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PODCAST

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain — Beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more.Welcome to The Opioid Matrix-A Journey into the Rabbit Hole.

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All Episodes

66:18

The Impact Cartel Fentanyl has on the U.S. Judicial...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/07/16

"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,

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66:13

A Legal, Political, and Social Perspective from...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/06/25

'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

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46:42

Building Community in DEA Operations

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/06/11

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

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51:19

Marijuana Rescheduling Consequences: Potency, Policy,...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/05/21

How has marijuana changed since the days when Paul McCartney composed ‘Got to Get You into My Life’ 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

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43:56

A Mother’s Journey: Advocating for a Fentanyl-Free...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/05/07

Find purpose from lossIn 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, we’ll examine why existing legislation falls

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43:24

Narco Cash: Unveiling the Mexico-China Money...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/04/23

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

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49:58

Parenting in the Shadows: Addressing Substance Use...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/04/16

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

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42:34

A Mother's Mission to Address the Stigma of Substance...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/04/02

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

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43:01

A Mother’s Story of Loss: From Pain to Purpose

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/02/27

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

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46:50

A Journey Through Addiction, Recovery, and Across Canada

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/02/06

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

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60:45

Inside the Fentanyl Crisis: What No Parent Should...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/01/23

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

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40:33

Sometimes It's Our Secrets That Can Kill Us: Breaking...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2024/01/09

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

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42:47

Drug Cartel Operations: A Perspective on the Drugs,...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/12/12

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,

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55:39

Mental Health Resilience: Strategies for Combating...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/11/14

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

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55:23

Nurturing Resilience: Breaking Free from Victim...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/11/07

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

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49:25

Faith, Community & Collaboration in the Fight Against...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/10/31

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,

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58:48

Operation Fast and Furious: Arming Mexican Cartels...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/10/24

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

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34:48

The Overlapping Crisis: Cartels, Fentanyl and Sex...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/10/17

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

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55:59

Overcoming Stigma: Treating Opioid Addiction with...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/10/10

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

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61:48

Narco-Terrorism Unveiled: Inside Mexico's Cartel...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/10/03

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

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97 results

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