
The drug war, covered by drug users as war correspondents. Crackdown is a monthly podcast about drugs, drug policy and the drug war led by drug user activists and supported by research. Each episode will tell the story of a community fighting for their lives. It’s also about solutions, justice for those we have lost, and saving lives.
| Publishes | Monthly | Episodes | 65 | Founded | 7 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | Social SciencesDocumentarySociety & CultureScience | |||

It’s been almost six years since the launch of BC’s tiny safe supply program; also known as “prescribed alternatives.” Although the evidence that safe supply saves lives hasn’t changed, the political favourability of BC’s program has.
In episode 56... more
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
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, Albe... more
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 ... more
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I’ve been dying to hear a new episode! Especially with everything in the news. I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear that the podcast might not continue. Well grounded information!
I have been listening to the show for years. It is always informative and covers very important topics. Episode 55 though - this episode is incredible! Definitely going to have to listen to it a couple times. Thank you for all the time and energy you put into this podcast! We all benefit from it.
Rigorous journalism and poignant storytelling that makes policy analysis accessible, radical, beautiful. Crackdown is one of my core recommendations for anyone who doesn't understand drug use and drug users (especially people who think they do).
I just discovered Crackdown. WOW! What incredible, well done, real, authentic, smart, heartfelt podcast. Garth, you’ve done an incredible job from every aspect. You connect with people that feels so from the heart and real. As a recovering addict- 5.5 yrs- this teaches people about the realities of addiction, staying safe, and the obstacles to getting and staying clean and alive! You’re doing such a good work here! Grateful to be listening
Huge listener for a few years now. The honesty, compassion, empathy, activism, zealous attention to the politics of it, the nuances and pain of losing friends and loved ones who died bc of this continued effort to not support safe use of drugs and provide an actual commercialized market like we do cannabis…. These are some of the themes that have really stood out. To the host, writer and producer: There’s a neuroscientist who teaches at Columbia University who “came out”of the drug closet and f... more
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #102 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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Focusing on the complex and often heartbreaking narratives surrounding drug use and policy, the content presents personal stories from individuals deeply embedded in the fight against the drug war. Key themes include systemic failures, community activism, and harm reduction strategies, often using lived experiences to illustrate the harsh realities of addiction, the overdose crisis, and the stigma faced by drug users. Additionally, the podcast highlights the urgent need for systemic change and compassionate responses to addiction while showcasing the resilience of communities affected by these issues.
Unique in its approach, the coverage is delivered from the perspective of drug users themselves—individuals often sidelined in mainstream me... more
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Crackdown launched 7 years ago and published 65 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Crackdown include:
1. Alex Dabour
2. Flo Ranville
3. Courtney Faye Cloban
4. Hawkfeather Peterson
5. Shelda Kastor
6. Jeannie Seward-McGee
7. Zoe Dodd
8. Matthew Bond
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