

The Promise and Peril of Vaping, Part 1: A Mystery in Nebraska
Oct 28, 2019
In this insightful discussion, Julie Bosman, a national correspondent for The New York Times, delves into the tragic story of John Steffen's death linked to vaping as a smoking alternative. She interviews Kathleen Fimple and her daughter, Dulcia Steffen, illuminating the dire consequences of vaping that mirrored a lifetime of smoking. The podcast explores John’s struggle with nicotine addiction, the investigation into Nebraska's first vaping-related death, and the alarming health risks associated with vaping, revealing a complex public health crisis.
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Visit to Omaha
- Julie Bosman visited Kathleen Fimple and her daughter, Dulcia Steffen, in Omaha.
- They shared a glass box of mementos representing John Steffen's life, including guitar picks, a turkey feather, and funeral flowers.
John's Smoking Struggle
- John Steffen, a lifelong Marlboro smoker, struggled to quit despite his family's efforts.
- He developed COPD, which caused coughing and breathing difficulties, impacting his singing and whistling.
Switching to Vaping
- John Steffen started vaping five years ago, switching between brands like Mystics, Blue, and Juul.
- He believed vaping was a healthier alternative to cigarettes.