The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole Rigaku

'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 legal and law enforcement fields. Andrew addresses the systemic issues in mental health and substance abuse treatment and the harsh realities in cities like Philadelphia and San Diego, and he also exposes the deep-rooted challenges and corruption faced by the US, Mexican, and Chinese governments in combating the drug epidemic, and why it takes a worldwide effort to end the opioid crisis.

Join us as we discuss:
The decrease in police presence, leading to increased violence and open-air drug markets, particularly in areas like Kensington.The increased crime and homelessness issues as a direct result of unchecked drug abuse and inadequate intervention measures.Different points of view around first-time offender programs, with some authorities preferring punitive measures over treatment.The challenges in prosecuting drug-related crimes due to trade and political partnerships between the US and Mexico.How the $50 billion opioid settlement is being used, raising concerns about transparency and proper allocation.To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

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 value to agency operations. They explore the value of forging strategic partnerships with community organizations, gaining firsthand insight into local challenges and concerns. SAC Orville also sheds light on the complexities of combating internet drug trafficking and discusses both the existing tools and areas needing improvement in addressing the opioid crisis. 

We also discuss: SAC Greene’s partnerships with organizations like Fentanyl Fathers and their significant societal contributionsThe potential impact of progressive drug policies on DEA operations and the battle against drug addictionThe imperative of a multi-agency approach in dismantling the drug supply chain
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. 

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 her perspective on marijuana consumption based on science.
Join us as we discuss: 
How marijuana is often marketedThe cultural shift toward normalizing drug useThe analysis of marijuana legalization
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. 

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 from a similar fate.

As fentanyl-related deaths skyrocket, we’ll examine why existing legislation falls short and what it truly means to approach substance use disorder and mental health stigmas with hope for substantive change. This episode is not just a discussion; it's a call to arms. We can’t afford to look away any longer.

Join us as we discuss:
The piercing insight Michele provides on how fentanyl isn't just a poisoning crisis but a national security threat that's been largely ignored.Broken policies that are causing a delay in the response to the opioid crisis The cohesive work between Fentanyl Free Communities and their collaboration with law enforcement to bring stability and hope to those in need.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. 

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, current Financial Crimes Advisor, and Veteran,  to share how crucial it is that we stop the enemy at America’s gates. Gary reveals the secrets behind Chinese money laundering and how current government policies could be enabling addiction, as well as encouraging our enemies to keep pursuing drug trafficking.

Join us as we discuss:
Gary’s background in law enforcement and the DEASynergy Between Mexican Cartels and Chinese CompaniesThe pressing need for strategic policy response to drug trafficking The perceived reduction in legal risk leading to increased drug use in America
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. 

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 among our youth, and the pressing need for supportive conversations between parents and children.

Join us as we discuss:Cristina's Childhood and Personal Journey to RecoveryThe Effects of a Broken Family and How to Prevent it The Danger of Potential Drug Addiction for Future Generations
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. 

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. 

If you would like to know more or purchase Dr. Crisitina Utti's book, Breaking Infinity: A Memoir, you can do so by going to Amazon.com.