Mike gives his list of the best podcasts of the past year and interviews Sonari Glinton, host of Shattering the System, and Lauren Chooljian, host of The 13th Step. They discuss the crimes of Ed Buck, abuse in the rehab industry, and the challenges faced by journalists reporting on controversial topics.
The podcast highlights the urgent need for accountability and regulation within the rehab industry, as multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Eric Spofford reveal.
The 13th step refers to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in a 12-step program, showcasing the lack of oversight in the addiction industry and the targeting of women in recovery.
Deep dives
Allegations of Sexual Misconduct in the Rehab Industry
Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct have been made against Eric Spofford, the founder and owner of Granite Recovery Centers. Former employees and clients have come forward with stories of receiving explicit messages and experiencing sexual assault. These allegations shed light on the need for accountability and regulation within the rehab industry.
Power Dynamics and Exploitation in the 12-Step Program
The podcast explores the 13th step, a term that refers to the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in a 12-step program. Women in recovery, already facing unique challenges, are targeted by individuals who use their positions of power to engage in inappropriate behavior. The lack of oversight in the addiction industry allows for these abuses to persist.
Personal Intimidation and Retaliation
During the course of her investigation, the reporter, Lauren Trulgen, faced personal intimidation and retaliation. Her parents' house, her former house, and her editor's house were vandalized. This targeted retaliation highlights the lengths some individuals will go to silence those who expose their wrongdoing.
Continued Resistance and Legal Battles
Despite the intimidation and legal battles she has faced, Lauren Trulgen remains steadfast in her commitment to reporting the truth. The charges of defamation brought against her and her colleagues were dismissed, but the ongoing legal situation emphasizes the importance of protecting whistleblowers and holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Mike gives his list of the best podcasts of the past calendar year. He also talks with Sonari Glinton, host of the Shattering the System podcast, which tells the story of a politically connected predator who operated out of West Hollywood, and Lauren Chooljian, host of the The 13th Step, whichtells the story of a politically connected predator who operated out of New Hampshire.