
Last Day
This is a show about the moments that change us, fundamentally and forever. Each week, host Stephanie Wittels Wachs (Lemonada’s co-founder and award-winning queen of darkness and light) is sitting down with a new guest to explore happy/sad stories of survival, resilience and transformation. After three seasons of exploring the "last day" of people’s lives in an effort to understand mass epidemics, Steph was ready for a change herself. Some “last days” are hopeful. Some are tragic. But at the heart of every “last day” is also a new beginning. Laugh/cry with us.
Latest episodes

Sep 8, 2020 • 7min
Kind Of, Sort Of, Very, Extremely Intense
It’s National Suicide Prevention Week, and that means you’re probably seeing a lot of triggering content. We can relate. The Last Day team is hard at work producing season 2, which is all about the rising rate of suicide episode in this country. Why are more people at risk? What can we do to help? And how can we take care of each other when things feel so hopeless? Season 2 arrives Wednesday, October 14th. If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text line: Text “Connect” to 741-741 The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386 Season 2 of Last Day is created in partnership with The Jed Foundation. Transitioning into adulthood can bring big changes and intense challenges. The Jed Foundation (JED) empowers teens and young adults with the skills and support to grow into healthy, thriving adults.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 15, 2020 • 37min
Addiction Epilogue: Josh’s Last Day (with The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites)
The Lumineers’ Jeremiah Fraites reflects on losing his older brother Josh to a heroin overdose in 2001 and the many ways Josh’s death has impacted his life. His mom, Kathy, joins him to fill in the holes that memory has left. From channeling grief through music to finding the “right” support, this candid and beautiful conversation about grief and loss will resonate deeply with Last Day listeners and Lumineers fans alike.Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Shatterproof.org healingthenation.wellbeingtrust.org www.lemonadamedia.com/patreon inrecovery@lemonadamedia.com In The Bubble with Andy Slavitt Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 1, 2020 • 9min
Sneak Peek: Season 2
We know, we know. We said we were done, but surprise! We’re back to reveal the topic for Last Day Season 2, ask for story submissions, and tell you a little bit about what goes on behind the scenes around here. Tune in! www.lemonadamedia.com/patreon Email us your story ideas to hey@lemonadamedia.com International Association for Suicide Prevention National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 The Trevor Project Befrienders Worldwide See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 25, 2020 • 44min
Addiction 25: Finale
This week marks our 25th and final episode of Last Day, Season One. Today, Stephanie and Jess sit down--virtually--to reflect on favorite interviews and ah-ha moments, noting the ways the show has changed along the way and the moments that have changed them most. We also look at what’s next for the Last Day family with an exciting announcement! Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. https://harmreduction.org/ www.lemonadamedia.com/patreon www.betterhelp.com/lastday Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 18, 2020 • 45min
Addiction 24: On the Front Lines
This week, we meet Isaac Beverly who shares his journey from 5 years in prison to a 5-year medallion. Isaac has found a solid recovery plan that includes medication-assisted treatment at Eleanor Health and strong ties to a 12-step recovery community. His plan is working, and Isaac swears by it….but not everyone is on board. Now, Isaac is willing to make waves in order to make progress. Also! Fan favorite Dave from Dopey stops by to answer some of our burning questions about 12-step programs. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/ truebotanicals.com/lastday Betterhelp.com/lastday See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 11, 2020 • 51min
Addiction 23: Recovery For Life
This week, we continue our treatment tour at Eleanor Health in High Point, North Carolina. It’s a new-ish (and pretty groundbreaking) outpatient clinic with a unique payment model and an emphasis on evidence-based care. We chat with our old friend, Dr. Nzinga A. Harrison, Eleanor’s Chief Medical Officer, about the clinic’s unparalleled access to MAT and their emphasis on a problem-solving, rather than a fit-someone-inside-a-box, approach to treatment. We meet a clinic member who, at 60 years old, is committing to treatment for the very first time. And we meet an incredibly passionate staff as they pull every possible string to get 100% of people who walk through their doors the tools to meet their individual recovery goals. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners.Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/rothys.com/lastdaybetterhelp.com/lastdayDear Young Rockerwww.lemonadamedia.com, promo code: Birthday10https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/15/opinion/jay-z-the-war-on-drugs-is-an-epic-fail.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 4, 2020 • 58min
Addiction 22: 28 Days Isn’t Enough
Addiction treatment in America is like a Rubik’s Cube. We’ve talked about this. We know this. We feel this. But good programs do exist. This week, we visit The Women’s Home in Houston, a non-profit established 60 years ago, to check out their long-term approach to residential treatment. We delve into the nuts and bolts of their program: 18 month stays, 30 hours a week of therapy, hands-on job training, and what’s cooking in the kitchen. And we meet three women with incredible stories of recovery who credit this program with changing their lives. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Family Ghosts27 Clubbetterhelp.com/lastdaymentalhealthforus.netTranscriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 26, 2020 • 51min
Addiction 21: The Blame Game
This whole season we’ve focused on how to help people with substance use disorders. We’ve talked about the importance of harm-reduction and human connection, destigmatization and education. But to at least one of our listeners—a really important one—something is missing. Why not talk about punishing the people who make and sell drugs? China, Mexico, Purdue, the Sacklers? This week, we talk to two experts—Ben Westhoff, author of Fentanyl, Inc. and David Smith, a healthcare economist—about why it’s so hard to control supply, who’s really to blame, and the potential long-term benefits of billions of dollars in settlement money. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. Show Notes Mouthpeace with Michael & Pele Bennett Truebotanicals.com/lastday betterhelp.com/lastday http://www.lemonadamedia.com/shop/ Transcriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 19, 2020 • 46min
Addiction 20: Love Is the Why
DeRay Mckesson and TeRay Ross are world-class community leaders, siblings, and the best of friends. They also grew up surrounded by addiction in both their immediate and extended family. As a result, they spent lots of time as kids hanging out in the back of 12 step meetings, absorbing lessons that continue to impact them as adults. This week, we sit down with DeRay, TeRay, and their dad, Calvin, to talk about how their understanding of addiction has evolved over the years and how they continue to support each other to this day. Please note, Last Day contains strong language, mature themes, and may not be appropriate for all listeners. wealthfront.com/lastdaybetterhelp.com/lastdayTranscriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 12, 2020 • 37min
Addiction 19: Mommy, Again
When Emily found out she was pregnant, her life began to snowball in a positive direction. She stopped using heroin, reconnected with family and was rocking it as a new mom to her beloved daughter, Carter. Sadly, Emily relapsed and died when Cater was 9-months old, leaving Emily’s mom, Joanne, to navigate the unexpected journey of becoming a new mom all over again. Today, Carter is four years old and thriving. She loves her Aunt Diane and Grandma “Mommy.” In this episode, we hear the heartfelt story of how one family is adjusting to raising a child, spreading awareness about addiction, and advocating for better policies to help families like theirs.Please note, Last Day contains strong language and mature themes. It may not be suitable for all listeners. Rothys.com/lastdaybetterhelp.com/lastdayGenerations United’s National Center on GrandfamiliesKey Notes Podcast Onsite Grief WorkshopOverdosed newsletter by Diane RoznowskiTranscriptions available shortly after air date at https://www.lemonadamedia.com/show/last-day/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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