Crackdown podcast
@crackdownpod.bsky.social
Crackdown tells the story of drug user activism in the face of hostility and neglect 💉💜. Hosted by @garthmullins.bsky.social. Support us at patreon.com/crackdownpod.
It wasn't just drug users, social scientists, Dr. Henry, BC's Chief Coroner.. turns out Health Canada’s expert committee was also urging the govt to expand safe supply.
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
They’re at risk of dying from opioid overdose. The government cut funding that could help them | CBC News
As deadly drug overdoses climbed across Canada, decision-makers faced political backlash for funding programs that gave drug users prescribed opioids and, against their own experts’ advice, scaled bac...
shorturl.at
November 14, 2025 at 9:18 PM
It wasn't just drug users, social scientists, Dr. Henry, BC's Chief Coroner.. turns out Health Canada’s expert committee was also urging the govt to expand safe supply.
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Instead of listening to science + lived experience, the feds & the BC NDP decided to kill safe supply. shorturl.at/VdxHc
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
A local doctor says the province’s new safer supply rules are more about politics than public health.
thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/like...
thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/like...
Safer supply changes leave patients struggling for stability – The Discourse.
A local doctor says the province’s new safer supply rules are more about politics than public health.
thediscourse.ca
October 14, 2025 at 11:58 PM
A local doctor says the province’s new safer supply rules are more about politics than public health.
thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/like...
thediscourse.ca/nanaimo/like...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
VPD was aware of the intense public interest – and also of the “fear and anxiety” news of stranger assaults was causing in 2022. VPD issued at least 52 releases mentioning stranger assaults, but provided no updated data about the frequency of these crimes. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
‘Fear and anxiety’: What our police FOI requests uncovered about Vancouver’s stranger assaults scare
Internal emails obtained through Freedom of Information requests shed light on the Vancouver Police Department's media strategy related to stranger assaults ahead of the city's 2022 election.
www.ctvnews.ca
August 21, 2025 at 2:12 AM
VPD was aware of the intense public interest – and also of the “fear and anxiety” news of stranger assaults was causing in 2022. VPD issued at least 52 releases mentioning stranger assaults, but provided no updated data about the frequency of these crimes. www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/ar...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Full house at BCAPOM today for a listening party: @crackdownpod.bsky.social ep37 “Drugstore Cowboy” about the moral panic around “diversion” (AKA Sharing) www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 37: Drugstore Cowboy — Crackdown Podcast
Diversion: a cold, technocratic word for when we give, trade or sell our prescribed meds to someone else. A ghost story, whispered among doctors and now, a moral panic, hollered by right wing politici...
www.crackdownpod.com
August 6, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Full house at BCAPOM today for a listening party: @crackdownpod.bsky.social ep37 “Drugstore Cowboy” about the moral panic around “diversion” (AKA Sharing) www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I owe this story to the people I interviewed, including Esther Tailfeathers, @ehyshka.bsky.social, David Hodgins, recovery centre workers and esp @harmreduxnurse.bsky.social & her son Brandon of @4bharmredux.bsky.social.
My story commission was donated to 4B to help B’s remarkable stabilization… 1/
My story commission was donated to 4B to help B’s remarkable stabilization… 1/
Proud to discover my @albertaviews.bsky.social cover story, “What’s Wrong With Rehab?,” is nominated for @albertamags.bsky.social Award!
Congrats to my hard-hitting company @cfrangou.bsky.social @klaszus.bsky.social @monicakidd.bsky.social & all nominees: albertamagazines.com/wp-content/u...
Congrats to my hard-hitting company @cfrangou.bsky.social @klaszus.bsky.social @monicakidd.bsky.social & all nominees: albertamagazines.com/wp-content/u...
July 3, 2025 at 1:01 PM
I owe this story to the people I interviewed, including Esther Tailfeathers, @ehyshka.bsky.social, David Hodgins, recovery centre workers and esp @harmreduxnurse.bsky.social & her son Brandon of @4bharmredux.bsky.social.
My story commission was donated to 4B to help B’s remarkable stabilization… 1/
My story commission was donated to 4B to help B’s remarkable stabilization… 1/
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
And if you want an update on how Brandon & Angie are doing, listen to @crackdownpod.bsky.social’s recent episode, Get Sober or Get Dead — the first Crackdown episode centred in Alberta.
It’s beautiful, words can’t really do it justice: 2/
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
It’s beautiful, words can’t really do it justice: 2/
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 54: Get Sober or Get Dead — Crackdown Podcast
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. Since 2006, the province has encouraged parents to waive their children's rights and force them into detox as part of the Protection of Children...
www.crackdownpod.com
July 3, 2025 at 1:04 PM
And if you want an update on how Brandon & Angie are doing, listen to @crackdownpod.bsky.social’s recent episode, Get Sober or Get Dead — the first Crackdown episode centred in Alberta.
It’s beautiful, words can’t really do it justice: 2/
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
It’s beautiful, words can’t really do it justice: 2/
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
🚨NEW EPISODE 🚨
With fascism on the rise around the world, we explore the relationship between Canada’s housing and policing policies and the risk of far right authoritarianism at home.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
With fascism on the rise around the world, we explore the relationship between Canada’s housing and policing policies and the risk of far right authoritarianism at home.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 55: The Man in the High Castle — Crackdown Podcast
With fascism on the rise around the world, we explore the relationship between Canada’s housing and policing policies and the risk of far right authoritarianism at home.
www.crackdownpod.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:00 AM
🚨NEW EPISODE 🚨
With fascism on the rise around the world, we explore the relationship between Canada’s housing and policing policies and the risk of far right authoritarianism at home.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
With fascism on the rise around the world, we explore the relationship between Canada’s housing and policing policies and the risk of far right authoritarianism at home.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Just narcanned a guy on Hawks & Hastings. Took 4 ampules & 10 min. Thought he wasn’t coming back. Scared the shit out of me.
Cop yelled at me: “Get back!! I won’t tell you again!!”
I said, “I was the first responder here. I saved his life. Just want him to see a friendly face.” 🖕Task Force Barrage
Cop yelled at me: “Get back!! I won’t tell you again!!”
I said, “I was the first responder here. I saved his life. Just want him to see a friendly face.” 🖕Task Force Barrage
June 30, 2025 at 9:13 PM
Just narcanned a guy on Hawks & Hastings. Took 4 ampules & 10 min. Thought he wasn’t coming back. Scared the shit out of me.
Cop yelled at me: “Get back!! I won’t tell you again!!”
I said, “I was the first responder here. I saved his life. Just want him to see a friendly face.” 🖕Task Force Barrage
Cop yelled at me: “Get back!! I won’t tell you again!!”
I said, “I was the first responder here. I saved his life. Just want him to see a friendly face.” 🖕Task Force Barrage
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Methadone is a well studied, safe, subsidized, pharmaceutical opioid. A pretty good substitute for heroin. But street dope is stronger now, so we need stronger substitutes.
“Methadone saved my life," @garthmullins.bsky.social told Filter. "I no longer had to spend all my time and money outrunning dopesickness. I could get on with doing the other things I wanted.”
Garth Mullins of "Crackdown" on Loss, Methadone and Drug-User Organizing
Podcast host Mullins spoke with Filter about his new memoir, "Crackdown: Surviving and Resisting the War on Drugs."
filtermag.org
June 26, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Methadone is a well studied, safe, subsidized, pharmaceutical opioid. A pretty good substitute for heroin. But street dope is stronger now, so we need stronger substitutes.
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
“Methadone saved my life," @garthmullins.bsky.social told Filter. "I no longer had to spend all my time and money outrunning dopesickness. I could get on with doing the other things I wanted.”
Garth Mullins of "Crackdown" on Loss, Methadone and Drug-User Organizing
Podcast host Mullins spoke with Filter about his new memoir, "Crackdown: Surviving and Resisting the War on Drugs."
filtermag.org
June 26, 2025 at 3:21 PM
“Methadone saved my life," @garthmullins.bsky.social told Filter. "I no longer had to spend all my time and money outrunning dopesickness. I could get on with doing the other things I wanted.”
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel acknowledges lack of evidence on forced addictions treatment as B.C., Alberta expand it
www.msn.com/en-ca/news/c...
www.msn.com/en-ca/news/c...
MSN
www.msn.com
June 4, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel acknowledges lack of evidence on forced addictions treatment as B.C., Alberta expand it
www.msn.com/en-ca/news/c...
www.msn.com/en-ca/news/c...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I love this episode of @crackdownpod.bsky.social.
We can heal broken relationships, and people do recover, with love, harm reduction, radical acceptance, and care.
@4bharmredux.bsky.social
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
We can heal broken relationships, and people do recover, with love, harm reduction, radical acceptance, and care.
@4bharmredux.bsky.social
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 54: Get Sober or Get Dead — Crackdown Podcast
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. Since 2006, the province has encouraged parents to waive their children's rights and force them into detox as part of the Protection of Children...
www.crackdownpod.com
June 5, 2025 at 1:07 AM
I love this episode of @crackdownpod.bsky.social.
We can heal broken relationships, and people do recover, with love, harm reduction, radical acceptance, and care.
@4bharmredux.bsky.social
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
We can heal broken relationships, and people do recover, with love, harm reduction, radical acceptance, and care.
@4bharmredux.bsky.social
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
per usual—as the political class creates spectacle from the toxic drug crisis, @crackdownpod.bsky.social shows us the intimate realities. important new episode: www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
ft. @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social @4bharmredux.bsky.social
ft. @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social @4bharmredux.bsky.social
Episode 54: Get Sober or Get Dead — Crackdown Podcast
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. Since 2006, the province has encouraged parents to waive their children's rights and force them into detox as part of the Protection of Children...
www.crackdownpod.com
June 5, 2025 at 4:20 PM
per usual—as the political class creates spectacle from the toxic drug crisis, @crackdownpod.bsky.social shows us the intimate realities. important new episode: www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
ft. @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social @4bharmredux.bsky.social
ft. @momsstoptheharm.bsky.social @4bharmredux.bsky.social
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Drop everything - the first @crackdownpod.bsky.social episode centred in Alberta just dropped
www.crackdownpod.com
www.crackdownpod.com
Crackdown Podcast
www.crackdownpod.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Drop everything - the first @crackdownpod.bsky.social episode centred in Alberta just dropped
www.crackdownpod.com
www.crackdownpod.com
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. On episode 54, we meet Angie & her son Brandon. When Brandon got wired as a teen, Angie had a difficult choice to make: should she force him to sober up? If she did, what would happen to their relationship? www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 54: Get Sober or Get Dead — Crackdown Podcast
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. Since 2006, the province has encouraged parents to waive their children's rights and force them into detox as part of the Protection of Children...
www.crackdownpod.com
June 4, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Alberta is the involuntary treatment capital of Canada. On episode 54, we meet Angie & her son Brandon. When Brandon got wired as a teen, Angie had a difficult choice to make: should she force him to sober up? If she did, what would happen to their relationship? www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Honoured and privileged to join the @crackdownpod.bsky.social editorial board today as they put final touches on the #AB episode.
You will want to listen when it drops later today.
You will want to listen when it drops later today.
June 3, 2025 at 11:31 PM
Honoured and privileged to join the @crackdownpod.bsky.social editorial board today as they put final touches on the #AB episode.
You will want to listen when it drops later today.
You will want to listen when it drops later today.
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
“Nobody thinks it’s a good idea,” Dave Webb, of the Surrey Union of Drug Users, tells @godfrey.bsky.social. “I thought in treatment we were supposed to reconnect with our loved ones and friends. If we’re putting somebody in segregation, how is that going to work?”
BC Involuntary Treatment Taking Place in a Solitary Confinement Unit
It raises pressing questions about the wellbeing of people being subjected to a form of treatment to which experts already object.
filtermag.org
May 16, 2025 at 2:48 PM
“Nobody thinks it’s a good idea,” Dave Webb, of the Surrey Union of Drug Users, tells @godfrey.bsky.social. “I thought in treatment we were supposed to reconnect with our loved ones and friends. If we’re putting somebody in segregation, how is that going to work?”
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I am very glad to hear the federal minister of health say that forced treatment does not work. Now all the provincial health ministers gotta listen. @crackdownpod.bsky.social will have an ep on this out in a few days.
cfjctoday.com/2025/06/03/h...
cfjctoday.com/2025/06/03/h...
Health minister says forced addictions treatment lacks evidence, feds won’t intervene
OTTAWA - Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel says there's no evidence that forcing people into addictions ...
cfjctoday.com
June 3, 2025 at 6:43 PM
I am very glad to hear the federal minister of health say that forced treatment does not work. Now all the provincial health ministers gotta listen. @crackdownpod.bsky.social will have an ep on this out in a few days.
cfjctoday.com/2025/06/03/h...
cfjctoday.com/2025/06/03/h...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I'm thrilled so many profs use @crackdownpod.bsky.social episodes in their curriculum. Might I suggest including my book by the same name? Learning outcomes include: harm reduction, decrim, methadone, safe supply, HIV, PTSD, sex work, advocacy, research, etc www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/700597...
Crackdown by Garth Mullins | Penguin Random House Canada
*NATIONAL BESTSELLER*Part memoir, part manifesto, Crackdown is a story of the drug war, told from the frontlines.
www.penguinrandomhouse.ca
May 3, 2025 at 12:43 AM
I'm thrilled so many profs use @crackdownpod.bsky.social episodes in their curriculum. Might I suggest including my book by the same name? Learning outcomes include: harm reduction, decrim, methadone, safe supply, HIV, PTSD, sex work, advocacy, research, etc www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/700597...
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
Plenty of dramatic things happen at @crackdownpod.bsky.social Editorial Board / meetings. Too often we talk about death. But today Samona & Laura delivered puppies.
May 6, 2025 at 9:18 PM
Plenty of dramatic things happen at @crackdownpod.bsky.social Editorial Board / meetings. Too often we talk about death. But today Samona & Laura delivered puppies.
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I am honoured that Grace Chen wants to read my book. Grace runs the Ovaltine Cafe. She's been cooking good, affordable breakfasts for me & Jeff & the whole @crackdownpod.bsky.social team for years. She has much love for the DTES and it loves her right back. ❤️☕️🍳🥓
May 6, 2025 at 11:17 PM
I am honoured that Grace Chen wants to read my book. Grace runs the Ovaltine Cafe. She's been cooking good, affordable breakfasts for me & Jeff & the whole @crackdownpod.bsky.social team for years. She has much love for the DTES and it loves her right back. ❤️☕️🍳🥓
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
I’m reading Crackdown, by @garthmullins.bsky.social
Episode 4 of @crackdownpod.bsky.social also starts with Nick’s funeral.
The episode was the first time I had the opportunity to work with Garth and the crew. I’ve learned much from him and crackdown since.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/i7y...
Episode 4 of @crackdownpod.bsky.social also starts with Nick’s funeral.
The episode was the first time I had the opportunity to work with Garth and the crew. I’ve learned much from him and crackdown since.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/i7y...
Episode 4: Blame — Crackdown Podcast
This is not just some force of nature. Someone is to blame.
www.crackdownpod.com
May 2, 2025 at 3:36 PM
I’m reading Crackdown, by @garthmullins.bsky.social
Episode 4 of @crackdownpod.bsky.social also starts with Nick’s funeral.
The episode was the first time I had the opportunity to work with Garth and the crew. I’ve learned much from him and crackdown since.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/i7y...
Episode 4 of @crackdownpod.bsky.social also starts with Nick’s funeral.
The episode was the first time I had the opportunity to work with Garth and the crew. I’ve learned much from him and crackdown since.
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/i7y...
Trey Helten was nothing less than a hero. He saved hundreds of lives by reversing ODs, driving people to treatment & just being kind. Trey was a friend to Crackdown and appeared on the show twice. We'll never forget you, Trey. Rest in power. rb.gy/ztwctt
Episode 53: Goodbye Ashtrey — Crackdown Podcast
We lost another soldier from the front lines. Trey Helten, longtime manager of the Overdose Prevention Society and all around harm reduction hero on the Downtown Eastside, has died at 42. Trey saved h...
rb.gy
April 25, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Trey Helten was nothing less than a hero. He saved hundreds of lives by reversing ODs, driving people to treatment & just being kind. Trey was a friend to Crackdown and appeared on the show twice. We'll never forget you, Trey. Rest in power. rb.gy/ztwctt
Reposted by Crackdown podcast
After waiting in 2hr lines to vote, Vancouver chose to elect a socialist to city council. And the head of the police union lost. Huge congratulations to @seanorr.bsky.social from VANDU, BCAPOM and @crackdownpod.bsky.social. We know you got our six.
April 6, 2025 at 5:05 PM
After waiting in 2hr lines to vote, Vancouver chose to elect a socialist to city council. And the head of the police union lost. Huge congratulations to @seanorr.bsky.social from VANDU, BCAPOM and @crackdownpod.bsky.social. We know you got our six.
New Episode: Goodby Shelda.
Shelda Kastor was a hero who dedicated her life to helping vulnerable people in Vancouver. She was also our friend.
In Episode 51 of Crackdown we say goodbye to Shelda. We will never forget you. 💔
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Shelda Kastor was a hero who dedicated her life to helping vulnerable people in Vancouver. She was also our friend.
In Episode 51 of Crackdown we say goodbye to Shelda. We will never forget you. 💔
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Episode 51: Goodbye Shelda — Crackdown Podcast
On March 26th, we learned that our dear friend and comrade Shelda Kastor passed away. Shelda was a hero who dedicated decades of her life to fighting for the poor, drug users, Indigenous people, and w...
www.crackdownpod.com
April 8, 2025 at 12:11 AM
New Episode: Goodby Shelda.
Shelda Kastor was a hero who dedicated her life to helping vulnerable people in Vancouver. She was also our friend.
In Episode 51 of Crackdown we say goodbye to Shelda. We will never forget you. 💔
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...
Shelda Kastor was a hero who dedicated her life to helping vulnerable people in Vancouver. She was also our friend.
In Episode 51 of Crackdown we say goodbye to Shelda. We will never forget you. 💔
www.crackdownpod.com/episodes/epi...