The "33": Methamphetamine: A Love Story

This episode features Danielle Stoneberg, a former research assistant to Dr. Rashi Shukla and current Ph.D. student at the University of West Virginia. We discuss Danielle’s role as Dr. Shukla's research assistant, the findings and results of her thesis research, and her experiences working with individuals affected by substance use disorders. The conversation also explores the efforts underway in West Virginia to address and reduce drug use and its related challenges.

This episode covers a recent update in the sentencing of the driver involved in the crash that claimed the life of Maddix Bias. The driver, who was intoxicated with nitrous oxide at the time of the crash, was recently sentenced in the state of Oklahoma.In this interview, we speak with Candi Morris, Maddix’s mother, about the sentencing and what it means for her and her family. Candi also shares her thoughts as she continues to honor and commemorate the life and memory of her son, Maddix Bias.

In this Part 2 episode, we continue our conversation with Candi Morris, the mother of Maddix Bias, who lost his life in a car accident involving a driver who was intoxicated by nitrous oxide.Continuing the story from Part 1, Candy shares more about the importance of community, support, and the people who helped her and her family through an unimaginable loss. Ultimately, this is a story about the power of love, resilience, and the belief that love conquers all.

This episode is Part 1 of our interview with Candi Morris, the mother of Maddix Bias, who was killed in a car collision caused by an impaired driver who passed out behind the wheel after inhaling nitrous oxide.Candi’s two-year journey following Maddix’s death led her to advocate for legislative change. Her efforts ultimately resulted in the passage of a bill making it illegal in Oklahoma to transport, buy, sell, or use nitrous oxide for the purpose of becoming intoxicated. ***The Act went in effect on the day of the recording of this podcast, Aug 14, 2026.***The Maddix Bias Act is now Oklahoma law. In this powerful two-part interview, Candi shares Maddix’s story, the devastating impact of his death, and the journey that transformed her grief into action and helped bring about meaningful change in Oklahoma.

In this episode, we provide an update on Oklahoma House Bill 3304 from the bill’s author and discuss the story of Troy, one of the 33 individuals interviewed by Dr. Rashi Shukla for her book Methamphetamine: A Love Story. Troy’s journey through addiction led him from manufacturing, dealing, and using methamphetamine to losing everything he had. After four arrests and time spent in jail, Troy reached a turning point in his life. When Dr. Shukla interviewed him, he was just one month into his recovery, offering a powerful firsthand account of addiction, loss, and the difficult road to redemption.