Libsyn Directory

One Pill Can Kill

Release Date: 11/08/2023

Awkward Conversations

In this season finale, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy explore how creative expression—through art, music, dance, and storytelling—builds resilience and prevents substance misuse in kids. Joined by special guests John Lawler, award-winning director and arts education leader, and Dr. Steve Schlozman, Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Vermont Medical Center, this episode highlights the transformative power of creativity in fostering mental well-being, empathy, and connection. The conversation dives into the critical role arts education plays in schools and...

Building Resilience Through a Positive Mindset

Awkward Conversations

In this uplifting episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by renowned positive psychologist and best-selling author Niyc Pidgeon to explore the transformative power of a positive mindset in building resilience. Through practical tips, evidence-based insights, and inspiring stories, Niyc shares how parents can foster resilience and mental well-being in their families while helping their children develop the tools to face life’s challenges without turning to substances. Together, they delve into the science of positive psychology, strategies for creating a supportive home...

The Science of Addiction and How to Use It for Prevention

Awkward Conversations

In this episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy delve into the science of substance use disorders with Captain Christopher Jones, Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention at SAMHSA. CAPT Jones provides expert insights on how addiction impacts the brain, uncovering key risk factors and preventive strategies that empower parents to help their children make healthier choices. By understanding the medical aspects of addiction, this episode equips parents with tools to recognize early warning signs, reduce stigma, and support their children’s mental and emotional well-being....

Power of Relationships

Awkward Conversations

In this repurposed episode of Awkward Conversations, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy revisit a compelling conversation with Dr. Shefali, clinical psychologist, bestselling author, and advocate for conscious parenting. Dr. Shefali shares transformative insights into building strong parent-child relationships, offering practical strategies for fostering open communication, resilience, and trust. By creating a safe space for our children, parents can empower them to embrace their individuality and make healthy, substance-free choices. Guest Bio: Dr. Shefali is a clinical psychologist...

Building Resilience & Coping Skills in Kids

Awkward Conversations

In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by Mayim Bialik, actress, neuroscientist, and mom, along with child psychologist Dr. Peter Gray, to explore how parents can help children build resilience and develop essential coping skills. Mayim offers her unique perspective as both a neuroscientist and mom, while Dr. Gray shares his expertise in child development and the power of play. Together, they provide practical strategies for fostering confidence, emotional well-being, and independence in kids. Topics Covered: Practical tips for fostering resilience and coping skills in...

Body Image Issues & Substance Misuse

Awkward Conversations

In this important episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle the complex intersection of body image issues and substance misuse in teens. Joined by pioneering activist and media literacy expert Dr. Jean Kilbourne, they explore how body image struggles can lead to substance use, particularly in today’s culture of idealized media and social pressure. With insights from Dr. Kilbourne’s extensive research and advocacy, this episode dives deep into practical strategies for parents to help their children develop a healthy self-image and resilience against harmful influences. Topics...

Awkward but Essential – Having 'The Talk' About Substances

Awkward Conversations

In this best-of episode, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy tackle one of the most challenging yet essential topics for parents: having “The Talk” about drugs with kids. Joined by pediatrician Dr. Gary Kirkilas, youth drug prevention expert Ray Lozano, musician and The Voice winner Alisan Porter, and actor Greg Grunberg, the episode emphasizes the importance of ongoing, open conversations rather than a single daunting talk. The hosts and guests address real-life issues, from the impact of legalization and desensitization to youth drug use statistics. Parents are equipped with...

New Drivers, New Dangers

Awkward Conversations

In this best-of episode, New Drivers, New Dangers: Navigating Substance Use with Teen Drivers, hosts Jodie, Amy, and Rick share powerful strategies for guiding teens safely through the risks of driving, peer pressure, and substance use. As teens reach the milestone of driving, this episode equips parents with actionable tools to foster safe, responsible habits on the road and address the unique risks tied to adolescent brain development. From proactive preparation to fostering open discussions about substance use and impaired driving, our experts cover essential topics for supporting...

Use in LGBTQ+ Youth Communities

Awkward Conversations

In this episode of Awkward Conversations, Jodie Sweetin is joined by Mel Brown, LMFT, and actor/advocate Alec Mapa to discuss the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face and how families and communities can provide better support. In celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month, they explore the importance of creating safe, inclusive spaces and the role of social media, while highlighting ways to promote mental health and acceptance. Key Takeaways: Mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth Increased risk of substance use and prevention strategies The importance of safe, inclusive environments The...

Bullying and Pressure: The Hidden Triggers

Awkward Conversations

In this episode, Jodie Sweetin and clinical psychologist Dr. Krystal Lewis (NIMH) are joined by anti-bullying advocate and author Jodee Blanco. Together, they dive into the emotional toll of bullying and how it can lead to substance use, sharing insights during Anti-Bullying Week. Key Takeaways: Bullying can trigger drug use, isolation, and self-doubt. There are various types of bullying: physical, verbal, and social. Parents should document incidents, promote empathy, and encourage kindness. Open communication and listening are crucial in supporting kids. Tune in for actionable advice on...

More Episodes

In "One Pill Can Kill”, hosts Jodie Sweetin and Amy McCarthy are joined by two distinguished guests who shed light on the perilous world of fake pills and fentanyl. Rich Lucey, a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section, brings invaluable expertise in drug misuse prevention and education. Joe Bozenko, a Senior Research Chemist at DEA’s Special Testing and Research Laboratory, is a global authority in investigating synthetic drug manufacturing.

Rich and Joe delve into the chilling potency of fentanyl and its profit-driven motivations, emphasizing the challenges in distinguishing these dangerous pills, even for professionals. They highlight the shift toward obtaining pills through social media, revealing the dire need for awareness and action.

The episode also tackles how parents can initiate critical conversations with their children about this looming danger, emphasizing the importance of information over scare tactics. Real-life stories underscore the gravity of the situation, while strategies for parental protection and community-based solutions are explored. Throughout the episode, Joe and Rich's expertise guides the discussion, providing essential insights into this pressing issue.

Key Takeaways:

The "One Pill Can Kill" campaign underscores the dangers of fake pills.
Fentanyl and fake pills are explained, highlighting the hidden perils within fake medications.
Identifying fake pills is a significant challenge due to their visual similarity to genuine ones.
Illicit labs play a role in producing dangerous pills, requiring rigorous quality control efforts.
The motivations behind adding harmful substances to pills are driven by demand and profit.
Online prescriptions can be risky, and their easy access through telehealth and social media is concerning.
Parents are encouraged to engage in meaningful, fact-based conversations with their children about these dangers.

Jodie Sweetin is an actress, author, and advocate, best known for her role as Stephanie Tanner on the iconic sitcom "Full House" and its sequel "Fuller House". In 2009 she penned her memoir, "unSweetined", which chronicles her journey through addiction and into recovery. With her frank and open approach, Jodie has emerged as a compelling speaker and advocate who now seeks to use her platform and experiences to educate others and reduce the stigma associated with addiction and recovery. @jodiesweetin

Amy McCarthy, LICSW, is a Director of Clinical Social Work at Boston Children's Hospital’s Division of Addiction Medicine. She has been working in the Adolescent Substance Use and Addiction Program since 2019. @amymccarthylicsw

Rich Lucey is a senior prevention program manager in the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Community Outreach and Prevention Support Section. Rich plans and executes educational and public information programs, evaluates program goals and outcomes, and serves as an advisor to the Section Chief and other DEA officials on drug misuse prevention and education programs. Rich formerly served as special assistant to the director for the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, and worked as an education program specialist in the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools.

Joe Bozenko is a Senior Research Chemist with the DEA’s Special Testing and Research Laboratory at Dulles, Virginia and a Scientific Advisor to DEA’s Special Operations Division. He’s been with the DEA for 23+ years and investigates synthetic drug manufacturing around the world. Mr. Bozenko has processed some of the largest methamphetamine laboratories in the world, traveled extensively, and has authored and presented many reports and peer-reviewed scientific articles pertaining to the clandestine synthesis and analysis of controlled substances. Mr. Bozenko is closely involved with science-related officer safety and leads DEA’s handheld instrumentation testing and evaluation. In addition to this, Mr. Bozenko has also been instrumental in the development of the DEA’s High-Hazard Level ‘A’ Clandestine Laboratory Response Training Program. Mr. Bozenko is also charged with the specialized analysis of selected fentanyl, methamphetamine, and MDMA samples, both domestic and international, for intelligence purposes. Mr. Bozenko holds both Baccalaureate and Master’s Degrees in Chemistry and is an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry at Shepherd University. Mr. Bozenko also holds a patent, jointly with Harvard University, on the Archimedes Magnetic Levitation System. Mr. Bozenko has been featured on television, periodicals and in Sam Quinones’ new book The Least of Us: True Stories of American and Hope in the Times of Fentanyl and Meth.

Elks: As a 150-year-old organization, they are 100% inclusive with a membership of close to 1 million diverse men and women in over 2,000 Lodges nationally, and while they consider themselves faith based, they are nondenominational and open to all creeds. The Elks have always prided themselves on civic duty, and the Elks Drug and Alcohol Prevention (DAP) program is the nation's largest all volunteer Kids Drug & Alcohol Use Prevention program. The Elks are also strong supporters of our brave men and women in the military, having built and donated the nation's first VA Hospital to the U.S. government. The Elks have donated more than $3.6 billion in cash, goods, and services to enrich the lives of millions of people!

DEA: The United States Drug Enforcement Administration was created in 1973 by President Nixon after the government noticed an alarming rise in recreational drug use and drug-related crime. A division of the Department of Justice, DEA enforces controlled substances laws by apprehending offenders to be prosecuted for criminal and civil crimes. DEA is the largest and most effective antidrug organization in the world, with 241 domestic locations in 23 field divisions and 93 international field divisions in 69 countries.