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, "Pain," which Andrea discusses with author Saundra Kelley.Saundra touts Sheila Kay Adams’ storytelling performance on the Library of Congress website, and Andrea spotlights a photographer’s upcoming book about Appalachia, “Black Diamonds.” See the CNN story: https://www.cnn.com/style/article/rich-joseph-facun-black-diamonds-swing/index.html In an interview, harm-reduction specialist Jakiera Stewart of Memphis talks about how she makes life safer for trans women of color who are also sex workers. Her email is Jakiera.henry01@gmail.com A final news note:Doctors continue to be a factor in distribution of highly addictive opioids in Appalachia. Two have been indicted in Kentucky. And, in another clinic with locations in Ohio, a CEO has been sentenced to 15 years in prison.
