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

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

With a record number of Americans using marijuana, cannabis use disorder is also on the rise. Recent research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association finds that more than one-fifth of people who use cannabis struggle with dependency or problematic use.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Chris Raeford courageously opens up about his journey—dealing with grief, turning to marijuana for comfort, and then confronting his addiction. It's not just about personal struggles; his story is truly inspiring. We hope it motivates you to face your challenges and extend a helping hand to others going through difficult situations.

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 one of the most popular podcasters in the world, Meghan Judge has seen a lot of success throughout her career. She’s also married to a Hollywood actor, but now she speaks out about the trauma she survived starting at a young age. Because of all of her grief, abuse, and abandonment issues, doctors diagnosed Meghan with Complex PTSD.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Meghan opens up about her past traumas and grief. Hear about the pivotal moments that led her to heal and the invaluable advice she has for others facing life’s challenges. 

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

With fentanyl being the number one killer of Americans under 50, it’s more important than ever to have easy access to naloxone, which can reverse opioid overdoses. In fact, naloxone has saved the lives of tens of thousands of people.

Today, on a heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, we are privileged to have Justin Phillips join us—a remarkable woman at the forefront of making naloxone more accessible. Her unwavering mission stems from personal tragedy; she endured the devastating loss of her son, Aaron, to a drug overdose.

Justin’s advocacy has left an indelible mark, leading to an Indiana law named after her son that increases Narcan accessibility. Beyond this legislative milestone, she founded the non-profit Overdose Lifeline and has received multiple awards for her tireless and life-saving efforts.

Justin and Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke have also attended several of the same advocacy events, including being invited to the White House to meet with some of the nation’s top officials tackling the drug crisis. You can read about Angela’s experience at that meeting on her blog. 

We hope this episode leaves you more informed about our nation’s drug crisis, more inspired to make a difference and brings comfort to those who have lost a child to drugs.

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

In an era where streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu bring the grim realities of America’s opioid crisis to the forefront through compelling narratives and star-studded casts, the painful truth hits home for countless families. Among them is Sandra Martinez, whose daughter Qarinna’s journey began with a seemingly benign prescription for opioids to address a health condition. However, this prescription marked the start of a harrowing descent into substance use disorder, echoing the chilling plotlines of horror films.

Qarinna’s struggle saw her life unravel, leading to homelessness, exploitation, and abuse. In this compelling episode of Grieving Out Loud, Sandra bravely recounts her daughter’s ordeal, shedding light on the overlooked warning signs and sharing essential insights to help other parents navigate similar challenges.

Discover more episodes of Grieving Out Loud, including an exclusive interview with Dan Schneider, the inspiration behind the hit Netflix docuseries “The Pharmacist,” on the Emily’s Hope website. Explore our podcast series here and delve into the backstory of “The Pharmacist” here.

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

Over the last ten years, Lauri Badura has been on a determined quest to confront the escalating crisis of fentanyl-related deaths. Despite her unwavering dedication, the shadow of this epidemic continues to grow. Lauri's path to advocacy was marked by personal tragedy in 2014 when she lost her son, Archie, to an overdose. This loss became the catalyst for her founding Saving Others For Archie (SOFA), a nonprofit dedicated to combating America's fentanyl crisis—a mission that has taken her to the White House three times to discuss strategies and solutions.

But Lauri's efforts don't stop at raising awareness. Understanding the deep well of grief that comes with loss, she also became a certified bereavement companion, aiming to offer solace and support to others in mourning. On today's episode of Grieving Out Loud, Lauri shares her insights into the grieving process, offering practical tips for those looking to find strength and hope in the midst of sorrow. It's a conversation about learning to thrive, even when faced with the most heartbreaking of losses.

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

Originally released on July 18th, 2022

Today's episode is an unexpected revisit dedicated to the memory of one of our past guests. Maryrose Fealey was a TikTok star who gained fame after she shared her relationship with her brother, Ian, who suffers from substance use disorder. Her journey was also shown in an eye-opening documentary that followed Ian and Maryrose for almost a month while he suffered from withdrawals and cravings.

Tragically, Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke got a call from a reporter to comment on Maryrose's horrific death. The 27-year-old was found fatally stabbed outside near her home in New Jersey. 

Today, we're resharing Maryrose's story, and we hope her words sink in and inspire you to love unconditionally, take it slow on the anger, and strive to leave this world a little kinder than you found it.

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

Buying drugs online is "nearly as convenient as using one's phone to order a pizza or call an Uber," a report by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser found. Sadly, an increasing number of grieving parents are painfully discovering the truth behind this statement.

Chris Didier's 17-year-old son Zach was an Eagle Scout, talented soccer player, and straight-A student who decided to buy what he thought was a Percocet via Snapchat. Unfortunately, that pill was a deadly dose of fentanyl. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Didier shares his son's tragic journey, reflects on what he wishes he had known, and shares invaluable advice for other parents.

Zach's mom has also joined host Angela Kennecke on Grieving Out Loud. You can listen to that episode here.

Learn more about the Emily's Hope Substance Use Prevention Curriculum here.

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

Wine Wednesday, Mom Juice, Liquid Courage--our culture has all sorts of cute catchphrases encouraging people to drink. In fact, excessive drinking seems to be normalized, but unfortunately, it's also one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S., with more than 380 Americans dying every day.

In this heartfelt episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear from Kylee Hanson, whose journey through substance use disorder began almost from her first sip. Kylee's mom also opens up about the heart-wrenching experience of witnessing her daughter's struggle with addiction. Fortunately, Kylee decided to seek help, yet her challenges persisted. Losing her job and insurance, she found herself without the means to afford treatment.

In this episode, you'll discover Kylee's journey—its highs, lows, and eventual triumph over substance use disorder, with a pivotal role played by an Emily's Hope treatment scholarship.

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

How do you navigate life's unexpected challenges? Do you crumble under the weight, foster resentment, or embrace each trial as an opportunity for personal growth?

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we welcome Lynn Gillette, who, at first glance, seemed to have life all figured out. With her children's recent high school graduation, she entered an empty nest, ready to dedicate herself to a career as a school principal. However, life had other plans. A sudden and tragic turn of events saw the passing of both her brother and his ex-wife, leaving Lynn and her husband responsible for their four children.

Lynn's journey not only entailed grappling with grief but also making pivotal decisions as the guardian of her four nieces. Rather than succumbing to the pressure, Lynn confronted the challenges head-on, learned from the hardships, and has since emerged as a beacon of strength, now helping others as a life coach.

Lynn discusses how you discern your life's mission and purpose and navigate those challenging moments, whether it be the loss of a loved one, a job, or your health. We hope this episode leaves you hopeful you navigate life's unexpected twists.

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

Imagine a trip brimming with celebration and laughter—Carol Wolfe's son, Josh, embarked from Nebraska to Nashville, eager to witness the heartfelt "I dos" of two dear friends. Little did anyone know that this journey, meant for joy, would take an unexpected turn.

Post-wedding festivities, Josh and a friend, decided to extend their Nashville stay for just one more night—an ordinary decision that would soon become extraordinary. Just moments after capturing a picture, Josh and two others collapsed, resulting in the tragic death of Josh and another person.

Amidst the shock and grief, Carol learned that her son died from fentanyl—a revelation that brought forth more questions than answers. How did this happen? With no history of substance use disorder or drug abuse, how did fentanyl find its way into Josh's life? These are questions that thousands of parents find themselves wrestling with as our nation battles its deadliest drug epidemic in history.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Carol talks about Josh's story and the message that, she thinks, all Americans need to hear. Also, check out more Grieving Out Loud episodes, including the story of a mom who believes her daughter died from drinking a bottle of water that contained diluted fentanyl.

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 an experienced mental health nurse practitioner, John Lally has extensive knowledge of mental health and substance use disorder issues. Yet, when his son confronted the challenges of anxiety, depression, and addiction, John discovered the profound difficulty of navigating such struggles.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, John not only shares his difficult personal journey and what he wishes he would have done differently, but he also offers advice to parents going through similar struggles. Discover how he turned his pain into a mission to support others battling mental health issues and addiction. 

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

Our journey on Grieving Out Loud has been extraordinary over the past year. We've been graced by the voices of countless individuals who, with unwavering bravery, shared the intimate and challenging chapters of their lives entwined with substance use disorder. In these narratives, we've not only heard the heart-wrenching stories of parents who, despite the unimaginable loss, have summoned the courage to speak out about their children's battles with drug overdoses and fentanyl poisonings, but we've also been touched by the resilience and indomitable spirit that radiates from each story.

This episode is a moment to relive some of the most touching, inspiring, and profoundly insightful conversations from 2023. These stories transcend pain and struggle, painting a vivid portrait of resilience, hope, and the unwavering human spirit that flourishes even amidst profound challenges.

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

Originally Released on November 30th, 2022

Season's greetings from Grieving Out Loud! For this holiday special, we're revisiting an episode that holds valuable insights for many. Our guest today, Dr. Mark Vande Braak, played a significant role in host Angela Kennecke's grief journey following the loss of her 21-year-old daughter, Emily. As a thanatologist—a fancy term for a grief educator—Dr. Vande Braak guided Angela's family in the aftermath of Emily's passing. You might recall him from an earlier podcast, Episode 10, "Broken Heart Syndrome: Four Ways We Grieve."

In this episode, Vande Braak has helpful, practical advice tailored for those grappling with loss during the holiday season—a time often dubbed the "most wonderful time of the year," yet one that can be the hardest and loneliest for those grieving. Tune in for insights that can bring comfort and support during this challenging time.

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

Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke received a special invitation to the White House this year, where she met with some of America's top government officials working to end the historic drug crisis. The visit included discussions with prominent figures such as our nation's drug czar, the CDC director, and the Second Gentleman, Douglas Emhoff, Vice President Kamala Harris's husband. 

Angela also had the opportunity to connect with parents who, like herself, are grappling with the heartbreaking loss of their children to the fentanyl epidemic. One of those parents, Gary Carter, is the guest on this episode.

Join us in this very candid conversation as Gary reflects on some of the signs he may have missed when his son started experimenting with drugs. He shares the difficult moments and lessons learned as he watched his son battle substance use disorder, find recovery, and then, amidst the hope and joy--suddenly die from fentanyl. 

Despite his profound grief, Gary is on a mission to help others identify warning signs of drug use and substance disorder through support groups and Hope's Room. Prepare for an enlightening and empowering discussion as we tackle one of the nation's most significant challenges.

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

In this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," host Angela Kennecke engages in a poignant discussion with Lisa Gennosa, a physician assistant and author of Incurable Hope: A Memoir and Survival Guide for Coping with a Loved One's Addiction.Despite Lisa's medical background and being married to a doctor, she found herself unprepared for her son's struggles with substance use disorder and mental health issues. This plight is not unique, as drug overdoses have become the leading cause of death for Americans under 50.

Recent CDC data reveals alarming trends among high school students: one-third of female students have seriously considered suicide in the past year, with over ten percent of male students also contemplating this tragic choice. Lisa's decision to publicize her journey with her son's addiction offers vital insights and support to families in similar situations.

In their conversation, Angela and Lisa delve into the often-overlooked warning signs of addiction, providing essential guidance and advice for families navigating these challenging circumstances. This heartfelt episode offers hope and support, inspiring a transformation from pain to healing, understanding, and empathy in the face of addiction.

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

A record 112,024 Americans have died in the past year from drugs alone; that's around 307 people every day. Today's Grieving Out Loud guest, Natasha Combs, feared she would become a part of that statistic. 

Natasha struggled with substance use disorder after a surgery where she was prescribed painkillers, coupled with the fact that she was battling extreme grief from losing her brother, mother, husband, best friend, and grandma--all within a short period. That's enough to break anyone, but here's where Natasha hoped her story would take a turn for the better. She realized she needed help and checked into a treatment facility.

However, she lost her job and insurance a few days after starting treatment. Natasha contemplated leaving the facility, but at the same time, she feared that if she did, she would relapse. That's when an Emily's Hope treatment scholarship came into play.

You also have the power to make a real difference and save lives by donating money towards a scholarship. During this episode, see how your donation can transform someone's life and discover how Natasha's journey has inspired her to give back and make a real impact.

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

Originally released on March 6th, 2021

From the loss of a loved one to grappling with addiction and facing job loss – life presents us with countless challenges. While the list may seem never-ending, maintaining the right mindset can empower you to overcome and persevere and discover moments of joy amidst painful circumstances. 

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we're revisiting a past episode that can offer valuable insights, no matter what you're going through. Our guest is Heather Stang, a thanatologist and grief expert, a yoga therapist, and the author of Mindfulness and Grief and the guided journal From Grief to Peace. Heather founded the Mindfulness and Grief Institute and hosts her podcast, Mindfulness and Grief. 

Join us as we explore practical tips for navigating grief and life's challenges, which can be particularly difficult during the holiday season.

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

The phrase "drug cartel" often evokes images of distant violence and illicit trade, chiefly tied to Mexico. But the truth is, the influence of these formidable Mexican drug organizations reaches deep into the heartland of America in ways that might astonish you. A recent year-long operation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has unearthed stark ties between these cartels and numerous American communities.

At the helm of the Omaha Division, Special Agent in Charge Justin King has pinpointed 26 investigations over the last year that tie back to two primary drug cartels. As the investigations progress, more links are anticipated. However, with over twenty years on the front lines, King contends that neither sealing the border nor zeroing in on the cartels alone will be enough to halt America's surging opioid dilemma.

Join us in this installment of Grieving Out Loud, where we delve into the current observations of Agent King amidst America's most lethal drug crisis to date. Discover his insights on the required shifts in strategy and why America is trapped in this devastating epidemic.

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

Is addiction a disease or a disability, and why does it matter?

Dr. John Maier, a distinguished researcher, therapist, and philosopher, is writing a groundbreaking book championing the concept of addiction as a disability rather than a disease. In this enlightening episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into Maier's perspective and explore why this distinction holds such significance. We hope that this episode has left you feeling more informed and empowered, ready to make a positive impact in today's world.

Maier would like to hear from people struggling with substance use disorder about how they think it should be classified. Don't hesitate to contact him by email or on Twitter.

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

Cooper Noriega seemed to be living the dream. At just 19 years old, the social media influencer had amassed millions of followers on TikTok and hundreds of thousands more on other social platforms. Not stopping there, he ventured into modeling and had ambitious plans to launch a clothing line focusing on mental health awareness. However, beneath the surface of his stardom, Cooper faced his battles with mental health and substance abuse. In fact, just days before his deadly drug overdose, the star launched a safe space for his fans to discuss mental health openly.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, you'll discover how his parents are carrying forward that critical mission in Cooper's name through Coop's Advice. His dad, Harold Noriega, also shares insights into what might have contributed to their son's challenges and has a heartfelt message for other parents. 

We hope this conversation enlightens you and provides valuable insights into one of the most pressing issues affecting today's youth: fentanyl.

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

When we decide to share our talents, it's like giving a gift to others. And you know what's beautiful? It often brings us a blessing in return.

Today's Grieving Out Loud guest, Debbie Evans, uses her artistic talents in a way she never imagined. Like thousands of other Americans, Debbie lost her son Jamie to fentanyl poisoning. She's decided to raise awareness and deal with her grief through art. Debbie draws caricatures of other young people who died in this epidemic as she imagines them with Jamie in Heaven.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear Debbie's unbelievable and tragic story–a rollercoaster that includes her son's traumatic robbery and shooting, his battle with addiction triggered by prescription painkillers, and his effort to seek help shortly before dying from fentanyl.

Despite her profound loss, Debbie has channeled her grief into a powerful force for good, supporting other grieving parents. This episode serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for positive change, even in the face of the darkest circumstances.

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

Over the past couple of months, Grieving Out Loud host Angela Kennecke had the opportunity to make two trips to Washington, D.C., to shine a spotlight on America's growing drug crisis, which is killing a record number of Americans.During her first visit, Angela had the privilege of meeting with some of our country's top leaders, including the U.S. drug czar, the director of the CDC, and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, who is married to Vice President Kamala Harris.

On her second visit to the nation's capital, Angela joined hundreds of others who have felt the profound pain of losing loved ones to illicit substances. The rally aimed to deliver a powerful message to policymakers and the public: it's high time to take decisive action against the scourge of fentanyl trafficking and its heartbreaking toll.

Today, Angela shares the stories of three remarkable individuals she met during the rally. Tune in to hear their passionate calls for change in our country and the urgent message they're sending to all of us.

Please also check out Angela's nonprofit, Emily's Hope, dedicated to destigmatizing substance use disorder through awareness, education, prevention, and removing financial barriers to treatment and recovery.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we delve into the poignant story behind "Song for Charlie." Ed and Mary Ternan deeply value the song, but its origin is rooted in profound loss. Their son Charlie, believing he was purchasing Percocet on Snapchat, was tragically misled and consumed a counterfeit pill laced with deadly fentanyl.

Listen as Ed recounts the events surrounding Charlie's untimely passing, his fervent message to others, and how his non-profit, Song for Charlie, is working diligently with social media platforms to try to curtail the online distribution of deadly pills.

To further understand the efforts to address substance use disorder and its effects, please learn more about Emily's Hope and our innovative K-5 Substance Use Prevention Curriculum.

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

At 102 years old, Dr. Gladys McGarey not only stands as a living testament to holistic healing but also serves as an inspiration for all generations.

Known as the 'Mother of Holistic Medicine,' Dr. McGarey's journey is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode of Grieving out Loud, we uncover her story, from enduring cancer, the loss of a daughter, to navigating divorce at almost 70 years old. Her response to adversity is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

As we explore her life, Dr. McGarey shares her invaluable wisdom and advice on living a fulfilling life, regardless of age or circumstances. She opens up about the fundamental principles that have sustained her through the decades, offering a unique perspective on holistic living, resilience, and the power of the human spirit.

For more information on Dr. McGarey, check out her book, The Well-Lived Life, and her website.

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

Law enforcement has found deadly doses of fentanyl in some truly unexpected places, such as baby bottles and fake Jolly Ranchers. Our guest on Grieving Out Loud has firsthand experience with the strange and tragic ways this super-strong synthetic opioid is killing Americans.

Barb Walsh believes her daughter died from drinking a bottle of water that contained diluted fentanyl. Join us as Walsh opens up about her heartbreaking loss, the powerful message she wants to convey to other parents, and her tireless efforts to prevent more tragic deaths amidst our nation's fentanyl 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

The opioid crisis, which claims thousands of American lives each year, traces its origins back to overprescribing painkillers. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear the compelling story of a woman who defied the odds.

Jessica Chumley was a college graduate with a successful career, but her doctor prescribed her Oxycontin following surgery. Those pills led to a battle with substance use disorder that almost took her life. Today, Jessica shares her path to recovery and invaluable insights for those grappling with substance use disorder or other life challenges. Tune in for a powerful narrative of resilience, recovery, and hope in the face of adversity.

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

According to U.S. census data, more grandparents are raising their grandchildren than ever, and the opioid epidemic is mainly to blame. It's hitting home for many families; Patricia Drewes' journey is a prime example. Her daughter's life was tragically cut short by a drug-tainted with a deadly dose of fentanyl.

In this emotionally charged episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits with Patricia for an important conversation. We'll delve deep into her journey, discussing her insights into why her daughter turned to drugs, how she's navigating the immense weight of this tragedy, and her unwavering commitment to transforming her pain into progress through legislative avenues.

If you've lost someone to the drug crisis, Emily's Hope invites you to submit a memorial for your loved one at https://morethanjustanumber.org/

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 an Emmy Nominated Producer and Film Director, Kay Sumner has been making waves in the entertainment industry. She has an impressive track record, boasting three Emmy nominations and not one but two People's Choice awards. Her claim to fame includes being the co-creator and producer of the renowned show The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, but her most recent project aims to change the most lives.

Kay, along with her husband Murray, created the film Survivor. The compelling documentary ventures into the real stories of triumph over opioid addiction and the heart-wrenching tales of loss. However, for the Sumners, the film is more than just a project – it's a channel for grief and a heartfelt tribute to their late son. A talented musician, her son's life was tragically cut short by a drug overdose at 43.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with the Sumners to delve into their mission,  their aspirations, and what they hope to achieve through their impactful work.

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

Like countless young boys, Chris Herren had an ambitious dream of becoming a professional basketball player. Chris turned his dream into reality, first playing for the Denver Nuggets and then achieving his ultimate goal of joining his hometown team, the Boston Celtics. But the life of a successful athlete isn't all glory. It comes with its challenges—long weekends, time away from home, stress, and pressure. Behind the scenes, Chris was also keeping a secret—a battle with substance use disorder that was wreaking havoc on his mind and body.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Chris opens up about the hurdles he faced, the obstacles he overcame, and how addiction affected every aspect of his life in unimaginable ways. But here's the incredible part—Chris has a powerful message to share with others who might be going through similar struggles. His story is about resilience, hope, and the fight against substance use disorder.

Chris now travels across the country, bringing his story to students, adults, and professional athletes. He's even created a wellness program, authored a book, and his story has been featured in a film to prevent others from going down the dark road of substance abuse.

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

Addiction is a complex condition, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution during recovery. On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with a highly respected psychiatrist specializing in addiction care. Dr. Hannah Statz DeVries is also a valuable Emily's Hope board member.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Statz DeVries will be addressing your questions on addiction and substance use disorder. We'll dive deep into the challenges individuals face seeking help, especially in the face of stigma and the misconception that recovery should be quick and straightforward.

Beyond that, we'll explore essential topics for family members supporting their loved ones during their battle with substance use disorder. Dr. Statz DeVries will provide valuable insights into the time and support needed for true healing to take place.

In addition, we'll venture into the most contentious issues surrounding our nation's drug epidemic and addiction, including harm reduction and the legalization of marijuana.

Be prepared for a conversation that will leave you with profound reflections and a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction and substance use disorder. This is a discussion that everyone should hear, especially considering the critical challenges posed by our country's deadliest drug epidemic in history.

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

The allure of attention-grabbing headlines, especially those involving public figures and controversial topics like "sex" and "drugs," often captivates our curiosity. However, amidst sensationalism, we overlook the struggles those individuals face behind the spotlight.

Nadia Davis, a prominent lawyer and public figure, experienced such unwanted attention firsthand when she became the target of blackmail due to a sex tape while married to a significant political figure. Through her personal journey, Davis emphasizes the importance of understanding the negative power of shame and the need for compassion when discussing the challenges faced by others. Instead of judgment, she urges us to take a moment to wonder what is really going on in someone's personal life. By doing so, we can use these moments to raise awareness about mental health, trauma, and substance use disorder.

In an emotionally charged episode of Grieving Out Loud, Nadia bravely shares her journey, delving into harrowing experiences that have profoundly shaped her life. From enduring public shame and battling substance use disorder to facing racial bullying and childhood sexual molestation, Nadia's resilience and strength become evident as she shares her triumph over adversity.

Thanks for listening! You can learn more about the charity behind Grieving Out Loud by visiting the Emily's Hope website.

Nadia has also written a book about her experiences and how she found peace and recovery despite difficult times. The book is Home Is Within You, A Memoir of Recovery and Redemption.

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

Laura Cathcart Robbins was part of a Hollywood power couple. She was a publicist and the PTA president of her children's prestigious private school. Her then-husband was an actor and director who eventually became the CEO at Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon. However, beneath the glamorous facade of red-carpet premieres and social events, Laura carried a hidden burden that affected every aspect of her life.

Motherhood took its toll on Laura. Anxiety and exhaustion became constant companions. She struggled to get a good night's sleep, and the never-ending demands of work and family wore her down. In her search for relief, Laura's doctor prescribed Ambien. At first, it seemed like a godsend, a lifeline to help her find some rest. Little did she know that this seemingly innocent solution would eventually lead her down a dangerous path.

Fast forward to this episode of "Grieving Out Loud." We're diving deep into Laura's unique battle with substance use disorder. It's a story that defies expectations and sheds light on the complexities of addiction. Join us for this candid and eye-opening conversation.

You can also listen to Laura's podcast, The Only One In The Room.

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

Join host Angela Kennecke on this powerful episode of Grieving Out Loud as she sits down with Valerie Silveira, a woman whose journey will leave you inspired and moved. Valerie's impact on the lives of countless individuals dealing with grief, depression, and the challenges of having a family member battle addiction is nothing short of extraordinary.

Valerie's story began with unimaginable challenges as she faced her daughter's harrowing battle with heroin addiction and the traumatic event of her being shot. The weight of depression, shame, and self-doubt took its toll as she watched her daughter make one heartbreaking decision after another. In the midst of darkness, Valerie found something remarkable - resilience and an unwavering commitment to helping others in similar struggles.

Through her own pain and experiences, Valerie has become a guiding light, a beacon of hope for those who walk a similar path. Her journey reminds us that even in the face of unimaginable challenges, strength and purpose can emerge.

Tune in toGrieving Out Loudand witness the transformative power of love, courage, and the human spirit.

Don't miss the chance to learn more about Valerie's incredible journey in her book, Still Standing After All the Tears: Putting Back the Pieces After All Hell Breaks Loose. Find out how she turned her pain into a message of hope and healing for others.

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

At first glance, Kate Kerr seemed to have it all—a beautiful apartment, impeccable fashion sense, and was a nurturing mother who ensured her children were well cared for. However, behind this seemingly perfect exterior, a secret lay hidden, unknown even to her closest loved ones. Kate struggled with substance use disorder after a doctor prescribed her painkillers to recover from surgery. Unfortunately, that struggle took a deadly turn that her mother is still trying to piece together.

In this emotional episode of "Grieving Out Loud," host Angela Kennecke sits down with Kate's mother, Deborah Zwicker, as she shares her perspective on her daughter's descent into addiction. Deborah opens up about the shock she experienced, as Kate's appearance and responsibilities seemed to mask her hidden struggle. With relentless determination, Deborah seeks justice for her daughter's tragedy and takes active steps toward preventing future tragedies caused by addiction. She wishes the person with her daughter when she overdosed would have immediately called 911 and taken advantage of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act. 

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

On this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with an incredible guest, Patty Stovall, who knows firsthand that as parents, our knowledge alone isn't always enough to shield our children from the battles of drug or alcohol use.

Growing up, Patty witnessed her parents' ongoing struggle with alcohol addiction. It wasn't an easy road, but both of her parents eventually found their way to recovery. In fact, Patty's mom has become a true beacon of hope, extending a helping hand to others in their own battles with substance use disorder. Inspired by her family's experiences, Patty pursued a career as a professional counselor specializing in grief and addiction.

But life, as we know, can throw unexpected curveballs. Despite Patty's extensive expertise and unwavering efforts, her daughter, Sarah, struggled with substance use disorder. It is a heart-wrenching reminder that no matter how much we think we know, we can't always protect our loved ones from the grip of addiction.

But this episode isn't just about loss. It's also about resilience and growth. Patty shares the invaluable wisdom she has gained through her own experiences, offering insights that can help others who find themselves grappling with grief and addiction.

If you want to learn more about the non-profit Patty set up in honor of her daughter, check out the Sounds of Sarah website.

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

In just a few weeks, the nation's capital will witness an awe-inspiring rally that aims to shake the foundations of our country's drug crisis. Picture hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of passionate individuals marching to the White House, demanding attention from lawmakers who some believe have taken too little action.

Leading this movement is none other than April Babcock, but what drove her to become the driving force behind this event? In a gripping and heart-wrenching episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, delves deep into Babcock's personal journey of loss, grief, and advocacy.

The march to the White House is scheduled for Saturday, September 23rd. If you would like more information on how to take part or get involved in the event, check out The Lost Voices of Fentanyl Facebook page.

You can also follow along during the march on Angela's social media:
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/akennecke/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngelaKennecke
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angiekennecke/

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

Originally released on May 23, 2021

Jessica Lahey is a mother, teacher, and author of The New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure: How the Best Parents Learn to Let Go So Their Children Can Succeed. Jessica, who has been sober for eight years, says her new book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence, came out of concern for her own children following that same path. The book delves into genetics, psychology, and the science of addiction and offers practical things parents can do to keep their kids from suffering from addiction.

Read Jessica's blog on her website here.

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

Imagine losing not just one, but two loved ones to suicide. This week's Grieving Out Loud guest, Jim Nelson, has faced these unimaginable tragedies head-on. Jim's life was forever changed when his brother completed suicide in his early 20s. The pain and devastation were indescribable, but little did Jim know that life had even more sorrow in store for him.
In a devastating twist of fate, Jim's daughter battled mental health issues for years before succumbing to the same dark struggle. The anguish that Jim experienced is something no parent should ever endure. And yet, amidst this unimaginable grief, Jim has found a way to rise above the darkness. He joins us to share his story, shed light on his journey through the depths of despair, and provide hope to those walking a similar path.

If you want to learn more and support our mission, visit our website. We have many resources, ways to get involved, and opportunities to make a real impact. You can also read more about Miranda's story on our new website, morethanjustanumber.org. It's an incredible reminder that every person is more than just a statistic. 

Check out the non-profit's LinkedIn page to learn more about the Miranda Leigh Nelson Foundation. 

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

Fawna Asfaw was an only child who had her world turned upside down when she lost not just one, but both of her parents at a young age. It's unimaginable. She didn't know how to handle all that grief, so she turned to alcohol. As you may have guessed, that led Fawna down a dangerous and devastating path. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Fawna to talk about how she navigated her darkest moments and eventually found a way back to a life filled with joy and purpose. Her journey serves as a reminder that no matter how deep our pain may be, there is always hope. 

Also, be sure to check out Fawna's book and her recovery coaching. 

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

The Rosebud Reservation is one of the most impoverished areas in the United States, and the nationwide drug epidemic has struck its residents. According to new CDC data, Native Americans are experiencing the highest number of deadly drug overdoses involving fentanyl and meth. Additionally, government reports suggest that Mexican drug cartels intentionally target rural Native American Reservations. But despite these challenges, there is hope.

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke speaks with Carrie Reinders, a licensed professional counselor with 24 years of experience working in the Todd County School District on the Rosebud Reservation. For more than two decades, Carrie has been fighting against the rising trend of addiction in her community, and she's now part of the pilot program for the Emily's Hope Prevention Education curriculum.

Designed for K-5 students, this curriculum aims to elementary school students about the impact of drugs and alcohol on the brain, body, and life to empower them to make healthy choices. Tune in to hear how Emily's Hope Prevention Education aims to make a difference in the Rosebud Reservation by giving its elementary school students the tools they need to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

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

On this episode of "Grieving Out Loud," we'll explore the depths of grief and the journey to healing. Host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Eric Hodgdon, a remarkable individual who has navigated the unimaginable pain of losing his 15-year-old daughter, Zoi, to suicide.

Initially consumed by grief, Eric struggled with sleeplessness, loss of appetite, and agonizing phantom pains. However, as time passed, he discovered the inner strength to confront his sorrow head-on, leading to a profound personal transformation. Today, Eric stands as a beacon of hope, extending a compassionate hand to others who are grieving. As a TEDx speaker, author, and advocate, Eric shares his invaluable insights and practical strategies to overcome grief in all its forms. Whether it's the loss of a child, the end of a marriage, or the devastation caused by job loss, his heartfelt words resonate profoundly and provide peace for those seeking healing.

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

"Mother's intuition" is a well-known term that refers to a unique sense that mothers have to ensure their children's safety and well-being. However, have you ever considered other forms of intuition? 

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke has a fascinating conversation with Katie Beecher, a renowned medical and spiritual intuitive with an international reputation. Rather than relying on conventional medicine, Katie employs her intuition to identify the root causes of physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. Her insights are especially valuable for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. She's even written a book about it, Heal from Within: A Guidebook to Intuituve Welness. Join us for an enlightening discussion that may shift your perspective on the power of intuition in our lives.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, meet Sonia Kahlon, an accomplished orthodontist who built a successful seven-location orthodontic group and appeared to have it all. But behind the scenes, she was secretly battling a high-functioning alcohol addiction that had started with a nightly glass of red wine and progressed to a full bottle every night, leaving her feeling sick every day.

In this powerful episode, Sonia shares her inspiring journey of overcoming substance use disorder and how she has since channeled her experience into a new business that provides online small group recovery meetings. Join us as Sonia opens up about her struggle, overcoming it, and her mission to help others do the same. You can learn about Sonia’s business, EverBlume, here. 

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

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, welcomes guest Susan Lynch, a professional, award-winning dog trainer who has always known the importance of our furry friends. However, it wasn't until her son tragically passed away from a drug overdose that she truly understood just how essential they can be in our lives.

Susan found herself struggling to continue living and feeling judged by others due to the stigma associated with her son's drug use. However, through it all, her dogs were a constant source of unconditional love and support, never judging her or her grief. Since then, Susan has made it her purpose to share her knowledge and experiences with others. She writes and speaks about complicated grief, the seriousness of our nation's drug epidemic, staying connected to loved ones who have passed, along with the valuable lessons she's learned about living and grieving well from her dogs. She's even written an award-winning book, Life After Kevin: A Mother's Search for Peace and the Golden Retrievers That Led the Way.

Join us as we hear Susan's story of how her dogs helped her through the darkest moments of her grief and how she now uses her expertise to help others who are going through similar struggles.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with Kim Hix, a mother who tragically lost her daughter Kelsie to fentanyl poisoning. Deaths involving synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, are on the rise, with almost 71,000 Americans dying from fentanyl in 2021. Kim Hix is on a mission to raise awareness about this deadly drug through Kelsie's Cause. Kim shares the heartbreaking story of finding her daughter almost lifeless from fentanyl poisoning and the devastating loss she experienced when Kelsie died at the hospital. 

Join us as we dive into the impact of fentanyl on families and the vital importance of raising awareness and educating others about the dangers of this powerful drug.

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 teacher of the year to homeless, Edward Krumpotich has battled substance use disorder for two decades. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke sits down with Eddie as he shares his harrowing journey with substance use disorder, treatment, and ultimately finding hope and purpose in raising awareness about substance use and harm reduction.

Despite being in and out of up to 50 treatments, Edward's story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of community. Join us as we listen to Eddie's story and learn from his experiences of overcoming substance use disorder and finding purpose in helping others.

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

On the latest episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, speaks with Julie Baumgard, a mother who lost her daughter Shauna to fentanyl poisoning on a day that was supposed to be a celebration: her own son's 20th birthday.

Julie shares how her daughter Shauna battled with meth addiction but was in recovery when she tragically made a deadly mistake. She tried to buy a Percocet but unknowingly ingested fentanyl, which caused her death. Julie speaks candidly about the pain and heartache of losing a child to fentanyl poisoning and how her family has coped with the loss. She also discusses her efforts to raise awareness about addiction and the dangers of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that has become increasingly common in drug-related deaths.

Through Julie's words, we gain a powerful insight into the impact of addiction on families and the urgent need to address the opioid crisis. Her story is a reminder of the importance of reducing stigma, increasing access to treatment, and supporting those struggling with substance use disorders.

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

She's one of TikTok's favorite addiction medicine docs. Dr. Elizabeth Zona is board certified in both Anesthesia and Addiction Medicine. In addition to seeing patients at her clinic, she also tries to reach the younger generation, which is largely suffering from our nation's drug epidemic, through TikTok.  

Dr. Zona's personal connection to substance use disorder through her mother's struggle with alcohol addiction also brings a unique and compassionate perspective to her work. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Dr. Zona shares her expertise and advice on navigating the challenges of substance use disorder, whether you're personally affected or supporting a loved one.

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

Jenna James thought she had time to save her 21-year-old son, Brandon "Bam," when he admitted to taking what he believed to be Percocet. She moved him back into her house and had open and honest conversations with him, but time was not on her side. Tragically, shortly after moving in, Bam took a pill laced with fentanyl and overdosed, leaving Jenna devastated by her loss. 

Like a growing number of others who have lost loved ones to fentanyl, Jenna James decided to use social media to raise awareness about the dangers of this drug. She turned to TikTok to share her story and educate others on how to prevent similar tragedies. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we'll hear Jenna's story, her struggles, and her fight to save lives one post at a time.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, we hear Brian Wall's story - a story of a promising college athlete with big dreams of making it to the Olympics and becoming an orthopedic surgeon. However, after experimenting with drugs, his dreams came crashing down as he found himself battling substance use disorder. 

Despite the challenges he faced, Brian's recovery journey has brought him to a place where he can now help others struggling with addiction. 

Join us as we listen to his inspiring story of resilience, hope, and dedication to helping those who are fighting similar battles.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with South Dakota Hall of Famer Evelyn Leite, who has overcome incredible adversity in her life. 

Growing up with a father who struggled with alcohol addiction, Leite experienced firsthand the destructive power of substance use disorders. Unfortunately, her struggles didn't end there - she went on to marry a man who battled addiction and was abusive, and she eventually turned to alcohol herself as a way to cope. However, Leite found the strength to seek help for her addiction and turned her life around.

Today, Leite is an accomplished author with 17 books, some of which draw on her personal experiences and help others dealing with substance use disorders. Her dedication to serving others has earned her a place in the South Dakota Hall of Fame. 

In this episode, we'll hear her inspiring story of resilience, courage, and hope as she shares the lessons she's learned along the way.

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

In this week's episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke speaks with another family she met at the DEA Family Summit, a conference for midwest parents who've lost a child to fentanyl, that she attended in November of 2022. 

Bridgette and Tom Norring, a Hastings, Minnesota family, is one of the dozens of families suing the parent company of Snapchat after their children died from drug overdoses. Norring's son, Devin, was an athlete, honor student, and musician who made a deadly mistake. He bought what he thought was a Percocet from a drug dealer through Snapchat, which ended up being 100 percent fentanyl and it killed him. 

Now the family wants to raise awareness and encourage Snapchat to make changes to prevent future drug deaths.

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

In this emotional episode of Grieving Out Loud, we sit down with Shannon Sayers, a mother who tragically lost her daughter and stepson to the deadly drug fentanyl. With both of their deaths occurring less than a month apart, Sayers' world was turned upside down, and she was forced to confront the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic. Her stepson, who had given her daughter what they believed to be Oxycontin, but was actually a lethal dose of fentanyl, took his own life using the same batch of drugs because of the guilt and shame he felt for his role in her death. 

Now, Sayers is bravely sharing her family's story with her sister Angel Pletkas to raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl and the devastating toll it takes on families and communities. Tune in to hear their story of grief, resilience, and advocacy in the face of tragedy.

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

Every five minutes, an American dies from a drug overdose. It's a startling statistic that Ann Breeding and Natalie Kritenbrink know about all too well. We caught up with the two Des Moines area mothers who lost sons to overdoses at the DEA Family Summit for parents who've lost children to fentanyl in November of 2022. 

Hear how these two mothers have bonded over their grief and about their mission to prevent other moms from going through similar situations in this episode of Grieving Out Loud.

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

Join host Angela Kennecke on this week's episode of Grieving Out Loud as she sits down with Gary Mendell, founder, and CEO of the non-profit Shatterproof.

Gary Mendell appeared to have it all. He founded one of the fastest-growing hotel investment firms in the United States that became a multi-billion dollar company. However, Gary was secretly struggling because one of his children was dealing with a substance use disorder. Tragically, Brian died by suicide, leaving behind a note outlining the shame he felt about his addiction.

In this powerful episode, Gary shares his story of loss and his vow to his son to eradicate the stigma surrounding substance use disorders. 

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

In this milestone episode, your host of Grieving out Loud, Angela Kennecke, reflects on the last four years of the Emily's Hope podcast. Angela started the podcast after losing her daughter Emily to fentanyl poisoning. Through her interviews with parents and experts in addiction and grief, Angela has created a community where families dealing with loss and addiction can find support and hope.

Angela takes us back to the beginning, revisiting her first episode and sharing some of the most poignant moments from the past 99 episodes. We hear these highlights from guests who have shared their stories of addiction and grief and experts who have given insights into coping with loss and understanding addiction.

As the most listened-to podcast on the topic of fentanyl poisoning, addiction, and grief, Grieving out Loud has made a difference in the lives of many. Thank you to our loyal listeners for your support!

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

You may check out TikTok to get a laugh, learn a new recipe, or catch up on the latest makeup trend. However, a bereaved grandma and mom uses the platform to raise awareness about a much more serious topic.

Teresa Carreon has experienced the tragedy of losing her daughter and unborn grandson to a drug overdose. She is now using TikTok to raise awareness about the realities of substance use disorder and to prevent future overdose tragedies.

On this episode of Grieving Out Loud with Angela Kennecke, hear Teresa's story and what she is doing to navigate life and help others heal through her journey.

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

Your host, Angela Kennecke, sits down with author Brianne Edwards. After losing her ten-month-old son to SIDS, Brianne's grief was unbearable, struggling to eat, breathe, and think. However, she found healing and broke the cycle of pain.

Listen to her powerful story of loss and recovery, and learn how she has helped hundreds of people through grieving on this episode of Grieving Out Loud.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, speaks with Jeff Grossman. Jeff shares his battle with substance use disorder.

At 22 years old, Jeff found comfort in alcohol, using it to help him cope with struggles of his identity and sexuality. Over time, his drinking became more and more destructive, impacted his relationships and jobs, and even put his life and others' lives in danger. However, after a life-altering accident, he sought help and received support from an Emily's Hope Treatment Scholarship.

Now, Jeff is dedicated to giving back and helping others overcome their substance use issues while working toward ending the stigma surrounding addiction.

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

Fentanyl poisoning is now the number one cause of death for people ages 18 to 45. Licensed Clinical Social Worker Phyllis Babrove knows that all too well. She lost her daughter to the epidemic; now, she has a warning for other parents.

Babrove believes the drug situation in the U.S. is destroying American families. That's why she wrote the book "Words From A Mother In Mourning: How To Protect Your Child From Drugs."

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Babrove to hear her advice.

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

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, host Angela Kennecke sits down with Honesty Liller, a recovering addict and "Hope Dealer" for those battling substance use disorders.

Honesty shares her story of addiction, including her near-fatal overdose at 17 and giving birth to her daughter while on heroin. Now in long-term recovery, Honesty talks about the importance of addressing the growing need for help for those struggling with addiction. Honesty has also written a book about her experiences. 

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 the U.S. struggles with a deadly drug epidemic, Nathan Smiddy has made it his mission to prevent deaths and mourning. He believes that by distributing Narcan, he has saved around 450 lives in the past year. 

The issue hits home for “Narcan Nate” because he started not only using but selling drugs in high school. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, hear how Nate overcame his substance use disorder after a couple of close encounters with death.

Nate has created a Go Fund Me page to help with his efforts at https://www.gofundme.com/f/narcan-nate-fund. 

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

Maria Kliavokoff is a former hospice worker who now helps people learn how to grieve healthily. As a grief coach, Maria is trying to revolutionize our thoughts about grief and mourning. Her website, Healthy Mourning, provides grief resources and online grief support to ensure healthy grief and healthy mourning. They are there to support you and help you through your grief journey, teach you how to cope with your grief by reframing it, and they are dedicated to supporting you as you convert your grief to mourning and heal from your grief journey so that you may be free to live your best life.

In 2019 she published her first book, Healthy Mourning, Happy Loving, 52 Ways to Convert Your Grief to Mourning with Ease and Grace. Her next two books, Healthy Mourning in a Grief Pandemic andHealthy Mourning for Womb Twin Survivors, are currently in the works.

In this episode, Angela and Maria discuss grief, and Maria gives practical advice for anyone coping with loss.  

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

Originally released on April 14th, 2019

Your host of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke, first met Melissa Flynn just a few months after Emily died. Melissa contacted Angela to see how she could help with her newly formed charity, Emily's Hope. Melissa had lost her 25-year-old stepson, Nicholas, to fentanyl poisoning just ten days after Emily died. Angela and Melissa met, and they have been doing advocacy work together ever since.

In this episode, Melissa talks about losing Nicholas to a fentanyl overdose, her frustration in attempting to get him help, and what she has learned during this challenging journey. Melissa is sharing her family's story in hopes that others in a similar situation will benefit. 

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

Originally released on August 16, 2020

Brandon Novak was a world-famous champion skateboarder. However, he was also in his first treatment center for addiction to heroin at age 17. Brandon went on to co-star in TV and movies in the MTV Jackass and Viva La BAM series. To his numerous fans, he seemed to have it all. He was getting paid to skate and hang out with his friends, but Brandon Novak's life was crumbling into several pieces off-screen. At age 35, after several years of being an addict, the once-rising celebrity burned out and ultimately hit rock bottom. He was now homeless, begging for money on the streets of Baltimore and living under a bridge. Brandon went to his thirteenth rehab for help with nothing left to lose. More than four years later, Brandon Novak is sober, living in Philadelphia, and has turned his life around. 

Brandon and Angela Kennecke met at the 2019 DEA 360 Los Angeles Opioid Awareness Youth Summit, where they spoke to 5,000 high school students, telling their individual stories. Along with speaking out about his addiction and recovery journey, Brandon has become a recovery advocate for Banyan Treatment Centers. He works with them to show others that recovery is possible and it is never too late. He has also become a Certified Intervention Professional to help people struggling to get their addicted loved ones into treatment.

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

Maura Jamie thought she had experienced the worst loss of her life when her 25-year-old husband died in 2001 from a heroin overdose. Ironically, on the 20th anniversary of her husband's death, Maura lost their 22-year-old son Carter to fentanyl poisoning.

Maura also battled her own substance use disorder for nearly two decades. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, your host, Angela Kennecke, talked with Maura about how the drug epidemic has shattered her life in unimaginable ways.

Maura creates digital memorial frames for people who've lost loved ones in the drug epidemic. You can find out morehere.

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

Art Kleinschmidt was the Deputy Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy or Deputy Drug Czar under President Trump. He also served on the Domestic Policy Council in the White House as Senior Advisor for mental health & addiction, as well as the same role for SAMHSA. Art is in long-term recovery from substance use disorder and became a licensed clinician who has extensive experience with treatment. He is also the founder of the Recovery for America Now Foundation, which provides treatment scholarships to treatment centers across the country. Art discusses his unconventional path to D.C. and how to solve the overdose crisis in this episode of Grieving Out Loud.

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

Your host of Grieving Out Loud, Angela Kennecke, first met Dr. Mark Vande Braak shortly after the death of her 21-year-old daughter, Emily. Dr. Vande Braak sat down with Angela’s entire family to help them “reframe” their loss.

Dr. Mark Vande Braak is a board-certified music therapist and Thanatologist (grief educator). He previously spoke with Angela on Episode 10 of Grieving Out Loud, Broken Heart Syndrome: 4 Ways We Grieve. Now, Mark is back on the podcast for this episode to take about coping with loss over the holiday season when grief can come into sharp focus, as we intensely miss the ones who are no longer with us to celebrate all of our family traditions.

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

Originally released July 15th, 2019

Celia Farmer, unfortunately, knows the pain of losing a child to suicide. Her 14-year-old daughter, Mali, completed suicide in 2017. Celia was among the first parents who've experienced loss to reach out to Angela after Emily died from fentanyl poisoning. Both Celia and Angela have experienced the stigmatized death of a child, where parents can find themselves being harshly judged by society. 

In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Angela and Celia share how they have coped with their losses and what has helped and hurt them most. Both have found healing in focusing on helping others. 

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

Brenda Schivito says her son Nick’s drug usage began when he was just a kid and would ride his bike to the gas station and buy Spice, a synthetic marijuana. The adverse side effects of Spice include psychosis, hallucinations, delirium, and paranoia. When Nick was older, he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and his battle with substance use disorder kicked into high gear. Nick died of fentanyl poisoning at the age of 22. 

In response to their family’s tragedy, Brenda startedAngels Against Addiction, a non-profit organization that is raising awareness and helping people getting out of inpatient treatment for substance use disorder transition into recovery communities. 

Brenda also hosts a cable program called,You Are Not Alone.

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

Former drug dealer Scott Silverman now helps families in crisis navigate the road to recovery. The California man is also the author of The Opioid Epidemic: What You Don't Know Will Destroy Your Family and Your Life. Your host, Angela Kennecke, has a frank conversation with Scott about the public health crisis involving fentanyl. 

Scott is a crisis coach and family navigator and runs a recovery center in San Diego. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, he has advice for families dealing with someone with active addiction. 

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

In our last episode, we introduced you to the central character of the Netflix docuseries,The Pharmacist, Dan Schneider. Dan told us he had no idea his son was using crack before he was murdered in New Orleans in the late 90’s. While police didn’t show much interest in his son’s case, Dan took it upon himself to use every investigative tool at the time to find his son’s killer. But the story doesn’t end there. In his role as a pharmacist, Dan was among the first to spot the opioid epidemic in this country and actually do something about it, shutting down pill mill doctors and pushing for a prescription monitoring program in his state. Dan has never stopped pushing for change to save lives, lost unnecessarily to drugs. Now he’s turning his attention to the availability of medically assisted treatment, or MAT for short. He has started a coalition and your host Angela Kennecke is now a part of it. 

Dan talks about this partnership with Dr. Arun Gupta. You can listen to our podcast with Dr. Gupta here.

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

Netflix docuseries, The Pharmacist,shows how Dan Schneider solved his son's murder in the case of a drug deal gone wrong. Schneider was an early identifier of the opioid crisis in this country and pushed for reform. He joins your host, Angela Kennecke, for two episodes of Grieving Out Loud to give us all the twists and turns in the case and how the unbelievable unfolded.  In this first episode, Schneider shares what happened to his son, how he pushed police to take the case seriously, and even befriended his son's killer. Schneider talks about forgiveness. He says he is driven by a greater purpose to save the lives of other people's children when he recognized the plight of opioids on young people and the medical system's role in it.
 
You can learn more about all of Schneider's efforts on his website: Tunnel of Hope.

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

Shortly after her husband, Doug, was elected governor of North Dakota in 2016, Kathryn Burgum decided to share her personal story. Burgum is in recovery for substance use disorder after battling alcohol addiction for 20 years. Her platform as First Lady of North Dakota is to end the shame and stigma surrounding the disease of addiction.  Kathryn’s Recovery Reinvented event is coming up on November 3rd, and you can participate. She shares what keeps her in recovery and what she's doing to change attitudes and get people help in her state in this episode of Grieving Out Loud.
Register for Recovery Reinvented on Nov 3rd here. 

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

Don’t let the title of this episode fool you. Angela is NOT signing off on this podcast, In fact, you’ll be hearing more from Angela on this platform. But she has signed off on her last broadcast after a 35-year television career to focus on the mission of Emily’s Hope.  Angela talks about what went into her decision precipitated by the death of her oldest daughter at age 21 and how she is now determined to save as many lives as possible.
The two books mentioned as inspiration in this podcast:
From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life. by Albert C. Brooks
The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life, by David Brooks

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

27-year-old Mariah Earp, a mother to three children, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2020 after taking what she thought was Xanax. Now her mother, Rachel Carlisle has become an outspoken advocate to break the stigma and tell Mariah’s story on TikTok, where her videos have received more than 200,000 likes. Rachel says he wants other parents to know it’s okay to talk about the loss of a child to fentanyl and to know they are not alone, just like we do on this podcast. Rachel also had billboards put up with her daughter's photo in her Indiana community to draw attention to fentanyl pills flooding the area. 

Find Rachel on TikTok: @JustMeRachelC
Find Emily's Hope on TikTok: @EmilysHope_

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

Dr. Nzinga Harrison is working to change the conversation around substance use disorder and encouraging it to be treated like any other disease. In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, she shares a new approach to those who suffer from addiction which involves compassion and support. 

Dr. Harrison is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Eleanor Health, whose mission is to help people affected by addiction live full, healthy lives. She was also featured in the documentary, Tipping the Pain Scale.

Find the podcast Dr. Nzinga Harrison discusses in this episode of Grieving Out Loud here - In Recovery with Dr. Nzinga Harrison.

www.emilyshope.charity

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

Your host, Angela Kennecke, has brought you conversations she has had with different speakers and authors from the Bereaved Parents USA Conference over the last four weeks. This week, Angela wraps up the series with a conversation she had with Pat Sheveland.

Angela and Pat first met in 2020, when she was a guest on Grieving Out Loud, for the first time. Since that conversation, Pat has lost her mother and now has a new book called The Confident Grief Coach.In this episode of Grieving Out Loud, Pat shares even more about the best ways to cope with loss.

Listen to Pat's first episode with Angela, Strategies for Survival after the Loss of a Child, here.

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

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.

The death of Brenda’s son, Kevin’s addiction to painkillers, started after a traumatic brain injury. The loss of Kevin took Brenda down a new path to study grief and help others in this unfortunate club of bereaved parents.

Next week, Angela will be bringing you her final interview from the national gathering.

www.emilyshope.foundation

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

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.

Beth D’Angelo is an incredibly deep and spiritual person, in spite of, or perhaps because of, the loss of one of her three children. Beth is finding purpose and meaning after the loss of her 19-year-old son, Sean. She is the co-founder of Healing Through Hope, a non-profit that helps people cope with loss. Angela was lucky enough to take part in one of her healing sound baths at the conference, which uses Tibetan Bowls and other sound makers, along with meditation to help people heal.

In this episode, Beth shares where she gets her strength and how she believes her son continues to guide her. 

Next week, Angela will be bringing you another interview from the Bereaved Parents Conference.

Grieving Out Loud with Angela Kennecke

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

Your host, Angela Kennecke, is bringing you conversations she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with grief and transformed it into helping others cope.

Peggy Green sadly lost her baby girl at daycare, then suffered child loss again when her adult son completed suicide. As a grief coach and author, Peggy is now helping others move through their grief to healing. Her new book, “Survive Your Child’s Suicide,” is now being released.

Next week, Angela will be bringing you another interview from the Bereaved Parents Conference.

www.emilyshope.foundation

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

For the next five weeks, your host, Angela Kennecke, will be bringing you conversations that she had with different speakers and authors at the Bereaved Parents USA Conference in St. Louis in July. She recorded podcasts with women who have dealt with their own grief and have transformed it into helping others cope.

We are kicking off this series with Diane Bergeron and coping with grief. One of her identical twins died shortly after birth, and this loss changed the trajectory of her life and that of her entire family. As a Ph.D. researcher, she is now focusing on how businesses and organizations can support bereaved employees.

Read Diane Bergeron’s blog on leaving everything behind to live on a sailboat with her family for two years here: https://sailingunchartedwaters.com/

Next week, Angela will be bringing you another interview from the Bereaved Parents Conference.

www.emilyshope.foundation

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

It’s becoming an all-too-common story; a young person buys a pill via social media that turns out to be 100 percent fentanyl. Laura Didier’s 17-year-old son, Zach, was experimenting with a couple of pills when he made this fatal mistake. Now Laura is turning her heartbreak into action through advocacy work and helping other parents who’ve lost children to fentanyl poisoning through the organization Song for Charlie.

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

Lana Olshove is among the more than one million grandparents raising a grandchild due to the drug epidemic. That grandchild is Maddie, who came to live with her five years ago when she was in kindergarten. Lana's son is currently in prison for meth, and Maddie's mother, who also suffered from substance use disorder, was murdered by another man when Maddie was four years old. 

Lana and Maddie are speaking out because they want people to know how addiction affects many others in a family. Maddie knows being raised by a grandparent is different from other kids' experiences. She is passionate about telling her story to educate other kids on the perils of drug use.

www.emilyshope.foundation

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

Women are drinking more than ever before, as much as men for the first time in history. Dr. Jessica Mellinger says today’s stressors make women an easy target by the alcohol industry. Dr. Mellinger is a liver doctor at the University of Michigan who sees more young women with liver disease, and she says a woman who drinks like a man gets sicker, faster. She hopes educating women about what moderate drinking really means, will turn this dangerous trend around.

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

Susan Bartz Herrick’s only child Luke was “set up” for addiction due to several factors while still in his teens. He had years of sobriety and accomplishments but experienced setback after setback. On August 28th, 2021, Susan lost her 30-year-old son, Luke, to fentanyl poisoning. She is now speaking out to tell Luke’s story and advocate for substance use disorder. Soon, Susan will release a book and potentially a film that chronicle’s his life and loss.

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

Maryrose Fealey gained TikTok fame as she shared her relationship with her brother, Ian, who suffers from opioid use disorder, through a series of raw videos. Maryrose’s efforts to get Ian off substances and into recovery are shown in a gritty Brut Documentarythat followed Ian and Maryrose for 21 days while he suffered through withdrawals and cravings.
Maryrose is the founder of the 4 The Younger Memovement. Maryrose started this movement to change the stigma surrounding the addiction community and empower our youth. 

www.emilyshope.foundation

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

To say that Morgan Godvin has had an unconventional lifeis an understatement. Morgan grew up with two mothers and always knew that her father was a sperm donor. She was very bright and excelled in school, but an emptiness inside, along with being bullied, led her to drugs. Addiction also ran in her family. She lost her mother and several close friends to overdose. Eventually, Morgan wound up in prison. Morgan just graduated from college at the top of her class and is now working to end overdose and overhaul the criminal justice system when it comes to drug crimes. She had a lot to say in this podcast that everyone needs to hear.

Morgan's non-profit using hip-hop to end overdose: Beats Overdose.

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

Rod Courtney was a probation and parole officer and trained social worker. But even with that experience, Rod Courtney couldn’t save his son. Chad, who was 38, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2016. Following his son’s death, Rod has dedicated his life to helping those who suffer from substance use disorder and their families. Rod’s advocacy work includes serving as Executive Director ofCRUSH of Iowa, which stands for Community Resources to Stop Heroin. He talks about how he copes with his loss and helps support other parents who have lost children to overdose or are dealing with addiction in their children.  

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

The fact that Garrett Sheppard is alive at all is a miracle. Garrett struggles with several mental conditions from anxiety to depression to PTSD and  ADHD. He started using meth at a young age, and pretty soon it didn't matter what kind of drug he took, he couldn’t live without them. Sheppard has a long list of felonies on his record and tried to complete suicide multiple times.

However, today Garrett has turned his life around by getting psychological help, plus incorporating exercise and a healthy diet. Now he’s reaching out to others who are "hard to love," which is the name of his program that helps people suffering from substance use disorder, find their way to recovery. 

Sheppard shares his story and how weight lifting and healthy eating have made a huge difference for his brain in this latest edition of Grieving Out Loud.

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

Ashley Bernardi lost her father at 11 years old.  She has also dealt with a chronic illness. During the pandemic, Ashley spent time writing and interviewing some of the top experts in grief, PTSD, and postpartum depression and created her book, Authentic Power.Whether you are going through death, divorce, illness, or any life adversity, the book provides the tools to teach you how to move through your pain, let down the mask of strength, and feel your genuine emotions in order to heal. 

More on Ashley Bernardi's book here.

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

Jessica Duenas was Kentucky's teacher of the year in 2019. But she had a dark secret that no one would have imagined. She was an active alcoholic that couldn’t survive a day without drinking.  Once she decided to get help, she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After getting sober, Jessica entered into a new relationship with a man named Ian, who was in recovery from opioid addiction. In April of 2020, Ian relapsed and died.  Jessica has not only been traumatized by her own addiction but the fentanyl poisoning of a loved one as well. She shares how she has survived and is now even thriving in this latest edition of Grieving Out Loud.
Learn more about Jessica's Bottomless to Sober Project here. 

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

She's the Faith Hill of Missouri, not Nashville. Faith used meth for six years, starting at age 14, and lost all of her teeth because of it. After finding recovery, Faith decided to document her journey, from having no teeth to what it was like to have dentures, on social media. Faith’s handle on TikTok is “I am toothless and ruthless” and she has nearly two million followers to date.  Her life experience has made this 23-year-old wise beyond her years.  She's also lost many friends to drugs. 
She shares her battle with addiction, how she found recovery and why she was willing to take out her dentures for millions in this latest episode of Grieving Out Loud. 

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

Author Kathleen Glasgow drew upon her own experiences as a teenager to write her first best-selling book, Girl in Pieces, which covered tough topics such as self-harm and depression. She has also poignantly dealt with other difficult subjects in her books, written for young adults, including how addiction affects the entire family, to coping with the loss of a loved one. Kathleen and Angela have an open and honest open and honest conversation about why we need to make these topics more available for teens in the latest episode of Grieving Out Loud.

Kathleen Glasgow is the author of  The Agathas, You'd Be Home Now, How to Make Friends with the Dark, Girl in Pieces, which is a New York Timesbestseller and Target Book Club pick.
 
Connect with Kathleen Glascow here:
Twitter: @kathglasgow
Instagram:@misskathleenglasgow
TikTok: @kathleenglasgow.
Website: www.kathleenglasgowbooks.com

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