The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

Latest Episodes:

From Crisis to Solution: A Round Table Conversation on Battling the Opioid Crisis Aug 08, 2023

Show notes

Join us for a special 50th episode of The Opioid Matrix as we bring together four leading experts in the field of mental health and substance addiction disorder: Dr. Sofia Georgoulias, Scott Silverman, Brian Townsend and Dr. Michael Miller. In this thought-provoking panel discussion, we delve into the complex issues surrounding addiction, drug use, treatment, and mental health.
Together, we explore the root causes of addiction and treatment options that can make a difference. Our expert guests, who specialize in different aspects of addiction issues, shed light on the shortcomings of current mainstream treatments, educational approaches, and the ongoing debate around decriminalization.
Join us at the virtual roundtable as our experts try to unravel the complexities of addiction and treatment. We strive to make progress by identifying effective strategies to reach those who are deeply affected by the opioid crisis.
Join us as we discuss:

Addiction’s causes and treatments available
Faults with current mainstream treatments
Making progress through education

Don't miss this milestone episode where insights from these leading voices in the field address the urgent need for action. Join us as we embark on a collective journey toward ending the drug crisis and paving the way for a healthier, more compassionate society.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

The Battle Against Transnational Crime: with Anthony Stephen Malone Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

In this gripping episode of The Opioid Matrix with Michael Brown, we continue our insightful conversation with former Intelligence agent and author, Anthony Stephen Malone. Join us for an eye-opening exploration of the global fight against transnational organized crime, as we delve into the realms of human trafficking and the growing militarization of drug cartels.Anthony sheds light on the urgent need to confront the evolving strategies employed by cartels and highlights their alarming connection to harboring and assisting known terrorists.
Join us as we navigate through these complex issues, seeking solutions to combat the ever-evolving world of transnational crime. Discover the courage and determination required to confront these challenges head-on, as we strive to dismantle the sinister networks that perpetuate human suffering and drug-related crises.
In this episode we will discuss:

World Wide Human Trafficking
The Sophistication of Modern Drug Smuggling Tactics
International Money Laundering Empowering Cartels
The Will to Stop Drug Cartels

Don't miss this thought-provoking episode, where Anthony Stephen Malone's expertise and insights shed light on the global battle to end human trafficking and confront militarized cartels.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Shifting Frontiers: Mexico's Drug Trade & National Security Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

The US war on terror has shifted — from Afghanistan and terrorism to Mexico and deadly drugs. The discussion on terrorism is calling for Mexican drug cartels to be reclassified as narco-terrorist organizations and fentanyl as a class one controlled substance.Kevin Ofchus, CEO at HNPSWA, former DEA special agent, and repeat guest joins us to help break down some of these issues. With years of hands-on experience at the forefront of the war on terror, Kevin dives into what differentiates today’s challenges from previous adversaries. Join us as we discuss:

Defining and addressing national security threats
Leveraging AI as a tool for tracking and fighting the opioid epidemic
Building a Blueprint for interagency collaboration for addressing threats

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

A Mother's Journey: Healing Trauma, Addiction, and Resilience with Lakeydra Houston Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Opioid Matrix, join host Michael Brown as he engages in a profound conversation with Lakeydra Houston, a veteran, advocate, coach and mother. As an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, Lakeydra opens up about her experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the challenging journey of mothering a son who battles addiction. With unwavering honesty, Lakeydra delves into the impact of her military service on her family, from the demands of active duty to the enduring effects of PTSD. She fearlessly shares her personal struggles, including guilt, shame, and the heart-wrenching journey through her son's addiction. As a true warrior and advocate, Lakeydra sheds light on the unique challenges faced by military families and emphasizes the vital importance of seeking help and support. She passionately advocates for open conversations surrounding mental health issues within the military, impressing the importance of veterans being able to seek help without damaging their reputation. Throughout the episode, Lakeydra discusses:

Talking to your children about the dangers of recreational drug use.
The dangers of normalizing drug abuse among young people.
The high cost of addiction treatment.
The significance of addressing emotional trauma to escape its grip.

Don't miss this compelling episode of The Opioid Matrix, where real stories shed light on the path to healing and recovery.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.

Battling Drug Smuggling and Protecting Local Communities with Lt. Christopher Olivarez Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

In this thought-provoking installment, we shed light on the collateral victims of the devastating fentanyl crisis and expose the criminals who prey on migrants. Join us for this eye-opening conversation with Lieutenant Christopher Olivarez, the spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Lieutenant Olivarez offers a stark and unfiltered look into the reality of drug smuggling at the US-Mexican border.
Prepare to confront the challenges faced by law enforcement in their relentless war on drugs. Gain insights into the shocking involvement of legitimate pharmacies in narco-trafficking, uncovering a dark underbelly that undermines public safety and exacerbates the crisis.
Join us as we navigate the treacherous landscape where drug smuggling intertwines with the fates of innocent lives. Together, let's forge a path toward understanding and explore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions in this ongoing battle against the opioid crisis.
Join us as we discuss:

The challenges law enforcement faces in the war on drugs
Legitimate pharmacies that participate in narco trafficking
How an unsecure border puts Americans at risk

From Oxycontin to Fentanyl: Addicting America Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Michael speaks with Pharmacist Mike. They discuss the effects of narcotics, such as oxycontin, heroin, and fentanyl, and the difficulty of breaking addiction.
This episode also touches on the American Pharmaceutical Industry's pricing power and the need for a balance between regulation and promotion for research and development.
To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

Understanding the Mind of an Addict, with Teresa Whitney Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Get ready to venture deep into the rabbit hole and emerge with a newfound perspective on the battle against addiction. Host Michael Brown welcomes Teresa Whitney, a drug counselor with a powerful personal story. From battling heroin addiction to becoming a beacon of hope, Teresa's years of experience bring a dynamic perspective on addiction and recovery from someone who has been through the trenches herself.
With an unwavering commitment to marginalized communities, Teresa sheds light on the unrelenting grip of addiction. Her life is a story of resilience, as she survived addiction and relapse before rediscovering herself in long-term recovery in her forties.
Join Michael Brown and Teresa Whitney as they delve into the heart of the matter, illuminating the far-reaching impact of addiction. Brace yourself for an episode brimming with personal triumphs, professional insights, and a relentless pursuit of understanding addiction to fuel outreach and recovery.
Join us as we discuss:

Relapse on the road to recovery
Holistic rehabilitation treatment
Working through trauma for sustainable recovery

Never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix; subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.
Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

300 lives a day: the perseverance to save lives with Derek Maltz Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

Every single day, 300 Americans lose their lives to drug overdoses. This is not just a statistic — it’s a tragedy that demands our attention.
In this episode, we hear a whirlwind conversation with Derek Maltz, who is a retired Special Agent who was in Charge of the DEAs Special Operations Division. Derek shares an inside account of the astonishing evolution of drug cartels into sinister multi-national criminal networks.
Through their storytelling and wealth of experience, Michael Brown and Derek Maltz deliver a poignant wake-up call, urging us to confront the true depths of this crisis.
Join us as we discuss:

The alliance between the Chinese Communist Party and Mexican Drug Cartels
International money laundering and counterintelligence
How and why drug trafficking strategies have evolved

Michael Fiore Turning Pain into Purpose Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

Today, recreational drug use poses a threat that was unimaginable twenty years ago. In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Fiore, a man who has survived the depths of addiction to find purpose in helping others. Now Fiore aims to inspire others to stay clean from drugs through the organization's Voices of Awareness and Facing Fentanyl. His story is about finding a way through the darkness of addiction into the light of recovery.
Join us as we discuss:

Breaking the generational cycle of addiction
The recovery community fighting on the front lines of the drug war
Thriving in recovery

Understanding Stimulant Use Disorder May 23, 2023

Show notes

Substance use disorders may be a societal problem the world over, but not all substances are the same — which means approaches to tackling the problem can’t be one-size-fits-all.In this episode, Jon Peeples, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Affect Therapeutic, joins to explain stimulant use disorder, its neurological effects and what makes treating it unique.We discuss:

The mental and physical components of stimulant use disorder
The reason for making a distinction between stimulant use disorder and substance use disorder
A doctor’s perspective on harm-reduction efforts like safe injection sites and decriminalization