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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

56:10

Combatting the Transnational Organized Criminal Economy

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/28

Transnational Organized Criminal (TOC) groups and their proxies are part of a much larger centralized global criminal network. And the threat is larger than many expect — the intersectionality of global TOC actors has resulted in a billion dollar shadow economy fueled by human and drug traffickingIn this episode, we are joined by Anthony Stephen Malone, Former CIA Agent and British Paratrooper. Anthony reveals the secrets of interconnectivity in global crime he’s unveiled throughout his colorful and

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46:39

From Drug Dealing to Harm Reduction: The Story of...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/14

This week's episode of The Opioid Matrix features Nathan Smiddy, also known as "Narcan Nate". Nate is a Harm Reduction Education Specialist. We delve into Nathan's background and discover how he got started in the world of drugs and alcohol. From selling drugs through high school and beyond, to now being sober and advocating for harm reduction, Nathan shares his unique perspective on the current state of drug policy and its impact on society. We also discuss the controversial issue of drug

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41:32

The Opioid Epidemic: A DEA Agent's Insider Perspective

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/02/07

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome Brian Townsend, a former DEA special agent, to discuss his career fighting the war on drugs and the current opioid crisis.Brian shares his insight on how trends have changed over the years and the reasons behind the staggering statistic of over 100,000 overdose deaths a year. We delve into the evolving landscape of synthetic drugs and their growing threat to law enforcement. Brian also speaks about the need to change our approach to treating pain and the

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70:44

Part One - Navigating Corruption and Degradations in...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/31

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is the first part of a two-part

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26:24

Part Two - Terrorist Organizations or Criminal...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/31

In this episode, Michael speaks with Kevin Ofchus, - a former Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. DEA and is now CEO of Host Nation Perspectives of SouthWest Asia, as well as Associate Fellow at Narrative Strategies. His projects have covered a wide range of areas focused on countering Afghan insurgency and violent extremism via intelligence and counter-intelligence, threat finance, counter-terrorism, rule of law initiatives, and post-conflict stabilization. This is part two of a two part series

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49:41

Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Drug Abuse in the Next...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/23

In this episode, we delve into how drug abuse disproportionately affects young people in America. We discuss the devastating consequences of drug addiction, and how it can ruin lives and destroy families. We also explore the role that schools can play in preventing drug abuse and promoting a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. We speak with Rockwell “Rocky” Herron, Drug Abuse Prevention Ambassador and former DEA Agent. Since 2007, Rocky has delivered more than 700 presentations To over 140,000 students in

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41:51

Discussing the Effectiveness of Dialectical Behavior...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/17

As the debate around harm reduction continues, it is important to remember that there are mental health strategies those suffering from substance dependencies can use with the help of a professional. In this episode, Michael speaks with Shaudi Adel, Clinical Director at Centered Mind Therapy. The mission at Centered Mind Therapy is to connect clients with a provider that will help them discover healing and build a balanced life. Check out more about the program here: https://centeredmindtherapy.com/

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57:34

The Realities of Decriminalization - Is it a...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/09

In this episode, we are joined by Scott Silverman. Scott was was once a substance abuser near suicide. He has since turned his life around to become a crisis coach and family navigator, helping at risk individuals also turn their lives around. He is currently the CEO/Founder of Confidential Recovery and Author of The Opioid Epidemic. He is also the founder of second chance, a nonprofit human services agency that assists economically disadvantaged individuals and families, transforming their lives to

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65:57

Normalizing Drug Use, The Future of Legalization and...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/03

Today’s guest is Barbara Jacobs Fistanic, Clinical Director of the Outpatient Program at Harmony Place Drug Addiction Treatment Center. She has been part of the co-occurring mental health and addiction treatment fields since 1992 with various roles in Social Work. In this episode, she speaks with Michael and Jen about: How she’s seen substance abuse trends change throughout her careerThe difference between rehabilitation and harm reduction?How mental health relates to potential substance abuse

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22:15

A Conversation with Congressman Seth Moulton About...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2023/01/03

In this special episode, we are joined by Congressman Seth Moulton. Congressman Moulton is a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 6 Congressional District. He’s a Marine Corps Veteran who served four tours in Iraq, including two tours as a Platoon Commander and two tours as a Special Assistant to General David Petraeus. He ran for Congress in 2014 and today, sits on House Armed Services, Transportation and Infrastructure and Budget Committees. This episode covers: The Congressman’s 988 Suicide

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58:21

A Discussion about the Future of Pharmaceutical...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/27

As the conversation and practice of Psychedelic therapies and treatments becomes more commonplace, it is important to explore the potential impact the decriminalization and medical legitimization of these substances can have on our society. In this episode, we speak with Erica Siegal, Founder of NEST Harm Reduction & Consulting. Erica is a licensed clinical social worker, professional, harm reductionist community organizer and psychedelic assisted psychotherapist, Erica founded NEST Harm

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43:50

How Real-Time Drug Checking Programs Can Help Save Lives

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/13

This episode features Ashley Loveless. She has experience with syringe exchange programs, overdose prevention strategies, as well as state and federal policy and procedure development and works with various harm reduction programs in Colorado. Michael and Jen speak to Ashley about:Drug Checking - why it mattersThe technology that changed Ashley’s drug checking programThe efforts and importance of getting the Attorney General’s approval for Drug Checking Programs Check out Our Episode with Maggie

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36:58

Breaking Down the Debate Around Safe Injection Sites

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/12/07

With safe injection sites becoming more commonplace and government supported, we must have a discussion around the help and harm of these locations. In this episode, Jen and Michael discuss: Where do we draw the line on what an individual can use in these locations?Is there an “off ramp” designed with these safe injection sites?Reflecting on the Crack epidemic and its impact on the Black Community. Will history repeat itself due to these “safe sites?” The real long term effects of narcotics

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47:11

What is the Off-Ramp for a Harm Reduction Strategy?

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/11/22

In this episode, Micheal and Jen Speak with Dr. Sofia Georgoulias. Dr. Georgoulias is a clinical psychologist based out of New York. She has extensive experience treating patients with substance abuse issues, general mental health and harm reduction. She also has a direct line of sight into our legal system, specifically incarcerations, from her time working at Rikers Island.This episode covers:The research and rationale behind harm reduction strategiesThe long terms effectiveness of safe injection

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36:37

The Evolution of Narco Cartels Into Narco Insurgencies

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/11/08

By this time next year, the US is on track to pass over 200,000 unintentional Fentanyl overdoses. The problem is that our government has allowed the cartels of the ‘80s to metastasize into “Super Cartels.”In this episode of the Opioid Matrix, Michael and Jen talk about:The Rise of the Super CartelsIf there is a difference between Cartels and Insurgency GroupsWhat does the fallout of the competition between the cartels look like?How Narco-Chemistry has Evolved more Addictive drugs than ever before To

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67:07

An Open User’s Journey to Reform Drug Policy in...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/10/17

Today’s guest has founded a unique harm reduction center. In fact, what makes it unique is that it is the only openly drug user run syringe exchange in Tennessee.In this episode, Jen and Michael are joined by Daniel Patrick Garret, Founding Director of Tennessee Harm Reduction. THR is a community based organization operating at the intersection of Public Health, Drug User Advocacy and Drug Policy Reform.Join us as we discuss:Daniel’s journey through and perspective on non-abstinence based drug

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47:24

How Harm Reduction Strategies Serve as an Effective...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/10/10

Regardless of how many deterrent drug policies are put into place, some pills and substances always find their way through. In those cases, federal policies can only go so far. It’s time to take a deeper look at harm reduction strategies.In this episode, Michael and Jen are joined by Maggie Seldeen, Founder & Director of High Rockies Harm Reduction.In this episode they explore:A clear definition of Harm Reduction StrategiesHow Harm Reduction Strategies serve as a “Final Safety Net” when Drugs do get

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29:04

How the Largest Fentanyl Seizure in Australian...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/10/03

About a month ago, Australian Police busted the largest shipment of Fentanyl in the country’s history. Michael and Jen jump on the mic to discuss the implications of this bust and what this could mean in the larger geopolitical context.Join us as we discuss:The larger implications of this bust – Could this start a Fentanyl War?The upcoming Fentanyl production war between Chinese Triads and Mexican CartelsHow this ties into Michael’s DEA experience in Asia To make sure you never miss an episode of

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67:29

Why First Time Substance Users Are at a Higher Risk...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/09/26

In this episode, Michael Speaks with Jeff Johnston, Founder of The Living Undeterred Project.After losing his oldest son, Seth, to fentanyl poisoning in 2016, and later his wife, Prudence, to alcoholism in 2021, Jeff has dedicated his life to making a difference in the mental health and substance abuse space (source).Join us as we discuss:The purpose and impact of the Live Undeterred TourHow a co-strategy approach that includes both harm reduction and overdose prevention can be effectiveThe

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79:19

Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy on The Opioid...

The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole ·

2022/09/19

In this episode we are honored to be joined by Retired DEA Special Agent Steve Murphy.Steve Murphy is a retired DEA Special Agent involved in the successful manhunt for narcotics kingpin Pablo Escobar, and his story formed part of the backbone for the Netflix series Narcos. Mr. Murphy began his law enforcement career in his home state of West Virginia. In the mid 1980s he joined the DEA and was assigned to Miami, Florida, home to an exploding cocaine trade. In 1991 Mr. Murphy was transferred to

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