Crackdown

The drug war, covered by drug users as war correspondents.

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Episode 55: The Man in the High Castle

Posted June 30, 202500:43:25

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. Share Post reddit Email

Episode 54: Get Sober or Get Dead

Posted June 4, 202500:49:27

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 Abusing Drugs Act. And in the coming months, Alberta will begin involuntarily detaining adults as well. On episode 54, Crackdown producer Alex de Boer travels to Edmonton to meet Angie Staines and her son Brandon Shaw. When Brandon got wired as a young teen, Angie had a difficult choice to make: should she force Brandon to sober up? And what would happen to their relationship if she did? Share Post reddit Email

Episode 53: Goodbye Trey

Posted May 13, 202500:22:45

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 hundreds of lives. He was a friend to Crackdown and often helped connect us with community members. He was featured on the show twice. Today we’re listening back to both segments. Trey, we’re heartbroken. Rest in power. Share Post reddit Email

Episode 52: We Will Delete All This

Posted April 15, 202500:32:51

Garth’s new book, Crackdown: Surviving and Resisting the War On Drugs, has just been published by Penguin Random House and is now available for purchase online.  In Episode 52 of Crackdown, Garth reads a chapter of his book called “We Will Delete All This,” about his first time using heroin as a teenager in San Francisco.  *Trigger warning for sexual abuse of a child and sex work.  Share Post reddit Email

Episode 51: Goodbye Shelda

Posted April 7, 202500:13:27

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 women in Vancouver. Since Crackdown’s first meeting, Shelda helped us tell the story of how colonialism and the drug war work together to fuck over Indigenous people in Canada.  On episode 51 we reflect on this profound loss to our show, our movement, and our community.  We will never forget you Shelda.  Credits Crackdown is produced on the territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil Waututh Nations. Our editorial board is Dean Wilson, Jeff Louden, Laura Shaver, Samona Marsh, Elli Taylor, Delilah Gregg, and Martin Steward. Rest in peace Shelda Kastor Dave Murray, Greg Fresz and Chereece Keewatin.  This episode was conceptualized, written, and produced by Garth Mullins, Sam Fenn, and Alex de Boer.  Mix by Alex Kim. All music by Blue Dot Sessions. If you like what we do here at Crackdown, please support us at patreon.com/crackdownpod. Thanks for listening. Stay safe and keep six. Share Post reddit Email