Recorded in West Virginia coalfield country on #Cherokeeland, this podcast explores contemporary community and culture at ground zero of the opioid epidemic. Join host Andrea Brunais as she continues a lifelong career and passion of lifting up and amplifying marginalized voices and experiences. Diving into topics such as the Sacklers and contemporary urban harm reduction-going-rural, to regional colloquialisms like Pillbilly, this podcast prioritizes the lives and work of those on the front lines of this deadly epidemic. Brunais is a longtime writer, journalist and editor who discovered the astounding talent for poetry by the drug-dealing young author behind the book “Hillbilly Drug Baby: The Poems.” You’ll hear his words along with the voices of "opioid warriors" in Appalachia as well as those who are planting seeds of hope. In this episode: Jesse-Ray's poem, "Forgive Me," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley. In the Quick Share segment, Andrea recommends Saundra Kelley’s book on Appalachian storytellers.In an interview, Big John Isner of the Appodlachia podcast advocates for legalizing weed in all its aspects – growing and using. He explains why he wants his home state to hurry up and get it done. You can contact him at info@appodlachia.com A final news note: 2020 is on track to become a record-breaking year when it comes to fatal overdoses.
