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2 episodes with ben westhoff
2 episodes with ben westhoff
2 episodes with ben westhoff
3 episodes with ben westhoff
3 episodes with ben westhoff
2 episodes with ben westhoff
3 episodes with ben westhoff
2 episodes with ben westhoff
2 episodes with ben westhoff
Today, we look at what could be the start of a trade war between the US and China. After postponing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, President Trump has introduced a 10% tax on all goods imports from China. Early this morning Beijing announced it would impose a retaliatory 10% levy, albeit on fewer products. Adam is joined by Laura Bicker, the BBC's China Correspondent and Cindy Yu from the Spectator's Chinese Whispers podcast. Plus, Adam speaks to journalist Ben Westhoff about the fentanyl crisis in America and why President Trump had cited it as the reason behind raising taxes on Mexican, Canadian and Chinese goods. You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers. You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
In 2023, 107,543 Americans died from an overdose—over 75 thousand of those overdosed from fentanyl. This is almost double the number of people who died in car accidents or from gun homicides that year. Fentanyl has been cut into heroin for years, but now is often mixed into meth and cocaine, fueling rising death counts for those drugs, a troubling development, considering that Americans are much more likely to try meth and cocaine than heroin. In Canada, the numbers are similarly astronomical, and fentanyl deaths have marched upward in Australia and many European countries as well. Ten years ago, fentanyl and its analogues overtook heroin to become the deadliest drug in Sweden. “Fentanyl is the game changer,” Special Agent in Charge James Hunt of the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) told Vice News. “It's the most dangerous substance in the history of drug tracking. Heroin and cocaine pale in comparison to how dangerous fentanyl is.” Ben Westhoff is a best-selling investigative journalist focused on drugs, culture, and poverty. His book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the bombshell first book about fentanyl. Since its publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department.
Ben Westhoff looks at the legal sales of potentially dangerous illicit drugs at gas stations/quick marts. He joins Debbie Monterrey and Tom Ackerman.
Dr. Carl Hart is a neuroscientist at Columbia University who researches drugs and their effects on the human brain. After decades of research, Hart concluded that drugs aren't nearly as dangerous as we're taught to believe. Since then, he's published best-selling books like "High Price" and "Drug Use for Grown Ups" that share his findings on drug and also his personal history of drug use, including his current use of h*roin. In this episode, he shares his views about overcounted drug deaths, morphine vs. heroin, adderall vs. meth, the opioid crisis myth, Prohibition, the crack cocaine epidemic that never was, and so much more. As is tradition on We The 66, we like to hear a range of viewpoints. After our conversation with Ben Westhoff, the author of "Fentanyl Inc.," we thought it would be valuable to hear an alternative viewpoint. 0:00 - Preview 0:01:35 - Carl Hart intro 0:03:15 - CARL HART INTERVIEW 0:04:10 - Carl Hart's story 0:10:00 - Opioid crisis a myth? 0:22:55 - Truth about addiction 0:26:56 - American to do drugs? 0:37:25 - Myth of Anthony Bourdain 0:40:10 - Politicization of drugs 0:48:25 - Who shouldn't take drugs? 0:56:20 - Drug trials with illegal drugs 1:02:36 - Carl on Kamala Harris 1:08:21 - BACKEND SEGMENTS 1:10:30 - Watch Read Listen 1:16:48 - Frost trivia 1:22:00 - Farewell Max F's "Watch Read Listen" recommendation: https://www.amazon.com/Vietnam-Tragedy-1945-1975-Max-Hastings/dp/0062405667 Max T's "Watch Read Listen" recommendation: https://www.city-journal.org/article/the-march-of-dimes-syndrome Please comment your thoughts / questions or email us at wethe66@rocanews.com.
It's hard to fathom the scale of the United States' fentanyl crisis: In 2023, more Americans died from fentanyl overdoses than in the Iraq, Afghanistan, and Vietnam Wars – combined. In the same year, more Americans died from fentanyl overdoses than from car crashes, gun homicides, drowning, and choking – combined. And in 2023 alone, more Americans died from fentanyl than could fill the Kansas City Chiefs' Arrowhead Stadium for a playoff game. In order to better understand how we reached this point and what we can do now, we talked to Ben Westhoff, the author of "Fentanyl Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic." Fueled by questions from the Roca community (which we gathered on Instagram), we had a wide-ranging conversation on fentanyl that covered its history, lethality, supply chain, US infrastructure, offshoots, and more. Ben also shared the story of when he visited a Chinese chemical manufacturer, posing as a fentanyl producer himself. He learned how the Chinese companies make the fentanyl precursors and how the Chinese government incentivizes their production. You can buy Fentanyl Inc. right here: https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-C... Please make sure to subscribe to this channel for more important conversations like this one and to help us get better guests. Unless, of course, you want to stay in your echo chamber. For any questions or feedback, email us at wethe66@rocanews.com.
The US has been grappling with an opioid crisis for decades, but the problem has been exacerbated by the arrival of fentanyl – a synthetic drug 50 times more potent than heroin. What roles do China and India play in the global illicit fentanyl trade? Post correspondent Khushboo Razdan and independent investigative journalist Ben Westhoff walk us through their reporting. For more on this: https://sc.mp/8c9626
The US has been grappling with an opioid crisis for decades, but the problem has been exacerbated by the arrival of fentanyl – a synthetic drug 50 times more potent than heroin. What roles do China and India play in the global illicit fentanyl trade? Post correspondent Khushboo Razdan and independent investigative journalist Ben Westhoff walk us through their reporting. For more on this: https://sc.mp/8c9626
I talk to journalist Ben Westhoff about his work covering the overdose crisis and gun violence. To support this podcast and my work, you can go to: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/ioangrillo or www.crashoutmedia.com
Season 5 has launched and this week we are doing it, we are breaking down and discussing the East Coast/ West Coast rap rivalry. We'll take you from the beginning, where a few dis-tracks from small artists sparked a rap battle, all the way through the Source Awards and straight to the untimely deaths of two prolific artists. If you haven't already done so, go back and listen to, or head over to YouTube and watch, our precursor interview with investigative journalist Ben Westhoff. Find more about Ben Westhoff by CLICKING HERE! www.TheMixTapeShow.com is the place to check out our Playlists, Interviews and more! Why have you not joined us online? Seriously, our Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are all the places you can interact. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1373722583092349 Instagram: The_Mix_Tape_Podcast https://instagram.com/the_mix_tape_podcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Twitter: The_Mix_Tape_Pod TikTok- Mixtapepod https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRSG8CVm/ Call us at 513-437-2377 or He Rad 77 Check out our Sponsors www.Bustedtees.com and at checkout enter the code JASON25945 to receive a pretty sweet discount! Don't forget to drop us a review. It helps a ton! You can help the show by donating to our Buy Me a Coffee: The Mix Tape is Weekly Pop Culture Podcast (buymeacoffee.com) "Pop Culture News" "Pop culture trivia" "Pop Culture Moments" "Music" "80s Music artists" "90s Music" "90s Music artists" 2000s Music" "80s Rock" "80s Rap" "90s Rock" "90s Rap" "90s Techno" "2000s Rap" "Industrial" "Rock" "90s Music hits" "80s Music hits" "One hit wonders" "Movie reviews" "Weird movies" "recasting movies" “Celebrity Interviews” “Pop Culture” “Alternative” “Alt Rock” “Music facts” “Music History” “Rock History” Gansta Rap, East Coast, West Coast, Tupac, Notorious BIG, Dre, Suge Knight, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dog, 90's Rap, Ben Westhoff, Original Ganstas, Death Row Records, Bad Boy Records, Junior Mafia, Source Awards, Keefee D, Tim Dog Gansta Rap, East Coast, West Coast, Tupac, Notorious BIG, Dre, Suge Knight, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dog, 90's Rap, Ben Westhoff, Original Ganstas, Death Row Records, Bad Boy Records, Junior Mafia, Source Awards, Keefee D, Tim Dog --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixtapepod/message
Today we are sharing a sort of warm up for our Season 5 opener (which will be going out tomorrow). This is our interview with Investigative Journalist and best-selling author Ben Westhoff. Ben wrote one of the biggest-selling hip-hop books of all time! Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur, and the Birth of West Coast Rap. Ben spent over 5 years researching, interviewing and reporting and his book is a definitive history of West Coast gangsta rap, revealing how a group of then-unknown rappers, such as Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Tupac Shakur, grappled with rivalries, crime, drugs, gangs, racism and bad record deals to create and define the sound of a generation. We have an in depth discussion with Ben regarding the infamous East Coast/ West Coast rivalry and get his opinion on what really happened. Stay Tuned as tomorrow we will be releasing the official season opener with our deep dive into the East Coast/ West Coast rap feud. Find more about Ben Westhoff by CLICKING HERE! www.TheMixTapeShow.com is the place to check out our Playlists, Interviews and more! Why have you not joined us online? Seriously, our Twitter (X), Instagram, TikTok and Facebook are all the places you can interact. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1373722583092349 Instagram: The_Mix_Tape_Podcast https://instagram.com/the_mix_tape_podcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Twitter: The_Mix_Tape_Pod TikTok- Mixtapepod https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRSG8CVm/ Call us at 513-437-2377 or He Rad 77 Check out our Sponsors www.Bustedtees.com and at checkout enter the code JASON25945 to receive a pretty sweet discount! Don't forget to drop us a review. It helps a ton! You can help the show by donating to our Buy Me a Coffee: The Mix Tape is Weekly Pop Culture Podcast (buymeacoffee.com) "Pop Culture News" "Pop culture trivia" "Pop Culture Moments" "Music" "80s Music artists" "90s Music" "90s Music artists" 2000s Music" "80s Rock" "80s Rap" "90s Rock" "90s Rap" "90s Techno" "2000s Rap" "Industrial" "Rock" "90s Music hits" "80s Music hits" "One hit wonders" "Movie reviews" "Weird movies" "recasting movies" “Celebrity Interviews” “Pop Culture” “Alternative” “Alt Rock” “Music facts” “Music History” “Rock History” Gansta Rap, East Coast, West Coast, Tupac, Notorious BIG, Dre, Suge Knight, Puff Daddy, Snoop Dog, 90's Rap, Ben Westhoff, Original Ganstas, Death Row Records, Bad Boy Records, Junior Mafia, Source Awards, Keefee D, Tim Dog --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mixtapepod/message
Ben Westhoff is a best-selling investigative journalist focusing on culture, drugs, and poverty. Ben's book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic was the culmination of a four-year investigation into the worst drug crisis in American history, an investigation that included Ben making an undercover visit to Chinese drug factories. His latest book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for Truth tells the story of Ben's search for his little brother's killer. Ben is currently working on a documentary, Antagonist, about naltrexone, an opioid treatment medicine that some have called a “wonder drug.” Ben joins the show to discuss the failure of the War on Drugs, the role played by Big Pharma, how he speaks to his children about drugs, what most Americans misunderstand about poverty, and MUCH more. Important Links: Ben's Website Drugs + Hip-Hop Newsletter Antagonist Documentary Teaser Show Notes: The Worst Drug Crisis in World History How China and Fentanyl Are Connected Why Can't the USA Stop This? The Failure of the War on Drugs; Better Solutions Vivitrol: a Wonder Drug? Finding Better Ways to Care For the Vulnerable Free Markets & Big Pharma How Ben Speaks to His Children About Drugs Innovation & Stigmatization How Harm Reduction Can Help What Has Happened to San Francisco? Could Decriminalization Work? Ben's Hunt For His Little Brother's Killer What Most Americans Misunderstand About Poverty; How Listeners Can Help How Ben's Documentary Can Help Ben as Emperor Of The World MORE! Books Mentioned: Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic; by Ben Westhoff Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for Truth; by Ben Westhoff Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap; by Ben Westhoff Thank You For Smoking; by Christopher Buckley
Investigative Reporter, and author of Fentanyl, INC, Ben Westhoff joins Megan and Debbie in studio discussing fentanyl and the dangers of it.
Isn't it bad business to kill your own customers? In part one of our answer to this question, we talk to reporter Ben Westhoff, who helps us understand how Fentanyl became a street drug in the first place. He'll share recordings taped in a Chinese Fentanyl lab, and explain why some dealers might want to poison their own customers with the drug. If you have questions or comments about this episode, or if you'd like to support the show, head to our newsletter. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Fentanyl is killing at least seventy thousand Americans a year. It's a synthetic drug, it's up to 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. It's also the biggest cause of death for Americans aged between 18 and 45: more than gun crime, more than road accidents. But where is that supply of Fentanyl to America coming from? And why are people taking it, when it's so dangerous? And are there any solutions to this deadliest of epidemics? In today's episode we speak to our Latin America correspondent, Guillermo Galdos, about the rare access he gained inside the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, where he witnessed the mass production of Fentanyl. We also hear from journalist Ben Westhoff, who has spent years investigating the world of synthetic drugs in America and he explains why this crisis will get worse - even reaching the UK, before it gets better. Producer: Freya Pickford
Links from the show:* Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic* Connect with Ben* Ben's substack* Never miss an episode* Rate the showAbout my guest:Ben Westhoff is a best-selling investigative journalist, speaker, and filmmaker focused on drugs, culture, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world.Westhoff's Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for Fresh Air and Joe Rogan, and has written about the fentanyl crisis for The New York Times, The Atlantic, the Los Angeles Times, and many others. Since the book's publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department. He now speaks at conferences and summits around the country about the opioid crisis, and is the 2023 Norman E. Zinberg Memorial Lecture awardee from Harvard Medical School.His new book Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth tells the story of his relationship with Jorell Cleveland, his longtime mentee in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. When Jorell was murdered at age 19, and the case went cold, Ben used his skills as an investigative journalist to find the killer. It's a three-year investigation set in the northern suburbs of St. Louis that uncovers a heartbreaking cycle of poverty, poor education, drug trafficking, and violence. The Common Reader calls it “important and a must-read.”Westhoff's 2016 book Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap is one of the best-selling hip-hop books of all time. It received raves from Rolling Stone and People, and a starred review in Kirkus. S. Leigh Savidge, Academy Award nominee and co-writer of Straight Outta Compton said it "may be the best book ever written about the hip hop world."Westhoff's work has appeared in The New York Times, the Library of Congress, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Daily Beast, New York, Forbes, Vice, Oxford American, Pitchfork, and others. He's been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Entertainment Journalism Awards, Religion Newswriters Association, Best Music Writing, Best of Southern Food Writing, L.A. Press Club, and the Missouri Press Association.He has been interviewed as an expert commentator for CNN, BET, A&E, and ITV, and is the former L.A. Weekly music editor and Voice Media Group Senior music editor. He's a contributor to the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, and his 2011 book on southern hip-hop, Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop continues to be a strong backlist title. Get full access to Dispatches from the War Room at dispatchesfromthewarroom.substack.com/subscribe
Jeff Lohse and his attorney Ben Westhoff join Tom Ackerman and Debbie Monterrey talking about Jeff not knowing about a non compete clause in his contract with his former employer.
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist and author of the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Crisis. He is a foremost expert on the drug's history, distribution, abuse, and treatment. For the book he traveled the world interviewing users, dealers, scientists, treatment experts, law enforcement agents, and political leaders, and was the first journalist to infiltrate a Chinese fentanyl lab.Since publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Ambassador to China, the DEA, and the State Department. He was interviewed for full, dedicated episodes of Fresh Air and the Joe Rogan Experience, has written about the fentanyl crisis for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and the Los Angeles Times, and was a subject of a National Geographic channel documentary. He has been an expert commentator for CNN, NPR, BBC, and CBC.Now, Westhoff appears around the world as a keynote speaker at summits, conferences, university forums and other events, from Baltimore to Las Vegas to Mexico City. His presentations include never-published media from his infiltration of Chinese drug operations and street-level fentanyl reporting in America. His talks focus on all aspects of the fentanyl crisis, from addiction to recovery, from law enforcement tactics to harm reduction efforts, from the drug's creation to its future.Westhoff shows how fentanyl became the worst drug crisis in American history, and what we can do about it.Websitebenwesthoff.comBookFentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic
My special guest tonight is author Ben Westhoff, who's here to discuss the deadliest opioid ever created, causing instant death in adults, children, and even infants. About the book:A remarkable four-year investigation into the dangerous world of synthetic drugs―from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. to harm reduction activists in Europe―which reveals for the first time the next wave of the opioid epidemicA deeply human story, Fentanyl, Inc. is the first deep-dive investigation of a hazardous and illicit industry that has created a worldwide epidemic, ravaging communities and overwhelming and confounding government agencies that are challenged to combat it. “A whole new crop of chemicals is radically changing the recreational drug landscape,” writes Ben Westhoff. “These are known as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and they include replacements for known drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. They are synthetic, made in a laboratory, and are much more potent than traditional drugs”―and all-too-often tragically lethal.Drugs like fentanyl, K2, and Spice―and those with arcane acronyms like 25i-NBOMe― were all originally conceived in legitimate laboratories for proper scientific and medicinal purposes. Their formulas were then hijacked and manufactured by rogue chemists, largely in China, who change their molecular structures to stay ahead of the law, making the drugs' effects impossible to predict. Westhoff has infiltrated this shadowy world. He tracks down the little-known scientists who invented these drugs and inadvertently killed thousands, as well as a mysterious drug baron who turned the law upside down in his home country of New Zealand. Westhoff visits the shady factories in China from which these drugs emanate, providing startling and original reporting on how China's vast chemical industry operates, and how the Chinese government subsidizes it. Poignantly, he chronicles the lives of addicted users and dealers, families of victims, law enforcement officers, and underground drug awareness organizers in the U.S. and Europe. Together they represent the shocking and riveting full anatomy of a calamity we are just beginning to understand. From its depths, as Westhoff relates, are emerging new strategies that may provide essential long-term solutions to the drug crisis that has affected so many.Follow us on InstagramFollow us on Facebook It's super easy to access our archives! Here's how: iPhone Users:Access Mysterious Radio from Apple Podcasts and become a subscriber there, or if you want access to even more exclusive content, join us on Patreon. Android Users:Enjoy over 800 exclusive member-only posts to include ad-free episodes, case files, and more when you join us on Patreon. Please copy and Paste our link in a text message to all your family members and friends! We'll love you forever! (Check out Mysterious Radio!)
My special guest tonight is author Ben Westhoff who's here to discuss the deadliest opioid ever created causing instant death in adults, children and even infants. Get his book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic on Amazon. A remarkable four-year investigation into the dangerous world of synthetic drugs―from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. to harm reduction activists in Europe―which reveals for the first time the next wave of the opioid epidemicA deeply human story, Fentanyl, Inc. is the first deep-dive investigation of a hazardous and illicit industry that has created a worldwide epidemic, ravaging communities and overwhelming and confounding government agencies that are challenged to combat it. “A whole new crop of chemicals is radically changing the recreational drug landscape,” writes Ben Westhoff. “These are known as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and they include replacements for known drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. They are synthetic, made in a laboratory, and are much more potent than traditional drugs”―and all-too-often tragically lethal. Drugs like fentanyl, K2, and Spice―and those with arcane acronyms like 25i-NBOMe― were all originally conceived in legitimate laboratories for proper scientific and medicinal purposes. Their formulas were then hijacked and manufactured by rogue chemists, largely in China, who change their molecular structures to stay ahead of the law, making the drugs' effects impossible to predict. Westhoff has infiltrated this shadowy world. He tracks down the little-known scientists who invented these drugs and inadvertently killed thousands, as well as a mysterious drug baron who turned the law upside down in his home country of New Zealand. Westhoff visits the shady factories in China from which these drugs emanate, providing startling and original reporting on how China's vast chemical industry operates, and how the Chinese government subsidizes it. Poignantly, he chronicles the lives of addicted users and dealers, families of victims, law enforcement officers, and underground drug awareness organizers in the U.S. and Europe. Together they represent the shocking and riveting full anatomy of a calamity we are just beginning to understand. From its depths, as Westhoff relates, are emerging new strategies that may provide essential long-term solutions to the drug crisis that has affected so many. Request To Join Our Private Community Visit our home on the web: https://www.mysteriousradio.com Follow us on Instagram @mysteriousradio Follow us on TikTok mysteriousradioTikTok Follow us on Twitter @mysteriousradio Follow us on Pinterest pinterest.com/mysteriousradio Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/mysteriousradio Mysterious Radio is starting a spin off podcast called Paranormal Fears! If you love to hear a sh*t load of in-depth interviews that are ONLY about supernatural phenomena this is your home! New shows are being produced now and will start releasing at the end of this month! Follow 'Paranormal Fears' on any podcast app or Apple Podcasts. Check Out Mysterious Radio! (copy the link to share with your friends and family via text Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How the Chinese and the Mexicans are deliberately killing Americans; not that this book will come out and admit it. And of what should be done about it. The written version of this review can be found here. We strongly encourage, in these days of censorship and deplatforming, all readers to bookmark our main site (https://www.theworthyhouse.com). You can also subscribe for email notifications. The Worthy House does not solicit donations or other support, or have ads.
Author Ben Westhoff is back to speak about his latest book Little Brother
The best-selling author and award-winning investigative journalist discusses his new book, "Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth". Check out Ben's site for more: https://www.benwesthoff.com/
I'm joined this week by the awesome Ben Westhoff, author and investigative journalist behind the powerful "Fentanyl Inc". Ben has been a powerful force in uncovering how the fentanyl epidemic has gotten to where it's at currently. Everything from researching it's origins to going undercover at a factory in China. Ben offers insight into not only the current state of affairs, but also in what we can expect to see moving forward unless real policy changes occur. Be sure and check out www.benwesthoff.com for info on Fentanyl Inc as well as all the other wonderful works he produces! Link to 12 Strides and 12 Group Norms for Liberty and Recovery: https://www.amazon.com/12-Strides-Norms-Liberty-Recovery-ebook/dp/B0B1GV7FR7 Thank y'all so much for tuning in and we will see y'all next week! Big love!
Hour 3: Mark Reardon welcomes Milwaukee talk show host shares on his article that debunks every major mass shooting myth. Then, Ben Westhoff, author of "Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth." joins Mark to share his story of his Little Brother who was shot and killed. Later, Mark shares the Audio Cut of the Day.
Ben Westhoff discusses his relationship with Jorell Cleveland, with whom he was paired by Big Brothers Big Sisters — and his quest for the truth about Cleveland's life and death after the 19-year-old was murdered in north St. Louis County.
I have had the honour to interview Ben Westhoff about his 4 year research into latest opioid epidemic which at the time of writing has caused in excess of 100000 deaths in the United States. A deeply human story, Fentanyl, Inc. is the first deep-dive investigation of a hazardous and illicit industry that has created a worldwide epidemic, ravaging communities and overwhelming and confounding government agencies that are challenged to combat it. “A whole new crop of chemicals is radically changing the recreational drug landscape,” writes Ben Westhoff. “These are known as Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and they include replacements for known drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and marijuana. They are synthetic, made in a laboratory, and are much more potent than traditional drugs”—and all-too-often tragically lethal. Drugs like fentanyl, K2, and Spice—and those with arcane acronyms like 25i-NBOMe— were all originally conceived in legitimate laboratories for proper scientific and medicinal purposes. Their formulas were then hijacked and manufactured by rogue chemists, largely in China, who change their molecular structures to stay ahead of the law, making the drugs' effects impossible to predict. Westhoff has infiltrated this shadowy world. He tracks down the little-known scientists who invented these drugs and inadvertently killed thousands, as well as a mysterious drug baron who turned the law upside down in his home country of New Zealand. Westhoff visits the shady factories in China from which these drugs emanate, providing startling and original reporting on how China's vast chemical industry operates, and how the Chinese government subsidizes it. Poignantly, he chronicles the lives of addicted users and dealers, families of victims, law enforcement officers, and underground drug awareness organizers in the U.S. and Europe. Together they represent the shocking and riveting full anatomy of a calamity we are just beginning to understand. From its depths, as Westhoff relates, are emerging new strategies that may provide essential long-term solutions to the drug crisis that has affected so many. Ben Westhoff is a St. Louis-based, award-winning investigative reporter who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Created the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the bombshell first book about the fentanyl epidemic. Westhoff has become the go-to expert on the subject of fentanyl and new drugs, sought out for consultation by top government officials, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the U.S. State Department. He has appeared on full dedicated episodes of NPR's Fresh Air and the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. His next book Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search For the Truth (Hachette Books, May 2022) focuses on his investigation into the death of his long-time mentee in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. His previous book Original Gangstas is the definitive work on West Coast hip-hop. He has also written for The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, and the Guardian. https://www.benwesthoff.com/ #opioids #addiction #recovery #opioidcrisis #opioidepidemic #heroin #addictionrecovery #drugs #opioidaddiction #opioid #fentanyl #secondchance #reentry #overdose #naloxone #addictiontreatment #harmreduction #secondopinion #advice #recovering #soberlife #recoveryjourney #twelvesteps #substanceabuse #sobriety #recovery #recoveryispossible #alcoholism #addictionawareness
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/public-policy
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/law
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/drugs-addiction-and-recovery
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist whose best-selling 2019 book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Press, 2019), was one of the first to take fentanyl seriously as both a social phenomenon and a national threat. Since its release, Westhoff has become a policy expert, advising top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, and continuing to follow the story on his Substack account. The author of two previous nonfiction books and numerous articles in outlets like the Atlantic, The Guardian, and the Wall Street Journal, Westhoff's fourth book, Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth comes out this spring. Emily Dufton is the author of Grass Roots: The Rise and Fall and Rise of Marijuana in America (Basic Books, 2017). A drug historian and writer, her second book, on the development of the opioid addiction medication industry, is under contract with the University of Chicago Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/medicine
We made it! One full year of podcasting in the books. Of course ANYTHING Covid was gobbled up by our listeners. In fact the top 10 episodes were ALL Covid related- no surprise. Tim says that his way of thinking about the scientific process and validity of medical data and studies has been demolished after his favorite episode: #25: Follow the Herd with Dr. Harvey Risch May thinks the Fentanyl Series is a must listen! Go back and catch up on Episode Episode #9, 10 and 11. Here how our friends were personally affected by the Fentanyl Epidemic. Then listen to journalist Ben Westhoff share his crazy journey posing as a drug dealer to infiltrate Chinese drug labs. The best foil of our careers: Episode #13 ( fittingly, lol): A Special Launch Party! It was released April 1, need we say more! Special shoutout to Episode #28 with Dr. Marcy Larson: Losing a Child. This is a MUST listen for everyone. How to face loss and death, we all could do a better job whether in the professional or personal setting. It's gut wrenching but invaluable. So many more favorites, but here are yours: 1: Episode #18 with Dr. Peter McCullough: Early Covid Treatment 2: Episode #19: Sinking the Needle with Dr. Peter McCullough 3: Episode #40: Covid Vaccines and Kids- Dr. Paul Alexander 4. Episode #36: Covid 09/21 5. Episode #37: Vaccines- Good, Bad and Ugly Favorite NonCovid Episode: #9 - Fentanyl, The Personal Cost Favorite Dr. As Patient Episode: #22- When the Oncologist Gets Cancer Favorite Doctales Episode: #21- Heroes and Zeroes- Covidiots Part 2 Favorite Blooper: Well you tell US? There is usually one at the very end of every episode, lol! We are super excited for another great year! Thanks for making our dream hobby a reality! We LOVE our listeners. Keep emailing us and send us your ideas: doc@bsfreemd.com Sponsor: It could be YOU! It should be YOU! Jump on board the BS Free train and get the word out about your service, product or message! Our Advice! Everything in this podcast is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine and we are not providing medical advice. No Physician-patient relationship is formed and anything discussed in this podcast does not represent the views of our employers. The Fine Print! All opinions expressed by the hosts or guests in this episode are solely their opinion and are not to be used as specific medical advice. The hosts, May and Tim Hindmarsh MD, BS Free MD LLC, or any affiliates thereof are not under any obligation to update or correct any information provided in this episode. The guest's statements and opinions are subject to change without notice. Thanks for joining us! You are the reason we are here. If you have questions, reach out to us at doc@bsfreemd.com or find Tim and I on Facebook and IG. Please check out our every growing website as well at bsfreemd.com (no www) GET SOCIAL WITH US! Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreemd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bsfree
Summary:We talk with Ben Westhoff — award winning reporter and author of Fentanyl, Inc — about LSD on a mountain hike, hip hop artist arrest records, and magic mushrooms at a work conference.Highlights:— NUGGET AND A NOODLE: Toronto votes to decriminalize all drugs; are transcendent experiences simply a chemical reaction for Darwinian evolution (0:35)— Ben's relationship with East Coast hip-hop (2:38) — Research on the Opioid epidemic (3:09)— Challenging parts of the book writing process (5:47)— What surprised Ben about hip-hop culture (7:02) — Celebrities changing attitudes as they grow older (9:25)— Why LSD is arguably safer than Water (12:05)— How LSD gives Ben profound confidence (14:31)— Why LSD's production should be standardized (21:55)— Teaser from his upcoming book Little Brother: Love Tragedy and My Search for the Truth (22:21)— SOUL SEARCH: Ben's three favorite rappers of all time... (24:55)Ben Westhoff:He is a best-selling, award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world. His new book Little Brother: Love, Tragedy, and My Search for the Truth (May 24, 2022, Hachette Books) details his search for the man who killed Jorell Cleveland, Westhoff's longtime mentee in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Part memoir, part true crime, it's a three-year investigation set in the northern suburbs of St. Louis that uncovers a heartbreaking cycle of poverty, poor education, drug trafficking, and violence. Westhoff's 2019 work Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for Fresh Air and Joe Rogan, and published an excerpt in The Atlantic. Since the book's publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department. Westhoff's 2016 book Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap is one of the best-selling hip-hop books of all time. It received raves from Rolling Stone and People, and a starred review in Kirkus. S. Leigh Savidge, Academy Award nominee and co-writer of Straight Outta Compton said it "may be the best book ever written about the hip hop world."Westhoff's work has appeared in the Library of Congress, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, New York, Forbes, Playboy, Vice, Oxford American, Pitchfork, and others. He's been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Entertainment Journalism Awards, Religion Newswriters Association, Best Music Writing, Best of Southern Food Writing, L.A. Press Club, and the Missouri Press Association. He has been interviewed as an expert commentator for CNN, BET, A&E, and ITV, and is the former L.A. Weekly music editor and Voice Media Group Senior music editor. He's a contributor to the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, and his 2011 book on southern hip-hop, Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop was a Library Journal best seller.Find Ben here:https://www.benwesthoff.com/
Percy Menzies, founder of Assisted Recovery Centers of America, and Ben Westhoff, author of “Fentanyl, Inc.” discuss how fentanyl is fueling record-high overdose deaths and what we can do to help people affected by it.
MEET DELIC is almost upon us! For our appreciation of listening to this podcast, use code RADIONAUT for 20% off General Admission. Head over to www.meetdelic.com to get your tickets! Carl Hart, PhD is a professor of neuroscience and psychology at Columbia University. He is known for his research in drug abuse and drug addiction and he has a new book out, Drug Use for Grown-Ups: Chasing Liberty in the Land of Fear. You're going to hear Dr. Hart talk live at Meet Delic 2021, but before that, we sat down with him to get a first-hand account of his ongoing thesis. That the greatest damage from drugs flows from their being illegal, and a hopeful reckoning with the possibility of their use as part of a responsible and happy life. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world. His new book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history.
Ben Westhoff is an investigative journalist and author. In 2019, he published "Fentanyl, Inc.", the definitive story of the Fentanyl drug trade and its effects on American culture. During our conversation, Ben talks about his reasons for writing the book, where fentanyl is made and how it enters America, the pervasiveness and dangers of fentanyl to society, and what might be done to add a measure of safety to people at risk from its toxicity.------------Support this podcast via VenmoSupport this podcast via PayPalSupport this podcast on Patreon------------Show notesLeave a rating on SpotifyLeave a rating on Apple PodcastsListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube------------(00:00) Intro(04:41) Ben shares what got him interested in studying fentanyl(06:59) The role of China in the distribution of fentanyl in American society(11:50) Is it technically correct to say that although fentanyl export is illegal, its ingredients can be exported?(12:40) Where are we currently in terms of the death rates or the effects of fentanyl in society? Is it as bad as it ever was?(14:19) How are people affected by the drug?(17:29) What percentage of street drugs, including cocaine or heroin, has fentanyl laced within it?(18:39) How would you advise people to mitigate some of the risks of fentanyl(20:50) Do we know if fentanyl-laced drugs are more common in certain regions of the country?(24:09) What are your thoughts on India potentially taking over as a potential leader in the production of fentanyl?(25:54) What prompted Ben to do firsthand research on fentanyl?(30:06) Why did Ben decide to put himself at risk for the sake of his research?(31:54) Ben talks about his book, "Fentanyl Inc."(34:47) Ben shares the possible ways to improve the situation(37:07) Ben discusses if there is any city, state, or country, that is dealing with the use of the drug in the most rational way(38:59) Has Ben changed his mind on anything after publishing his book?(41:21) The legal ways in which fentanyl is used in the medical context(43:49) What do people taking substances like fentanyl experience?(45:38) What are the substances that people in our culture should be looking out for as a potential risk for having fentanyl in it?(48:09) Ben shares his interests and next steps
Will Edelstein aka “Jewish Sauce Boss” is a Medical Marijuana and Cannabis Expert, Advocate, and Consultant. His company, Jewish Sauce Boss, has two main services: Cannabis Education and Medical Marijuana Card Procurement for Medical Marijuana patients across Pennsylvania. ***TIMESTAMPS*** 5:56 - How Will “Jewish Sauce Boss” Edelstein got into Marijuana; The lack of a level playing field in having to advocate for weed when alcohol doesn't have same requirement; The Endocannabinoid System; CBD & THC counter activity; Harry Anslinger and the origins of anti-weed propaganda 24:22 - Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 Drugs; Why we're still far off normalization and mass adoption of legalized weed; Government Lobbyist problems preventing Marijuana Legalization; CBD Drinks; Medical Marijuana cards in Pennsylvania; Requirements to become a Medical Marijuana doctor 49:27 - Federal Law vs State Law for Marijuana; The racial problems with Marijuana laws; NJ Weed Man and his dispensary in Trenton 1:15:59 - Alcohol companies' direct investment into Cannabis; Will talks about his previous life working in the Casino Business; The health questions surrounding smoking weed; Marijuana DUI Discussion 1:35:39 - The Black Market dangers and Fentanyl; Discussing Joe Rogan Experience #1379 and author Ben Westhoff's book, Fentanyl, Inc.; Corporations & Marijuana; The problem with banning things like Marijuana in society; Black Market Supply Chain Problems across different Drugs; The Hamas - Cocaine Story from Politico 1:53:09 - The hypocrisy behind ShaCarri Richardson's Olympic ban for a positive Marijuana test; Will tells a story about a positive Marijuana test in his first job; Julian tells a story about the time he got caught with a Fake ID in college; Will talks about his mom's work as an inner city school teacher for 30 years; The balance of personal responsibility and society's responsibility to help underserved communities 2:29:14 - Steve Jobs changed everything; The rise of MDMA & Psilocybin Mushrooms; Rampant Cocaine use across society 2:47:19 - Psychedelic Legalization debate; The use of drugs to treat severe mental health problems ~ YouTube EPISODES & CLIPS: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0A-v_DL-h76F75xik8h03Q ~ Get $100 Off The Eight Sleep Pod Pro Mattress / Mattress Cover: https://eight-sleep.ioym.net/trendifier Julian's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey ~ Beat provided by: https://freebeats.io Music Produced by White Hot
We're talking about the history of West Coast gangsta rap with reporter Ben Westhoff. Ben is the best selling author of "Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap," and "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic."
We're talking about the history of West Coast gangsta rap with reporter Ben Westhoff. Ben is the best selling author of "Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap," and "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic."
In 2019 Ben Westoff released the book Fentanyl, Inc., in which he details his undercover trip to Wuhan, China, where he blew the lid off of China's clandestine drug war on the West. The massive success of this book landed him not only a best seller but also a spot on the Joe Rogan Experience, a writing gig for The Atlantic, and a spot amongst the visible figures of the harm reduction movement alongside people like Dr Carl Hart. If it weren't for COVID, Fentanyl, Inc. may have been the most important book of 2020. Now that COVID is over, the fentanyl epidemic has gotten worse. Today we talk with Ben Westhoff about his journey, his philosophy on drugs, and his unexpected success as a harm reduction icon and advocate. Ben Westhoff's website: https://www.benwesthoff.com/ Get an Odysee account. If you use our invite link (and validate your email address, even a fake one), we'll both get free LBC (which you can use to donate to your favorite creators.): https://odysee.com/$/invite/@cave_time Live every Saturday, 2:30 pm EST on Odysee/LBRY: https://odysee.com/@cave_time Join the new Discord: https://discord.gg/EpNt9cGHjf YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSLMTube Twitter: https://twitter.com/cave_time Any podcast platform: search "The Cave of Time"
This week we continue our interview with Ben Westhoff , author of Fentanyl Inc. This week we hear about how he created an online persona on the dark web and managed to infiltrate a Chinese drug lab while posing as a drug dealer! Talk about immersing yourself fully into your work! We discuss his harrowing experience and touch on where we are going with the “war on drugs”, possible options for the future, what other countries do that has worked and more. Ben's book details the emergence of fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances not just in the US but around the world. His book is a must read! If you missed the first half of the interview last week, go back and catch up! Don't forget to reach out to Larry Keller of Physician Financial Services for your disability insurance needs @doctorpodcastnetwork.com/larrykeller LINKS: Ben Westhoff: https://www.benwesthoff.com Fentanyl, Inc: https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-Chemists-Creating-Deadliest/dp/080212743 Physician Finance Services: www.doctorpodcastnetwork.com/larrykeller. Stay in the loop with us: Thanks for joining us! You are the reason we are here. If you have questions, reach out to us at doc@bsfreemd.com or find Tim and I on Facebook and IG.Please check out our every growing website as well at : bsfreemd.com (no www) GET SOCIAL WITH US! Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreemd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bsfree If you prefer to listen on Spotify → Click here! If you are an Apple Podcast listener → This link is for you! Don't forget to Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts!
We have touched on Fentanyl and the opioid epidemic. This week we interview Ben Westhoff , author of Fentanyl Inc. Westhoff has become the go-to expert on the subject of fentanyl and new drugs. His credits include consultation with top government officials, including the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the U.S. State Department. He has been a guest on The Joe Rogan Experience and NPR Ben's extensive research involved tapping into the history and stories of various chemists, drug makers, drug dealers and criminals in the field. He went so far as creating an online persona on the dark web and then managed to infiltrate a Chinese drug lab while posing as a drug dealer! Say what??! Ben's book details the emergence of fentanyl and other novel psychoactive substances not just in the US but around the world. His book is a must read, but you will love the first half of our interview with him here today. And if you are a physician who needs help with your medical billing or business systems- call MedEvolve today! LINKS: Ben Westhoff: https://www.benwesthoff.com Fentanyl, Inc: https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-Chemists-Creating-Deadliest/dp/080212743 MedEvolve: www.doctorpocastnetwork.com/medevolve Stay in the loop with us: Thanks for joining us! You are the reason we are here. If you have questions, reach out to us at doc@bsfreemd.com or find Tim and I on Facebook and IG. Please check out our every growing website as well at : bsfreemd.com (no www) GET SOCIAL WITH US! Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/bsfreemd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bsfree If you prefer to listen on Spotify → Click here! If you are an Apple Podcast listener → This link is for you! Don't forget to Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts!
The National Committee held a virtual program on February 24, 2021 with Dr. Vanda Felbab-Brown and Mr. Ben Westhoff, moderated by Ms. Emily Feng, who discussed the current status of the opioid epidemic, bilateral efforts to curb the supply of fentanyl in the United States, and the prospects for progress moving forward.
Fentanyl is a synthetic drug that has killed Americans in a way no other drug ever has. Ben Westhoff is an investigative journalist and author of Fentanyl Inc. In this episode, Will and Ben discuss the dangers of the drug, the lack of media interest, the connection to China, and then propose solutions.
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world.His new book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. It has received glowing reviews and was included on many year-end best lists. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for Fresh Air and Joe Rogan, and published an excerpt in The Atlantic. Since the book’s publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department.His previous book Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap is one of the best-selling hip-hop books of all time. It received raves from Rolling Stone and People, and a starred review in Kirkus. S. Leigh Savidge, Academy Award nominee and co-writer of Straight Outta Compton said it "may be the best book ever written about the hip hop world."Westhoff's work has appeared in the Library of Congress, The Atlantic, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, NPR, Rolling Stone, Forbes, Playboy, Vice, Oxford American, Pitchfork, and others. He's been honored by the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Entertainment Journalism Awards, Religion Newswriters Association, Best Music Writing, Best of Southern Food Writing, L.A. Press Club, and the Missouri Press Association.He has been interviewed as an expert commentator for CNN, BET, A&E, and ITV, and is the former L.A. Weekly music editor and Voice Media Group Senior music editor. He's a contributor to the Smithsonian Anthology of Hip-Hop and Rap, and his 2011 book on southern hip-hop, Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop was a Library Journal best seller.
Topics: Biggie death, Erykah Badu, Eve's Bayou, Miss Evers' Boys (Bonus Artist: Luck Pacheco) Notes 1997 1. President: Bill Clinton 2. Feb -A Santa Monica jury finds former football legend O.J. Simpson is liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman. 3. Feb - North Hollywood shootout: Two heavily armed bank robbers conflict with officers from the Los Angeles Police Department in a mass shootout. 4. Feb - Miss Evers' Boys airs on HBO. It is a made-for-TV adaptation of David Feldshuh's eponymous 1992 stage play, and was nominated for eleven Emmy Awards and won four, Outstanding Made for Television Movie / Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie – Alfre Woodard / Editing / Cinematography 5. Mar - Brooklyn rapper The Notorious B.I.G. is killed in a drive-by shooting in Los Angeles at age 24 before the release of his second album Life After Death. The album was released on March 25. 6. Mar - In San Diego, California, 39 members of Heaven's Gate, a UFO religious cult, commit mass suicide. 7. Apr - The Ellen episode, "The Puppy Episode" is broadcast on ABC, showing for the first time the revelation of a main character as a homosexual. 8. May - U.S. President Bill Clinton issues a formal apology to the surviving victims of the Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male and their families. 9. Jun - During the Evander Holyfield vs. Mike Tyson II boxing match in Las Vegas, Mike Tyson bites off part of Evander Holyfield's ear. 10. Jun - The base version of the standard WiFi was released 11. Aug - Diana, Princess of Wales died in hospital after being injured in a motor vehicle accident in a road tunnel in Paris. 12. Sep - www.google.com is registered by Google. 13. Nov - Mary Kay Letourneau is sentenced to six months imprisonment in Washington after pleading guilty to two counts of second-degree child rape. Letourneau gave birth to her victims' child and the leniency of her sentence was widely criticized.[3] 14. Nov - The Emergency Broadcast System is replaced by the Emergency Alert System and it continues to this day. - "This is a test. This station is conducting a test of the Emergency Broadcast System. This is only a test." 15. Open Comments: 16. Top 3 Pop Songs 17. #1-"Something About the Way You Look Tonight" / "Candle in the Wind 1997", Elton John 18. #2-"Foolish Games" / "You Were Meant for Me", Jewel 19. #3-"I'll Be Missing You", Puff Daddy featuring Faith Evans and 112 20. Record Of The Year, Sunny Came Home - Shawn Colvin 21. Album Of The Year, Time Out Of Mind - Bob Dylan 22. Song Of The Year, Sunny Came Home - Shawn Colvin Colvin) 23. Best New Artist, Paula Cole 24. Best Female R&B, On & On - Erykah Badu 25. Best Male R&B, I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly 26. Best R&B Duo Or Group, No Diggity - Blackstreet 27. Best R&B Song, I Believe I Can Fly - R. Kelly 28. Best R&B Album, Baduizm - Erykah Badu 29. Best Rap Solo, Men In Black - Will Smith 30. Best Rap Duo Or Group, I'll Be Missing You - Puff Daddy & Faith Evans Featuring 112 31. Best Rap Album, No Way Out - Puff Daddy & The Family 32. Top 3 Movies 33. #1-Titanic 34. #2-The Lost World: Jurassic Park 35. #3-Men in Black 36. Notables: Rhyme & Reason, Gridlock'd, Rosewood, Good Burger, Def Jam's How to Be a Player, Hoodlum, Kiss the Girls, Gang Related, Boogie Nights, The Devil's Advocate, Good Will Hunting, Jackie Brown, Love Jones, B*A*P*S, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Booty Call, Donnie Brasco, Soul Food, Gang Related, 37. Open Comments: 38. Top TV Shows 39. #1-Seinfeld 40. #2-ER 41. #3-Veronica's Closet 42. Debuts, The Chris Rock Show 43. Open Comments: 44. Economic Snapshots 45. Income = 37.5 (Previously 36.3K) 46. House = 124k (118.2) 47. Car = 17k (16.3) 48. Rent = 576 (554) 49. Harvard = 28.9 (27.5) 50. Movie = 4.59 (4.42) 51. Gas = 1.22 (-) 52. Stamp = .32 (-) 53. Social Scene: Death of Christopher George Latore Wallace, aka ‘Biggie Smalls,’ ‘The Notorious B.I.G,’ or ‘Biggie,’ 54. Childhood & Early Life: Born on May 21, 1972 in Brooklyn, New York, to Voletta Wallace and Selwyn George Latore. His mother was a Jamaican preschool teacher and his father was a politician and welder. His father left the family when he was two years old. He attended the ‘Queen of All Saints Middle School’ where he excelled in English, won many awards, and was given the nickname ‘Big.’ because of his weight, around the age of 10 (1982). He started dealing drugs as early as 12 while his mother went out for work, and she says he adapted a ‘smart-ass’ attitude, while attending high school, but he was still a good student. He dropped out of school at 17 (1989) and gradually got involved in criminal activities. Shortly after dropping out, he was arrested on weapon charges and was sentenced for probation of five years. He was again arrested in 1990 for violating his probation and again a year later for drug dealing in North Carolina. He stayed in jail for nine months. 55. Career: As a teen, he began exploring music and performed with local groups, such as ‘Techniques’ and ‘Old Gold Brothers.’ He made a casual demo tape titled ‘Microphone Murder’ under the name ‘Biggie Smalls.’ The name was inspired from his own stature as well as from a character of a 1975 film ‘Let’s Do it Again.’ The tape was promoted by Mister Cee, a New York based DJ and was heard by the editor of ‘The Source.’ In March 1992 (@19), he was featured in the ‘Unsigned Hype’ column of ‘The Source,’ magazine. Shortly thereafter, he was signed by ‘Uptown Records’. In 1993, when Sean 'Puffy' Combs, a producer/A&R with ‘Uptown Records’ was fired, Biggie Smalls signed with Combs’ ‘Bad Boy Records.’ In August, 1993 (@21), he had his first child T’yanna. To financially support his daughter, he continued to deal drugs. Also in 1993, he worked on the remix of Mary J. Blige’s ‘Real Love.’ While working for ‘Real Love,’ he used the pseudonym ‘The Notorious B.I.G.,’ the name he used for the rest of his career. He followed up with another remix of Blige's ‘What’s the 411’. He debuted as a solo artist in the 1993 film ‘Who’s the Man?’ with the single ‘Party and Bullshit.’ 56. As a solo artist he hit the pop chart in August 1994 (@22) with ‘Juicy/Unbelievable.’ His debut album ‘Ready to Die’ was released in September, 1994, peaked at number 15 on the Billboard 200 and was subject to critical acclaim and soon a commercial success. Three singles were released from the album: "Juicy", "Big Poppa", "One More Chance". "Big Poppa" was a hit on multiple charts, peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100 and also being nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 1996 Grammy Awards. At a time when West Coast hip hop was dominating the mainstream, this album became a huge success, making him a prominent figure in the East Coast hip hop scene. [Side Note: 2 months later in November, Tupac was shot five times in a NYC recording studio]. In July 1995 (@23), the cover of ‘The Source’ magazine featured him along with the caption ‘The King of New York Takes Over.’ 57. Recording of his second album, ‘Life After Death,’ began in September 1995 but was interrupted due to injuries, hip hop disputes, and legal squabbles (much like his friend Tupac). He was in a car accident which hospitalized him for three months. He had to complete rehabilitation and was confined to a wheelchair for a period. The car accident had shattered his left leg and made him dependent on a cane. He was arrested outside a nightclub in Manhattan in March, 1996 (24), for manhandling and threatening to kill two of his fans who were seeking autographs, and again in the middle of the year, he was arrested from his home at Teaneck, New Jersey, for possessing weapons and drugs. On September 7, 1996, Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas, Nevada, and he died six days later. Rumors of Biggie Smalls’ involvement in Shakur’s murder were doing the rounds and were reported immediately. In January 1997, he faced an order to pay 41k for a dispute that occurred in May 1995 where a concert promoter’s friend accused him and his entourage of beating him up. 58. Death: In February 1997, he went to Los Angeles to promote his upcoming album ‘Life After Death’ which was scheduled for March 25th release. On March 7, 1997, he attended the 1997 ‘Soul Train Music Awards’ and presented an award to Toni Braxton. On March 8, he attended the after party at ‘Peterson Automotive Museum,’ hosted by ‘Quest Records’ and ‘Vibe’ magazine. While leaving the party, his truck stopped at a red light, and a black Chevy Impala pulled up alongside it. The Impala's driver, an unidentified African-American man dressed in a blue suit and bow tie, rolled down his window, drew a 9 mm blue-steel pistol, and fired at Wallace's car. Four bullets hit Wallace, and his entourage subsequently rushed him to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where doctors performed emergency procedures, but he was pronounced dead at 1:15 a.m. He was 24 years old. 59. 16 days after his murder, his double disc album ‘Life After Death’ was released. The album peaked at No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts, ultimately went 11× Platinum, was nominated for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Solo Performance for its first single "Hypnotize", and Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for its second single "Mo Money Mo Problems" at the 1998 Grammy Awards. In 2012, the album was ranked at No. 476 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of "The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. Biggie has been described as ‘the savior of East Coast hip hop’ by some and ‘greatest rapper of all time’ by others. 60. Tupac and Biggie Best Frenemies: Biggie's first single, “Party and Bulls**t” came out in 1993. By that year, Tupac was already a platinum-selling artist, so Biggie asked a drug dealer to introduce him to Tupac at a Los Angeles party, according to the book 'Original Gangstas...' by Ben Westhoff. An intern who worked with Biggie recalled the meeting. “'Pac walks into the kitchen and starts cooking for us. He's in the kitchen cooking some steaks,”. “We were drinking and smoking and all of a sudden ‘Pac was like, ‘Yo, come get it.’ And we go into the kitchen and he had steaks, and French fries, and bread, and Kool Aid and we just sittin’ there eating and drinking and laughing...that's truly where Big and ‘Pac’s friendship started.” There was mutual respect between the two and Biggie would crash on Tupac’s couch when he was in California and Tupac would always stop by Biggie’s neighborhood when he was in New York. In essence, they were like any other pair of friends and both of them respected the other's talent. At the 1993 Budweiser Superfest at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, they freestyled together. Biggie often turned to Tupac for advice in the business, and even asked him to manage his career. But Tupac advised him to, "stay with Puff. He will make you a star.” 61. The first big fallout happened when they were scheduled to work on a project together for another rapper, Little Shawn. Tupac arrived at Times Square’s Quad Recording Studios on November 30, 1994, and was getting ready to head upstairs to where Biggie and Combs were. But instead, Tupac was gunned down in the lobby and shot five times. Tupac reportedly believed that Biggie had prior knowledge of the attack and that he also knew who was behind it. "He really thought when he got shot the first time, not that Big set it up or anything, just Big didn't tell him who did it," Tupac's friend and Naughty by Nature frontman Treach told MTV News in June 2010. "In his heart, he was like, 'The homie knows who did it.' Biggie might have wanted to just stay out of it, like, 'I don't know nothing.' [Tupac] was like, 'Yo, man, just put your ear to the street. Let me know who hit me up.'" Despite Tupac's claims, Biggie remained adamant that he had been loyal to his friend. "Honestly, I didn't have no problem with [Tupac]," Biggie previously said. "I saw situations and how sh*t was going, and I tried to school [Tupac]. I was there when he bought his first Rolex, but I wasn't in the position to be rolling like that. I think Tupac felt more comfortable with the dudes he was hanging with because they had just as much money as him." 62. Still, Tupac's suspicions were only heightened when Biggie released "Who Shot Ya?" a month after Tupac's attack. Biggie claimed that he wrote the song "way before Tupac got shot," but the rapper took it as Biggie's confession. "Even if that song ain't about it, you should be, like, 'I'm not putting it out, 'cause he might think it's about him,'" Tupac said in an interview with Vibe while incarcerated for an unrelated charge. 63. When Tupac joined Death Row Records, the East Coast-West Coast rivalry was cemented. While Tupac was incarcerated for another incident, he came to believe Biggie knew about the attack ahead of time. The west coast rapper reached out to Suge Knight, who offered him a place on his Death Row Records roster. Tupac accepted, cementing the rivalry between Knight's label and Combs’ Bad Boy Records. “Any artist out there that wanna be an artist, stay a star, and won’t have to worry about the executive producer trying to be all in the videos, all on the records, dancing—come to Death Row!” Knight proclaimed at that 1995 Source awards show. 64. There was never proof that Biggie or Combs knew about the incident. But a couple of months later, Biggie’s B-side single was a track called “Who Shot Ya?” which led to Tupac’s response with the song, “Hit ‘Em Up.” In it, Tupac claimed he slept with Biggie’s wife, Faith Evans. According to Vibe, Evans denied the claim, saying, “That ain’t how I do business.” 65. Open Comments: 66. Question: What Notable deaths hit you pretty hard? [Aaliyh/Al Jarreau/Andre Harrell/Areatha Franklin/Bernie Mack/Bill Withers/Bob Marley/Chadwick Boseman/Diahann Carroll/Donny Hathaway/Eazy-E/Florence Ballard/Florence Griffith Joyner/Fred “Curly” Neal/Heavy D/Jam Master Jay/Jimi Hendrix/John Lewis/John Singleton/John Thompson/Kobe Bryant/Left Eye/Little Richard/Malcolm X/Martin Luther King, Jr./Micgael Jackson/Muhammad Ali/Mya Angelou/Ol' Dirty Bastard/Otis Redding/Prince/Sam Cooke/The Notorious B.I.G./Toni Morrrison/Tupac/Walter Payton/Whitney Houston] 67. Music Scene: Black Songs from the top 40 68. #3-"I'll Be Missing You", Puff Daddy featuring Faith Evans and 112 69. #4-"Un-Break My Heart", Toni Braxton 70. #5- "Can't Nobody Hold Me Down", Puff Daddy featuring Mase 71. #6-"I Believe I Can Fly", R. Kelly 72. #7-"Don't Let Go (Love)", En Vogue 73. #8-"Return of the Mack", Mark Morrison 74. #13- "For You I Will", Monica 75. #14-"You Make Me Wanna...", Usher 76. #16-"Nobody", Keith Sweat featuring Athena Cage 77. #20- "Mo Money Mo Problems", The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Puff Daddy and Mase 78. #23-"No Diggity", Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre 79. #24-"I Belong to You (Every Time I See Your Face)", Rome 80. #25-"Hypnotize", The Notorious B.I.G. 81. #26-"Every Time I Close My Eyes", Babyface 82. #27-"In My Bed", Dru Hill 83. #30-"4 Seasons of Loneliness", Boyz II Men 84. #31-"G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.", Changing Faces 85. #32-"Honey", Mariah Carey 86. #33-"I Believe in You and Me", Whitney Houston 87. #34-"Da' Dip", Freak Nasty 88. #37-"Cupid", 112 89. Vote: 90. Top RnB Albums 91. Jan - The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, Makaveli 92. Mar - Baduizm, Erykah Badu 93. Mar - The Untouchable, Scarface 94. Apr - Life After Death, The Notorious B.I.G. 95. May - Share My World, Mary J. Blige 96. Jun - God's Property from Kirk Franklin's Nu Nation 97. Jun - Wu-Tang Forever, Wu-Tang Clan 98. Aug - Supa Dupa Fly, Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott 99. Aug - No Way Out, Puff Daddy and the Family 100. Aug - The Art of War, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony 101. Sep - Ghetto D, Master P 102. Oct - When Disaster Strikes, Busta Rhymes 103. Oct - Evolution, Boyz II Men 104. Nov - The Firm: The Album, The Firm feat. Nas, Foxy Brown, Nature and AZ 105. Nov - Harlem World, Mase 106. Nov - The 18th Letter, Rakim 107. Nov - Unpredictable, Mystikal 108. Dec - Live, Erykah Badu 109. Dec - R U Still Down? (Remember Me), 2Pac 110. Vote: 111. Music Scene: Erykah Badu, Queen of Neo-Soul 112. Childhood & Early Years: Born as Erica Abi Wright on February 26, 1971 in Dallas, TX. Her father spent a considerable period in jail, vanished altogether in 1975, and only returned twenty years later. Her mother, a much respected actress in the local theatre, raised the children with the help of her own mother and her mother-in-law. Erica spent a lot of time with these ladies while her mother was busy on the stage. Erica was born the eldest of 3. Although they were comparatively poor Erica never realized that because everything was neat and clean. Despite the absence of her father, she had a very happy childhood, surrounded by uncles, aunts, grandmothers and cousins. Her mother imbibed in her daughters a love for music, playing the songs of Chaka Khan, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder to them. Erica inherited her mother’s artistic traits and a desire to perform. She would often sing in front of the mirror pretending that she was a background singer for Chaka Khan. She would also make her grandmother sit up and watch her while she sang, danced and acted. In 1975, Erica first appeared on stage, performing with her mother at Dallas Theatre Centre and by seven, she started learning to play the piano. Her favorite song was ‘The Greatest Love of All’. Another important aspect of her character was that from her childhood she loved to be in control of the situation around her. Therefore, when it was time for elementary schooling, she refused to continue her education there, mainly because she found that in school she was no longer in control. She began her formal education at a grade school, where her talent was quickly recognized. In her First Grade, she appeared in ‘Annie’, skipping and singing the song ‘Somebody Snitched On Me.’ During the summer vacations, she sang at the choir of the First Baptist Church, honing her choral skills.Along with acting and singing, little Erica also began to expand her cultural horizon, attending different festivals, especially Harambee Festival in South Dallas, slowly developing an interest in African culture and dress. The tall headgear she would wear one day originated from these visits. 113. In 1980, she was enrolled in a dancing troupe. Later she also learned formal ballet. By 1982, she had also started rapping. When it was time to attend high school, she chose Dallas' Booker T. Washington High School, an arts-oriented magnet school. While studying there she rejected what she considered to be a slave name, changing the spelling of Erica to Erykah and replacing Wright with Badu. After graduating from high school, she enrolled at the Grambling State University, a historically black institution in Grambling, Louisiana, studying theatre until 1993. Thereafter, she returned to Dallas without completing her degree, mainly to concentrate on music. 114. Career: In 1993, Erykah Badu started her career as a music teacher in Dallas. For a time, she also taught drama and dance at South Dallas Cultural Centre. To augment her income, she also served as waitress. She also formed a hip-hop duo with her cousin Robert Free Bradford, calling it ‘Erykah Free’. Very soon, they started going on musical tours and earning local opening slots. Her big chance came when in 1994 (@23), Erykah opened a show for D’Angelo. Through him, she caught the attention of Kedar Massenburg, an American record producer and founder of Kedar Entertainment. Impressed, he set her up to record a duet, ‘Your Precious Love' with D'Angelo. In 1995, she signed a contract with Kedar Entertainment and moved to Brooklyn. In January 1996, she made her debut with ‘On & On’, which remained at the number-one position on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for two weeks. In 1996, Erykah also recorded her debut album, ‘Baduizm’. Released on February 11, 1997 by Kedar Records, The Grammy award-winning album received universal acclaim from critics, who not only praised the musical style of the album, but also her ‘artistic vision’, establishing her position as the torchbearer of soul music. Her next album, ‘Live’ was a live album released on November 18, 1997, barely a month after the release of its lead single, ‘Tyrone’. It was also a huge hit and reached number four on the US Billboard 200 and number one on the US Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. While ‘Live’ was being recorded Badu was pregnant with her first child. After its release, she took some time off to raise her child, not returning until 1999. 115. Open Comments: 116. Question: What is neo-soul and why don’t I like it? 117. Movie Scene:Eve’s Bayou, Written and directed by Kasi Lemmons; produced by Caldecot Chubb and Samuel L. Jackson - Starring: Samuel L. Jackson (Louis Batiste), Jurnee Smollett (Eve Batiste), Lynn Whitfield (Roz Batiste), Debbi Morgan (Mozelle Batiste Delacroix), Vondie Curtis Hall (Julian Grayraven), Meagan Good (Cisely Batiste) and Diahann Carroll (Elzora). 118. Review #1: “...As these images unfold, we are drawn into the same process Eve has gone through: We, too, are trying to understand what happened in that summer of 1962, when Eve's handsome, dashing father--a doctor and womanizer--took one chance too many. And we want to understand what happened late one night between the father and Eve's older sister, in a moment that was over before it began. 119. We want to know because the film makes it perfectly possible that there is more than one explanation; "Eve's Bayou" studies the way that dangerous emotions can build up until something happens that no one is responsible for and that can never be taken back. 120. All of these moments unfold in a film of astonishing maturity and confidence; "Eve's Bayou," one of the very best films of the year, is the debut of its writer and director, Kasi Lemmons. She sets her story in Southern Gothic country, in the bayous and old Louisiana traditions that Tennessee Williams might have been familiar with, but in tone and style she earns comparison with the family dramas of Ingmar Bergman. That Lemmons can make a film this good on the first try is like a rebuke to established filmmakers..."Eve's Bayou" resonates in the memory. It called me back for a second and third viewing. If it is not nominated for Academy Awards, then the academy is not paying attention. For the viewer, it is a reminder that sometimes films can venture into the realms of poetry and dreams. - Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times 121. Review #2: Kasi Lemmons’ fluid, feminine, African-American, Southern-gothic narrative covers a tremendous amount of emotional territory with the most graceful of steps. Young Jurnee Smollett plays 10-year-old Eve, struggling to understand the womanizing of her adored daddy (Samuel L. Jackson in easy, sexy command) and the passions of her big sister; Debbi Morgan, in a blazing performance, plays Eve’s vibrant aunt, infused with good-witch spiritual powers. The film’s dream-state visual elegance is matched by a great soundtrack. Grade, A-. - Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly 122. Review #3: First and best, it's got a rip-roaring story. It sweeps you along, borne effortlessly by believable if flawed characters, as it flows toward the inevitable tragedy. But it's also got a heart: It watches as a child harsh of judgment learns that judgment is too easy a posture for the world, and it's best to love with compassion. - Stephen Hunter, Washington Post 123. Review #4: “You don't have to believe in magic to be gripped by the psychic forces that the characters' sorcery unleashes. Sibling rivalry, sexual jealousy and anxiety are all feelings that, when heated to the boiling point, have incendiary, semi magical powers. And as the psychosexual forces that bind but also threaten the Batiste family heat up, you can feel the lid about to blow. Every element of the film -- from the turbulent, stormy performances to the rich cinematography (which includes black-and-white computer-enhanced dream sequences) to the setting itself, in which the thick layers of hanging moss over muddy water seem to drip with sexual intrigue and secrecy -- merges to create an atmosphere of extraordinary erotic tension and anxiety. 124. At the center of it all, exuding a dangerous magnetism, is Jackson's Louis, a swashbuckling, flashing-eyed, slightly oily lightning rod of a charmer whose charisma conveys a warning electric buzz. Jackson has never played a character quite this avid. And in a performance that requires him to infuse the role of perfect father and dream lover with a demonic charge, Jackson makes Louis at once irresistibly lovable and slightly terrifying. - Stephen Holden, New York Times 125. Open Comments: 126. Question: Are our family dynamics still suffering, internally, from the legacy of slavery or we closer to moving past it. 127. TV Scene: “Miss Evers’ Boys”: Powerful, haunting and artfully mounted, “Miss Evers’ Boys” is a docudrama of uncommon quality and clarity. The acting is exceptional, the characters vivid, the presentation balanced. Original films for television rarely aim so high as does this HBO NYC production...And cinematographically, it is a revelation, with director of photography Donald M. Morgan lending the production a strikingly dingy, washed-out look that blends perfectly with the piece’s bleak sensibility. The story as told here centers on nurse Eunice Evers (a dynamic, layered performance from Alfre Woodard). Evers went to work at Alabama’s Tuskegee Hospital in 1932 to assist a certain Dr. Brodus (brilliant work from Joe Morton) in caring for poor black men (sharecroppers mostly) who have been stricken with syphilis. Enter Dr. Douglas (Craig Sheffer), a white doctor who brings with him a fully funded program to treat syphilis at the hospital, offering free treatment to any man who tests positive for the disease. A few months pass before Brodus travels to Washington to meet with Douglas and a government panel of doctors who tell him the funding for treatment has dried up. However, money is available for a study of the syphilitic African-American men. The catch: They can receive no medical treatment initially as a way to establish whether syphilis affects blacks and whites differently. Brodus initially is outraged, but acquiesces in the belief the study will disprove the racist notion of physiological inferiority in blacks. Evers also reluctantly follows along, lying to the men while giving them only vitamins, tonics and liniment rubs. But as the months turn into years, it becomes clear that the afflicted men will never receive treatment. Only with their deaths is the study of how the disease runs its course made complete and viable….[the movie] switches gears during its second hour to become an examination of Evers’ gut-wrenching moral ambiguity in sticking around to help perpetrate this ghastly fraud over 40 years. Woodard movingly conveys the conflict weighing down Evers’ guilt-riddled soul, giving a profound resonance to the disturbing ethical questions raised by her dedication in the name of lending the men comfort and a form of loving (if deliberately ineffectual) care….the overall tone and tenor of “Miss Evers’ Boys” is one of subtle brilliance, bolstered by an exquisitely detailed period sheen that screams excellence. After it’s over, you sit disbelieving that such an inhumane, insidious experiment designed to reduce black men to the level of laboratory animals could ever have been conducted in the United States of America — much less gone undetected until 25 years ago. It went far beyond mere institutional racism. It was pure evil. — Ray Richmond Vanity Fair 128. Open Comments: 129. Vote: Best/most important/favorite pop culture item from 1997?
Ben Westhoff is the author of "Fentanyl Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating The Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic." He joins Eugene to talk about the current drug epidemic and its roots in China.
We revisit our interview from Episode 403: Fentanyl Inc with writer Ben Westhoff and we discuss the opioid crisis, big pharma and Ben's book "Fentanyl Inc".
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that's getting cut with traditional illicit drugs like MDMA, herion and cocaine. It's killed Prince, Tom Petty and thousands of other Americans, then more around the world. The precursers that make fentanyl mostly come from China, with Mexican drug cartels buying them to make the drug. Ben went undercover in Wuhan China to write Fentanyl Inc. What's going to happen to the manufacture, supply chain, sale and consumption of the most lethal opioid. Ben Westhoff website Ben Westhoff's book is Fentanyl Inc. Get it from his website. “Best Books From 2019” -Buzzfeed “Best Health and Popular Science Books of 2019” - Kirkus “Our 25 Favorite Books of 2019” - St. Louis Post-Dispatch The Atlantic: The Brazen Way a Chinese Company Pumped Fentanyl Ingredients Into the U.S. Graphic - Overdose death rates involving opioids by type [Wikipedia] Suggestions for topic or guest Contact the show - hello@postpandemic.xyz The 7 questions for every guest 1. What will be different about after the pandemic? 2. What do you think will become obsolete? 3. What will be different in your daily life? 4. What positives do you see coming from COVID19? 5. How do you think you’ll describe the pandemic to someone in the future that didn't experience it? 6. If you were to write a book, film or TV series about the global pandemic what would you call it? 7. What should we be paying attention to now that will affect life after the pandemic? Post Pandemic is hosted by Courtney Carthy Production by Nearly Media Cover artwork by Studio Baker Theme music created by Alex ShulginSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ben Westhoff's new book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Grove Atlantic) is the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. It has received glowing reviews, was included on many year-end best lists, and Westhoff was featured on NPR's Fresh Air and Joe Rogan's podcast. He now speaks around the country about the fentanyl crisis, and has advised top government officials on the problem, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the U.S. State Department. Westhoff's previous book Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap is one of the best-selling hip-hop books of all time and has been translated into multiple languages, receiving top reviews from Rolling Stone, People, Kirkus, and others. S. Leigh Savidge, Academy Award nominee and co-writer of Straight Outta Compton said it "may be the best book ever written about the hip hop world." Connect with Ben Westhoff: https://www.benwesthoff.com/about-me Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic Original Gangstas: Tupac Shakur, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, and the Birth of West Coast Rap Personal Health Coaching: https://www.primalosophy.com/ Nick Holderbaum's Weekly Newsletter: Sunday Goods (T): @primalosophy (IG): @primalosophy iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-primalosophy-podcast/id1462578947 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBn7jiHxx2jzXydzDqrJT2A The Unfucked Firefighter Challenge
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world. His new book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. It has received glowing reviews and was included on many year-end best lists. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for Fresh Air and Joe Rogan, and published an excerpt in The Atlantic. Since the book’s publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department.
Ben Westhoff, award-winning journalist and author of the highly-acclaimed first book about fentanyl, Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Crisis, is joining Chris Denman on We Are Live! to speak about how fentanyl became the deadliest drug in American history, and what role China plays in this epidemic.. While writing the book, he traveled the world interviewing users, dealers, scientists, and law enforcement, and was the first journalist to infiltrate a Chinese fentanyl lab. Since publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. Ambassador to China, the DEA, and the State Department. Support those who support us! Jack Daniels Tennessee Apple Presents - $1000 Karaoke Challenge at 1860's Saloon - March 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th - Sign up here! Saint Louis Counseling Services www.saintlouiscounseling.org Gateway Powder Coating, #1 resource for powder coating in the midwest www.gatewaypowdercoat.com Sophie's Artist & Cocktail Lounge hosts 'Happiest Hour' Comedy Series Presented by Jack Daniels every Thursday in Grand Center. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/we-are-live-with-chris-denman/message
This whole season we’ve focused on how to help people with substance use disorders. We’ve talked about the importance of harm-reduction and human connection, destigmatization and education. But to at least one of our listeners—a really important one—something is missing. Why not talk about punishing the people who make and sell drugs? China, Mexico, Purdue, the Sacklers? This week, we talk to two experts—Ben Westhoff, author of Fentanyl, Inc. and David Smith, a healthcare economist—about why it’s so hard to control supply, who’s really to blame, and the potential long-term benefits of billions of dollars in settlement money. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Show Notes Mouthpeace with Michael & Pele Bennett Truebotanicals.com/lastday betterhelp.com/lastday http://www.lemonadamedia.com/shop/ Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/
This whole season we’ve focused on how to help people with substance use disorders. We’ve talked about the importance of harm-reduction and human connection, destigmatization and education. But to at least one of our listeners—a really important one—something is missing. Why not talk about punishing the people who make and sell drugs? China, Mexico, Purdue, the Sacklers? This week, we talk to two experts—Ben Westhoff, author of Fentanyl, Inc. and David Smith, a healthcare economist—about why it’s so hard to control supply, who’s really to blame, and the potential long-term benefits of billions of dollars in settlement money. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Show Notes Mouthpeace with Michael & Pele Bennett Truebotanicals.com/lastday betterhelp.com/lastday http://www.lemonadamedia.com/shop/ Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full episodes available - www.cdpodcast.comMike and Maureen meet with Ben Westhoff, Author of “Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic, to discuss his investigation into the Chinese Fentanyl trade and its impact on the US.About Ben:Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His books are taught around the country and have been translated into languages all over the world.His new book Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic is the highly-acclaimed, bombshell first book about fentanyl, which is causing the worst drug crisis in American history. It has received glowing reviews and was included on many year-end best lists. Westhoff was interviewed about the book for Fresh Air and Joe Rogan, and published an excerpt in The Atlantic. Since the book’s publication, Westhoff has advised top government officials on the fentanyl crisis, including from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the U.S. embassy in Beijing, and the U.S. State Department.Don’t forget to subscribe, comment, & share.____________________________________________Episode Resources:Podcast Produced by Sweet's Productions - www.sweetsproductions.comPurchase his book here:https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-Chemists-Creating-Deadliest/dp/0802127436https://www.benwesthoff.com/____________________________________________Michael J Wilson is the Director of Family Services and co-owner of Baystate Recovery Services and Barry's House Sober Living for men. For question call 800-270-2302 or visit www.baystaterecovery.comMaureen Cavanagh is a Family Recovery Coach and the owner of Magnolia Recovery and Consulting Services. For questions visit www.maureencavanagh.net_____________________________________________Listen to the Collateral Damage Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and iHeart Radio.Subscribe to our YouTube channel to watch new episodeshttp://bit.ly/2w14PQhwww.cdpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram - @cdpodFollow us on Twitter - @cdpodcasts#cdpodcast #podcast #podcasts #addiction #recovery #cdpod #new #podcast #book #recoveringoutloud #communitysupport #BenWesthoff #FantanylInc #HarmReduction #MaureenCavanagh #MichaelWilson #LovingLions #IfYouLoveMe #CollateralDamage
Our full interview with Ben Westhoff, Author of Fentanyl Inc. (Bonus) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
This is the nineteenth episode of "Talking with Authors" by HEC Media and HEC Books. We're a program dedicated to speaking with some of the best selling authors around, covering many different genres.Our author is award winning investigative journalist Ben Westhoff. We spoke with him as he was on tour in September of 2019 with his then brand new book “Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic” by publisher Grove Atlantic.But after following that thread of information, he found himself tracking down the source of the additives to China, tracing the spread of the synthetic drug throughout the world, and testifying in the halls of the Congress about the manufacture, use, abuse, and effect of fentanyl in the United States. We’ll learn about investigative journalist Ben Westhoff’s deep journey through the illicit drug world and hear some stories about the lives of the businesses and people effected by it on this edition Talking With Authors from HEC Media and HEC Books.Our host and interviewer this time is Brenda Madden.HEC Media is a production company out of St. Louis, Missouri. With the help of independent bookstore Left Bank Books and St. Louis County Library, we are able to sit down with these amazing writers and thought leaders to discuss their work, their inspiration, and what makes them special. You can watch video versions of most of our interviews at hecmedia.org.Host and producer of this episode - Brenda MaddenPhotography - Peter Foggy and Ken CalcaterraAudio - Ben SmithEditor and Graphics - Kerry MarksSupervising Producer - Julie WinkleProduction Support - Christina Chastain and Jane BallewHEC Media Executive Director - Dennis RiggsTalking with Authors Podcast Executive Producer - Christina ChastainPodcast Producer - Rod MilamPodcast Host - Rod MilamYou can follow us on all social media platforms. Just search for "Talking with Authors":Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/talkingwithauthorsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingwithauthorsTwitter: https://twitter.com/TalkingwAuthors
Ben Westhoff joins us on Talk Recovery Radio - What is Fentanyl? A remarkable four-year investigation into the dangerous world of synthetic drugs--from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. to harm reduction activists in Europe--which reveals for the first time the next wave of the opioid epidemic.
George Noory and investigative journalist Ben Westhoff discuss his work exploring the explosion of fentanyl and other synthetic drugs coming from China that is leading to the deadly opioid epidemic. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://news.iheart.com/podcast-advertisers
I fact check episode #1379 of The Joe Rogan Experience in which Ben Westhoff says several misleading things about the opioid epidemic. I also look into some of Joe Rogan's frequently referenced miracle cures such as Regenokine. | https://twitter.com/InvestigateJoe | investigatejoerogan@gmail.com
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His new book "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic " is available now on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-Chemists-Creating-Deadliest/dp/0802127436
Ben Westhoff is an award-winning investigative journalist who writes about culture, drugs, and poverty. His new book "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic " is available now on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Fentanyl-Inc-Chemists-Creating-Deadliest/dp/0802127436
In this episode I interview author and investigative journalist, Ben Westhoff, about his new book, Fentanyl, Inc. The result of four years of investigation, the book traces the origins and history of fentanyl and other new psychoactive substances, the impact they are having, and how governments, law enforcement and harm reductionists are attempting to respond to them.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen huge increases in opioid overdose deaths, and many of them can be traced to powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Drugs & Stuff is back with journalist Ben Westhoff, whose new book Fentanyl, Inc. chronicles his incredible four-year investigation into the world of novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Ben sat down with DPA’s Stefanie Jones to talk about his journey from first hearing about NPS at festivals, tracing the production line into China, and learning about the harm reduction practices working to stem the tide of fatal opioid overdoses. To learn more about Ben’s work, join his mailing list.
On today's show, co-host Zachary Siegel interviews Ben Westhoff about how he gained access to a clandestine lab in China, the prominent role that America's War on Drugs has played in producing deadlier, more potent drugs that no user actually really wants, and finally, that in order to save the lives of people using drugs, the US must adopt innovative harm reduction strategies that have been tested around the world, like supervised injection sites and drug checking. The post Episode 32: How Synthetic Drugs Conquered the Globe appeared first on Narcotica.
Puzzled by rising drug deaths at raves in the United States, author and investigative journalist Ben Westhoff set out to find answers. A Google search for “Buy fentanyl in China” took him down a rabbit hole that led to a face-to-face meeting with the CEO of a company selling fentanyl on Skype “all day long” and a drug lab in Shanghai. Ben tells Jordan the remarkable story. 5:06: The digital rabbit hole 9:20: Want to make fentanyl? Just Google it. 13:57: Between Heisenberg and Pfizer 22:17: How suppliers dodge U.S. Customs
Puzzled by rising drug deaths at raves in the United States, author and investigative journalist Ben Westhoff set out to find answers. A Google search for “Buy fentanyl in China” took him down a rabbit hole that led to a face-to-face meeting with the CEO of a company selling fentanyl on Skype “all day long” and a drug lab in Shanghai. Ben tells Jordan the remarkable story. 5:06: The digital rabbit hole 9:20: Want to make fentanyl? Just Google it. 13:57: Between Heisenberg and Pfizer 22:17: How suppliers dodge U.S. Customs Get bonus content on Patreon See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ben Westhoff has written some of Tyler’s favorite books on everything from dive bars to the evolution of American rap music to how fentanyl is driving the opioid epidemic. So how does he get it done? Not from the outside in, by finding exotic experiences as he originally thought. Instead he found that it comes from the inside out: eating right, exercising, getting sleep, and journaling. Do those things, Ben says, and you’ll be in a much better position to notice the good stories happening all around you. He joined Tyler to discuss those many stories, including the proliferation of synthetic drugs, China’s role in the crisis, the merits of legalization versus decriminalization, why St. Louis is underrated, New Jersey hip-hop, how CDs changed rap, what’s different about Dr. Dre, whether the entourage is efficient, the social utility of dive bars, and more. Follow Tyler on Twitter More CWT goodness: Facebook Twitter Instagram Email
Welcome to the seventeenth episode of the Palladium Podcast, where we explore the future of governance and society. Jonah Bennett and Wolf Tivy interview award-winning investigative journalist Ben Westhoff on his new book Fentanyl, Inc., a monumental effort that discusses the inception of the fentanyl crisis in America and reports on Westhoff's infiltration of Chinese labs to get to the bottom of the problem and the top of the drug supply chain.
Journalist Ben Westhoff reports on how labs in China manufacture Fentanyl. He's interviewed by Rep. Ann McLane Kuster (D-NH), founding co-chair of the Bipartisan Opioid Task Force. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bill and Mike are remembering the tragic events that took place eighteen years ago today. Bill talks to Bill Zimpfer about the latest going on in North Korea and shares where he was on this fateful day. Rick Seaney shares where he was on 9/11 and the security changes of 9/11. Bill also talks to Ben Westhoff about the growing opioid epidemic. Tim Dimoff calls in to discuss the effect 9/11 had on security. Also, Mike talks to Bob Paponetti about the annual CLE Spelling Bee. Bill and Greg Stebben talk about companies paying employees to recruit others. Plus, Bill and Mike talk to Ricky Stanzi about the Browns and Tom Hamilton on the Indians.
Investigative reporter Ben Westhoff tells us how rogue chemists and drug cartels have flooded the U.S., with the deadly drug fentanyl in his new book, "Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic".
Illegal drug use is on the rise around the world according to a new UN report. How bad is it and what is being done to stop the spread of dangerous and increasingly deadly drugs? Former US "Drug Czar" Gil Kerlikowske and Ben Westhoff, author of "Fentanyl Inc." weigh in with Greta Van Susteren. Recorded September 4, 2019
On August 9, 2014, Michael Brown was fatally shot by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a northwestern suburb of St. Louis. Brown’s death, and the protests that followed, helped catalyze the Black Lives Matter movement and drew global attention to police brutality and racial inequality in the United States. Five years later, what has changed in Ferguson? That’s the topic of a moving recent article from The Verge by award-winning St. Louis journalist Ben Westhoff — and the topic of today’s episode of the Strong Towns Podcast. Strong Towns president Charles Marohn was interviewed by Westhoff for his article. Now, Marohn turns the tables and asks Westhoff about his reporting, how Ferguson has changed since Brown’s death, and how it hasn’t. While some reforms have been made in the police department, for example, other structural problems have stayed the same or gotten even worse. One such problem is that Ferguson is not a place designed for the people who live there. But Westhoff says that too few people are making the connection between the built environment and tax laws, on the one hand, and issues of racism and poverty on the other. Westhoff also busts the myths that residents of Ferguson — and other struggling suburbs around the country — lack the entrepreneurial spirit and pride-of-place they need to make lasting change. By coincidence, today is also the release day for Westhoff’s new book, Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic (Atlantic Monthly Press). Fentanyl is now killing more people on an annual basis than any other drug. Westhoff talks about how his reporting for this book led him to infiltrate synthetic drug operators in China and to a “shooting gallery” in St. Louis where people go to shoot up heroin and fentanyl. Check out this week’s Strong Towns Podcast for a powerful conversation with award-winning investigative journalist Ben Westhoff.
Fentanyl has become an international scourge. It’s been blamed for a spike in drug overdose deaths in Missouri as well as around the world. It’s both contaminated many recreational drugs and become a substitute for heroin in many American cities. And yet the Chinese factory responsible for manufacturing most of its precursors has received funding and lucrative tax breaks from the Chinese government. Through years of research, St. Louis journalist Ben Westhoff has become one of the foremost experts into the international fentanyl trade. In this episode, he discusses his new book, “Fentanyl, Inc.: How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic.” Westhoff talks about how his investigation followed the drug from its manufacture in China to the streets of St. Louis – and the terrible impact that synthetic, laboratory-made drugs are having on communities around the world.
Medicine, literature, academic writing, submitting to literary journals: we wander all over the map with guest Danielle Ofri. Funny thing—writers for popular pubs tend to see literary magazines as an unsurmountable challenge (I know I do) and vice versa. Danielle Ofri, though, straddles both worlds as the Editor-in-Chief of the Bellevue Literary Review and a regular contributor to the New York Times and Slate as well as journals like The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine, making her the perfect person to talk to about that crossover, as well as the crossover between a career with confidentiality at its core, and one where telling the whole truth is key. Episode links and a transcript follow—but first, a preview of the weekly Top 5 for Writers that will be dropping into #AmWriting paid subscriber inboxes on Monday, August 26, 2019: Top 5 Questions for Your Novel's Main Character. Not joined that club yet? You’ll want to get on that!Got a friend who needs more #AmWriting? As always, this episode (and every episode) will appear for all subscribers in your usual podcast listening places, totally free as the #AmWriting Podcast has always been. Find us on iTunes, Stitcher, Outcast, Spotify and everywhere else. This show notes email is free, too, so please—forward it to a friend.To support the podcast and help it stay free, subscribe to our weekly Top 5 email.LINKS FROM THE PODCAST#AmReading (Watching, Listening)Danielle: Ragtime E.L. Doctorow and Little King, Salmon Rushdie's short story excerpt in the New Yorker from his book, Quichotte.KJ: Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World, Cal Newport#FaveIndieBookstoreThe Strand again! We don't mind repeating a good one.Our guest for this episode is Danielle Ofri, the author of What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear; Singular Intimacies ; Incidental Findings; Medicine in Translation; Intensive Care; What Doctors Feel;Best of the Bellevue Literary Reviewand the forthcoming When We Do Harm, a Doctor Confronts Medical Error.She is also the Editor-in-Chief of the Bellevue Literary Review, a journal that explores issues of health and humanity. fiction and non-fiction and poetry. Find their submission guidelines here. Find out more about at Danielle at DanielleOfri.com, and Listen to her TEDMed Talk: Deconstructing Perfection, here. You can listen to her TEDMed talk Fear: A Necessary Emotion here.This episode was sponsored by Author Accelerator, the book coaching program that helps you get your work DONE. Visit https://www.authoraccelerator.com/amwritingfor details, special offers and Jennie Nash’s Inside-Outline template.Find more about Jess here, and about KJ here.If you enjoyed this episode, we suggest you check out Marginally, a podcast about writing, work and friendship.TRANSCRIPT (We use an AI service for transcription, and while we do clean it up a bit, some errors are the price of admission here. We hope it’s still helpful.) KJ: I'm KJ Dell'Antonia Jess: and I'm Jess Lahey. KJ: And this is #AmWriting Jess: with Jess and KJ. KJ: #AmWriting is the every week the podcast about writing all the things that you might be writing, fiction, nonfiction, short pieces, long pieces, essays, pitches, humor, proposals. And most of all, this is the podcast about sitting down and getting the work done.Jess: 01:52 I'm Jess Lahey and I'm the author of the Gift of Failure and a forthcoming book on preventing childhood substance abuse. And I had to think about it for a second. What am I writing? And you can find my work. Let's see. Pretty soon in air mail, but I generally am in the New York Times, Washington Post, places like that.KJ: 02:11 It must be August. I am KJ Dell'Antonia. I am the author of How To Be a Happier Parent. I'm the former editor of the Motherlode blog at the New York Times where I still contribute occasionally. I'm also the author of a novel that will be coming out next year and you can find my work most often at the New York Times. But just incidentally, just by the way, pretty soon you'll also be able to find a little something by me and Wendy Aarons at the New Yorker.Jess: 02:42 I mean I did not know if you were going to announce this today, but I am like burst rocketing bursting. This is a bucket list thing. This is huge and big bucket. Oh yeah. We'll be talking about that more because there's, it's cool and there's a lot to talk about there, but we have a guest, our guest today I'm so excited to talk about because my husband came home from work and he said, Oh my gosh, there's this woman you must talk to. I heard her speak. She's incredible. Her name is Danielle Ofri. She is a physician. She's at Bellevue hospital and is a writer of lots of different things. She writes for sort of traditional publishing about she has a forthcoming book on medical error.Jess: 03:31 She has a book that I have been enjoying very much called What Patients Say, What Doctors Hear. And she also writes for the New York Times and Slate and a bunch of other places. But she's the co-founder and editor and chief of the Bellevue Literary Review, which coincidentally was the present you gave Tim last year, KJ. You gave Tim a subscription to the Bellevue Literary Review just last year, which was so cool. And this sound really fancy, but the truth is that I wrote for Danielle at the Bellevue, right. And they gave me a couple of subscriptions. All right, well I passed one on to Tim as someone I thought would deeply enjoy it. And that was, that's how that came about. So, so often we have guests who have at some point been edited by me. I have been edited by Danielle, a little little flip around. It's so cool. And actually speaking of bucket list, check this out. Her essays had been selected by Stephen Jay Gould, Oliver Sacks, Susan Orlean for best American essays, twice, best American science writing. And she, yeah, she got, she's just all over the place with all these buckets, things that we would be honored to have on our resume and our CV. So Danielle, welcome to the show and thank you so much for joining us today.Danielle: 04:49 Thank you guys. It's really fun to be here.Jess: 04:52 We get so many questions about academic writing and obviously at some point we want to spend some time talking about that. But really what I'd love to do is start with you and how you got started as a writer. Did the doctor part come first or did the writing part come first?Danielle: 05:09 Well, I, you know, as a little kid, I love to write books, but that got pushed by the wayside and I was a doctor first. I did a sort of a long route. I did an MD PhD program or did research that I ended up in a lab did a residency at Bellevue fell in love with internal medicine, but I trained in the 90s during the height of the AIDS epidemic. And if you remember that time, it was a fairly brutal time, a lot of death and destruction and very exhausting. And so when I finished my decade of training there, I took a year and a half off and I just needed to get away. So I, and I must say my, all my supervisors said, that's a terrible idea. You'll forget all your medicine. You'll never get back into academic medicine. You'll lose all your connections. But someone else said, you know, I think they might be jealous. You know what, maybe so. So, off I took to just support myself. I worked for, for eight weeks in various clinics around the country. There's a whole system for temporary doctors to fill in. And I did that. And then I would go to South America, traveled to the money, ran out, and then call, collect from Wahaca, say, what do you got next? And then ended up in New Hampshire. And so during that year and a half when I learned nothing to do in these small towns, I began to write down the stories of my medical training with no intention to, you know, write a book. I just needed to write them down because at the time I remember thinking this is singular. I will never be so up-close to such a monumental moment. I think every month I should be writing this down. But of course who has time then you're so busy. You know, a patient would die in the bed or be filled in five minutes. But I think it was also too close to the emotional bone at the time. So I needed to really be physically away and I wrote them down, not as a way to process them or do therapy, but I just needed to give them their due cause they had to go somewhere. And so I spent a year and a half writing. I eventually came back to Bellevue, which is where I always wanted to be. At the time there was an economic crisis and a hiring freeze. And when a spot finally opened up, there was only a part time position available, 60% time, which I'd never imagined. But you know, I had student loans so I took it. And so one of my days off I picked up a writing book off the street and one of those yellow you know, Gotham writer's workshop boxes on second Avenue degrading class. And that is how it started. And so I began working on these stories with different writing teachers and sending them out to a little, you know, literary journals was some, you know, subscriber base was smaller than my medical school class were ashore. And then eventually one running, he just said, you know she, she missed her subway. Stop reading a story to that, that needs time to get an agent. So I got an agent pulled together my first collection of essays called singular intimacies becoming a doctor a, Bellevue, which all my friends thought was about French lingerie, but it was about these relationships that doctors and patients have and that's kind of how the writing began.Jess: 08:02 Well, so let me stop you for a second. So these are the nitty gritty is this is really what our listeners adore. So how did you go about getting your agent?Danielle: 08:11 So I looked in a book on how to find an agent and they said, look at other books that like yours. So I went to the acknowledgement section. I also got a book on agents I think was by Jeff Herman maybe, and we'll do their personal interests and those interested in medicine. I send out sample chapters and I finally got an agent, although I will say I did not close my book, deal with the agent. My agent sent my collection out and I got turned down by 13 of New York city's finest publishing houses. And then one day I had a piece of peer, I think in Tikun magazine and the director of Beacon Press called me and said I read your piece. And do you have any interest in writing a book. I say, Oh, do you have one? Have I got, have a book right here. And I confess, I committed my one act of theft and I borrowed, I'll say in quotes, eight prepaid, FedEx labels from my chairman's office because I didn't have time to get the FedEx. I'm working all the time and sent my manuscript to Beacon Press, which they took. And so I get rid of my agent and I've published, now we'll going on my sixth book with Beacon Press without an agent.Jess: 09:16 Okay. So that, that's really interesting. So how did that go down with your agent? I've never heard of that specific situation where an agent has submitted everywhere and had no success and then you go ahead without your agent. So did you just mutually part ways with your agent at that point?Danielle: 09:32 I told her, you know, I have been approached and through that she hadn't gotten it sold. And so it, you know, it was a little awkward, but I think she understood and we, you know, parted amicably and I've had agents approached me since then saying, well, and I say, I don't really need an agent because I have a publisher. Oh, but we can negotiate you a better deal. But I don't want that. I really, Beacon Press is an incredible press to work with it and it fits in that little niche. It's not a big house, but it's not a small indie houses having a medium size press and that feels like kind of three bears just right. So I'm fortunate that my, my editor is the director, so I feel like I have the ear of the director as well as my editor. And in my five books, I've have no turnover of my editor, the publicity person or the marketing person.Jess: 10:20 Oh wow. That is so unusual.Danielle: 10:23 I know, because I'll tell you, we plan first book, we sold the paperback rights to one of the big houses, which I was really excited about. And every six months I did a letter saying, hi, my name is Jane, I'm your editor. Hi, my name is Joe, I'm an editor and I had no idea every six months it was a new person. And so the difference is so palpable and every book, my husband's, Oh, you should really try for a bigger publishing house. And I don't think I want to because I, I've had friends with, with very mixed experiences. You know, you have one big as great and you're the prince for the, you know, six months, then your next book fails. And yet no one answers your calls.Danielle: 10:57 And I have no trouble with that. My team always answers my calls. We talk on the phone for an hour. I really feel like they're interested in my career. And I remember what my editor said on the first day before I signed it. She said, we never let our books go out of print. So we only publish books that we want to keep on even in small print runs. And this was sort of pre, you know, E readers, what really mattered. And that kind of commitment meant a lot to me. And I'd much rather have a smaller print run, you know, smaller finances that if the exchanges that you know, stays in print and treated respectfully because I'll tell you that big house, let my book go out of print the paper back and never told me. And so I had the humiliating experience of going into a, an appearance. He said, we want to get you a book, which book? I told a bunch book and they said, Oh, we called the publisher, it's not in print. And boy with that, that was awful.Jess: 11:50 That would be a really embarrassing...Danielle: 11:51 Beacon Press took the rights back and we publish their own paper back. But that was the case. They didn't even give me the courtesy of letting me know they're dropping it. So that's a difference I think between working with a medium sized press versus a big house and listen to the big houses are wonderful and they lots of great stuff. But for me I couldn't, I think stomach is ups and downs that a big house offers.KJ: 12:12 So I want to come back to the question of how your professional colleagues received the idea of you as a nonacademic writer, because that feels in so many settings, and medicine is definitely one of them. It feels like that could be very fraud.Danielle: 12:32 Well, I would say my immediate colleagues who are largely clinical and their academic in that they're all teaching, but most aren't doing research and research papers.KJ: 12:41 Right. And I also want to note that this sort of predates the era of, you know, doctors write for the New Yorker and that makes, you know, and that's what they do and we love them. This was, you know, you were one of the early ones.Danielle: 12:55 Yeah. So I would say my clinical colleagues actually find a lot of recognition in the writing and largely, you know are supportive because they see their own experiences reflected, which often don't get airtime any place else. I mean, academically I see where that plays a role is, you know, do I get promotion based on that? And that's definitely been a little bit fraud, your tenure, that kind of thing. Because that kind of running doesn't really count.KJ: 13:21 No. Cause people read it. I mean, why would that, yeah. Right.Danielle: 13:28 And it doesn't bring in grants and grant money. And so although lip service is paid to, you know, international recognition, yada, yada, yada. If it's not bringing in grant money and it's not the traditional publishing. No, I've published a lot in academic journals, but essays, so New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet, all these big medical journals, but in their sort of essay perspectives in fact, the first time the New England Journal ever did it perspective, they refuse to do that sort of, you know, namby pamby you know, type of writing for the longest time. I was actually the first one they published, so it really took quite a risk with them. And so for the readership who would never seen that in those pages, that was a completely new piece I type of writing. And now that section is probably their most popular section. So I think it's been received well clinically, academically, probably not gonna get me tenure or promoted, but that's okay.Jess: 14:22 One of the things I would love to know is where, how the Bellevue Literary Review got started and how you got involved in that, how you decided to start that and how it came about.Danielle: 14:32 Well after I got back from my, you know, year and a half of traveling and started to write when I started back in the clinic, I really wanted to bring some of that writing in. Now what we do is as academics as, as teachers is we the students, medical students hand in their writeups about the patients, the history and physical. It's very, very jargony. And you know, once you've read 10 or 20 or 50 or a hundred, they all kind of start to sound the same. So I find, send them, listen guys, you're killing me from one of your write-ups in this semester. Just tell me the patient's story. Ask the patient, what's it like that emphysema, what was it like when the doctor first told you that diabetes? And I started getting these really fascinating essays that people would turn in. Really interesting and they were sort of stacking up on a file cabinet at the same time we did a new chair of medicine come in Marty blazer and he was having the students on the hospital awards write a 1000 word essay on anything. Philosophy, pathophysiology, economics along as inspired by patient, just kind of heretical for medical students writing an essay. Oh my goodness. You know, he started having his little stack of essays and the student colleagues that you guys ought to meet. He just come on. I just started working there. So we met and we had a respect of stack of essays and we thought, you know, we should make a journal. We thought about, you know, an in-house mimeograph student journal. But as we talked more, it became apparent that issues of medicine and health are really universal. And then you listen, you can get by in life and never need a plumber or an accountant or a lawyer if you're lucky, but you're never going to get by without interfacing with the medical system. And even if you are perfectly healthy, you care for a child, an elderly parent, you have a job visible, you will never get by without it. And I think that that also in genders a real existential fear in people that their body or their mind might betray them, you know? And they can't control that. And when you're in the medical system, you are, you're powerless. Many times you don't know often what's going on. You can't speak the language, you're freezing cold in a gown, you don't know what's going to cost and you're in pain or worried about your family members. So it's very hard to sort of hold onto yourself. And so we thought maybe it makes sense to have a journal that allows you to creative way to address this because you know, the top 10 tips or that bending osteoporosis doesn't really, I think address that kind of things. So we put out a two line call for submissions for poetry fiction, nonfiction on health and healing. And we've got a thousand submissions right off the bat.Jess: 17:02 Wow.Danielle: 17:03 We knew we tapped a nerve and they were not from medical people, from ordinary writers and now we get 4,000 submissions a year, all walks of life all over the world. And as our publisher likes to say, it's hard to be published in the BLR now than in the New England Journal of Medicine because we only can print, you know, a few of them. So I think there really isn't. And I think creativity and vulnerability really overlap and that great Venn diagram of how we write. And so it's not surprising that brushes with mortality and death and fear and worry help ignite some kind of passion, creativity and that comes out and poetry and fiction and creative nonfiction.Jess: 17:40 I have a question that's actually related to what KJ used to do, which is you're dealing with these really grave, you know, many moments of mortality, these moments that are huge events in people's lives. And when you write about them, it can become incredibly precious to you. It can become so important to you that when, when/if you get rejected, it's not just a blow to your writing, it's a blow to like this experience you had in your life. And KJ used to get, you know, submissions about, you know, the death of a child or you know, these incredibly moving experiences. But for some reason or another, they're just not a great fit. How do you balance, you know, how do you go about communicating with your writers about the importance of an event and the way you write about it and creating sort of pieces that are not just people's therapy but that are really great works of writing.Danielle: 18:41 It's a very interesting thing in particular that comes up in the realm of nonfiction because people are ready about their real experience and it is painful to reject a piece about their mother's Alzheimer's disease. And you know, when I, when I talk about this on panels, there's a difference between a moving experience and a moving piece of writing. They're not the same thing. And also it has to be more than just the particularities of here. I went to the doctor. This is what happened. It has to be transcendent. It has to rise above what actually happened to something that can connect to others. And so I do suggest that people, you know, read other things we've published or other, you know people who have written about enlist in a way that brings it beyond just the nuts and bolts of what happened. I also stressed that using the techniques of fiction is very helpful in terms of, not in terms of making things up because nonfiction is truth. But in terms of developing character and voice and setting and in drama and and pacing, you know, so often in nonfiction people are very, they applaud right along the way things go, but they don't have to be that way. It's still truthful if we cut back and forth in time and we have flash powers and flashbacks and we stretch moments and compressed moments because that's makes for more dramatic writing. In the actual rejections, I tried to be very gentle and we try when we can to offer feedback. Of course at that volume we can for everyone. So if you do get a fun letter, please forgive us. We're all volunteers, but we do try, we do have some that we think could be helpful. We'll include that in the rejection letter.Jess: 20:11 That's incredibly generous of you given the volume, but also as you well know, incredibly helpful for a writer. I mean we, we cling to these pieces of, you know, even if it's just a one line piece of you know, this is promising, but you might want to whatever, those are pieces of that's feedback that we hold onto with great hope.Danielle: 20:34 Yeah,I stress that a lot of it's subjective. And I have my own story. I had a piece that was ended up in the Missouri Review and went on to being the best American essays. Which was a huge honor. And so I got a letter from a professor of English in the Midwest and he's complimented in essence that he uses it in his teaching. And I was very honored and I look at the bottom of his email and his, you know, so-and-so pH D department, English editor of their, you know, literary journal. So I went back to my nice, huge rejection folders. I kept every rejection and in fact I submitted the very same piece to that journal. No, he wasn't then. He wasn't the editor then, but, and it stood out because that came back with post-it stuck on the thing. This is so dull, boring. You know. Again, it wasn't him, but it came back when someone left on those really negative projections and it was the same piece. So you know what, don't worry, it's not, it's like dating. You just gotta visit the numbers and someone's going gonna connect. And so it may not be, the is not good. It didn't fit in for me on this day. But try other places, you know, play the numbers game. Hold on. I just have to back up for a second. You got a rejection with actual post it notes from the person who read it and rejected it with the actual notes of what they said. I don't know if that was intentional, but there were, ah, and then the, the current editor stains are allowed to compliment me on this piece and how he uses it in his teaching. That's all a little satisfying. Oh, that's amazing. It didn't work at that moment. Just keep submitting.KJ: 22:10 Now you're an editor yourself. So you know, you,Danielle: 22:13 You got my other thing I do mention is you please do read the submission guidelines. If it says max 5,000 words, don't send a piece of 8,000 words. Yeah. Because it will be rejected. If it says we don't take PSI Phi, don't submit PSI Phi, you would be amazed. You know, we now have to charge a small reading. No, I wouldn't know. We wouldn't have to charge it a $5 meeting fee by our higher ups. We don't have to do, but we have to. Okay, so now you're paying $5 a submitted. Don't submit a piece that we rejected out of hand, you know. But it is all, all in is so common. Maximum three polling people send 10 poems and so I feel terrible. But you know, you do have to, with the submission guidelines, that's your end of the bargain as a writer.KJ: 22:57 I know that our listeners are now going to be sort of madly Googling Bellevue Literary Review so talk to us about what you guys do publish, what your mission is, and how that has evolved.Danielle: 23:15 Yeah. So we're looking for, to explore, you know, the issues of underlying health and illness and failty of the body and mind. We call it the journal of humanity, human experience and we interpret that loosely. So topic wise weren't fairly wide ranging, but the writing has to be excellent. That's our first thing. So fiction wise, we are fairly traditional. We do not do genre fiction, romance. We don't, we rarely do flash fiction. We stay away from gimicky writing things that have lots of, you know, 20 different kinds of headings and numbers. You know, I feel like the writing should stand on its own. It has to read like a great short story and it has to be character driven. I've got to feel a need to want to follow this character. So our, our that's our fiction or nonfiction has to be more than just what I did when I went to the doctor.Danielle: 24:10 It has to rise above that and somehow and, and be applicable to other people or it has to have the same beauty of writing a fiction does it. And it's not academic. We don't take things with footnotes or extensive quotes from 20 different sources and we want your thoughts and your exploration of an issue. And for poetry, we prize accessibility. So again, we do not do, while the experimental stuff, you know, as a unusual literary journal, for many people, we're the only literal journal they've ever read because a lot of our readers are not English lit people. They don't subscribe to 20 literary journals, but they have an interest in medicine and that's how they come to us. So for this audience, we weren't poems they can read and not be intimidated by it. So we tend to stick again a little more traditionally on the poetry that someone who's not an English lit major can read and say, Oh, that, that connects to me.Jess: 24:59 What I would love to know is how you balance you obviously do your own writing, your working as a physician and so how do you balance these two things and what is your daily or weekly routine look like?KJ: 25:13 And she's reading all these submissionsJess: 25:15 and reading all this review.Danielle: 25:17 That's exactly right. And I will say we also have reviewers who help us weed through the initial slush pile because we can't read all 4,000 ourselves.KJ: 25:26 That's almost worse because then you're left with you know, 40 things that are all good enough to be in there and the process of figuring out which eight to put together. .Danielle: 25:36 Exactly. But so anyway, so back when I started, as I mentioned, I ended up on a part time track because that's all that was available. So the full time slot eventually opened up and I said that actually get married and I thought long and hard about going full time, my salary would double because part timers are prorated on the shabbier side of things as you probably know. But I've thought about what would I do if I had twice as much money tomorrow? Well I still couldn't afford an apartment in New York city. You know, I couldn't buy anything. I don't need a car. I have clothes such as they are. And I recognize that the one thing I'd want is that one thing money really can't buy and that's time. So I feel like I kind of bought time by turning down the full time offer and to this day or made 60% off, not happenstance on day one.Danielle: 26:21 If they sit here and go sign up for the full time as everyone else does, this wouldn't have happened. So I'm 60% of my time in the hospital the equivalent of of six half days, you know, strangely abortion. And then my other time is writing legal. Of course I had three kids in there. So, you know, taking them to the dock, doing everything else in life ends up in that time. So often, you know, your writing time gets eaten away cause you don't leave work to do these things. You take it out of your own time. But I try to, if I can get one or two snippets of writing for an hour or so a week, I'm happy that that's success. And then, you know, the BLR and, and everything else. I took up cello lessons about 13 years ago and that's my will.Danielle: 27:06 The one thing that I pursue outside of all of this, you know, because I just, I can't, I'm too embarrassed show up to my teacher without having practice. So I'm the goody two shoes, medical student and I practice every night, but I'll go to the gym. I don't see anything else. And I don't watch, I haven't watched a TV show since ER you know, all of that. So I leave pop culture, I leave up to my kids, but so that's, that's kind of how I do it. And then, you know I get rid of everything else. Like my goal in life is to never set foot in a store unless voluntarily. So I ordered it line. I don't want to spend any time shopping unless I want to. So I don't spend my weekends ever going to, you know, stores. I don't really care about my clothes are 20 years old. That's fine, you know, unless I feel like doing it, but not for for necessities.KJ: 27:56 But you're writing what feel like these densely researched they're interview intense books where you really both telling your own story and telling a thoughtful story about what's happening in the medical profession and wrapping that within the, you know, the story often of a particular case or a particular doctor, one to two hours a week. My mind is boggling, does that include the research?Danielle: 28:28 Yeah. Everything that, it also depends. I mean I do a lot of traveling, so airplane time is writing time, airport time. You know, often I'll get more writing time in there. But my goal was to have like at least choose two to three sessions where I gets a, you know, a little time of writing. And hopefully more than that, it can be two or three hours, but sometimes it's not. I also did two years that I took off from work. So I took off a year, let's see, my daughter, youngest is 13, so 13 years ago we went to Costa Rica for a year. I quit my job. We took our two kids at the time. I actually had my baby there and we've done a novel, which then turned into a book instead of a novel. And then six years ago we took a year and went to Israel and I worked on what doctors feel and that was really wonderful. I'm gonna talk about a luxury of having, you know, be able to write five days in a row and keep a train of thought. That was, I would love to do it again, but I think I would lose my job.Jess: 29:28 That's actually what I was gonna mention when KJ said the thing about two hours for me. If I don't have more time than that, I find it very difficult for them to pick up where I left off to continue a train of thought to, you know, continue forward knowing where I'm headed next. So huge respect for being able to pull this stuff together cause your writing is so lovely and your narrative is so seamless. It doesn't, it feels like you're fully immersed in your writing. So I don't know. I'm so impressed.Danielle: 29:56 Thank you. It's short pieces for that very reason. You know, to write the larger thing takes a chunk of time. Sometimes I will try to block out, you know, for the next month, try to schedule nothing on my writing time so I can write for four hours, you know, several times a week.KJ: 30:11 Well that's what I was going to ask you. Do you schedule the writing time? Like do you know when your next sessions are going to be? Do you sit down at the beginning of the week or the end of the week and figure out when that's going to fit in?Danielle: 30:21 No, I mean I know when I'm not in the hospital so that's my starting point. But then things, you know, things fill in. But I try to, each of my time, not in the hospital, at least have some time toward writing. But of course writing also involved, you know, social media and publicity that you have to do a lot on your own and a lot of that, you know, work these days is on, on the writer. So there's that part as well.KJ: 30:43 Well, and you have a, I mean, you have a new book coming out this spring that you did not get to take a break to write. And I'll just, we'll, we'll put it on our website of course, and talk about it more, but it's called When We Do No Harm, a Doctor Confronts Medical Error. And I'm just taking, you know, a wild swing at the idea that that was not easy to research or write, it's not something people want to talk about.Danielle: 31:06 Yeah. That is true. That, that it's been several sorts, taken several years to, to write. But people were also remarkably generous, you know, once you find someone who likes to talk and just get on those interviews, you know, am I a non-hospital afternoons or mornings or days? Yeah. and then I try not to do it on weekends, but really when I do a lot of travel, I catch up a lot on writing it, you know, even five hours on a plane, I couldn't ask for anything more. Now some people hate it. I think it's the most ideal luxury.KJ: 31:39 Yeah, that's, that's the way it works for me too. I have to agree. I just spent intentionally seven hours on a train on Monday and Tuesday for exactly that reason. I mean, I was going somewhere that I wanted to go, but I wouldn't have gone if it wasn't also for that seven hours.Danielle: 31:54 I've gone there and back to California in two days and I don't give, it isn't all, I'm like, I don't mind that all, man. I have two days in a row to have all this time, you know, with no one bothering you. It's wonderful. So I would fly back and forth across the country if someone would would fund me on that.KJ: 32:07 There's a story in Deep Work about someone who took a flight to Japan, drank a cup of coffee, got back on the flight and then flew back because he had like, you know, a massive deadline to complete an entire book. And I felt such sympathy. I was like, yeah, yeah, I could do that. That would be a good way to do it.Danielle: 32:35 Yeah, I do really, I would say Amtrak up and down the East coast. Yes.KJ: 32:40 I want that Amtrak residency. There you go. That's exactly, yeah. That's exactly where I was for my seven and a half hours. DSLR Boston, New York, New York to Boston.Jess: 32:52 Alright. You're all helping me reorient my thinking about all the travel and how I'm going to get all the work done. So now, now that it's clear that my,KJ: 32:59 Well, you're getting ready for what you do when you get there, it is different.Jess: 33:03 At the same time, I do tend to think of airplane time as, Ooh, I get to listen to an audio book for two whole hours, but now I'm going to reorient and think of it as two hours that I can be spending writing.Danielle: 33:15 I don't have as much time to read novels. I mean that, that I do have to say between writing manuscripts and writing and listening to audio books, I have to, you know, shelve a few things and unfortunate that often gets shelved. Yeah.Jess: 33:29 Yeah. Well actually speaking of which we love to spend some time at the end of each podcast talking about what we've been reading. Do you have something you've been enjoying recently?Danielle: 33:38 So we did have a weekend away and I was in a thrift store and I saw for $1 an EL doctor's book, Ragtime, which I had never read it. You know, I should really read that and I paid my dollar and read it cover to cover in a weekend and just loved it. What am I, I know he's a master, but to sort of be in the clutches of someone who just puts you through that story, no holds barred, it's an amazing experienceJess: 34:02 That's going to have to go on my list because I have to admit I haven't read that one either. It's one of those books that sort of sits around on the periphery of my consciousness and I've never picked it up so I will have to read that one too.Danielle: 34:13 Yeah, it goes by very quickly.Jess: 34:14 KJ, what have you been reading?KJ: 34:17 I also haven't had, I've been doing pretty intense writing so I haven't had a lot of reading time and I have spent what I have rereading Deep Work by Cal Newport, not Rivkin, although I'm sure he's written something maybe. And you know, it's just, it's one of those books that keeps it, you know 10 minutes in there keeps me focused when I'm you know, when I put the book aside. So I've been rereading it, we've recommended it a zillion times and here I am shouting it out again.Jess: 34:51 I talked about Deep Work on a podcast with someone else yesterday. It, it comes up all the time for me. I love that book. I am reading, I'm reading two very interesting things. I I was, did an interview in which I punted a question back to the host who asked it of me because I was not up on all of the research on marijuana use and mental illness. And there is now a new book. It just came out by Alex Berenson who writes for the New York Times and various other outlets and it is a book called Tell Your Children the Truth About Marijuana, Mental Illness and Violence. And I'm sure there is going to be a lot to argue about with this book, but it's a really interesting perspective on Alex Berenson had a conversation with his spouse about the, of marijuana use and said, you know, sort of led him down the rabbit hole as it so often does and he decided to write an entire book about it. So now I at least don't have to punt that question. Next time I get asked about marijuana use and mental illness on a podcast because I've now read an entire book about it and it's really interesting and in the same vein, I'm just starting and it's great. Ben Westhoff's new book, Fentanyl, Inc and that one I believe is just about to come out. It should be out by the time this podcast airs. And it's for those people who don't know what fentanyl is, it's the drug that's causing so many drug overdoses because it's sneaking in to so many other drugs, usually heroin. And it's the story of how fentanyl ended up in the drug supply. And it's a fascinating story. I highly recommend it.Danielle: 36:28 Yeah, just add, I read the recent a New Yorker story by Salman Rushdie calls Little King and he has a new book coming out. This is an excerpt, but fentanyl and the opioid crisis are woven into his story in a remote essay. And so I can't wait for that book to come out.Jess: 36:45 Oh, I'll have to check that out. Absolutely. do you have an independent bookstore that you love and would love to give a shout out to?Danielle: 36:53 Oh, I just love The Strand.Jess: 36:55 You and me and KJ, all of us, we love The Strand. What do you love about it?Danielle: 37:00 Well, as a student I would pass by there my bike on the way to medical school all the time and pick up those $1 books, you know, all the time. So I just love being able to afford the books. But then I as an author experience the effect of independent bookstore when for what doctors feel my book once death, never put it out as a staff pit and left it out for a year. And we sold copies in that one bookstore than any bookstore in the entire country. It was more than a thousand copies in one store because one staff member put it out there. And I so appreciated that personal touch was all it took. And so I did the opening of my next book at strand. Because I was so happy to be part of that kind of community.Jess: 37:45 It makes such a huge difference. Our local bookstore did the same thing for the Gift of Failure. It was on a book, you know, it was sort of on the, it wasn't like, Oh, here, here's a little charity for our local author. It was like, we love this book. Here it is. You should read it. And that makes such a huge difference in book sales because the, you know, independent booksellers really have power to move books. It's amazing.Danielle: 38:06 Oh yeah, absolutely. And so in a BLR, we try to also give shout outs to our authors who have published books. So anyone who's been in the BLR, and that includes you, KJ, if you have, you know, new book coming out, let us know. We will not run on social media and send it around, including on newsletter because we, we know how much those little, you know, boosts help and every little bit helps in today's publishing world.Jess: 38:28 That's incredibly generous of you. And it means so much to writers to get a shout ou like that. All right. If people would like to find your work. And I do have to mention, you have a wonderful Ted med talk on sort of deconstructing our perceptions of perfection that I think could also be really helpful for writers. I really enjoyed it from the perspective as a writer and thinking about perfection. But if people want to find out about your books, about your Ted, talk about the articles you write, where can they find you?Danielle: 38:59 My website is just Danielleofri.com. I keep all my writings there on my Ted talks and various things. I also send out a newsletter once a month with new articles. I have a new piece coming out in a week or so, kind of writing about the experience of doctors and nurses in the hospital and, and their perception of their own profession and how it may have not upheld its ideals. So I send that out to non-commercial. And I also talk a little about the Bellevue Literary Review. So if you want to hear that, you know, give me a shout.Jess: 39:28 Well, and that was what I was going to ask next. If someone wants to find the Bellevue Literary Review either to read or subscribe or to submit, where would, where would we send people for that?Danielle: 39:38 The blreview.org. Although in the past, a new website coming. So if you get on there now, you might your old one, but the new one is coming soon. So but if you're on my newsletter, you'll hear, you'll hear about it also.Jess: 39:52 Fantastic. All right, well thank you. This has been incredibly enlightening. This is also been a big hole in our knowledge of the whole, you know, academic and I'm just so grateful to you for all of your knowledge and for the writing that you do, so thank you.Danielle: 40:06 Well, thank you. It's been a pleasure.Jess: 40:08 All right, all of our listeners, until next week, keep your button, the chair and your head in the game.KJ: 40:21 This episode of #AmWriting with Jess and KJ was produced by Andrew Perella. Our music aptly titled Unemployed Monday was written and performed by Max Cohen. Andrew and Max were paid for their services because everyone, even creatives, should be paid for their work. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at amwriting.substack.com/subscribe
Happy Podcast Friday. Please visit our SPONSOR! Clean Cut Barber Shop - website below - in Salt Lake City, UT (21 E Kelsey Ave 84111). All their links are below to schedule an appointment, walk ins are welcome. By mentioning "Short Story Bingo" you get $5.00 off your first service! Eazy E carried weight for Gangsta Rap. He recruited some of the largest names to ever break through into the industry, I.E. Dr. Dre, Bone Thugs N Harmony, NWA, etc... This book, Original Gangstas written by Ben Westhoff, contains so many poignant moments in the rise of Eazy and the rest of NWA. Today we read a chapter out of Ben's book to give a glimpse of Eazy prior to his AIDS diagnosis... Sit back, listen on your drive to work, take your shower, whatever the hell it is you find yourself doing - And ENJOY a new episode of Short...Story...Bingo! Press play, enjoy, like, share, rate, comment, and subscribe! It really helps. #RandomTwitterFollowerShoutOut @shortstorybingo Our Sponsor, Clean Cut Barber Shop: http://cleancutbarbershop.schedulista.com/ - schedule an appointment here but rememebr walk - ins are welcome! Mention, "Short Story Bingo" and get $5.00 off your first service!!! Address: 21 Kelsey Ave, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 You can purchase the bible anywhere. PLEASE Email ALL stories you want heard, comments, shit talking, or anything else you want menitoned, to shortstorybingo@gmail.com
Ben is joined by writer Ben Westhoff to discuss his upcoming book "Fentanyl Inc.", and the fascinatingly terrifying corporate underbelly of the opioid epidemic End the software struggle today. Go to http://softwareadvice.com/abe to get started. Get your first order free by visiting http://filtereasy.com and enter code: TOPHAT Get your first refill pack free at http://getquip.com/tophat BossaBossa, Open Those Bright Eyes, ZigZag, Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
There are many ways people refer to the human penis, but one word sticks out as the most vulgar. Join us as we learn about the other c-word, its complicated origins, and why it doesn’t mean the same thing to all people.With guests:Mark Morton, Emily Feuerherm, and Ben Westhoff See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Author Ben Westhoff drops by GraffitiTalkRadio as we review his book Original Gangstas and break down the history of West Coast Hip Hop.
The real story behind the origin of gangsta rap is difficult to discern. Between the bombastic rhetoric and imagery, the larger-than-life characters, and the subsequent success of many of the individuals, it is hard to know exactly what to believe. Ben Westhoff’s new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and the Birth of West Coast Rap (Hachette Books, 2016), sets the record straight with a clear account of the rise and dissolution of N.W.A., the founding of Death Row Records, and the events that led up to the deadly beef between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Based on scores of interviews with the principals, Westhoff provides a definitive account of 1990s gangsta rap’s birth and growth. It offers clarity on the confusing turn of events and explores in rich detail the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Westhoff’s book also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of gangsta rap, especially after the film Straight Outta Compton and the transformed images of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and The Wall Street Journal. He spent three years as the music editor at LA Weekly and is the author Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop. His website can be found at http://benwesthoff.com. Richard Schur is the host of this podcast and is Professor of English at Drury University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The real story behind the origin of gangsta rap is difficult to discern. Between the bombastic rhetoric and imagery, the larger-than-life characters, and the subsequent success of many of the individuals, it is hard to know exactly what to believe. Ben Westhoff’s new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and the Birth of West Coast Rap (Hachette Books, 2016), sets the record straight with a clear account of the rise and dissolution of N.W.A., the founding of Death Row Records, and the events that led up to the deadly beef between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Based on scores of interviews with the principals, Westhoff provides a definitive account of 1990s gangsta rap’s birth and growth. It offers clarity on the confusing turn of events and explores in rich detail the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Westhoff’s book also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of gangsta rap, especially after the film Straight Outta Compton and the transformed images of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and The Wall Street Journal. He spent three years as the music editor at LA Weekly and is the author Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop. His website can be found at http://benwesthoff.com. Richard Schur is the host of this podcast and is Professor of English at Drury University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The real story behind the origin of gangsta rap is difficult to discern. Between the bombastic rhetoric and imagery, the larger-than-life characters, and the subsequent success of many of the individuals, it is hard to know exactly what to believe. Ben Westhoff’s new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and the Birth of West Coast Rap (Hachette Books, 2016), sets the record straight with a clear account of the rise and dissolution of N.W.A., the founding of Death Row Records, and the events that led up to the deadly beef between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Based on scores of interviews with the principals, Westhoff provides a definitive account of 1990s gangsta rap’s birth and growth. It offers clarity on the confusing turn of events and explores in rich detail the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Westhoff’s book also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of gangsta rap, especially after the film Straight Outta Compton and the transformed images of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and The Wall Street Journal. He spent three years as the music editor at LA Weekly and is the author Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop. His website can be found at http://benwesthoff.com. Richard Schur is the host of this podcast and is Professor of English at Drury University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The real story behind the origin of gangsta rap is difficult to discern. Between the bombastic rhetoric and imagery, the larger-than-life characters, and the subsequent success of many of the individuals, it is hard to know exactly what to believe. Ben Westhoff’s new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and the Birth of West Coast Rap (Hachette Books, 2016), sets the record straight with a clear account of the rise and dissolution of N.W.A., the founding of Death Row Records, and the events that led up to the deadly beef between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Based on scores of interviews with the principals, Westhoff provides a definitive account of 1990s gangsta rap’s birth and growth. It offers clarity on the confusing turn of events and explores in rich detail the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Westhoff’s book also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of gangsta rap, especially after the film Straight Outta Compton and the transformed images of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and The Wall Street Journal. He spent three years as the music editor at LA Weekly and is the author Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop. His website can be found at http://benwesthoff.com. Richard Schur is the host of this podcast and is Professor of English at Drury University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The real story behind the origin of gangsta rap is difficult to discern. Between the bombastic rhetoric and imagery, the larger-than-life characters, and the subsequent success of many of the individuals, it is hard to know exactly what to believe. Ben Westhoff's new book, Original Gangstas: The Untold Story of Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, Ice Cube, Tupac Shakur and the Birth of West Coast Rap (Hachette Books, 2016), sets the record straight with a clear account of the rise and dissolution of N.W.A., the founding of Death Row Records, and the events that led up to the deadly beef between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Based on scores of interviews with the principals, Westhoff provides a definitive account of 1990s gangsta rap's birth and growth. It offers clarity on the confusing turn of events and explores in rich detail the murders of Tupac and Biggie. Westhoff's book also provides a great opportunity to reflect on the legacy of gangsta rap, especially after the film Straight Outta Compton and the transformed images of Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre. Ben Westhoff is an award-winning journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, Rolling Stone, Vice, Pitchfork, and The Wall Street Journal. He spent three years as the music editor at LA Weekly and is the author Dirty South: OutKast, Lil Wayne, and Soulja Boy, and the Southern Rappers Who Reinvented Hip-Hop. His website can be found at http://benwesthoff.com. Richard Schur is the host of this podcast and is Professor of English at Drury University. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-american-studies
Ben returns to the show for his third visit to discuss his amazing book about the rise of West Coast Gangsta Rap and the history of Hiphop in California
Ben is back just a few days before his dope book Original Gangstas drops everywhere!
Tonight we chop it up with the author of one of the most thorough books about West Coast Hiphop, Ben Westhoff, Author of Original Gangstas
Ben Westhoff (LA Weekly Music Editor) and rapper Marcel Carrion join MC Nocando & Jeff Weiss to celebrate the dub anniversary of the classic West-Coast album The Chronic. The guys discuss what the album means to them, the cultural impact it had on fashion, and the never ending quotable lines such as that “Deeez Nuuuts.” They also talk about the iconic ”Nuthin’ but a ‘G’ Thang” video, how the album captured the reality of L.A. after the riots, and why some people still don’t like it.
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