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

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...

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 thr...

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...

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 d...

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...

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 summone...

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

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 husban...

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 dis...

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,...

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 e...

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 num...

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 hop...

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...

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...

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, an...

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&ap...

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 almos...

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 open...

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 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...

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 Ke...

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...

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...

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 an...

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 beca...