Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
After losing her 21-year-old daughter, Emily, to fentanyl poisoning, veteran journalist Angela Kennecke made it her life’s mission to break the silence surrounding substance use disorder and the overdose crisis. Grieving Out Loud is a heartfelt and unflinching podcast where Angela shares stories of devastating loss, hard-earned hope, and the journey toward healing. Through powerful interviews with other grieving families, experts, advocates, and people in recovery, this podcast sheds light on the human side of the epidemic — and how we can all be part of the solution. Whether you're coping with grief, supporting a loved one, or working to end the stigma, you’ll find connection, comfort, and inspiration here.
Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid Epidemic
Kentucky's Teacher of the Year secret struggle with addiction
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Jessica Duenas was Kentucky's teacher of the year in 2019. But she had a dark secret that no one would have imagined. She was an active alcoholic that couldn’t survive a day without drinking. Once she decided to get help, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After getting sober, Jessica entered into a new relationship with a man named Ian, who was in recovery from opioid addiction. In April of 2020, Ian relapsed and died. Jessica has not only been traumatized by her own addiction but the fentanyl poisoning of a loved one as well. She shares how she has survived and is now even thriving in this latest edition of Grieving Out Loud.
Learn more about Jessica's Bottomless to Sober Project here.
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For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!
Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz
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