Episode Summary:
In this follow-up episode, I continue my conversation with investigative journalist and author Sam Quinones about the deeper roots of addiction—and how the unraveling of community has created fertile ground for despair, mental illness, and drug dependency. We revisit themes from Dreamland and The Least of Usbut widen the lens to include the impact of high-potency marijuana, the failure of many sober living homes, and the dangers of ignoring the lessons of the opioid crisis.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:– Why legalizing hyper-potent drugs are repeating the mistakes from Big Pharma & opioids– The critical role of community in addiction recovery– What “life repair” really looks like after detox– How to build local systems of care that work—from jails to transitional housing– The quiet power of discipline, music, and purpose in the face of chaos
Sam also gives us a preview of his upcoming book The Perfect Tuba—a surprising, moving meditation on finding fulfillment through hard work, collaboration, and the beauty of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.
This conversation reminded me that recovery isn’t just personal—it’s communal. And that the needs we try to deny may be the very things that can save us.
Join the Conversation:
We’d love to hear how you’ve seen the “Gift of Need” show up in your life. Share your story in the comments or leave a review. Please follow this podcast and rate it. Subscribe to my free newsletter to get future episodes and newsletters sent right to your inbox.
Music Credit:
Gabe Kubanda / Damn Plans (Instrumental) © 2021 Kubanda Music
