War on Drugs Podcast

 
 

A podcast to change Perspective

 
 

The War on Drugs came together as a partnership between Stand Together and Lava for Good with a focus on educating new audiences about the issues the war on drugs has created in society. It’s a complex issue that often is only looked at through a lens around increasingly high incarceration numbers for nonviolent crimes - a problem certainly, but not the only one. Nor the issue most likely to reach those who remain unconvinced.

Season One focused on how we got to where we are today: the faulty thinking that informed mandatory minimums, civil asset forfeiture, and the rise of fentanyl. It was widely praised by the industry, winning recognition from Ad Week and Anthem Awards and several Webby nominations.

 

Awards & Recognition

This validates our mission & belief that a small, dedicated team can make compelling content that is inspiring, impactful and entertaining.
— Jeff Kempler, co-founder and COO of Lava for Good

Winner AdWeek’s Audio Awards

Winner of Best Podcast Growth Strategy 2024

Silver Anthem Award

Human & Civil Rights Best Influencer Collaboration Awareness & Media Categories

 
 

New Season, New approach

In season two we focused on bringing a new audience to the table. The nationwide discussion around marijuana over the last decade has largely focused on incarceration and local legislation.

Our key insight was that people who were movable on the issue thought the states were taking care of the issue and they were unaware of any need to push at the federal level. We tapped into storytelling around federal entities like the FDA and the VA that are hamstrung by the policies. Season 2 focuesed on research, addiction, medical benefits, and perhaps most importantly, veterans to take a new approach to a discussion around a 76 year approach to policy.

 
 

Partnership & Storytelling

In season two of The War on Drugs podcast, we’re bringing you real stories from real people—artists, athletes, and influencers like B-Real, Marcus King, Ricky Williams, John Osborne, and many others who lived the impacts of the War on Drugs firsthand. We’ll explore how drug policy isn’t just a political issue—it’s personal. We’ll talk about pain management, mental health, overcoming addiction, entrepreneurship, and the fight for personal freedom. The War on Drugs isn’t over. And the stories we share this season prove it.

 
Kelsey Stalnaker