope, raised awareness, and called for action.Episode 177 with Lauren SislerEpisode 146 with Carol WolfeEpisode 149 with Chris DidierEpisode 153 with Justin PhillipsEpisode 161 with Charles “Chazz” SmithEpisode 159 with Stephen LoydEpisode 178 with Philip EilEpisode 189 with Jazmin PedrozaEpisode 192 with Nicola MarshallSend us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

His resume is nothing short of remarkable. Mark Bodnarczuk is a brilliant intellectual, a celebrated author, and a respected researcher who manages and provides oversight for three programs at Stanford. Yet, his latest book Finding New Life After the Death of my Son ventures far beyond his professional accolades—it delves into the raw, devastating pain of a tragedy that silenced him for a couple of years: the sudden loss of his 17-year-old son to fentanyl.Now, Mark courageously opens his heart, transforming his grief into something he calls a gift. In this episode, he shares his deeply moving journey and offers wisdom to anyone grappling with loss—whether from death, divorce, or another life-altering heartbreak. His story is one of unimaginable pain, unyielding love, and the resilience to find meaning in the darkest moments.Visit Mark's website: https://markbodnarczuk.com/Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Opioid overdose deaths in the U.S. have dropped to their lowest levels since 2020, with new CDC estimates showing just over 60,650 lives lost between June 2023 and June 2024—an 18% decrease from the previous year. While this is a hopeful trend, the real story might be far more sobering.On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the hidden truths of the opioid epidemic with the founder of Truth Pharm. She argues that the actual number of overdose deaths could be three times what’s reported. But she’s not just exposing the gaps—she’s fighting for justice. From holding pharmaceutical companies accountable to advocating for meaningful support for those battling substance use disorder, her mission is a beacon of hope in the face of devastating loss. She’s also launched Trail of Truth, a yearly event in Washington, D.C., where families can honor loved ones lost to substance use. You can find more details, along with pictures from the event, at emilyshope.charity. Join us on this episode as we uncover the deeper realities behind the numbers and spotlight the relentless fight to save lives.Truth Pharm website: https://truthpharm.org/ Learn more about the Trail of Truth: https://www.trailoftruth.org/Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Nicola Marshall’s world was shattered by a sudden, heartbreaking loss that made headlines around the globe. Her 12-year-old son died after falling from a balcony while they were vacationing in Spain.Yet, amidst this unimaginable heartache, Nicola discovered a way to move forward—one careful step at a time. Now, she has dedicated her life to understanding grief and supporting others as they navigate their own journeys, offering hope when it feels hardest to find. Nicola is working on writing a book, is a TED Talk speaker, and hosts sessions where people can share their grief. Listen to Nicola Marshall's Ted Talk "The Power of Grieving as a Tribe" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYF_4m4r5YwIn this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear what she has learned about life after loss and her heartfelt advice for those trying to heal or help others in their grief journey.Read Angela's BlogCrying at CostcoWiping of the TearsSend us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Nearly 49 million Americans, or about 17% of the population, are battling addiction, according to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Now, picture ten of your closest friends—nearly two of them could be quietly fighting this hidden battle. Yet, addiction often remains a silent struggle, weighed down by stigma and shame.For years, Michele Hein kept her son's struggle with substance use disorder private. But after Tyler's tragic death from fentanyl poisoning, she's speaking out to anyone who will listen. On today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear Michele’s emotional plea to others navigating the same heartbreaking journey. Michele started the Fentanyl Free Communities Foundation in Minneapolis. Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Doctors are people we often trust to make the best decisions for our health. While that's usually the case, it’s not always true. Dr. Stan Li, a once-respected anesthesiologist, became known as "New York’s deadliest pill pusher." Li wrote more than 21,000 prescriptions for drugs such as oxycodone and Xanax and was ultimately convicted of manslaughter in the overdose deaths of two patients.In this episode of “Grieving Out Loud,” we speak with Charlotte Bismuth, the former assistant district attorney who prosecuted Li. She’s also the author of "Killer in a White Coat: The True Story of New York's Deadliest Pill Pusher and the Team that Brought Him to Justice." Join us as we examine the details of this case, the challenges of holding doctors accountable, and the fight to seek justice for overdose victims.You can find the manual Bismuth helped create for prosecutors working on overdose homicide cases through the Prosecutor's Center for Excellence. Click here: https://pceinc.org/Listen to Episode 161: Prince’s cousin’s efforts to expose the truth behind the musician’s fentanyl deathListen to Episode 162: Grieving father takes on Purdue Pharma after son dies from OxyContinSend us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Addiction's impact extends far beyond adults and teens—each year, over 20,000 babies are born dependent on drugs due to prenatal exposure. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we speak with a neonatal nurse practitioner who saw a critical need to provide care for these vulnerable newborns and their families.At Hushabye Nursery in Phoenix, more than 800 babies have received life-saving treatment in the four years since its opening, offering specialized support for opioid-exposed infants and their mothers in recovery. We’ll also hear from a mother whose life was transformed by the compassionate care she and her baby received, illustrating how, even amidst substance use disorder, hope and healing are possible.Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

We're taking a break this week for the election, but we will return next week with a powerful new episode of Grieving Out Loud. Next week's episode dives into a struggle that too many families face, but often goes unspoken. Every year, more than 20,000 babies are born affected by a mother's substance use during pregnancy. That's one baby every 25 minutes, each entering the world already fighting.  "Every time I would take it, I would just feel so bad because I knew he was moving inside me. And it was just, it was horrible." We'll hear from Jazmin, a mother who faced addiction while pregnant. She tells us about her journey and how she and her newborn son found healing and help from a place where stigma is left at the door. "They made me feel like a person again. They made me feel like I'm a human again.  Just because I used, it happens, but they didn't judge me. You know, they didn't judge. They saw Jazmin. They saw Jazmin in recovery. They saw Jazmin trying to get help."  Tara Sundem, co -founder of Hushabye Nursery, shares how her center is redefining care for substance exposed babies and supporting mothers to build a future with their children.  "This is how I'd want you to treat my daughter. I'd want you to like hug her and embrace her and tell her, number one, congratulations. Congratulations. Everyone that's pregnant, the first thing you hear is congratulations, I'm so excited for you. My families never get told that." While we're on a short break, I invite you to join us next week for this moving new episode of Grieving Out Loud. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please visit emilyshope.charity for resources. Get ready for an inspiring conversation on the resilience to overcome and the power of compassion in recovery.We'll see you next week on Grieving Out Loud. Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

After losing her son Alec to fentanyl poisoning on his 26th birthday, Dita Bhargava has transformed her grief into action, becoming a powerful voice in the fight against fentanyl. She’s engaged in important conversations with political leaders across America, including Vice President Kamala Harris.On Overdose Awareness Day, Harris highlighted Dita’s story in her message about the opioid crisis, writing on Facebook: “We remember Tiarra, Jonathan, Alec, and millions of others who lost their lives from an overdose.” Dita has also challenged lawmakers on their views of substance use disorder, including Senator Lindsey Graham during a CNN Town Hall.On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with Dita to talk about her life’s mission, her son’s story and what she would like every American to know about the fentanyl crisis and substance use disorder.Watch the full conversation with Vice President Kamala Harris here:  https://app.frame.io/reviews/8a1c19ac-5713-4b60-b15e-68f28d5c3502/95c4f602-e755-491a-ad2a-e6365df25edaWatch the full interview with Lindsey Graham here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3xfGvuGr34Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

In this special episode of Grieving Out Loud, we revisit a cherished conversation with Dr. Gladys McGarey, a trailblazer in holistic medicine who passed away on September 28th at the age of 103. Her wisdom transcended the medical field, emphasizing that love is the most powerful healing force.Dr. Gladys built her life around the five L’s: love, life, labor, laughter, and listening—with love as the cornerstone. Her message continues to inspire us to live with purpose and joy, regardless of life’s hardships. Join us as we honor her legacy by revisiting this insightful episode, originally recorded one year ago. Listen now to remember her spirit and her words.Link to Dr. Gladys' Celebration of Life Services: https://www.foundationforlivingmedicine.org/memorial/services/Link to Dr. Gladys' Book, The Well Lived Life: https://gladysmcgarey.com/#Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Imagine losing not only your mother, but also your twin sister to substance use disorder. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Cristina Cavallo and her father, Chris, share their deeply personal and heartbreaking story in hopes of raising awareness about a disease that touches millions yet is often left in the shadows. According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use, nearly 49 million Americans—almost 17% of the population—are struggling with substance use disorder.So why don’t we talk about it more? The Cavallos believe that shame and stigma play a huge role, keeping people silent and preventing them from seeking the help they so desperately need.If you or someone you love is affected, please visit our website, emilyshope.charity, for a list of helpful resources.Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

As a grieving mother who fought to get help for my daughter’s substance use disorder—and ultimately lost her to fentanyl—I’m often asked what advice I have, or what I wish I had done differently.Today on Grieving Out Loud, I sit down with another grieving mother at the DEA Family Summit on Fentanyl. Kate Sloan, like so many others, learned about the deadly reality of fentanyl far too late. She’s here to share her son’s story—his battle with substance use disorder—and the hard lessons she wishes she had known sooner.If you or someone you love is struggling, please don’t wait to get help. Fentanyl is finding its way into street drugs, and even a tiny amount can be deadly. You can find helpful resources on our website—emilyshope.charity—because time really does matter.Also, if you have an idea for a Grieving Out Loud episode, email Angela at contact@emilyshope.charitySend us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

In this special episode of Grieving Out Loud, released for International Podcast Day, we deeply look at grief and its multifaceted nature. In our nearly 200 episodes, we’ve shared deeply personal stories from individuals navigating their own paths through loss, offering listeners a chance to find solace and understanding in shared experiences. As we reflect on the lessons gained from past episodes, we also consider the importance of community and connection in navigating the rocky terrain of grief. Whether through personal reflection or by finding comfort in the stories of others, this episode serves as a reminder that while grief is an inevitable part of life, the potential for growth and healing is always present. Join us as we dive into these words of wisdom, offering strength and support to anyone traveling through the landscape of loss.Listen to “Surviving the holiday season while grieving” with Dr. Mark Vande Braak - Episode 143: https://emilyshope.charity/episode/dr-mark-vande-braak/ Guests featured in this episode:Deric & Kathy Kidd - Episode 181Chris Didier - Episode 149Murray & Kay Sumner - Episode 128Dr. Gladys McGarey - Episode 132Bradi Harrison Nathan - Episode 172Carol Wolfe - Episode 146Harold Noreiga - Episode 136Lynn Gillette - Episode 147Ed Ternan - Episode 133Dr. Mark Vande Braak - Episode 88Justin Phillips - Episode 153Debbie Evans - Episode 135Ed Bisch - Episode 162Meghan Judge - Episode 154Heather Stang - Episode 139Natalie Eisenberg - Episode 170“Still Shining” by J. Raymond from the Kindred Project: Vol. IIhttps://familycentredcarepractice.wordpress.com/2024/01/08/j-raymondstill-shiningthe-kindred-project-vol-ii/ Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

As the United States faces its deadliest drug epidemic in history, lives are being lost in unimaginable ways. Over the past two decades, more than 5,000 children and teens have died from fentanyl—among them, toddlers and even infants.Janan Haugen knows these devastating numbers all too well. She’s lost not only her son to drugs, but also her granddaughter to drugs.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Janan opens up about her emotional journey, the lessons she’s learned through immense heartache, and how she’s finding the strength to move forward after such unimaginable losses.Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Hans Arwine choked back tears as he recalled the moment he had to tell his wife that their son was gone. ”That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done–tell his mother that he was no longer with us,” he said.The heartbreaking scene is tragically familiar across America—parents receiving the devastating news that their children have died from fentanyl overdoses. In the United States, nearly 300 people lose their lives to drugs every day.Amidst this widespread grief, the dealers responsible for these tragedies often go unpunished. But Hans and Laurie Arwine are channeling their profound sorrow into a powerful fight for justice. Their journey is one of resilience and hope, as they strive to honor their son’s memory by seeking accountability and making a difference.Join us today as we sit down with Hans and Laurie to hear their inspiring story of turning their pain into a mission for change, fighting for justice not just for their son, but for countless others affected by this crisis.Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

An Iowa couple was invited to the State of the Union address for a reason they could have never imagined just a few years ago. Deric and Kathy Kidd were unaware of how lethal the illicit drug supply had become until the day they found their teenage son dead in his bedroom. He had taken half a pill, thinking it was Percocet, but it turned out to be a deadly dose of fentanyl.Now, the Kidds have made it their mission to raise awareness about the fentanyl epidemic and the growing mental health crisis. Join us as we share their heartbreaking story and explore how they’re turning their unimaginable loss into a powerful fight for change.Do you have an idea for a Grieving Out Loud episode? We'd love to hear it. You can email Angela at contact@grievingoutloudpodcast.com. Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz

Opioid deaths started skyrocketing when the powerful prescription painkiller OxyContin hit the market. Purdue Pharma, the company behind the drug, has been found guilty of numerous charges. It is now featured in a new Netflix original, "Painkiller," highlighting the company’s pushy sales tactics. For some viewers, like today’s guest, the show hits a bit too close to home.Steven May joined Purdue as an OxyContin sales rep back in 1999. At first, he believed in what he was selling, but that changed quickly, and he became a whistleblower. Today, Steven shares his behind-the-scenes experience at Purdue during a time when the company was making huge profits as opioid addiction rates were spiraling out of control.Send us a textThe Emily’s Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum has been carefully designed to address growing concerns surrounding substance use and overdose in our communities. Our curriculum focuses on age-appropriate and evidence-based content that educates children about the risks of substance use while empowering them to make healthy choices. Support the showFor more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg & Kayli Fitz