Intelligence Squared

Empire of Pain: Sacklers, Opioids and the Sickening of America

Oct 19, 2021

Patrick Radden Keefe, an award-winning writer and author of *Empire of Pain*, joins FT’s global pharmaceutical correspondent, Hannah Kuchler. They delve into the Sackler family’s dark legacy tied to the opioid crisis, unraveling their role in promoting OxyContin. Keefe shares insights from his investigative research, exposing corruption and the chilling impact on public health. The discussion spans the ethics of billionaire philanthropy, the Sackler’s influence on art and activism, and the erosion of trust in the healthcare system due to their actions.

50:02

Creator website

Episode guests

Hannah Kuchler

Patrick Radden Keefe

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Unraveling the Sackler Dynasty and the Opioid Epidemic

2min

The Sackler Legacy: A Historical Impact

15min

Art, Activism, and the Sackler Legacy

4min

Uncovering Secrets: Investigating a Family's Opioid Ties

7min

Trust in Crisis: The Sacklers and Opioids

16min

The Power Dynamics of Billionaire Philanthropy

3min

How did one family become associated with an epidemic of drug addiction that has caused the death of almost half a million people? In this episode, award-winning writer and author of Empire of Pain, Patrick Radden Keefe speaks to Hannah Kuchler, the FT’s global pharmaceutical correspondent about how he uncovered fresh material on the Sacklers and discovered a modern parable of greed, corruption and cynical philanthropy. To buy the book click here: https://www.primrosehillbooks.com/product/empire-of-pain-the-secret-history-of-the-sackler-dynasty-patrick-keefe-subscribers/

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