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.
Episodes
292 episodes
Warning signs your loved one may be abusing drugs: Insights from a grieving father
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 promin...
A parent's guide to surviving a loved one's addiction
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 Copi...
Life-saving scholarship: How Emily's Hope treatment scholarship gave a woman her life back
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 struggle...
Mindfulness and Grief with Heather Stang
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. Whi...
From Mexico to Main Street: How Cartels fuel America's opioid crisis
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 m...
New research points to addiction as a disability, not a disease
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 ...
From stardom to heartbreak: TikTok star's fentanyl poisoning death
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 ...
Grieving mother copes by drawing caricatures of those lost in fentanyl epidemic
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 i...
Inside the Washington D.C. Rally: Taking on the fentanyl crisis
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.
Parents Seek Solutions with Snapchat Following Son's Tragic Death from Deadly Pill Purchase
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 Perco...
Living your best life at 102: Dr. Gladys McGarey's secrets to fulfillment amid adversity
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 re...
When a water bottle turns deadly: How fentanyl shows up in unexpected places
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 synthet...
The Oxy era: A personal journey through America's opioid crisis
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 was a ...
The other side of loss: Grandparents, grief, and the opioid crisis
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 tr...
Lights, camera, change: Emmy nominated producer creates documentary about addiction following son’s death
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 i...
Beyond the court: Former NBA player Chris Herren's battle with substance use disorder
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 ...
Straight talk with an addiction care doc: Understanding substance use disorder
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. Hanna...
Resilience amid adversity: Nadia Davis' triumph over trauma, scandal & addiction
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 f...
From Hollywood to healing: A mom's battle with Ambien addiction
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 ...
Beyond the darkness: A mother's empowering tale of love, loss, and renewed hope
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 wit...
The pill trap: When surgery prescriptions lead to addiction
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, unk...
Addiction & grief counselor shares insights after losing daughter to fentanyl poisoning
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 ...
Uniting for change: A bereaved mother organizes D.C. march to combat fentanyl crisis
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, dema...
Protecting children from addiction
Originally released on May 23, 2021Jessica Lahey is a mother, teacher, and author of The New York Times bestselling book,
Resilience in the face of tragedy: A father's story of healing after daughter's and brother's suicides
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...