Rephonic
Artwork for Crackdown
Harm Reduction
Vancouver
Drug Policy
British Columbia
Vandu
Overdose Crisis
Alcohol
Drug War
Homelessness
Edge
Drug User Liberation Front
Indigenous Communities
Rainbow
Safe Supply
Canada
Managed Alcohol Programs
Naloxone
Pierre Pauliev
On Drugs
Methadone Program

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.

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes66Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
DocumentaryScienceSocial SciencesSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Crackdown

Latest Episodes

Description

Garth and Sam discuss Elanore Sturko, Vaughn Palmer and Tristin Hopper’s responses to Canada’s declining overdose deaths in 2025. Was it the NDP’s abandonment of decriminalization and “prescribed alternatives” that caused fewer Canadian... more

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

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Zoë Dodd
Harm Reduction Activist and First Responder
Harm Reduction Activists
Episode: Episode 57: We Ain’t Dead Yet
Cheree Keewatin
Harm Reduction Activist
Harm Reduction Activists
Episode: Episode 57: We Ain’t Dead Yet
Tyson Singh Kelsall
Member researcher, Power Police Oversight with Evidence and Research
Power Police Oversight with Evidence and Research
Episode: Episode 57: We Ain’t Dead Yet
Alex Dabour
Producer who contributed significantly to the podcast and the movement.
Episode: Episode 56: Extraordinary Circumstances
Flo Ranville
Peer researcher with the BCCSU and a person living with HIV.
BCCSU
Episode: Episode 56: Extraordinary Circumstances
Courtney Faye Cloban
Nurse who experienced severe pain after an accident and turned to safe supply for relief.
Episode: Episode 56: Extraordinary Circumstances
Hawkfeather Peterson
Harm reduction educator.
Episode: Episode 56: Extraordinary Circumstances
Shelda Kastor
Activist and long-time member of various organizations in Vancouver's downtown East Side
BC Association of People on Opioid Maintenance and Western Aboriginal Harm Reduction Society
Episode: Episode 51: Goodbye Shelda
Jeannie Seward-McGee
A member of the advocacy group Mom Stop the Harm and mother who lost her son to an overdose
Mom Stop the Harm
Episode: Episode 50: The Toll

Host

Garth Mullins
Host of Crackdown, Garth Mullins is known for his impactful storytelling and personal connection to the topics of drug use and policy.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.6k ratings
  • welcome back

    so glad you have returned - I am liking the new format a lot. it feels fresh!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    RebeccaSaw
    Canada13 days ago
  • Excellent informative information

    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!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Melb99999
    Canada6 months ago
  • Episode 55

    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.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    treasure.hunter
    United Statesa year ago
  • Always exceptional

    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).

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Boot Scootin' Choogie
    United Statesa year ago
  • Incredible pod

    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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anders Brixter
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners express a desire for more episodes, indicating a strong attachment to the podcast's format and content.
Listeners appreciate the authentic and heartfelt storytelling that highlights the personal impact of drug policies and social issues.
Many commend the rigorous journalism and emotional depth, calling it essential listening for understanding the drug crisis.
There are high praises for the podcast's ability to humanize the experiences of drug users and combat stereotypes and stigmas.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 55: The Man in the High Castle
Q: What do you think about the mayor's recent announcement on supportive housing?
Mazel's response was strongly against it, expressing anger and disillusionment with the mayor's dismissal of marginalized people.
Episode 55: The Man in the High Castle
Q: Did your mom try to get you back?
Mazel mentioned that her mom was happy she was gone, indicating a lack of concern from her mother.
Episode 55: The Man in the High Castle
Q: What were your folks like?
Mazel described a largely unhappy childhood, with her mother being an alcoholic and having a troubled relationship with her father whom she met late in life.
What happens when you give drug users drugs?
Q: Is there, if there have been times during those 20 plus years that you pondered getting off Methadone as well and being clean, or is that just outside your thinking now?
Garth initially wanted to get off methadone but eventually accepted it as part of his life, realizing it was working for him and not something to rush off from any longer.
What happens when you give drug users drugs?
Q: How did that happen?
Garth reveals that after holding his newborn niece, he felt a connection that motivated him to improve his life and eventually enroll in a methadone program, guided by a recommendation from his drug dealer.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Crackdown

What is Crackdown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

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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How many listeners does Crackdown get?

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How many subscribers and views does Crackdown have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Crackdown has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Crackdown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Crackdown:

1. Sandy and Nora talk politics
2. CANADALAND
3. Front Burner
4. The Decibel
5. The Big Story

How many episodes of Crackdown are there?

Crackdown launched 8 years ago and published 66 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Crackdown?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

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Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Crackdown from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Crackdown?

Recent guests on Crackdown include:

1. Zoë Dodd
2. Cheree Keewatin
3. Tyson Singh Kelsall
4. Alex Dabour
5. Flo Ranville
6. Courtney Faye Cloban
7. Hawkfeather Peterson
8. Shelda Kastor

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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