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

Grief changes everything. It’s the kind of pain that steals your breath and reshapes your world, a weight that never fully lifts. For Stephanie Wiley, that pain runs deeper than words can express. She suddenly lost her teenage son, the boy who never missed a chance to say “I love you,” to fentanyl poisoning.In the aftermath of unimaginable loss, Stephanie found healing in an unexpected place: her kitchen. What began as therapy, a way to cope with grief one cookie at a time, has grown into her purpose. Baking has become her business, her mission, and a tribute to her son’s memory, helping raise awareness about the fentanyl epidemic along the way.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Stephanie shares her powerful journey as she reflects on the struggle to find help for her son’s substance use disorder, the fleeting joy of his recovery, and the heartbreak that followed. Through it all, she has found a way to keep his spirit alive by spreading warmth, sweetness, and hope to others who know the ache of loss.Click here to visit the Tommy's Cookie Co. website and purchase your cookies! If you enjoyed this episode, you may like the following: Choosing Love After a Hate Crime Took Her Son and FatherSurviving the holiday season while grievingWhat a mother wishes she knew before losing her son to fentanylSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

11/5/25 • 47:04

A 2012 documentary, The Queen of Versailles, introduced the world to David and Jackie Siegel, the powerhouse couple behind Westgate Resorts. The film showcased their booming business, lavish lifestyle, and bustling household of eight children. But behind the glamour, life took a devastating turn. The Siegels’ world came crashing down after the loss of their 18-year-old daughter, Victoria — a tragedy that reshaped not only their family but also their life’s work. While they knew about some of Victoria’s struggles, her diary revealed painful truths they never fully understood.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, you’ll hear Victoria’s story, what her family wishes they had known, and how they’re now using their grief to raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing the same heartbreak.Purchase the diary - Victoria's Voice, Her Words from Beyond the GraveVisit the Victoria's Voice websiteEmily's Hope websiteLearn more about Angel ArmySend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

10/29/25 • 37:17

On any given day, paramedics are called into chaos—heart attacks, car crashes, overdoses, and everything in between. For Aaron Westfall, those emergencies too often involve the painful grip of addiction. But instead of only seeing tragedy, he chooses to see the person behind the struggle.That’s because Aaron has been there himself. He not only battled his own addiction, but also survived brain cancer—twice—endured abuse, and mourned the devastating loss of the person he loved most as a child. His life has been shaped by pain most of us can hardly imagine.Yet through it all, Aaron has found resilience, purpose, and a way to help others. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, he shares how he turned unimaginable hardships into hope—and what he wants you to understand about addiction from his perspective as both a paramedic and a survivor.If you enjoyed this episode, you may like the following:Stopping The Sigma: A look at Medications For Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)A paramedic’s harrowing shift from lifesaver to bereaved mother in the fentanyl crisisA Childhood Shaped by Loss, a Life Reclaimed in SobrietySend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

10/22/25 • 33:53

This fall, the National Mall in Washington, D.C., was transformed into a sea of grief and remembrance. Four thousand tombstones stretched across the grass—each one representing a life cut short by substances. The Trail of Truth was more than an event; it was a call to action, shining a light on the nation’s fentanyl and substance use disorder epidemic and urging lawmakers to finally take notice.Among the rows of stones, families gathered—mothers, fathers, siblings, and friends—united in both sorrow and determination. They came not only to mourn but to make sure their loved ones are never forgotten.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, some of those voices are shared. Angela recorded these interviews on-site at the Trail of Truth event in Washington D.C. The guests speak candidly about what it’s like to love someone battling substance use disorder—the frustration of trying to find help, the constant undercurrent of fear, and, for too many, the heartbreak of loss. These are raw, unfiltered stories. And that is exactly why they matter. Because the more openly this disease is spoken about, the less room shame and stigma have to silence the people who need help most.Read Angela's blog about the Trail of Truth:4,000 Tombstones on the National Mall and One Named EmilyThe founder of Trail of Truth, Alexis Pleus, has been featured on the podcast twice before. Once on her own, sharing more about TruthPharm and underreported overdose deaths, and a second time to discuss the Trail of Truth alongside another grieving mother, Kimberly Douglas. You can listen to those episodes below:Shedding light on underreported overdose deaths with Truth PharmThousands of Tombstones by the U.S. Capitol to Honor Lives Lost to Substance UseSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

10/15/25 • 40:01

From appearances on the Oprah Show to features in the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Ken Druck has long been recognized as a leading voice on grief. A pioneer in grief literacy, he has earned numerous honors, including the “Distinguished Contribution to Psychology” award. But what makes his voice so powerful isn’t just decades of expertise—it’s the personal heartbreak that shaped his path. When his 21-year-old daughter died in a tragic accident, Druck was forced to navigate the very journey he now helps others face. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, he shares how he found a way forward, and how you, too, can begin to rediscover joy after loss. He also offers everyday tools for coping with grief and building resilience, no matter where you are in your healing. Visit Ken's website to learn more: https://www.kendruck.com/If you enjoyed this episode, check out the following next: What This Grief Expert Wants You to Know About Healing and HopeSurviving the holiday season while grievingMindfulness and Grief with Heather Stang‘It Was Like Going to My Own Funeral:’ Identical Twin Talks Life After LossSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

10/8/25 • 50:09

The numbers are heartbreaking. Nearly 40% of high school students say they feel persistently sad or hopeless, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About one in five reported struggling with anxiety or depression in just the past two weeks, and another one in five said they seriously considered suicide in the past year.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with the researchers behind a powerful new book, Mind the Children, that digs into what’s fueling America’s youth mental health crisis. The authors—journalists, researchers, and clinicians—want parents and policymakers to understand the full picture. Too often, they say, the blame gets pinned on a single factor. But the truth is, there are many forces at work.   Today I'm joined by Naomi Schaefer Riley, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies child welfare and foster care, and Dr. Ken Winters, a senior scientist at the Oregon Research Institute in Minnesota, and consultant at the Center for Indigenous Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa.Learn more about and purchase their book, Mind the Children, here.If you liked this episode, check out the following next: Your To-Die List: Bestselling Author on Living Fully and ResilientlyA mother’s urgent message on mental health and addictionMental health expert offers advice after his own son battles depression, anxiety & addictionMother blames cannabis-induced psychosis for son’s deathSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

10/1/25 • 41:10

From a school shooting in Minneapolis to bomb threats against Jewish hospitals in New York, hate crimes continue to make headlines across the country. FBI data shows that reported incidents rose by more than 200 in just one year, from 2022 to 2023. With every act of hate comes unimaginable grief, something today’s guest knows far too well.Mindy Corporon’s life was forever changed when a hate crime took the lives of both her 14-year-old son and her father. Rather than allowing her pain to turn into anger, she chose a different path, one rooted in kindness, compassion, and the belief that the world can be better.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Mindy shares her advice for those living with grief and her vision for how we can all move forward in a time marked by hate and division.Learn more about her mission at sevendays.org.Purchase Mindy's book, Healing a Shattered Soul, here: https://www.mindycorporon.com/healing-a-shattered-soul/If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the following: Broken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We GrieveChanging lives through grief and the gift of painGrowing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open UpSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

9/24/25 • 41:13

What began as a joyful winter break reunion quickly turned into tragedy. In January 2016, a group of college friends gathered at a lake house in southern Wisconsin to celebrate the new year. But before the celebration was over, four of them had vanished—including Sally McQuillen’s 21-year-old son, Christopher.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sally shares her son’s story, the heartbreak that followed, and what it has been like to live with unimaginable loss. She opens up about the weight of fear, guilt, and regret—and how grief, while devastating, has also revealed the depth and power of love.Learn more about Sally's memoir: https://www.sallymcquillen.com/reaching-for-beautiful-memoirIf you enjoyed this episode, check out Episode 214 "Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open Up": https://emilyshope.charity/episode/abby-adam-groth/Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

9/17/25 • 39:30

Picture this: 3,800 tombstones stretched out near the U.S. Capitol. Each one represents a life lost to substances— not a number, not a statistic — but a son, a daughter, a sibling, a friend.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, I sit down with Kimberly Douglas and Alexis Pleus, the women behind the Trail of Truth. For them, this mission is deeply personal. They’re turning their grief into action, demanding that lawmakers pay attention while hundreds of thousands of Americans die every year from alcohol and drugs. And now, even as the crisis grows, treatment and prevention programs are on the chopping block. Most importantly, you’ll hear what they believe needs to change to save lives.You can listen to Alexis's previous episode on Grieving Out Loud here. Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

9/10/25 • 38:31

Grief is something most of us will face at some point in our lives—but it’s not exactly coffee shop conversation. Gary Roe is hoping to change that. He’s not only an award-winning author who’s written more than 20 books on grief, but also someone who speaks with honesty, compassion, and deep personal experience.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Gary shares about his painful childhood, the lessons he’s learned about grief and resilience, and what he hopes others can carry with them from his journey.You can visit Gary's website here. If this episode resonated with you, here are more conversations you’ll want to hear:Surviving the holiday season while grievingBroken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We GrieveYour To-Die List: Bestselling Author on Living Fully and ResilientlyGrowing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open UpWords of Wisdom: Surviving GriefSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

9/3/25 • 42:25

How do you keep going when your world falls apart? It is a question even adults struggle to answer, so imagine what it is like for a child. For many, the pain of losing someone they love becomes unbearable. In the search for something, anything, to numb the hurt, they turn to alcohol or other substances. When grief is left unspoken and untreated, that path becomes even easier to fall into.Ellen Ingraham knows that pain. She lost her father when she was just two years old. As if that heartbreak were not enough, her older sister, her best friend, was fighting a life-threatening condition. Like so many others carrying quiet grief, Ellen turned to alcohol to cope.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Ellen shares her story, how she faced her pain, found her way toward healing, and what she wants others to know if they are struggling too.If you enjoyed this episode, check out these ones next: The silent crisis of alcohol and women’s liver diseaseTelling Everyone’s Story While Hiding Her Own: A Journalist’s Battle with AddictionBroken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We GrieveSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

8/27/25 • 36:40

New York City is home to more than twice the population of any other U.S. city, so when a story makes headlines there, it usually means it’s something big. But for Scott Caddell,  the reason his son’s name appeared in the news was devastating.First, Scott lost his oldest son to a brutal and widely publicized murder. Then, years later, his younger son died from fentanyl poisoning. Long before either tragedy, Scott was battling his own addiction, a struggle that began when he was still a kid.On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Scott opens up about the heartbreak no parent should ever have to endure. He talks candidly about addiction, grief, the lessons he learned too late, and how he is still putting one foot in front of the other, even after losing so much.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

8/20/25 • 46:37

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down for a one-on-one conversation with a man who’s spent decades on the front lines of the United States' battle against illicit drugs and overdose deaths. Derek Maltz, who recently served as acting administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), built a nearly 30-year career as a special agent. He also led the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force—the nation’s oldest and largest.Maltz opens up about why the fentanyl crisis has become so personal to him, what he believes must happen to stop the mass poisoning of Americans, and the critical missteps that have allowed the epidemic to grow.Listen to Episode 120 of Grieving Out Loud with April Babcock: https://emilyshope.charity/episode/april-babcock/If you enjoyed this episode, you may like this one with Art Kleinschmidt, the former Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy: https://emilyshope.charity/episode/arthur-kleinschmidt/Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

8/13/25 • 44:11

Imagine watching a documentary about the dangers of opioids—then moments later, learning your only living child is gone.That’s the devastating reality Michael Land faced when his son unknowingly took a pill laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl.In the wake of unimaginable loss, Michael is choosing to keep his son's memory alive by living out the adventures they once dreamed of doing together. From national parks to stunning waterfalls, he’s been traveling the country—sharing their story, connecting with others, and raising awareness about the dangers of fentanyl, one conversation and social media post at a time.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Michael opens up about the day everything changed, what he wishes every parent knew, and how he’s finding purpose in the pain by helping others avoid the same heartbreak.If you enjoyed this episode, you may like ‘The Pharmacist’ Dan Schneider gives the backstory on the hit Netflix documentary or Life after ‘The Pharmacist’ for Dan Schneider: A new mission.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

8/6/25 • 35:19

They call themselves “bereaved besties,” but it’s a bond born from heartbreak. Amy Neville and Bridgette Norring never imagined their lives would intersect like this, until both of their teenage sons died after taking what they believed was a prescription pill they bought on Snapchat. Instead, it was a deadly dose of fentanyl.Now, these two mothers are learning how to live with the unthinkable, while doing everything they can to make sure no other family has to. They’ve taken their grief to Washington, are fighting for new legislation, and are part of a lawsuit against Snapchat’s parent company.Join this raw and honest conversation with two mothers who are speaking out, standing up, and working to make the digital world safer for your family.Listen to Amy Neville's previous episode on the podcast here.Listen to Bridgette Norring's previous episode on the podcast here.If you enjoyed this episode, you may like this one with Dr. Art Kleinschmidt, newly appointed Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at SAMHSA.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

7/30/25 • 38:48

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we’re having an important one-on-one conversation with a key figure from President Trump’s administration—someone deeply involved in shaping how our country responds to the addiction and mental health crisis.Right now, more than 48 million Americans are living with substance use disorder. Yet, the administration is proposing a $56 million cut to a federal grant that helps communities and first responders access naloxone—the life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.And that’s just one piece of the puzzle. The so-called “Big, Beautiful Bill” also includes Medicaid cuts that could dramatically affect addiction prevention and treatment across the country. Add to that a major overhaul of several federal programs that support substance use treatment, and there’s a lot at stake.On this episode, we sit down with Art Kleinschmidt, head of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And we’re asking the tough questions.Listen to Art's previous episode of Grieving Out Loud here.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

7/23/25 • 35:00

Most of us have a daily to-do list—sometimes scribbled on paper, sometimes just running through our heads. But today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud invites you to consider a different kind of list: a to-die list.Bestselling author and self-help coach Karen Salmansohn has written more than 25 books for adults and tweens, with more than two million books and courses sold. Her work has been featured in national outlets including The New York Times, The Today Show, and InStyle magazine.Karen isn’t afraid to take on tough, often-taboo topics like death—and turn them into powerful, uplifting lessons on how to live with more intention, joy, and purpose. In this episode, she shares practical advice for embracing life more fully and offers tools for navigating some of life’s biggest challenges, including grief.If you liked this episode, listen to Living your best life at 102: Dr. Gladys McGarey’s secrets to fulfillment amid adversity next!Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

7/16/25 • 41:55

Most of us would never imagine taking on the role of a law enforcement investigator. But for so many grieving parents, that’s exactly what they’ve had to do. After losing their children to fentanyl, they find themselves combing through phone records, tracing dealers, and trying to uncover the truth—because no one else will.For too long, overdose deaths were dismissed as tragic accidents. And while that mindset is beginning to shift amid the rise in fentanyl-related deaths, the heartbreaking truth remains: in many cases, no one is held accountable. Even when the victim had no idea they were taking fentanyl.In today’s episode of Grieving Out Loud, we’re sitting down with Mark Russell. Mark’s son, like so many others, thought he was taking a Xanax. Instead, it was a counterfeit pill laced with a lethal dose of fentanyl. And when law enforcement didn’t act, Mark spent four years investigating his son’s death himself.Now, he hopes to become a lifeline for other parents walking this painful path. He’s here to share what he’s learned—how to keep pushing for answers, navigate a complicated justice system, and demand accountability when the system falls short. Mark also opens up about why fighting the stigma surrounding fentanyl deaths is just as important as seeking justice—because it’s not just about healing families. It’s about saving lives.If you liked this episode, listen to these next:Snaps of sorrow: A father’s advocacy after losing son from Snapchat drug dealA grieving father’s fight to bring deadly drug dealers to justiceSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

7/9/25 • 38:31

Imagine walking into a room lined with hand-drawn graphite portraits—each one capturing the face of someone lost to fentanyl poisoning or a drug overdose. It’s a powerful experience, one that says more than statistics ever could. That’s the vision behind the INTO LIGHT Project, a nationwide nonprofit turning personal tragedy into public awareness through art.On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, you'll hear how the organization is not only raising awareness about the fentanyl epidemic, but it’s also giving grieving families a space to heal. And for the founder, this mission is deeply personal. Join us for this emotional and inspiring conversation that aims to inform, protect and provide hope.If you liked this episode, listen to these next:Grieving mother copes by drawing caricatures of those lost in fentanyl epidemicA grieving mother's memoir about addiction inspires a screenplayA mother-daughter journey from Hollywood to heroin to healingSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

6/25/25 • 35:25

 When parents find out their child is facing a serious challenge, most will do whatever it takes to help. That was certainly true for Janel Rodriguez after she learned her teenage son was battling a marijuana addiction. But despite her efforts, Janel's world was shattered in a way she never saw coming.Just weeks into his sophomore year, her son Noah bought what he believed was a Percocet. It turned out to be fentanyl—and it cost him his life.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Janel shares her powerful message for other parents, what she wishes she had known sooner, and how she’s channeling unimaginable grief into action to help save lives.If you liked this episode, make sure to listen to these episodes next: Mother spearheads lawsuit against Snapchat in wake of teen’s fentanyl fatalityA pill bought via Craigslist cost him his lifeSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

6/18/25 • 34:36

Around three dozen of her friends—that’s how many lives Morgan Mentele believes have been saved thanks to Emily’s Hope distributing free naloxone in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area. In this powerful episode of Grieving Out Loud, Morgan courageously opens up about her journey: how she went from being a mom of two and Sunday School teacher to battling substance use disorder, how recovery finally became possible, and why she—and dozens of others—wouldn’t be here today without the life-saving impact of Emily’s Hope.You can find out where the Emily’s Hope free naloxone boxes are located on the Emily’s Hope website, along with information on how to use naloxone. Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

6/11/25 • 32:01

To some people, “the media” has become a dirty word. There’s no doubt—journalism is a tough job, especially in today’s divided world.Between public scrutiny and constant deadlines, award-winning journalist Taylor Six felt the pressure closing in. Behind the scenes, she was quietly fighting a hidden battle with substance use disorder.For years, she kept it secret. But now, Taylor is breaking the silence—not just for herself, but for others in the industry facing the same fight.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Taylor shares her raw, honest journey: what led her to seek help, how she found recovery, and why she started the Journalists Recovery Network to help other reporters. If you liked this episode, listen to these next:Addiction Behind the HeadlinesA TV Anchor Shares Her Loss to Overdose and Efforts to End StigmaESPN reporter shares personal tragedy of losing both parents within hours to fentanylSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

6/4/25 • 45:27

Identical twins often share an extraordinary bond—shaped not only by shared DNA but by a deep emotional connection. For Christa Parravani and her twin sister, Cara, that bond was strengthened by a difficult, abusive childhood. But then came the unimaginable. After Cara was kidnapped and raped, she spiraled into trauma, eventually turning to drugs. Tragically, she died from fentanyl poisoning.Christa was shattered. Grief, depression, and an eating disorder took hold. But in the depths of her pain, she began to write Her: A Memoir—a powerful and widely acclaimed book that helped her reclaim her voice and purpose.In the third and final episode of "What About Us? Stories of Sibling Grief", Christa opens up about her darkest moments, her journey toward healing, and how she’s now using her story to give others hope in the face of unimaginable loss.If you liked this episode, listen to the other two episodes in our sibling grief series:He Couldn’t Save His Brother, But He’s Working to Save Yours and Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open UpSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

5/28/25 • 37:23

There’s something uniquely powerful about the bond between siblings. They’re like built-in best friends — there for the good, the bad, and everything in between. But when someone loses a brother or sister, their grief is often overlooked. Many people focus on the parents or the children and forget that siblings are mourning too.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we continue our series on sibling loss with Will Rops. Will not only lost his oldest brother, Justin, to fentanyl poisoning, but he also grew up watching him struggle with substance use disorder.Now, after that devastating loss, Will is fighting to make a difference — pushing to get emergency naloxone available at Minnesota state colleges. Hear how Will is turning his grief into action through legislation making its way through the Minnesota legislature, in this episode of Grieving Out Loud.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

5/21/25 • 31:16

In this deeply personal episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with her own children to talk about the very public loss of their sister, Emily, who died of fentanyl poisoning in 2018. While the nation saw the news story, what it didn’t see was the quiet heartbreak that unfolded behind closed doors. In episode one of What About Us? Stories of Sibling Grief, each sibling shares how Emily’s death changed them—how they grieve, how they’ve grown, and what they want others to know about life after unimaginable loss. It’s the start of a powerful new series on sibling grief, with raw honesty, love, and hope at its heart.There’s more to come—join us in the next few episodes as we continue sharing stories of siblings navigating life after loss.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

5/14/25 • 29:48

Sometimes, life delivers blow after blow, leaving you gasping for air. Whether it’s the loss of a job, a home, or someone you love, grief can feel all-consuming—like joy may never return. For Betsy Stephenson, the heartbreak came in rapid succession. Within just six weeks, she lost her mother-in-law to dementia, her family dog to cancer, and—most devastating of all—her son to suicide. But instead of allowing the grief to swallow her whole, Betsy turned to writing.Through raw, unfiltered reflections captured in real time, she began to process her pain and offer hope to others walking through similar darkness. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Betsy shares her journey through unimaginable loss, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what inspired her to publish her intimate memoir, Blackbird. Her story is both deeply emotional and quietly courageous—a reminder that even in the darkest skies, light still finds a way through.If you liked this episode, listen to these episodes next:Broken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We GrieveA mother's grief journey and how it changed her lifeSend us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

5/7/25 • 38:44

As more states legalize marijuana, its use is on the rise across the country. A recent analysis of National Survey on Drug Use and Health data shows that daily marijuana consumption has now surpassed daily alcohol use. But for one grieving mother, the growing acceptance of the drug comes with an urgent warning—where it comes from matters, and one bad decision can be deadly. Paula Santos-Young says she lost her son, Andrew, after he unknowingly consumed marijuana laced with a deadly substance. Hear her heartbreaking story, how she’s raising awareness about the growing danger, and what she says all Americans need to know. If you liked this episode, listen to Mother Blames Cannabis-induced Psychosis for Son’s Death next!Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

4/30/25 • 34:04

Social media can be a great way to connect with friends and family, but do you really know what your child is doing online? The DEA warns that drug networks are increasingly using these platforms to find new customers, while sex traffickers also exploit them to lure victims. Now, the FBI is raising alarms about a rise in violent online networks targeting kids.Julianna Arnold’s mother knows these dangers all too well. Since her 17-year-old daughter's death, she has been searching for answers about what happened in the hours leading up to that tragic moment. What she’s uncovered is deeply unsettling—her daughter met someone on social media, had sex with a much older man, and ultimately died from fentanyl poisoning.Now, she is speaking out to warn parents about the hidden dangers of social media while calling on tech companies to do more to protect children from harm.If you liked this episode, listen to Mother spearheads lawsuit against Snapchat in wake of teen’s fentanyl fatality next!Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

4/23/25 • 49:12

As the United States continues to grapple with a deadly opioid crisis, Narcan—a medication that can reverse opioid overdoses—has become more accessible. Experts credit this expanded availability as one reason overdose deaths have declined over the past year. But Narcan can only save a life if someone is there to administer it—and that’s not always the case. Many people struggling with substance use disorder use drugs alone, whether out of shame, fear of judgment, or simply because they have no one they can trust. So how do you save lives when one bad dose can be deadly, and the people most at risk are suffering in silence?A unique hotline called SafeSpot is helping answer that question. The service offers a lifeline—someone to stay on the line while a person uses drugs and calls for help if something goes wrong. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, you’ll hear from the director of SafeSpot and a woman who says the hotline is the reason she’s still alive today.Listen to the original hotline call on This American Life: The CallIf you enjoyed this episode, listen to TV Anchors step up with naloxone training to fight the opioid crisis next!Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

4/16/25 • 40:08

Nicolas Getz once had a very specific image of what someone suffering from drug addiction looked like—a person panhandling on the street, wearing tattered clothing. But in his 20s, he learned firsthand that addiction doesn’t fit a single stereotype.Substance use disorder affects 48.5 million Americans, or 17 percent of the population. Getz became part of that statistic, struggling with opioid addiction and grappling with the guilt of how it impacted his family, his future, and himself.He recalls knowing, even in the depths of his addiction, that his actions were causing harm. But recovery was possible—with help. Now in recovery, Getz is sharing his story to break the stigma around addiction and offer hope to others facing similar struggles.If you liked this episode, listen to A middle-class family man’s journey into homelessness and heroin next.Send us a textBehind every number is a story of a life cut short, a family shattered, and a community devastated.They were...daughterssonsmothersfathersfriendswiveshusbandscousinsboyfriendsgirlfriends.They were More Than Just A Number. Support the showConnect with Angela Follow Grieving Out Loud Follow Emily's Hope Read Angela’s Blog Subscribe to Grieving Out Loud/Emily’s Hope Updates Suggest a Guest For more episodes and information, just go to our website, emilyshope.charityWishing you faith, hope and courage!Podcast producers:Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

4/9/25 • 39:53