Episoder
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In today’s episode, we dive deep into the shadowy world of drug production and its far-reaching financial tentacles. We're peeling back layers of the global drug trade, estimated at a staggering $2 trillion that is led by some formidable players who have mastered money laundering operations...
Listen in as Gary Lawrence draws from his own experiences as a retired DEA Supervisory Special Agent, current Financial Crimes Advisor, and Veteran, to share how crucial it is that we stop the enemy at America’s gates. Gary reveals the secrets behind Chinese money laundering and how current government policies could be enabling addiction, as well as encouraging our enemies to keep pursuing drug trafficking.
Join us as we discuss:
Gary’s background in law enforcement and the DEASynergy Between Mexican Cartels and Chinese CompaniesThe pressing need for strategic policy response to drug trafficking The perceived reduction in legal risk leading to increased drug use in America
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Dr. Cristina Utti, an educator and author of 'Breaking Infinity.' speaks from the heart about her journey through her near fatal substance abuse and eating disorders. Together we’ll reflect on the complex web of family dynamics and the repeating cycles of behavior passed down through generations.
We dive deep into the reality of growing up in a broken home, the normalization of risky behaviors among our youth, and the pressing need for supportive conversations between parents and children.
Join us as we discuss:Cristina's Childhood and Personal Journey to RecoveryThe Effects of a Broken Family and How to Prevent it The Danger of Potential Drug Addiction for Future Generations
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.
If you would like to know more or purchase Dr. Crisitina Utti's book, Breaking Infinity: A Memoir, you can do so by going to Amazon.com. -
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In today’s episode, Julie Waters, founder of the Jace Waters Foundation shares her journey of losing her son to addiction and the work she is doing to support others in the fight against opioid addiction. She discusses the importance of long-term recovery programs and the need for supportive communities. Julie goes into detail about the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and the need for open conversations and advocacy. She also highlights the role of parents in prevention, education and the challenges of modernization and technology on family dynamics.
Join us as we discuss:
Exploring the unseen impact of addiction in small-town America.Julie Waters' heartfelt story of loss and her efforts to fight addiction through the Jace Waters Foundation.Insights into the rising danger of fentanyl and the complex journey toward recovery.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Our children represent the very future of society. However, without vigorously confronting the opioid crisis, how can we guarantee their protection?
In today’s episode, Javon Williams, Founder of the Lamont Meyers Foundation, bravely opens her heart about the heart-wrenching loss of her son to Fentanyl poisoning and the journey of resilience this has led her to. Javon highlights the danger of the lack of public awareness surrounding the opioid crisis and emphasizes why we need to speak out to bring the invisible enemy, and the network under which it operates, out of the shadows.
Join us as we discuss:
Challenges of parenting amidst societal pressure on drug abuse and consumptionThe urgent need for community education, awareness and collective action in combating the opioid crisisThe emotional trauma and ongoing struggle experienced by parents who have lost children to drugsWhy prescription pills can become a death threat nowadays
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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To anyone out there with a loved one who’s struggling, don't ever give up compassion because it's not a moral failing; your loved one simply doesn’t know how to handle what’s going on in their life.
In this powerful and inspiring episode, Chris Cull dives deep into the challenges of addressing substance abuse, the impact of the opioid crisis in Canada, and the crucial role of authentic and relatable communication in prevention efforts. Chris, a former opioid user turned inspirational figure, shares his journey throughout addiction and recovery that ultimately led to his journey across Canada. His story of resilience offers hope in the fight against addiction. Tune in for an insightful discussion on tackling addiction and the resilience that arises from difficult experiences.
Join us as we discuss:Chris's story, highlighting his successful transition away from drug useAddressing substance abuse among youthThe opioid crisis in Canada: overprescribing, drug diversion, and the involvement of cartelsThe significance of advocacy, collaboration, and hope in addressing addiction, drug abuse and mental health
Tap here for all links pertaining to Chris Cull, his story, and the meaningful work he’s doing today.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Fentanyl is the bullet, but it's the Mexican cartels that are pointing the gun at our children and pulling the trigger.
In today's episode, we are honored to have Jaime Ignacio Puerto Gonzales, President of V.O.I.D "Victims Of Illicit Drugs" and Co-Chair of Facing Fentanyl Now, joining us to shed light on the far-reaching impact of Fentanyl and the legislative and societal challenges that have hindered efforts to combat this deadly substance.
Jaime, a US Marine Corps veteran, shares his personal journey and the heart-wrenching loss of his son, Daniel, to Fentanyl poisoning on April 6, 2020. As he delves into his advocacy work and the mission of V.O.I.D., we gain valuable insights into the deceitful tactics of drug cartels, the need for legislative reform, and the urgent call for awareness and collaboration on a global scale.
Join us as we discuss:
Social media and its disturbing trends in Fentanyl distributionHow Proposition 47 and 57 are impacting law enforcement and public safety in CaliforniaImpact of harm reduction groups in addressing the Fentanyl crisisThe role that schools and educational institutions can play in raising awareness about Fentanyl and preventing its distribution among young peopleAdditional Link: Dead on Arrival Documentary
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Our guest, Danielle Burkett, had everything stacked against her. Even when navigating an unstable upbringing and childhood trauma, she knew at a young age helping children in her position is something she wanted to do. This desire stuck with her through years of substance use, mental health issues, crime, and eventually incarceration.
Now as a single mother who recently suffered from a stroke, she is still driven by that childhood passion, achieving her Master’s degree in Social Work, and beginning her own non-profit, "Unlikely Journeys" geared toward youth and parents. Danielle has made it her purpose to plant seeds of compassion, love, non-judgment, and gratitude in the lives of youth through her initiative.
Join us as we discuss:
The power of having a clear mind and being able to voice repressed traumaThe importance of teaching crucial aspects in schools that might be overlooked at homeThe practice of gratitude and its transformative powerThe concept of having a "peer coach" and its pivotal role in personal development
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Without International partnerships and cooperation, we’re not going to win this battle.
In this episode, we delve into the complex and harrowing world of Mexican cartel and crime along the U.S. southern border, featuring a discussion with Larry Villalobos, a seasoned DEA analyst who has worked with the State Department in Mexico, the US military, DHS components, and a local university. Our guest shares eye-opening insights about the impact of drug legalization, the shifting dynamics of drug cartels, and the urgent need for international cooperation to combat the fentanyl precursor chemical supply chain.
Join us as we discuss:
Differences on opposing sides of the borderThe negative effects of drug legalization, including the societal impact of the crisisForeign partnerships in combating drug traffickingPushing back on progressive dreamsTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Exploring the intricate web of trauma's influence, addiction's grasp, and the erosion of genuine connections, this episode unearths the need for holistic healing, emotional empowerment, and a renewed focus on nurturing our youth's mental well-being.
Gina Tabrizy, our latest guest, is an inspirational keynote speaker, author, radio host of The Recovery Show, and a trauma/addiction expert. She is currently Chief Clinical Liaison at Sierra by the Sea, an adult residential treatment facility. Gina has a zest for providing excellent clinical care with a high success rate.
Join us as we discuss:
The connection between trauma and addiction, particularly prevalent in affluent neighborhoods where electronic devices replace genuine family connectionsThe effectiveness of harm reduction strategies and the normalization of drug use, particularly with the legalization of marijuana.The power of holistic approaches that combine psychological, emotional, and spiritual healingTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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It's okay to not feel okay.
On today’s episode, we welcome back Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, a Clinical Psychologist and the Author of Mainlining Philly: Survival, Hope and Resisting Drug Addiction, as well as Aftershock: How Past Events Shake up Your Life Today. Dr. Utter specializes in individuals struggling with substance use disorders and other psychiatric illnesses. Her experiences, dating back to childhood, provide unique insight into the nature of addiction and have given her the tools to offer solutions to those addicted, as well as those who love them.
Join us as we discuss:
The importance of acknowledging and seeking help for mental health issues, even in response to normal life challengesAddiction: genetics vs. environmentUtilizing anger as motivation to rise upThe evolution of the drug market and the need for accurate education on the dangersThe psychology of addictionAdditional Link: Utter Nonsense - Documentary
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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DEA seizures reveal a chilling reality — 60% of the pills taken off the streets pack a lethal dose of fentanyl.
Our special guest, Tj Ward, a man of faith and a visionary in the fight against substance use disorder, shares his powerful insights and experiences. We discuss the role of faith in recovery, the importance of addressing mental health alongside addiction, and the need for collaboration and outreach to vulnerable communities. We explore the impact of substance use disorder on individuals, families, and society as a whole, while also discussing potential solutions, such as education, policy change, and innovative treatment approaches.
Join us as we discuss:
What parents need to know regarding the alarming rise of teen drug addictionProgressive drug policies in US citiesDifferences in opinions on the bipartisan issueRipple effect of substance use on family dynamicsImportance of faith in recovery from addictionRelevant links: anythingbutobvious.com; projectopioidnfl.org
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Weapons are hitting the streets and killing Americans. They're fueling cartel and domestic drug trafficking violence. We have layers of complex problems that are all surrounded by policy decisions, which seem to be enabling criminal activity.
Today on the show, Pete Forcelli, retired Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) executive and author of The Deadly Path, sheds light on the world of firearms trafficking. We explore the stark reality of crime-ridden parks in New York City housing projects, where children live in fear and are locked inside their homes for safety. But it doesn't end there. Peter takes us to the heart of the matter — the prosecution, or lack thereof, of gun crimes.
We uncover the startling truth behind ATF Operation Fast and Furious, a whistleblower's account that reveals a pattern of allowing firearms to flow into Mexico, leading to a staggering number of guns in the wrong hands. And as we discuss the impact of this operation and its consequences, we also touch on the current crisis of fentanyl and the arming of Mexican cartels with US military spec weapons. This episode will leave you questioning the state of our justice system and the policies that guide it.
Join us as we discuss:
The scale, implications and consequences of Operation Fast and Furious, ultimately fueling the fire of gun violenceThe opioid crisis in conjunction with cartel activities; turning internally to address the fentanyl situationThe Broken Windows theory and the regression in policy of prosecuting low-level crimesLack of utilization of parks in NYC housing projects due to crime and safety concernsPete Forcelli’s Personal Website: https://www.peterjforcelli.com/ His book The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartelsreleases on March 5th, 2024.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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1 in 3 runaways that are out on the streets will be solicited by a sex buyer, or engaged with a trafficker.
In this revealing conversation, our guest Heidi Chance shares her powerful transition from a routine patrol officer to an undercover detective focused on combating sex trafficking. Heidi sheds light on the face-to-face encounters she’s had with vulnerable juveniles as well as their captors, and the heart-wrenching stories that led her to take action. You'll hear about the challenges of working with limited resources in a high-demand field, as she paints a vivid picture of the complexities and dangers involved in her work. Heidi’s passion for mitigating this crisis has led to the conception of A Chance for Awareness, a program that offers law enforcement training, as well as community sex trafficking awareness via her coaching, training and presentations.
Join us as we discuss:
The pivotal role of technology, including the dark web and social media, in perpetuating the problemThe evolving dynamics of sex trafficking, including the disturbing trend of younger victims, both boys and girlsThe tactics used by traffickers to control their victims, including substance addiction, and the interconnection between the opioid crisis and sex traffickingHeidi’s mission: dedicated to raising awareness about sex trafficking and educating law enforcement officers on how to tackle these investigations effectivelyThe significance of community involvement, reporting, and Good Samaritan laws in combating sex traffickingTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Suboxone will protect an individual from a fentanyl overdose, but the one thing that will keep them in recovery is love.
Today on the show we’re joined by Dr. Schuyler Geller, who has an extensive background in international teaching, patient care, and health care leadership. Previously a Medication Assisted Recovery Physician, and currently a Hospitalist for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, his humanitarian spirit shines bright in this episode. Together we delve into the need for comprehensive approaches, including medication-assisted treatment and harm reduction strategies, to save lives and support recovery. Dr. Geller highlights the importance of understanding addiction as a chronic relapsing brain disease and emphasizes the significance of immediate intervention and treatment due to the high risk of relapse and mortality associated with opioid use.
Join us as we discuss:
Addiction as a chronic relapsing brain disease vs. deviant criminal behaviorHow physical and emotional abuse impacts the growing brain, and can ultimately lead to substance addiction — all beginning in the wombThe critical role of buprenorphine in medication-assisted treatmentThe need to combat the stigma associated with harm reduction approachesResilience as the key to reducing opioid deathsTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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One thousand pesos — that’s $59 — to go out and commit murder.
In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Mexico, exploring its complex relationship with the drug cartels. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we have retired DEA agent Ralph Villarruel on the show, giving us the ground truth.. the reality of what's happening south of the border. Ralph was one of the lead investigators for the cartel murder of DEA Special Agent Kiki Camerena in 1985, and has seen things that most cannot fathom. In this riveting conversation, we take a closer look at the chilling transformation of Mexican cartels into more violent and sadistic organizations, including their changing tactics and the disturbing trends in violence and brutality. We also delve into the dark world of money laundering, migrant exploitation, and the unintended consequences of border policies.
Join us as we discuss:
The dramatic evolution of Mexican cartels, from the 1980s to 2023, including their shift from cocaine to synthetic drugs like fentanylThe inner workings of Mexican cartels, including their recruitment strategies, use of foreign experts, and international connections, especially with Chinese criminal organizationsThe interconnected issues of cartels, migrants, and the fentanyl crisisWhether US policy is indirectly contributing and causing more problems than it's solvingTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Between 250 and 300 people will die today from a fentanyl-related overdose. Are we faced with a weapon of mass destruction? An epidemic? A mental health crisis? Or all of the above?
Our guest, hazmat expert David DiGregorio, brings a career of unique experience that includes serving in the U.S. Army's medical field and as Director of Hazmat Emergency Response in Massachusetts. With a background in medical, CBRN, and hazmat - David has a special skill set in improving readiness and response tactics in emergency situations.
Together we discuss the fentanyl crisis from all angles, including its potential weaponization and the challenges faced by law enforcement and first responders. David reveals how hazmat teams are working hand in hand with law enforcement to combat clandestine drug labs, as well as the importance of breaking down silos among various agencies, the obstacles around fentanyl testing, and the critical need for improved communication.
Join us as we discuss:
What hazmat means in today's contextThe role of technology in the fieldInnovative strategies for tackling the fentanyl crisisComplexities of regulating substances like xylazineThe need for a comprehensive approach to address this growing epidemicTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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When you remove social restraints, you get chaos.
In this episode, two former DEA agents reunite to discuss the implications of government support on motivation, disparities in education, and the role of law enforcement. They unpack harsh realities of modern day drug smuggling, as well as the impact of immigration policies on the job market, the rise of fentanyl overdoses, and the conflicting messages about drug use. Needless to say, these seasoned law enforcement agents unwind the complicated intersection of immigration, drug policy, and modern American culture with its evolving societal values.
Join us as we discuss:
The conflicting messages surrounding drug use, from the "drugs are bad" narrative to the movement for drug decriminalization in progressive citiesSocietal implications of dependency on government support, questioning whether it encourages or hinders motivation to achieve personal successThe role of law enforcement amidst the larger debate about the direction America is heading, from democracy to social policies
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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Can America break free from the grip of addiction? Are innovative solutions like alcohol purchase licenses and safe drug supply the answer? And what role should medical professionals play in arresting this widespread disease?
Our latest guest is Dr. Brian Johnson, Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Anesthesia at SUNY Upstate and recently retired Director of Addiction Medicine at Upstate University Hospital. As the author of The Mass Psychology of Addiction, Dr. Johnson challenges conventional narratives and confronts uncomfortable truths, providing a space for open dialogue and innovative thinking to pave the way toward a healthier, more informed future.
In this candid conversation, we explore the psychology behind cravings, the alarming rise of new drug trends like chroming, and the stark reality of an America seemingly caught in a downward spiral of addiction. Dr. Johnson dissects the historical ties between addiction and societal issues, revealing how racism, slavery, and even government complicity have shaped the landscape we face today.
Join us as we discuss:Cigarette’s role in the Fentanyl crisis The roots of drug addiction in history, including racism, slavery, and the drug trade's legacyThe mass psychology of addiction and government complicityWhere the focus needs to be in eradicating addiction
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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According to the CDC, 107,000 people in the United States have died from drug poisoning related to fentanyl, yet the country fails to recognize it as the weapon of mass destruction that it is. Prevalent substance addiction in the United States is a persistent problem — with fentanyl at the helm of the ship. Lisa Deane, the CEO and founder of Demand Zero, a nonprofit working towards eradicating Mexican cartel fentanyl, joins the show. Lisa founded Demand Zero after losing her son in 2018 from fentanyl poisoning, and she has since made it her mission to end fentanyl’s disastrous toll. Join us as we discuss:
Is substance addiction being normalized? What is behind the growing demand for dangerous narcoticsFentanyl’s easy pathway to children and schoolsEnforcing accountability; halting Mexican cartels and controlling precursor chemicalsTo make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
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When Andrea Thomas’ daughter Ashley lost her life to half of a pill that contained illicit fentanyl, her world was turned upside down. Since her daughter’s death in 2018, Andrea has thrown herself into activism, starting the prevention and awareness organization Voices For Awareness and later working with other activists with Facing Fentanyl Now, an awareness and education organization.
Andrea is on a mission to educate families and youth about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and counterfeit pills. She hopes education will save others from the painful realities of the deadly drugs that circulate on the black market today.
Join us as we discuss:
The deadly dangers of counterfeit pillsThe tragic toll of fentanyl poisoningDriving change through prevention and awareness
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. - Se mer
