RiverRun, 2026, Bonus: "Hotline" (w/Ricki Stern & Jesse Sweet)

About this episode

This episode discusses the impact of fentanyl overdose and the importance of empathy and connection in crisis situations, featuring insights from filmmakers Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet.

WHAT’S IN YOUR NERDHAT? "Fentanyl overdose is the number one cause of death for 18–44-year-olds. Fentanyl can be as inexpensive as a cigarette and more than 100 times more powerful than morphine. As overdose rates rise and stigma persists, THE HOTLINE is not just a story about crisis—it's a story about listening. Grounded in real-world harm reduction efforts, THE HOTLINE is a film about connection in the darkest moments, the power of empathy, and the quiet heroes working in the shadows ...

People in this episode

Guests: Ricki Stern, Jesse Sweet

Topics covered

• fentanyl overdose
• harm reduction
• empathy
• connection
• mental health
• crisis intervention

Keywords

• fentanyl
• overdose
• harm reduction
• empathy
• mental health
• crisis
• connection
• THE HOTLINE

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: THE HOTLINE, Nerdhat Productions

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