One Life | One Story

In this episode of One Life | One Story, Ken Behr shares his first-hand account of life in the American drug trade, active from the 1970s through the late 1980s. What began in his teens grew into large-scale marijuana and cocaine smuggling during the height of the war on drugs.Raised in rural New Jersey, Behr’s life shifted after moving to New Orleans and losing his father. A later move to South Florida placed him at the center of major smuggling operations. He recounts the pressure, violence, and illusion of control that defined the life, and the moment it collapsed when he faced a possible 25-year federal sentence. The second half of the episode follows his cooperation with the DEA and the difficult process of rebuilding a life after it nearly disappeared.Ken Behr is the author of One Step Over the Line: Confessions of a Marijuana Mercenary, where he documents his time in the drug trade and his cooperation with federal authorities in greater detail.Ken Behr Official Websitehttps://onestepovertheline.comBook: One Step Over the Line – Confessions of a Marijuana MercenaryAmazon (Paperback, Kindle):https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6X8N6RZAudible (Audiobook, narrated by Ken Behr):https://www.audible.com/pd/One-Step-Over-the-Line-Audiobook/B0B6X7JZJ7Direct Audio / Digital CopiesAvailable via checkout on the official sitehttps://onestepovertheline.com(Promo code mentioned in the episode: 1STEP100) If you have a story you’d like to share, email:onelifeonestorypodcast@gmail.comGuest Form: https://forms.gle/EXNN3r6Qmm2Ke96D7Support & ResourcesIf you’re listening to this and struggling with drugs, or if someone close to you is, help is available. You don’t need to be at a breaking point to reach out. Support can be confidential, non-judgmental, and on your terms. Resources are listed below by region. United KingdomNHShttps://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/FRANKhttps://www.talktofrank.comPhone: 0300 123 6600United StatesSAMHSA – National HelplineFree, confidential, 24/7 support for people facing drug or alcohol problems. Provides treatment referrals and information nationwide.Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-helpFindTreatment.gov (run by SAMHSA)Search tool for drug and alcohol treatment facilities by location, type of care, and payment options.Website: https://findtreatment.govNational Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)Reliable information on drugs, addiction, and treatment options, including help for families.Website: https://nida.nih.gov211 (United Way)Call 211 to be connected with local substance-use services, treatment programs, and community support in your area.Website: https://www.211.orgNarcotics AnonymousPeer support groups for people recovering from drug addiction.Website: https://www.na.orgCanadaGet help with substance use: Federal Canadian government resource with information and local options for support. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.htmlDrug Rehab Services (Canada-wide): Free, confidential referral and support for drug and alcohol issues: 1-877-254-3348AustraliaAlcohol and Drug Foundationhttps://adf.org.auNational Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015Lifeline AustraliaPhone: 13 11 14https://www.lifeline.org.auEurope (general)EMCDDAhttps://www.emcdda.europa.eu(Provides country-specific treatment and support links)European Helpline Finderhttps://findahelpline.com(Search by country for local support)

Podcast PromoOne Life | One Story is a podcast about real people’s lives. Each episode centers on a single person and a defining experience, sometimes one moment, sometimes a series of moments, that will reshape how you see the world, yourself, or the people around you.These stories are told in the speaker’s own words. They can be hopeful, tragic, and sometimes uncomfortable, with most living somewhere in between. Just honest accounts of experiences that stay with you long after.This is a space for reflection, understanding, and listening.And if you have a story you would like to share on the podcast, email me at onelifeonestorypodcast@gmail.com.One Life | One StoryListen wherever you get your podcasts.