End It For Good

Esther Pilgrim is a nurse who has worked inside a prison as well as in crisis care for people with mental health challenges and those needing detox. But more importantly for this episode, she's a mother and an advocate shaped by her daughter’s struggle with addiction and incarceration. In this episode, she shares how her understanding of addiction transformed, and she and her daughter went from fighting against each other to becoming a team as they fought her addiction.   Links: About Invitation to Change: https://cmcffc.org/approach/invitation-to-change About CRAFT: https://motivationandchange.com/what-is-craft/

In this episode, State Representative Sam Creekmore from Mississippi, who is also the Chairman of the Public Health committee in the Mississippi House of Representatives, joins us to talk about new legislation he's proposing in order to open pathways for psychedelic treatment with ibogaine. Rep. Creekmore shares how he got interested in ibogaine, what he hopes this legislation will do, and why it's important in his home state of Mississippi.    Links:  The Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode with Bryan Hubbard and Rick Perry on ibogaine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcCKDDa3MzY In Waves and War - Netflix documentary on veterans seeking healing through ibogaine treatment: https://www.netflix.com/title/82047468 Mississippi Public Health Joint Committee Hearing on Ibogaine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M6cg9E9-Bk Keywords: Ibogaine, Addiction Treatment, Psychedelic Therapy, PTSD, SUD, Traumatic Brain Injury, mental health, recovery, veterans

In this conversation, Brittany Denson shares her personal journey of recovery and the significance of events like Recovery Day at the Capitol in Mississippi. The discussion highlights the importance of community support, advocacy for legislative changes, and the role of sober living environments in the recovery process. Brittany emphasizes the need for individuals to engage in advocacy and the impact of sharing personal stories to foster understanding and support for those struggling with addiction.   Recovery Day 2026: Join us January 22 at the Mississippi State Capitol for Recovery Day! More info: https://enditforgood.com/events   Keywords: Recovery Day, addiction, advocacy, sober living, community support, Mississippi, mental health, recovery journey, legislative change, peer support

In this celebratory 100th episode of the End It For Good podcast, hosts Christina Dent and Bryan Mauk reflect on their favorite podcast episodes and the milestones of the organization. They also share their vision for the future in the midst of realities that are rolling back progress, such as bombing boats of suspected traffickers. Listeners are invited to share their personal stories as we look towards the next 100 episodes and the people End It For Good exists to help. Keywords: End It For Good, addiction, recovery, milestones, outreach, community, advocacy, drug policy, personal stories, future goals, impact

In this conversation, Christina Dent and Stacey McKenna discuss the complexities of substance use, particularly in relation to motherhood and pregnancy. Stacey shares her personal journey with methamphetamine use and how it shaped her research as a medical anthropologist. They explore the impact of policies on substance use, the emotional context behind addiction, and the stigma surrounding mothers who use substances. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supportive environments and effective treatment options, particularly medications for opioid use disorder, to improve outcomes for both mothers and their children.   About Stacey: Stacey McKenna is a medical anthropologist and senior fellow in integrated harm reduction at the R Street Institute. She has conducted research on substance use and addiction in the United States and Malawi. In her work with R Street, she studies and writes about how policy affects people's abilities to protect their health.   Keywords: substance use, addiction, motherhood, prenatal care, harm reduction, policy, recovery, stigma, mental health, support systems

Juliana Mulligan shares her transformative journey with the psychedelic ibogaine as a treatment that finally worked for her substance use disorder. She discusses her personal experiences with addiction, the limitations of traditional treatment methods, and the profound impact of trauma on recovery. Juliana explains the unique experience of ibogaine treatment, its effects on brain chemistry, and the importance of post-treatment support. She addresses common misconceptions about ibogaine and emphasizes the need for thorough research when seeking treatment. The conversation highlights the potential of ibogaine as a powerful tool for healing and the promising future of its use in addiction treatment. Links:  Juliana's website: https://www.innervisionibogaine.com/ Finding a Clinic: https://www.innervisionibogaine.com/findingaclinic About Juliana:  Juliana Mulligan, LMSW, is a psychotherapist who is formerly opioid dependent, formerly incarcerated, and has been working in the ibogaine treatment community for thirteen years. In 2011, with the help of ibogaine treatment, Juliana left opioids behind and set off on a path to transform the way drug users and their treatment is approached. She has worked in multiple ibogaine clinics, was the Psychedelic Program Coordinator at the Center for Optimal Living, and was a consultant for the Kentucky Ibogaine Initiative. She currently runs Inner Vision Ibogaine, which supports clients in preparation and integration around ibogaine treatment and offers consulting services for those wishing to approach ibogaine through their projects. She is also the founder of Idryma, the first ibogaine treatment training and certification program. Juliana has presented at psychedelic and harm reduction conferences, is the author of the Guide to Finding a Safe Ibogaine Clinic, and co-author of Fireside’s Warning Signs When Selecting a Psychedelic Facilitator. She has taught about ibogaine at Charite University in Berlin and Southwestern College in New Mexico and has written for multiple publications about ibogaine, including Double Blind Magazine and Chacruna. Her quotes have been featured in the New York Times, Rolling Stone Magazine, National Geographic, and most recently she was mentioned on the Joe Rogan podcast. Her focus on abuse and ethics in the ibogaine treatment space has also led to her survivor advocacy and client support work with GITA and the Shine Collective. Keywords: Ibogaine, addiction treatment, substance use disorder, psychotherapy, trauma, recovery, psychedelic therapy, mental health, neurochemistry, harm reduction

Prenatal substance use is often misunderstood, oversimplified, and met with stigma instead of support. In this conversation, Christina Dent and Meghann Perry explore the complex realities facing mothers who use substances during pregnancy—from trauma and addiction to healthcare barriers and the fear of criminalization. Together, they reflect on the importance of compassionate care, the power of bonding and attachment, and what it looks like to invest in families so both moms and babies can thrive. This episode invites us to move beyond judgment and toward curiosity, connection, and systems that heal rather than harm. About Meghann: Meghann Perry, CARC, RCPF, is an award-winning keynote speaker, storyteller, theatre educator, curriculum developer, harm reductionist and addiction recovery coach. She creates innovative learning experiences blending Theatre, Storytelling, and Coaching and is an international educator of the behavioral health workforce. Meghann is the author of two groundbreaking programs, Recovery Storytelling and Embodied Storytelling, and a global keynote speaker and presenter on peer support, storytelling, and stigma for organizations like NIH, NAADAC, FAVOR, PRCoE, HRSA, Hazelden, and the recent Lisbon Addictions Conference. Meghann is a person who used drugs who passionately supports people in prevention, harm reduction and recovery and leads a team of dedicated facilitators redefining education and intervention in the substance and mental health field.  Links:  Meghann's paper in Health Affairs: www.healthaffairs.org/doi/10.1377/hlthaff.2025.00647 Meghann Perry Group website: www.meghannperry.com   Keywords: prenatal substance use, maternal health, addiction, recovery, healthcare, bonding, criminalization, compassionate care, systemic issues, early childhood trauma.

In this episode of the End It For Good podcast, host Christina Dent shares inspiring stories of individuals who have taken the initiative to share knowledge about addiction recovery and drug policy reform. Through personal anecdotes, she emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the power of personal networks in spreading the movement.  Keywords End It For Good, addiction recovery, personal stories, community engagement, drug policy, sharing knowledge, transformative experiences, advocacy, personal networks, recovery stories

In this episode, Christina Dent and Bryan Mauk discuss the erosion of civil liberties due to drug policies, the implications of military actions against drug trafficking, and the ongoing debate surrounding substances like kratom and psychedelics. They explore how historical precedents in drug enforcement have led to current practices that compromise individual rights and question the effectiveness of aggressive interdiction strategies.  Topics The Erosion of Civil Liberties in Drug Policy Military Actions and Drug Interdiction The Impact of Drug Supply Disruption The Debate on Kratom and 7-OH Exploring the Potential of Ibogaine

Summary: In this episode, Christina Dent speaks with Terry Blevins, a former law enforcement officer and soldier and current advocate for 7-OH, a derivative of kratom. They discuss the failures of drug prohibition, the moral conflicts faced by law enforcement, and the potential benefits of 7-OH as a pain management option. The conversation emphasizes the need for regulation over prohibition, the importance of research, and the societal implications of drug policy. Sgt. Terry Blevins (Ret.) is a former law enforcement officer, the Law Enforcement Advisor to 7-HOPE Alliance, and a national security expert. He brings decades of experience in law enforcement, national security, and public safety. He began his career in Arizona law enforcement, later serving in the U.S. Department of Defense and State Department, where he advised governments on counter-terrorism and critical infrastructure protection.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Terry Blevins and 7-OH Advocacy 14:55 Law Enforcement Perspectives on Drug Prohibition 25:28 The Shift in Law Enforcement Focus 33:04 Understanding 7-OH: A New Pain Management Option 44:13 The Dangers of Prohibition vs. Smart Regulation 59:45 Future Directions for 7-OH and Drug Policy Reform Keywords: drug policy, 7-OH, law enforcement, prohibition, pain management, advocacy, cannabis, opioid crisis, harm reduction, drug regulation

Could respect, not punishment, be the key to reducing harm from drugs and addiction? Jim Babka, host of the Gracearchy podcast and Social Strategist for the Foundation for Harmony and Prosperty, joins Christina Dent to explain the Natural Principle of Human Respect. It's a simple but powerful idea that coercion always diminishes happiness, harmony, and prosperity. Using lessons from the playground, flying cars, and even gravity, Jim shows how respecting others unlocks trust, community, and progress. From psychedelics to policy, he explains how force backfires and opportunities are lost when we ignore this principle. This episode challenges us to rethink adult solutions by remembering the simple rules we practiced as kids, and to consider whether so many of our problems are caused by the fact that our laws are not consistent with what we learned on the playground.    Resources: Gracearchy Podcast with Jim Babka Connect with the Foundation for Harmony and Prosperity "Curious" by Christina Dent - 75% of proceeds further the work of End It For Good End It For Good - Join our newsletter for stories, events, and solutions to drugs and addiction.  

Christina sits down with Dr. Michele Ross to talk about 7-OH, a new substance that’s closely connected to kratom. They unpack what it is, why people are using it, and what it could mean for pain management and addiction recovery. The conversation also looks at the FDA’s response, the push for medical freedom, and why education and responsible use matter so much with plant medicines like this one. They also explore the risks of banning substances and driving them into the underground market, where people lose access to safety and quality.   Resources: 7-HOPE Alliance Foundation: https://7hopealliance.org Campaign to save 7OH - https://www.save7oh.org/ Dr Ross' book Kratom Is Medicine (2021): https://a.co/d/1Dw0dRh

What does it take to build a thriving legal marijuana market? Christina Dent and Bryan Mauk sit down with Geoffrey Lawrence, Research Director at the Reason Foundation, to explore the economic lessons from cannabis legalization across the United States. Drawing on his unique experience as a researcher and a CFO in the marijuana industry, Geoff explains how smart regulation can undercut the black market, foster innovation, and create healthier communities. They discuss the evolution of cannabis laws, what motivates legalization, and how future policy could open the door to interstate commerce, new products, and stronger legal markets.   Links: Reason Foundation: https://reason.org/ Reason Magazine: https://reason.com/ Get Curious: https://a.co/d/3ArcF8z

The war on drugs is not just affecting the US population. In this episode, we're joined by Franco Iacomini, Latin America editor at Christianity Today, to discuss his recent article on how cartel violence is impacting churches in Mexico. In many rural communities, children are forcibly recruited into cartels, and for some, drug trafficking becomes the only viable path to economic survival. These heartbreaking realities are symptoms of a global war on drugs that fuels black markets and empowers violent organizations. Could legal regulation be the key to disrupting these cycles of harm? Resources: Read Franco's Article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/06/mexico-cartels-persecution Get Curious (Now only $10!): https://a.co/d/dZMRfE1

What if prisons focused less on punishment and more on healing? In this episode, Brian Koehn shares his journey from overseeing 65 prisons to launching the world’s first full-service nonprofit prison model. He explains why a human-centered approach could transform corrections, and why it’s time we expect more from our corrections system. Learn More: https://spcor.org/ Get Curious: https://a.co/d/7B9ci2k

Is drug prohibition doing more harm than good? In this episode, Harvard’s Dr. Jeffrey Miron explains the economic principles behind his long-standing opposition to criminalizing drugs, and offers thoughtful responses to 10 common objections. If the idea of legalizing heroin sounds outrageous, this episode is for you. Links: Get Curious by Christina Dent: https://a.co/d/c2Ijpua Dr. Miron's Articles: https://www.cato.org/people/jeffrey-miron Dr. Miron's Substack: https://jeffreymiron.substack.com/

A social worker, author, and national recovery advocate, Caroline Beidler opens up about how addiction shaped her identity, how faith and family played pivotal roles in her healing, and why recovery is about much more than sobriety.  She offers deep insight for families walking alongside a loved one struggling with addiction and challenges the idea of “tough love” with a call for “extravagant love” rooted in connection and community.  Whether you’re in recovery, love someone who is, or want to better understand addiction and healing, this episode is for you. Connect with Caroline: Website: www.carolinebeidler.com Substack: https://carolinebeidler.substack.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carolinebeidler_official/

Dr. Lisa Stanton was thriving in her career, advancing in clinical research, and checking every box of outward success, but behind closed doors, alcohol was quietly taking control. In this episode, she opens up about living with functional addiction, the moment of reckoning, and how recovery brought her true freedom. A candid conversation that challenges how we think about addiction and who it affects. Connect with Dr. Stanton: Website: www.drlisastanton.com Substack: https://thingsonmyheart.substack.com/ Book: https://amzn.to/47SWJtS Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlisastanton  

In this episode, Christina Dent talks with Rebekah Mutch about how she found recovery with the help of neuro-electric therapy (NET), a device that eases withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Rebekah shares what life was like after 8 other treatment attempts, what changed during her time at Isaiah House, and why she now works to make NET available to others.   This is an honest, down-to-earth conversation about a lesser-known pathway to recovery that could be one of the best tools we have - if only more people know about it.   Resources & Links: Isaiah House website: https://isaiah-house.org/ NET Recovery: https://www.netrecovery.net/ End It For Good's website: https://enditforgood.com/ Listen to our other episodes about NET: https://enditforgood.com/may-2025

Mark LaPalme spent years in active addiction and was arrested upwards of 40 times. He couldn’t have imagined he'd one day be at the forefront of addiction recovery. But after finding freedom through his own recovery journey, he built a network of treatment centers in Kentucky called Isaiah House that would become a lifeline for thousands, and the unlikely site of a groundbreaking clinical trial. In this episode, we explore what happened when Mark said yes to testing a new detox device called Neuro-Electric Therapy (NET) that promised big things in a small package. What followed was both deeply personal and quietly revolutionary, resulting in FDA clearance in 2024. The future of detox (and how it will reshape addiction treatment) is here.  Mark is a masterful storyteller and passionate advocate, living out his values in inspiring ways as he continues to work to save every life and give every person hope that he can. He describes watching people on NET as watching "a miracle happen before your eyes." If this episode moved you, taught you something new, or sparked hope, please leave a review! It helps others find the show and join the conversation. Resources & Links: - Isaiah House website: https://isaiah-house.org/ - NET Recovery: https://www.netrecovery.net/ - All Together Recovery: https://alltogetherrecovery.com/ - Christina's book Curious: https://a.co/d/fVecLLx