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The U.S. dismantled Colombiaâs Cali Cartel with strategy, buy-in, and force. What are we doing wrong now that fentanyl is winning in the U.S.?
Former DEA agent Chris Feistl helped take down one of historyâs most powerful cartelsâbut now heâs watching history repeat itself.
In this episode, he and Michael Brown draw a straight line from Colombiaâs bloody narco-wars to the synthetic opioid crisis destroying American communities. From political division and foreign inaction to fractured law enforcement strategy, the U.S. is reliving the past, without the resolve to win.
We also discuss:
How the U.S. let the fentanyl threat evolve into a HydraWhy Mexico and China are todayâs ColombiaWhat America lost when it stopped doing what workedHow decriminalization and division cripple federal actionWhat it would take to end the crisisâfor real -
Sealing borders wonât resolve the fentanyl crisis unless we rethink how domestic trafficking can be disrupted.
In this episode, we welcome back Margarito âJayâ Flores Jr.âa former Sinaloa cartel kingpin turned law enforcement educatorâto dive deeper into the operations behind the illicit fentanyl trade thatâs taken thousands of U.S. lives each year. With cartels now designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, the U.S. is taking a harder stance, but Jay and Michael explore if policy is enough if we donât also confront the networks operating in our own neighborhoods.
We also discuss:Why labeling cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations could shift the legal landscape of drug enforcement in America.How fentanyl reaches U.S. communities, and why most traffickers donât look like the stereotype.The importance of treating domestic distribution networks with the same urgency as international ones.Why prevention, education, and empathy must be part of any long-term solution to the opioid crisis. -
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In this episode, Michael Brown sits down with Dr. Gary Latson, a licensed anesthesiologist and father who lost his son to a fentanyl-laced substance. Dr. Latson brings over four decades of medical experience and shares the difference between medical fentanyl and the illicit version flooding American streetsâand why this distinction can mean life or death.
We discuss:The dangers of illicit fentanyl from a medical perspective.The biology of opioid addiction and genetic vulnerability.The growing danger of fentanyl-stimulant combos.The role of physicians, policymakers, and parents in the opioid crisis. -
In this gripping episode, we sit down with former DEA Special Agent and author Leo Silva to discuss the evolving landscape of the illicit drug trade and the growing sophistication of cartel operations. Drawing from his experiences detailed in Reign of Terror, Silva provides a firsthand account of how organizations like Los Zetas have transformed from traditional drug traffickers into highly organized, militarized criminal enterprises.
We explore the new challenges law enforcement faces, including the cartels' use of advanced technology, encrypted communications, and financial networks that rival those of legitimate corporations. Silva also sheds light on the increasing dangers posed by synthetic drugs like fentanyl, the deep-rooted corruption that enables these networks to thrive, and the shifting alliances that make combating them even more complex.
Throughout the discussion, Silva shares powerful stories of resilience, the personal toll of fighting the war on drugs, and what steps must be taken to curb the growing influence of cartels.
In this episode, we discuss:
How the Zetas cartel pioneered a new level of brutality and controlWhy Mexicoâs war on drugs has failedâand how it impacts the U.S.The role China plays in fueling the fentanyl crisisHow law enforcement can fight back using anti-terror tacticsWhat every American should know about how fentanyl gets into our streetsYou can learn more about Agent Leo Silvaâs work in his book âReign of Terror.â -
If you think your child is safe, think again. Fentanyl isnât in counterfeit pills anymoreâitâs laced into marijuana, hidden in vape pens, and disguised in party drugs. No one is immune.
In our first episode of the year, host Michael Brown speaks with Paula Young, a mother who turned grief into action after her son, Andrew, unknowingly consumed fentanyl-laced marijuana and lost his life.
They reveal how cartels are evolving their tactics, why social media is fueling the crisis, and the urgent policy battles needed to fight fentanylâan issue beyond party lines. Paula also shares the emotional journey behind Andrewâs Law, a legislative push to make fentanyl education mandatory in schools nationwide.
We also discuss:
How Andrewâs story exposes the hidden dangers of trusting "safe" sources.Why current drug laws fail to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.The importance of bipartisan action to tackle the fentanyl crisis effectively.For more information about Achieve Greatness, visit AchieveGreatness88.org or contact Paula at +1 774-417-7972. -
Illicit fentanyl has transformed the U.S. drug crisis into a national emergency that affects all ages, incomes, and communities. Despite the staggering toll. Where is the policy change?
In this episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Steffan Tubbs to uncover the harrowing truths behind Americaâs fentanyl epidemic, as seen in his documentary Devastated: Coloradoâs Fentanyl Disaster. He examines the intersection of decriminalization policies, cartel operations, and societal complacency that have allowed this crisis to grow unchecked, and calls us to take action to tackle the crisis.
Listeners will learn:Why fentanyl deaths continue to rise in states like Colorado despite national trends leveling off.How cartels exploit Americaâs addiction crisis and the policy gaps that enable them.Why parents, policymakers, and the media need to start having real, uncomfortable conversations.What solutions could help reverse the trajectory of this crisis. -
In the heart of Americaâs fentanyl crisis, one county is doing what many thought impossibleâbringing overdose rates down.
In this episode we are joined by Commander Tom Fallon, of Hamilton Countyâs Heroin Task Force, to discuss how local law enforcement, through strategic partnerships and innovative community outreach, has succeeded in reducing fentanyl overdoses in the county. Commander Fallon also reveals that the real war is fought far from the public eyeâwith mothers whoâve lost their children, communities on the brink, and doctors who unknowingly set the stage for addiction.
We also discuss:
How community-centric policing builds trust to drive effective intervention in Hamilton Countyâs fentanyl crisis.Why tackling the Dark Webâs role in trafficking is vital as cartels use digital channels to spread fentanyl, pushing law enforcement to adapt.The importance of Narcan access and addiction education in saving lives and reshaping public attitudes on addiction.The impact of a new generation of officers blending empathy with enforcement for sustainable change in communities. -
Each person who struggles with drug addiction has a unique story. And regardless of how they got there, they are all humans and deserve to be treated with empathy.
In this episode, we are joined by Dennis Lowe, Commander of the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, who has spent 40 years in law enforcement and is leading a unique model of community-driven policing. Commander Lowe and Michael Brown discuss the challenges associated with transitioning towards a more empathetic law enforcement approach, without abandoning strict measures, and building trust around stateâs institutions.
We also discuss: How the FORT Project helps reduce recidivism and foster long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of substance use.Why a balanced approach of empathy and enforcement can create lasting change in communities facing drug crises.The role of cultural sensitivity education in police officers to engage diverse communities affected by the opioid crisis. -
Cartel operations go far beyond drugsâthey are entrenched in the internal economies of countries, exercising control across multiple industries.
In this episode, we are joined by Chris Dalby, Director of World of Crime and author of World of Crime Guides to Organized Crime, to explore the scope of the cartel networks. Chris shares all things about the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG), revealing this syndicateâs brutality, extortion tactics, and control over fentanyl and meth production globally. We discuss why traditional law enforcement strategies aren't working, and how the flow of precursor chemicals from China plays a pivotal role in fentanyl production.
Listeners will learn:
How the CJNG cartel became one of Mexicoâs most violent and flexible criminal organizations, and why they pose a unique threat.The role of precursor chemicals from China, why seizures at the border arenât enough, and how the cartel adapts to crackdowns.What can be done to tackle the cartel threat, from addressing money laundering to targeting the global supply chain of precursor chemicals.
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
In todayâs episode, we are once again joined by Margarito "Jay" Flores, Jr., a former distributor for the Sinaloa Cartel, for part two of our series inside one of the most notorious criminal organizations in the world.
Michael and Jay pick up the conversation right where they left off, delving deeper into the challenges of dismantling these criminal networks and examining the strategies in the war against drugs. They also talk about how Jayâs approach to the US government set a precedent of collaboration to put cartels down.
You can learn more about Jayâs background and work by going to his websites https://kingpintoeducator.com/ and https://dynamicpolicetraining.com/.
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 and canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
Money is the engine of drug trafficking. Without it, organized crime would cease to exist.
Does this mean that efforts to end the drug crisis in America should focus more heavily on targeting money instead of drugs? Are there reasons why this hasnât been the strategy in the past?
In this two-part series episode, we are joined by Margarito "Jay" Flores, Jr., who operated a distribution network for the Sinaloa cartel, as he pulls back the curtain on the financial empire of the worldâs most notorious cartel, exposing the intricate web of drug trafficking and money laundering that fuels the opioid crisis and corrupts institutions and people both inside and outside of the United States. Michael and Jay explore the generational impact of drug trafficking on American cities and the challenges law enforcement faces in disrupting the flow of precursor chemicals essential for drug production.
Join us as we discuss:
The supply chain systems behind smuggling vast amounts of cash and drugs across international borders and distributing them nationwide.The role of advanced technology in modern drug trafficking and money launderingThe tactics used by the Sinaloa Cartel to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.Personal stories of betrayal, survival, and redemption within the cartel world.
You can learn more about Jayâs background and work by going to his websites https://kingpintoeducator.com/ and https://dynamicpolicetraining.com/.
Stay tuned for Part 2.
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
Getting sober is often seen as the milestone of ending drug addiction, and many policies and projects are designed with this approach in mind.
However, without proper healthcare, supportive communities, and tools to stay sober, people often relapse into an endless cycle that continues to fuel the opioid crisis.
In this episode, we are joined by two unifying voices fighting the opioid crisis: Andrea Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Voices for Awareness, and Michael Fiore, Founder of Inspire2Inspire, as well as the Director of Community Outreach at Voices for Awareness. Andrea and Michael share their deep bond that transcends their mission, and discuss their efforts to bring hope and practical solutions to those affected by fentanyl through prevention, education, and healthcare accessibility. They also discuss the importance of a unified legislative effort to address this critical issue, and how they are fighting for the future of the nation.
Join us as we discuss:
Overcoming addiction and transforming personal experiences into a message of hopeAddressing the stigma surrounding drug use and addiction to drive empathetic, social transformationsThe importance of collaboration among various groups and organizations to achieve long-term solutionsUpcoming initiatives for August 21 - National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (check out Facing Fentanyl Nowâs website for more details)
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.
You can reach out to Andrea Thomas emailing her at [email protected], and follow Mike on Instagram @MikeFiore118. -
No matter how much money is allocated to fight the opioid epidemic, if itâs not sustained by strong, systemic approaches and policies, the fight wonât succeed.
In this episode, we are joined by a long-time guest of the show, Scott Silverman, CEO and Founder at Confidential Recovery, as he explores California's drug policies, the exploitation of legal marijuana by cartels, and the significant role of government in these crises. The author of The Opioid Epidemic: What You Donât Know Will Destroy Your Family and Your Life, shares his thoughts on the need for better education, prevention strategies, and family support systems to fight drug addiction advocating for systemic approaches to end the opioid epidemic.
Join us as we discuss:How the homelessness crisis in California is exponentially rising and itâs relation to the drug crisisThe importance of strong family units and the impact of cultural and tribal thinking in community well-being, reducing the risk of drug abuseWhy the US needs stringent criteria and accountability for both government leaders and social programs, advocating for better allocation of resources
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
"How do prosecutors handle the evolving illicit drug market and how has it impacted our judicial system?"
As fentanyl-related deaths continue to rise nationwide, our legal system now faces a new paradigm in seeking justice for so many lives lost.
In this episode, we are joined by Paul Ostrow, Chairman of the Fentanyl Free Communities Policy Board. He and host Michael Brown delve into the urgent and complex opioid crisis affecting communities across the nation, with a focus on the Midwest. Paul, drawing on his prosecutorial experience and commitment to justice, community improvement, and policy-driven solutions, emphasizes the need to support law enforcement while advocating for systemic changes.
Join us as we discuss:
The consequences of public drug policies and how that plays into an increase in criminal activity and court casesHow the $200 million allocated budget is being used to combat substance abuse in Minnesota.Why fentanyl possession penalties need to be reassessed to be effective and prevent deaths.
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
'It takes an entire country to protect the country.'
But when we're talking about deep and complex geopolitical dynamics, is a united country enough to tackle the illicit drug crisis our nation currently faces?
In this episode, we are honored to have Andrew Edelberg, Senior Trial Attorney at Aivazoglou & Mikropoulos - located in the Philadelphia area, share his extensive experience in the legal and law enforcement fields. Andrew addresses the systemic issues in mental health and substance abuse treatment and the harsh realities in cities like Philadelphia and San Diego, and he also exposes the deep-rooted challenges and corruption faced by the US, Mexican, and Chinese governments in combating the drug epidemic, and why it takes a worldwide effort to end the opioid crisis.
Join us as we discuss:
The decrease in police presence, leading to increased violence and open-air drug markets, particularly in areas like Kensington.The increased crime and homelessness issues as a direct result of unchecked drug abuse and inadequate intervention measures.Different points of view around first-time offender programs, with some authorities preferring punitive measures over treatment.The challenges in prosecuting drug-related crimes due to trade and political partnerships between the US and Mexico.How the $50 billion opioid settlement is being used, raising concerns about transparency and proper allocation.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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
To tackle the drug crisis, relying solely on law enforcement is no longer sufficient.
With cartels employing increasingly sophisticated trafficking tactics, leveraging community engagement and education has become a priority.
In this episode, Orville Greene, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. DEA Detroit Field Division, joins host Michael Brown to delve into how the DEA's jurisdiction is adding value to agency operations. They explore the value of forging strategic partnerships with community organizations, gaining firsthand insight into local challenges and concerns. SAC Orville also sheds light on the complexities of combating internet drug trafficking and discusses both the existing tools and areas needing improvement in addressing the opioid crisis.
We also discuss: SAC Greeneâs partnerships with organizations like Fentanyl Fathers and their significant societal contributionsThe potential impact of progressive drug policies on DEA operations and the battle against drug addictionThe imperative of a multi-agency approach in dismantling the drug supply chain
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
How has marijuana changed since the days when Paul McCartney composed âGot to Get You into My Lifeâ in 1966?
In this episode, we take a deep dive into the history and trends of marijuana with Jaime Zerbe, Chief of Staff at Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM). Sam is made up of an alliance of organizations and individuals dedicated to a health-first approach to marijuana policy. Jaime shares her perspective on marijuana consumption based on science.
Join us as we discuss:
How marijuana is often marketedThe cultural shift toward normalizing drug useThe analysis of marijuana legalization
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
Find purpose from loss
In this powerful conversation, our guest Michele Hein, shares her tragic story as a mother who has faced unimaginable loss and emerged as a front-line activist in the battle against Fentanyl. After losing her beloved son, Tyler, to fentanyl poisoning, Michele's grief is transformed into advocacy as she leads the charge with Fentanyl Free Communities to save other families from a similar fate.
As fentanyl-related deaths skyrocket, weâll examine why existing legislation falls short and what it truly means to approach substance use disorder and mental health stigmas with hope for substantive change. This episode is not just a discussion; it's a call to arms. We canât afford to look away any longer.
Join us as we discuss:
The piercing insight Michele provides on how fentanyl isn't just a poisoning crisis but a national security threat that's been largely ignored.Broken policies that are causing a delay in the response to the opioid crisis The cohesive work between Fentanyl Free Communities and their collaboration with law enforcement to bring stability and hope to those in need.
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 & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
In todayâs 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 Americaâs 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:
Garyâs 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.
Listening on a desktop & canât see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player. -
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 weâll 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 & canât 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. - Se mer
