Sam Quinones

In this engaging conversation, journalist and bestselling author Sam Quinones dives into his latest book, exploring the connection between community and the tuba. He shares how curiosity about tuba players revealed deeper themes of hard work and collaboration. Sam highlights how access to instruments shapes identity and opportunity for students in music programs. He also links music with resilience against addiction, discussing the joy of practice and community. Alongside stories of virtuosity and fun events like Tuba Christmas, Quinones showcases the transformative power of music.

Sam Quinones, a journalist renowned for his reporting on the opioid crisis, shares insights from his book, exploring the world of tuba players and band culture. He discusses how his curiosity about stolen tubas led to a decade-long project, revealing the deep devotion of tuba musicians. Quinones highlights how band participation fosters discipline and community, counteracting modern addictions while building self-worth and resilience. He emphasizes that hard work and inclusion can lead to a fulfilling life, going beyond mere happiness.

Investigative journalist Sam Quinones dives into Kentucky's inspiring recovery from the opioid crisis. He shares heartwarming tales of recovering addicts who are reigniting their communities by launching businesses. Quinones discusses the grassroots efforts transforming small towns, emphasizing remarkable stories like a woman who opened a bookstore amidst adversity. The conversation highlights how these individuals are driving local revitalization and hope, all while tackling the ongoing issues of drugs like fentanyl and meth.

Journalist Sam Quinones blew Marc’s mind six years ago with his book Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic. More recently, he devoted his research and reporting to understanding how America got caught in the clutches of newer, more addictive, and more lethal synthetic drugs. Sam’s latest book is The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. Sam talks with Marc about how these drugs work over the brain, how they’re getting into the country, and how they have exacerbated America’s homelessness crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sam Quinones, a seasoned crime reporter and author, delves into the alarming rise of a more dangerous form of methamphetamine across the U.S. He traces its roots from wartime use, highlighting a disturbing evolution in manufacturing that has fueled its spread. Quinones discusses the psychological impacts on users, like the tragic story of a former Marine, and the drug's correlation with social issues such as homelessness. He stresses the urgent need for modern treatment strategies and international cooperation to confront this escalating crisis.