The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

'It takes an entire country to protect the country.' But when we're talking about deep and complex geopolitical dynamics, is a united country enough to tackle the illicit drug crisis our nation currently faces? In this episode, we are honored to have Andrew Edelberg , Senior Trial Attorney at Aivazoglou & Mikropoulos - located in the Philadelphia area, share his extensive experience in the leg...

To tackle the drug crisis, relying solely on law enforcement is no longer sufficient.  With cartels employing increasingly sophisticated trafficking tactics, leveraging community engagement and education has become a priority. In this episode, Orville Greene , Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. DEA Detroit Field Division, joins host Michael Brown to delve into how the DEA's jurisdiction is adding...

How has marijuana changed since the days when Paul McCartney composed ‘Got to Get You into My Life’ in 1966? In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history and trends of marijuana with Jaime Zerbe , Chief of Staff at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) .  Sam is made up of an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy.  Jaime shares he...

Find purpose from loss In this powerful conversation, our guest Michele Hein , shares her tragic story as a mother who has faced unimaginable loss and emerged as a front-line activist in the battle against Fentanyl. After losing her beloved son, Tyler, to fentanyl poisoning, Michele's grief is transformed into advocacy as she leads the charge with Fentanyl Free Communities to save other families f...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the shadowy world of drug production and its far-reaching financial tentacles. We're peeling back layers of the global drug trade, estimated at a staggering $2 trillion that is led by some formidable players who have mastered money laundering operations... Listen in as Gary Lawrence draws from his own experiences as a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent, cur...

Dr. Cristina Utti,   an educator and author of 'Breaking Infinity.'  speaks from the heart about her journey through her near fatal substance abuse and eating disorders. Together we’ll reflect on the complex web of family dynamics and the repeating cycles of behavior passed down through generations. We dive deep into the reality of growing up in a broken home, the normalization of risky behaviors...

In today’s episode, Julie Waters , founder of the Jace Waters Foundation shares her journey of losing her son to addiction and the work she is doing to support others in the fight against opioid addiction. She discusses the importance of long-term recovery programs and the need for supportive communities. Julie goes into detail about the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and the need for o...

Our children represent the very future of society. However, without vigorously confronting the opioid crisis, how can we guarantee their protection? In today’s episode, Javon Williams, Founder of the Lamont Meyers Foundation , bravely opens her heart about the heart-wrenching loss of her son to Fentanyl poisoning and the journey of resilience this has led her to. Javon highlights the danger of the...

To anyone out there with a loved one who’s struggling, don't ever give up compassion because it's not a moral failing; your loved one simply doesn’t know how to handle what’s going on in their life. In this powerful and inspiring episode, Chris Cull dives deep into the challenges of addressing substance abuse, the impact of the opioid crisis in Canada, and the crucial role of authentic and relatab...

Fentanyl is the bullet, but it's the Mexican cartels that are pointing the gun at our children and pulling the trigger. In today's episode, we are honored to have Jaime Ignacio Puerto Gonzales , President of V.O.I.D "Victims Of Illicit Drugs " and Co-Chair of Facing Fentanyl Now , joining us to shed light on the far-reaching impact of Fentanyl and the legislative and societal challenges that have...

Our guest, Danielle Burkett , had everything stacked against her. Even when navigating an unstable upbringing and childhood trauma, she knew at a young age helping children in her position is something she wanted to do. This desire stuck with her through years of substance use, mental health issues, crime, and eventually incarceration. Now as a single mother who recently suffered from a stroke, sh...

Without International partnerships and cooperation, we’re not going to win this battle. In this episode, we delve into the complex and harrowing world of Mexican cartel and crime along the U.S. southern border, featuring a discussion with Larry Villalobos , a seasoned DEA analyst who has worked with the State Department in Mexico, the US military, DHS components, and a local university. Our guest...

Exploring the intricate web of trauma's influence, addiction's grasp, and the erosion of genuine connections, this episode unearths the need for holistic healing, emotional empowerment, and a renewed focus on nurturing our youth's mental well-being. Gina Tabrizy , our latest guest, is an inspirational keynote speaker, author , radio host of The Recovery Show , and a trauma/addiction expert. She is...

It's okay to not feel okay. On today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter , a Clinical Psychologist and the Author of Mainlining Philly : Survival, Hope and Resisting Drug Addiction , as well as Aftershock : How Past Events Shake up Your Life Today . Dr. Utter specializes in individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Her experiences, dating back...

DEA seizures reveal a chilling reality — 60% of the pills taken off the streets pack a lethal dose of fentanyl. Our special guest, Tj Ward , a man of faith and a visionary in the fight against substance use disorder, shares his powerful insights and experiences. We discuss the role of faith in recovery, the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction, and the need for collaboration...

Weapons are hitting the streets and killing Americans. They're fueling cartel and domestic drug trafficking violence. We have layers of complex problems that are all surrounded by policy decisions, which seem to be enabling criminal activity. Today on the show, Pete Forcelli , retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) executive and author of The Deadly Path , sheds light on the world of firearms...

1 in 3 runaways that are out on the streets will be solicited by a sex buyer, or engaged with a trafficker. In this revealing conversation, our guest Heidi Chance shares her powerful transition from a routine patrol officer to an undercover detective focused on combating sex trafficking. Heidi sheds light on the face-to-face encounters she’s had with vulnerable juveniles as well as their captors,...

Suboxone will protect an individual from a fentanyl overdose, but the one thing that will keep them in recovery is love . Today on the show we’re joined by Dr. Schuyler Geller , who has an extensive background in international teaching, patient care, and health care leadership. Previously a Medication Assisted Recovery Physician , and currently a Hospitalist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Aff...

One thousand pesos — that’s $59 — to go out and commit murder. In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Mexico, exploring its complex relationship with the drug cartels. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we have retired DEA agent Ralph Villarruel on the show, giving us the ground truth.. the reality of what's happening south of the border. Ralph was one of the lead investigator...

Between 250 and 300 people will die today from a fentanyl-related overdose. Are we faced with a weapon of mass destruction? An epidemic? A mental health crisis? Or all of the above? Our guest, hazmat expert David DiGregorio , brings a career of unique experience that includes serving in the U.S. Army's medical field and as Director of Hazmat Emergency Response in Massachusetts. With a background i...

When you remove social restraints, you get chaos. In this episode, two former DEA agents reunite to discuss the implications of government support on motivation, disparities in education, and the role of law enforcement. They unpack harsh realities of modern day drug smuggling, as well as the impact of immigration policies on the job market, the rise of fentanyl overdoses, and the conflicting mess...

Can America break free from the grip of addiction? Are innovative solutions like alcohol purchase licenses and safe drug supply the answer? And what role should medical professionals play in arresting this widespread disease? Our latest guest is Dr. Brian Johnson , Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Anesthesia at SUNY Upstate and recently retired Director of Addiction Medicine at Upstate Univers...

According to the CDC , 107,000 people in the United States have died from drug poisoning related to fentanyl, yet the country fails to recognize it as the weapon of mass destruction that it is. Prevalent substance addiction in the United States is a persistent problem — with fentanyl at the helm of the ship. Lisa Deane , the CEO and founder of Demand Zero , a nonprofit working towards eradicating...

When Andrea Thomas’ daughter Ashley lost her life to half of a pill that contained illicit fentanyl, her world was turned upside down. Since her daughter’s death in 2018, Andrea has thrown herself into activism, starting the prevention and awareness organization Voices For Awareness and later working with other activists with Facing Fentanyl Now , an awareness and education organization. Andrea is...

Opioid addiction isn’t just about the drug—the problem is usually much deeper. Addressing the crisis and waging a war on fentanyl will not be successful until those on the frontlines start treating people who suffer from addiction as humans. In this episode, we’re joined by CJ Syas and Adam Tripp of Mantra Recovery . Having struggled with opioid addiction themselves, CJ and Adam joined together to...