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

Angela Kennecke
  • 4.8 (127)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Fight Isn't Over: Mississippi's Attorney General on Opioids, Fentanyl, and What's Still at Stake

    When faced with a large crisis, taking the first step can feel daunting, especially when the companies involved hold significant money and power. That was the reality at the start of the opioid epidemic. Mississippi was one of the first states in the nation to take on opioid manufacturers in court. Now, the state’s attorney general joins us to talk about that fight, and the evolving threats still facing communities across the country. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with Attorney General Lynn Fitch to discuss how the state is working to save lives, from public awareness campaigns and legal action to expanding access to naloxone and fentanyl testing strips. Episodes Featured: Will Rops - He Couldn’t Save His Brother, But He’s Working to Save Yours Cameron Nielson - Saving Lives After Overdose One Call at a Time Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    49 min

  2. APR 8

    She Left a Mental Health Facility and Bought a Gun. Her Mother Is Fighting to Change That

    Over the past two decades, suicide rates have steadily risen across the United States. Even when family and friends notice the warning signs and try to get help, the outcome can still be devastating. That’s the heartbreaking story of today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud. Larissa Strong’s daughter, Hailey, had been receiving care in an inpatient mental health facility after a suicide attempt. Despite that, Larissa says the facility allowed her daughter to leave, and within 48 hours, Hailey was able to purchase a gun and take her own life. Now, Larissa is fighting for stricter gun regulations for people struggling with mental health, honoring her daughter’s memory through advocacy. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, she shares her mission and the changes she hopes to see. Listen to her powerful testimony here. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to check out the following: When Words Are All That’s Left After Suicide Embracing hope after the loss of a daughter to suicide Why So Many Teens are Struggling, and What We’re Missing Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    42 min

  3. APR 1

    The Wounds Beneath the Addiction: One Treatment Center's Deeper Approach to Recovery

    One struggled with mental health growing up. The other battled addiction. But Greg Vorst and Michael Nolan say that despite having different diagnoses, many of the struggles underneath were surprisingly similar. After years of doing their own work, the two not only found recovery and stronger mental health, they also teamed up to open a treatment center together in Silicon Valley, Embodied Recovery, blending their personal experiences with professional expertise and insights drawn from ancient wisdom. Hear how their practices are designed to help people regulate their nervous systems, process trauma and reconnect with their inner wisdom. Explore Greg and Michael's nonprofit, Melos, here.  Visit the Embodied Recovery website here.  Learn more about the SunDo Practice here. Related episodes:  He Saw a Gap in Addiction Treatment and Decided to Do Something About It‘Be Glad:’ Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Gladys McGareyWhen Men Don’t Cry: Confronting the Culture of Silent GriefSend us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    50 min

  4. MAR 25

    How to Live With Grief, Not Be Defined By It

    If you love, you will likely grieve. That isn’t meant to sound heavy; it’s simply human. And most of us, if we haven’t already, will one day lose someone we love. For today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud, those losses came much earlier than they do for many. Sylvia Wolfer was just seven years old when her father died suddenly from a heart attack. At 17, she lost her younger brother in a car crash. Several years later, her older brother was killed in a separate car crash. Since then, Sylvia has learned not only how to navigate her own grief, but how to walk alongside others in theirs. She believes grief doesn’t disappear, but it can change. It can become something you carry, rather than something that controls you. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sylvia shares practical ways to move through grief and reflects on what her own losses have taught her about resilience, perspective and the fragile, beautiful nature of life. Explore Sylvia's website and her work here.  Related epsiodes: Growing Up with Grief: Emily’s Siblings Open UpCoping With Grief and Choosing Life After TragedySurviving the holiday season while grievingWhen Men Don’t Cry: Confronting the Culture of Silent GriefBroken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We GrieveSend us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    37 min

  5. MAR 18

    Honoring Artists We've Lost

    Every life carries a purpose. But when a child dies young, it can feel as if that purpose was cut short, or even stolen. We’re left with questions that don’t have easy answers: What was their life meant to be? What impact did they have? How did they leave their mark on the world? Andrea Magder knows that feeling all too well. She lost her artistic son, Ethan, suddenly to an opioid overdose. From music to poetry to even a novel, Ethan loved expressing himself through creativity. But Andrea is working to turn that loss into something lasting. She’s created an online gallery showcasing the work of artists from around the world who have passed away, giving their creativity a chance to live on. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Andrea opens up about loving her son through his battle with addiction, finding a way to keep moving forward through overwhelming grief, and the ways she’s now helping others navigate their own journeys of loss. Visit The Artist Lives gallery here.  If you enjoyed this episode, check out the following:  Lights, camera, change: Emmy nominated producer creates documentary about addiction following son’s deathThe Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’tInside Victoria’s Voice: The Diary That’s Waking Parents Up Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    37 min

  6. MAR 11

    A Drug Historian on What America Keeps Getting Wrong About the Fentanyl Crisis

    When President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, some who have lost loved ones to the powerful synthetic opioid applauded the decision. But a drug historian argues The White House is making serious mistakes in its approach to the crisis. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, historian Dr. David Herzberg looks back at earlier substance crises in the United States and discusses what went wrong, what went right, and what lessons those experiences might hold today. He explores how history can inform today’s policies, the unintended consequences of past approaches, and why understanding the bigger picture is crucial for tackling the opioid epidemic. By examining decades of drug trends and responses, Herzberg offers a perspective that goes beyond politics, helping listeners think critically about how America can respond more effectively to fentanyl and other substance crises. Explore David's website and books here.  Dr. Herzberg says research shows that roughly 75% of people who use even the most addictive drugs like heroin and cocaine do not develop an addiction. This means addiction risk is shaped less by the drug itself and more by a person’s circumstances, environment, and biology. That is why prevention, early intervention, and access to treatment matter so much.  1. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) / Addiction Center (sourced from national survey data): “Approximately 25% of people who use illicit drugs develop an addiction.” — AddictionCenter.com, sourced from national substance use data 2. Peer-reviewed academic literature: Schlag, A.K. (2020). “Percentages of problem drug use and their implications for policy making: A review of the literature.” International Journal of Drug Policy. Key finding: “The majority of drug use is episodic, transient and generally non-problematic.” If you enjoyed this episode, check out the following:  How Do We End the Fentanyl Epidemic? A Candid Conversation with a Former DEA ChiefCan We Save Lives While Cutting Funding? A Tough Conversation at the TopHe Saw a Gap in AddictiSend us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    41 min

  7. MAR 4

    A New Strategy for America’s Addiction Crisis

    In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear from the new CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit working to reverse the addiction crisis. Pam Jenkins recently stepped into the organization’s top role after more than three decades in public health. Jenkins is widely recognized for creating bold, award-winning health campaigns that break through the noise. She led the team that introduced the Red Dress as the national symbol for women and heart disease, a campaign that reshaped public awareness across the country. In our conversation, she shares her top priorities as CEO, what concerns her most about the current addiction crisis, and how she plans to use her platform to drive meaningful change in a fight that impacts millions of Americans. Explore Shatterproof's Treatment Atlas here.  Related Episodes: Investigative Reporter Uncovers Abuse and Profit in Rehab ProgramsLife-saving scholarship: How Emily’s Hope treatment scholarship gave a woman her life backShatterproof founder’s life mission after losing son Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    46 min

  8. FEB 25

    A Wife’s Battle With Addiction, A Husband’s Journey to Love Her Through It

    Lori Kellar is one of the more than 48 million Americans who have struggled with addiction. Like so many people, it began with something that didn’t seem dangerous at all: casual, social drinking. Over time, though, alcohol slowly took control, unraveling her life and putting strain on her relationships with her children, grandchildren and her husband, Dennis. For years, Lori battled her disease in silence, doing everything she could to hide it. When she finally found the courage to say yes to help, she was met with another crushing reality. Treatment came with a price she felt she couldn’t afford. That’s when an Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship stepped in. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Lori opens up about her battle with addiction, and Dennis shares his experience of loving someone through it. They talk about what they wish they had known sooner, the fear and uncertainty along the way, and how everything began to change when Lori said yes to the help she so desperately needed. If you enjoyed this episode, you may like the following:  ‘I lost who I was.’ Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship gives mom second chanceLife-saving scholarship: How Emily’s Hope treatment scholarship gave a woman her life backThe Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’t Send us Fan Mail Behind 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 show Connect 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.charity Wishing you faith, hope and courage! Podcast producers: Casey Wonnenberg King & Kayli Fitz

    30 min
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4.8
out of 5
127 Ratings

About

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.

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