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

Eight years have passed since the world lost Prince, an unparalleled musical force and one of America's most revered artists. During his life, the creative genius sold over 100 million records, ranking him among the best-selling musical artists ever. However, despite his worldwide fame, the circumstances surrounding his sudden death from fentanyl poisoning remain shrouded in mystery, with no one held accountable for the tragedy.

In an eye-opening interview, Prince's cousin, Chazz Smith, joins Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke to talk about his mission to preserve his loved one's legacy and search for truth in the icon's unexpected passing.

Join us as Chazz shares intimate stories about growing up alongside the musical genius, witnessing the challenges of fame, and ultimately grappling with his cousin's passing due to a drug that has now become one of the leading causes of death in America. In this heartfelt conversation, we delve into the personal struggles of an icon and the quest for justice that continues to shape Prince's narrative eight years after his passing.


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For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey

From a young age, Sarah Spier seemed destined for success. At 18 years old, she landed a job as a film specialist for the Academy Award-winning movie No Country for Old Men. But her Hollywood dreams quickly turned into a nightmare of heroin addiction. Sarah fell in love with a drug dealer, thinking it was a modern-day Romeo and Juliet tale. No one could pull her away from him or her addiction.

However, her mother’s love and determination saved Sarah’s life not once but twice. Join us for a heart-wrenching story as we sit down with Sarah and her mom, Cary, and learn about a mother’s unwavering love and how addiction can affect anyone.

Sarah also helps others suffering from substance use disorders through her organization Follow the Poppy. You can find details about her mission here.

If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you. Please email Emily’s Hope founder Angela Kennecke or connect with her on Facebook.
Support the show
For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey

World-renowned actor Michael Keaton has won several awards, including his first Emmy, for his performance in the Hulu series "Dopesick." The "Batman" actor portrays a hard-working doctor in a small mining town who gets addicted to the pain pills he starts prescribing. Today on Grieving Out Loud, we have an exciting interview with the man who was the real-life inspiration behind that compelling character.

Dr. Stephen Loyd overcame abuse, wrestled with addiction, and faced heartbreaking losses, all while trying to maintain his composure as a dedicated medical doctor and professor. Hear his story, why he finally sought help, and how he's now making a difference in the lives of others grappling with substance use disorder.


Support the show
For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey

Ever feel like you've hit a certain age, and your chance to impact the world has passed you by?

In today's Grieving Out Loud episode, we'll introduce you to Neil Jackson, who proves that age is just a number. In his early 60s, Neil faced the devastating news of a rare cancer diagnosis and the slim odds of survival after a risky surgery. But his story doesn't end there. Neil found himself confronting a new battle – addiction to the very painkillers meant to ease his suffering.

Now, Neil is turning his pain into purpose, not just by sharing his story but by inventing a device aimed at helping others battling substance use disorder. Please tune in to discover how Neil's innovation has the potential to change lives and reshape our nation's devastating drug crisis.
Support the show
For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey

From FOX News to CNN and ABC, Amy Neville has found herself under the national news spotlight, but it's for a cause she wishes never existed. Amy faced the heart-wrenching loss of her 14-year-old son, who, on the brink of his first year in high school, ingested what he thought was oxycodone, a purchase made through Snapchat. Now, Amy is on a mission, challenging the social media giant, striving to prevent other families from enduring the same devastating loss.

Amy says David Kessler's online grief therapy has helped her heal. You can find more information about the program here.

Also, please leave a positive review for this episode and share it with friends and family. Your support helps further Emily's Hope's mission to remove the stigma of substance use disorder and get more people the treatment they desperately need. Together, we can make a difference.
Support the show
For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey

As a seasoned paramedic, Shani Reisnour has seen the painful impact of our nation’s drug crisis up close. But she never expected it to hit her family. Unfortunately, fentanyl doesn’t discriminate.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Shani opens up about her daughter’s struggle with substance use disorder, shares the lessons she’s learned, and what she wants every parent out there to know… before it’s too late.
Support the show
For more episodes and to read Angela's blog, just go to our website, Emilyshope.charity
Wishing you faith, hope and courage!

Podcast producers:
Casey Wonnenberg & Anna Fey