The Stories We Tell: Pop Culture

In this episode, I explore how pop culture, through movies, television, music, and social media, shapes the way we understand drug use and overdose. I highlight how these portrayals often simplify or distort reality, reinforcing stereotypes and stigma. The episode also examines how these narratives influence public opinion, policy responses, and individuals’ willingness to seek help. Ultimately, it emphasizes that the stories we consume do not just reflect reality; they actively shape it.

Download the one-pager (PDF).

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This project was supported by Grant [5PBJA-22-AG-00031-MUMU] awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking. Points of view or opinions in this podcast are those of the host and the research team and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.