On this episode of Sagely Speaking, I was glad to welcome Gil Kerlikowske to the pod. Gil served as the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy under President Obama for 5 years. After that service, he lead the Customs and Border Protection. It’s worth noting that he had a strong background in law enforement after leading the Seattle Police Department and then the Buffalo, New York department. Gil and I worked together on drug policy matters for years, and we both enjoyed the true bipartisan nature of our work. Although I served as a Republican and Gil as a Democrat, we never felt a partisan divide when seeking solutions — which is something we both lament as missing from today’s political discourse.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy (ret.) calls Kevin the “Happy Warrior”. Kevin is a warrior when it comes to smart drug policy, and the sheer weight of his beliefs and his dedication to his convictions will win any debate. He strongly believes in drug abuse prevention first. oCRmmYfosdS08XNKxKRw

In this very important episode, we welcome Dr. Bertha Madras who has been at the forefront of discussions around drug policy for decades. Among the many areas she focuses on, we discussed her research into psychedelic drug therapies and her very concerned viewpoint. With billions of dollars pouring into this emerging field, Dr. Madras sheds light on the complexities and controversies surrounding these treatments and how the crucial cautionary narratives are omitted, potentially misleading the public about the realities of this therapy. She also talks about the dangers of the FDA's recommendation to reschedule marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III and the potentially hazardous implications of this proposed change. Listening to Bertha discuss drug abuse as a whole makes this episode a must-listen.

Emmitt Smith, the three time Super Bowl champion and football legend emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and physical resilience in the sport. Smith, who famously played through injuries with minimal medication, warns about the dangers of relying on opioids for pain management. He talks about his role as a speaker at college campuses, educating athletes on the dangers of drugs and the importance of carrying the life saving medicine, NARCAN.

Greg Totten, CEO of the California District Attorneys Association, is an influential figure at the forefront of the multifaceted challenges facing California, including homelessness, rampant retail theft, and the alarming rise of fentanyl addiction. He is leading the efforts on a California measure called, The Homelessness, Drug Addiction and Theft Reduction Act which will reform Prop 47, an initiative which many people credit as having created multiple humanitarian crisis throughout California.

On this episode, I had the privilege of hosting a seasoned expert, a 32-year veteran of the DEA, whose insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of the drug trade. Our conversation delved into the complex interplay between supply and demand, touching upon the operations of drug cartels and the influence of global players like China. We explored the evolving challenges, particularly concerning the accessibility of drugs to youth, exacerbated by the alarming ease with which they can be procured via social media platforms functioning as open-air drug markets.

If you're an employer you really need to tune in to this week’s show. Lorraine Martin talks about her leadership at the National Safety Council, and how the NSC serves as a vital conduit for workplace safety information. She offers comprehensive guidelines for general safety practices and talks about the concerning rise in drug overdoses in workplaces and the proactive measures the NSC has taken to address this issue head-on.

Michael Braun sheds light on the intricate network behind the Mexican cartels' dominance in supplying fentanyl, emphasizing their dependence on chemical companies in China for production. He underscores the financial motivations driving this collaboration and raising questions about China's role in facilitating such operations and the potential motivations behind it.