Aced It

The Stories We Tell: Pop Culture

In this episode, I explore how pop culture, through movies, television, music, and social media, shapes the way we understand drug use and overdose. I highlight how these portrayals often simplify or distort reality, reinforcing stereotypes and stigma. The episode also examines how these narratives influence public opinion, policy responses, and individuals’ willingness to seek help. Ultimately, it emphasizes that the stories we consume do not just reflect reality; they actively shape it. Download the one-pager (PDF). [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6y6azz66z7j6stzq/NOG-S14E4_Pop_Culture_OnePager-dsr.pdf] This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Stories We Tell: Social Media

In this episode, I talk about how social media shapes the way people understand drugs, addiction, and overdose, highlighting both the risks and opportunities of these platforms. I break down how online spaces can spread stigma and misinformation, but also provide support, community, and harm-reduction information for people navigating substance use. I also explore how social media influences public narratives, and how it can be used more intentionally to share accurate information and improve responses to the overdose crisis. Download the one-pager (PDF). [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/zyvf26suyhn27hdq/NOG-S14E3_Social_Media_OnePager-dsr.pdf] This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Stories We Tell: News Media

In this episode, I talk about how news media shapes the stories we hear about drugs and overdose, and why that matters for public understanding and policy. I break down how media coverage determines which overdose stories get attention, how people and communities are portrayed, and how narratives can be amplified, even when they aren’t strongly supported by evidence. I also explore how advocates and people with lived experience can use media to challenge dominant narratives and push for more effective, compassionate responses. Download the one-pager (PDF). [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/q6yjbb68px4b4h3j/NOG-S14E2_News_Media_OnePager-dsr.pdf] This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Stories We Tell About Drugs and Overdose: Overview

In this episode, I introduce listeners to Season 14 of Aced It, and I talk about how stigma shapes the way we understand drugs, overdose, and addiction, and why the stories we tell about these issues matter. I break down what stigma is, how it operates, and how it influences everything from help -seeking to overdose risk and responses. I also explore how language and narratives can either reinforce blame and exclusion or promote compassion and effective policy solutions. Download the one-pager (PDF). [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gn3pdunnxpwnmcx9/NOG-S14E1_Overview_OnePager-dsr.pdf] This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.

Holistic Approaches

In the final episode this season, I explore holistic, non-pharmacological approaches to addressing opioid use disorder and overdose, including acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness-based therapies, nutrition, and exercise. I highlight evidence showing how these practices support traditional treatments by reducing stress, improving emotional regulation, alleviating pain, and lowering relapse risk.  Download the one-pager (PDF). [https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ectju4e8gzcfrd9f/S13-E10-Pager-Holistic-Approaches.pdf] This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.