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

Angela Kennecke
  • 4.7 (129)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Dr. Laura Berman Helped Millions Heal. Then Fentanyl Took Her Son.

    She’s one of the world’s most recognized sex and relationship therapists. From The Oprah Winfrey Show to The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Laura Berman has spent more than three decades helping people navigate relationships and life’s challenges. But nothing could have prepared her for the loss of her 16-year-old son, a relationship she says continues even though he is no longer here in this physical world. He died from fentanyl poisoning in 2021.  In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Dr. Berman shares her story, how she has grown through her grief and how she is now using that experience to help others who have lost someone they love. Explore Dr. Berman’s books and podcasts here. Learn more about the Dying to Be Me book by Anita Moorjani here. Related Episodes: Father sounds alarm bells over drug dealing on social media after son poisonedSurviving the holiday season while grievingCoping With Grief and Choosing Life After TragedySend 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

  2. Oct 7

    Abandoned at Birth by a Mother Who Used Drugs, He Defied the Odds

    Overcoming one challenge after another has been part of Shaheed Morris’ life story. Abandoned at birth by his mother, who used substances during pregnancy, Shaheed was born with severe health challenges, and doctors weren’t sure he would survive. His grandmother stepped in, taking him to physical therapy and making sure he received the care he needed, despite financial struggles. Today, Shaheed is a college graduate who has worked as a TV newscaster and earned his funeral director’s license. He now works in affordable housing, helping people facing housing challenges.  In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we hear a different perspective on the substance use disorder crisis through the story of a grandchild raised by his grandmother. We hear about the resilience it takes to overcome adversity and how mentors along the way can make all the difference. Related episodes: A grandmother raising her granddaughter due to the drug epidemicThe other side of loss: Grandparents, grief, and the opioid crisisHow to Live With Grief, Not Be Defined By ItSend 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

  3. Sep 30

    Breaking Free From Addiction, Depression & the Belief She Wasn’t Enough

    For much of her life, Simone Bowyer struggled to believe she was enough. Growing up with an abusive father who battled alcohol addiction, Simone says childhood trauma sent her down a dangerous path that included an eating disorder, addiction and depression. After years of therapy and hard work, Simone found recovery and a new sense of purpose. Today, she’s an author, speaker and founder of Light Within Collective, where she focuses on trauma, recovery and emotional well-being. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Simone shares her story of addiction and mental health, how she found healing and what she wants others who are struggling to know. Learn more about Simone and purchase her book here. Related episodes: ‘It Was Like Going to My Own Funeral:’ Identical Twin Talks Life After LossOne woman’s path to overcome abuse and addictionThe Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’tSend 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

  4. Sep 23

    He Was Homeless and Battling Addiction. Then a Stranger Opened Her Door.

    Millions of people have watched Bryan Blackmon’s TikTok videos featuring his nearly 90-year-old landlord, Elaine. But Elaine has done far more for Bryan than help him become a social media sensation. Before those videos ever went viral, Bryan was homeless and battling addiction. Elaine was a stranger who took a chance on him, offering him a place to live and helping him find sobriety after decades of addiction. That simple act of trust changed the course of Bryan’s life and became the foundation for what he would go on to build. Today, Bryan is the founder of Crab Crew Life, a high-accountability platform designed to help people move out of survival mode and create real, lasting change.  In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Bryan shares how the unexpected kindness of a stranger inspired him to help others change their lives, too. Watch and follow Bryan on TikTok here. Learn more about Crab Crew here. Related episodes: The Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’tA middle-class family man’s journey into homelessness and heroinBrandon Novak’s Story: from fame to homelessness to helping others find recoverySend 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

  5. Sep 16

    Everyone Saw His Success. Few Knew He Was Battling Addiction.

    Jason Granberg spent 25 years chasing a high, first with alcohol and later cocaine, believing the next dollar, success or possession would finally make him happy. Behind the success of building his own business, he was quietly battling depression and anxiety.  A few years ago, Jason made a decision that terrified him; he called a helpline and asked to be sent somewhere far away, leading him to 42 days of detox and treatment in New Jersey. He returned home and has remained in recovery ever since. Along the way, he learned that no amount of money can fill an empty place inside you. Today, Jason is up at 4 a.m., at the gym by 5 and facing life head-on instead of running from it.  In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, the owner of Granberg Landscaping and Concrete shares his story of addiction, recovery and learning to find and love himself. Related episodes: When Men Don’t Cry: Confronting the Culture of Silent Grief Chris Farley’s Brother on the Comedy That Hid the Pain ‘I lost who I was.’ Emily’s Hope Treatment Scholarship gives mom second chance 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

  6. Sep 9

    Addiction Pulled Him Into the Heart of Mexico’s Cartel Country

    Nearly two decades of addiction took Austin Rampt to some of the darkest places of his life. He went through eight rehabilitation programs, crossed international borders searching for an escape, and eventually found himself living alongside members of the Sinaloa Cartel in Mexico. It was there that Austin experienced a near-death moment he never saw coming. That moment became one part of a long journey toward change and recovery. Today, Austin is a business owner, a husband and a father of five. He is also the author of the memoir One Last Hit, where he shares his raw and honest story of addiction, survival and recovery. This is a conversation about the realities of addiction, hitting bottom and finding a way back. Learn more and purchase Austin's book here.  Related episodes:  The Voice You Knew — The Story You Didn’tAfter His Son’s Death, Music Executive Takes on Mental Health and Fentanyl CrisisA TV Anchor Shares Her Loss to Overdose and Efforts to End Stigma 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

  7. Sep 2

    Moving Beyond Regret: A Mom's Message After Losing Her Son to Suicide

    Regret and the tendency to punish ourselves can show up in everyday moments, like forgetting your phone at home, or in life-altering ways, like wondering what you could have done differently to prevent a tragedy. Today’s guest on Grieving Out Loud shares why holding onto that regret can be so damaging. Stephanie Renner lost her 18-year-old son, Jordon, to suicide after years of mental health struggles. Even after 25 years as an attorney helping CEOs and leaders navigate high-stakes decisions, nothing prepared her for the emotional trial she faced in the aftermath of her son’s death. What she discovered wasn’t a way to go back, but a way to move forward. From that journey, she created the “Regret to Resilience Method,” a framework designed to help others release guilt and shame and begin healing. In this episode, Stephanie shares her story, the lessons she’s learned, and how her approach is helping people rebuild with renewed purpose and authentic confidence after trauma or loss. Learn more about Stephanie's speaking, workshops, and coaching services here.  Related episodes: Author Peggy Green on surviving your child’s suicideA Young, Accomplished Woman’s Secret Struggle with Addiction Results in SuicideMother blames cannabis-induced psychosis for son’s deathSend 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

  8. Aug 26

    ‘The Avenue was Truly Peer Pressure:’ Mom Warns Parents After Son’s Fentanyl Death

    Anne Fundner lost her 15-year-old son, Weston, to fentanyl poisoning in 2022. Weston was a high school freshman, a kid who was loved, supported, and given every opportunity his family could provide. But in one moment of peer pressure, he took a pill he thought was something else. It contained fentanyl, and he never woke up that February morning. Anne has refused to let Weston’s life be reduced to a statistic. Since his death, she has spoken on some of the biggest stages in the country, testified before Congress, and fought for legislation in his name. Now, she’s focused on a message she believes every parent needs to hear: the importance of talking to kids about peer pressure. Anne says fentanyl took her son’s life, but the avenue that led him there was peer pressure. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Anne shares Weston’s story, what she wishes she could have done differently, and how she’s working to prevent other families from experiencing the pain she knows all too well. Related episodes:  Uniting for change: A bereaved mother organizes D.C. march to combat fentanyl crisisThe Cop Who Had to Investigate Her Own Daughter’s DeathHe Wanted Justice for His Son, So He Became the InvestigatorSend 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

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4.7
out of 5
129 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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