Crying, laughing. My favorite. Thank you Lemonada for all you do

R

These conversations are heartfelt…emotional at times and comical at other times. The strength we have to overcome the obstacles of life…it’s powerful!

Your ads on other shows are terrible mood killers when it’s a fun lighthearted show

I bet that this episode saves lives. To show that life will eventually be okay after that kind of financial devastation is really important.

I feel for her. I know her pain even WORSE. I lost my only son ON THE DAY of my father’s funeral. I know her experience was horrible. If he had parents, they felt 1000X worse. His son felt worse. Everyone suffers. All points of views are so aweful.

Feels more like a conversation than an interview. Stephanie really seems to bring out the human emotion while giving all the facts. She really brings to light these important topics.

This is a very important podcast. The discussion will help many people. We need more dialogue like this because the concepts reach further than the individual, but what we can strive for as a society. Individuals experience trauma from our socio-economic system, which adds to familial trauma. I am very grateful for your work. Thank you!

I want to find words that don’t exist yet to describe how I feel about this show. I have learned so much. I have grown. I have been moved.

Inspiring stories… I love the varied topics and people that tell their stories. Stephanie is a great host…empathetic but also keeps some humor and personality in the mix. I look forward to each new episode!

New listener and tried to finish my first episode about the tragic/amazing story of Colin and his family. But this host was just… cringe. I think she was perhaps uncomfortable? Her inappropriate and over the top laughing at so many things that were interesting and maybe light, but not hysterical or even that funny, made this listen uncomfortable. Her full, open mouthed, hysterical laugh in the weirdest moments was just too much. Too bad because what an incredible father, and an incredible story. I will definitely buy his book

This is a very well produced show and I’ve enjoyed a few seasons. The stories are moving, compelling, and very well written. However I’ve noticed recently that Stephanie is very anti-religion and that bleeds into how she tells her story. Instead of letting the guest tell their own interpretation of events, she weaves in negative commentary about religion, God, and church that suggests either close mindedness or her own trauma in this space. Regardless of what it is (and I’m sympathetic), it’s not her job to reinterpret these stories - at least, that is not how this show is marketed.

This podcast is so well done. It has a comforting pace, is incredibly informative, well researched, and even funny. It clearly deals with difficult topics but is done in a highly professional and heartfelt, honest way. I wish everything I needed to learn, was presented as well as this.

I am an RN, and though I knew a few things about addiction, but though this podcast, I realize I knew very little. Thank you for the education, personal stories, and in depth reporting on this horrible disease.

When I was first introduced to this while listening the another podcast called A slight Change of Plans, I was immediately struck by the profound depth and was sucked in by her passion and love. It is so strange that she answers so many questions that I have had and learning more has me obsessed.

A compassionate, experienced based platform helping others who are struggling to cope. When the reality of metastatic advanced stage cancer looms in your every thought. When you’re searching for some empathetic responses rather than, “at least”. When you know the last day is coming, but the choice is to take the “live” longer therapeutic drugs to prolong the inevitable. When you feel you should be grateful but you feel like a hostage instead. When you cherish every moment while you’re screaming inside. When your 33 year old daughter has battled this disease for 10 years, robbed of any normal right of passage to adulthood, yet starts everyday with laughter. This is why I listen to Last Day. Thank you Stephanie ❤️.

What a beautiful podcast embracing mental health, showcasing overcoming trauma and empowering those who know what it is like to struggle. I just lost my dad to substance abuse and this podcast is incredibly educational in regards to addiction and open minded when it comes to mental health struggles. Thank you for creating an outlet for those of us who can understand what it’s like to battle dark days and strive for better days ahead.

Interesting guests share their stories through great interviews with the host. There is something great I take away from every episode.

I prefer the deep dives of polarizing topics from previous seasons they were so beautiful and honest, but now it’s become an interview type podcast with an emphasis on interviewing privileged people who work with Stephanie or are friends with her so of course they have a platform to whine. Maybe take a look at everyday struggling individuals who are still struggling and don’t have a cushy job now, and not here minimizing trauma, not I’m here with the point that trauma can extend into and affect one’s career journey and where they end up .I can’t take this season & I’m embarrassed for what you’re turning this podcast into Stephanie is this laziness here for the season in 2023?! I’m so frustrated with you not opening your eyes to these interviews with upper middle class persons who have access bc of you to being on the podcast, and why they don’t help nor represent people who still live out trauma every day to where it is in their lives so much that it doesn’t afford them career or life advancing opportunities bc of persistent pain. Where are these people ?! Where are the interviews with these types of subjects?!!! You’ve lost my respect, and don’t seem aware of the privilege you now seem to highlight - did you ever think that overcoming countless obstacles and achieving accolades after upending life events of cruelty can in itself be a privilege?!!!! Maybe think about that for one minute.

Update: loved it then don’t love it now. Too cutesy and quippy. I can’t take it. I tried.

I absolutely adore this podcast. Such an incredibly personal story that drew me deep into the ways our society treats addiction and recovery. I love the subsequent seasons and adore Stephanie Wittels Wachs and love that she speaks from the heart always (and I’m here for all the f*bombs! Makes me feel like we would be great mom friends!). A must-listen in my feed!

Just tried to listen to the latest episode with Elyse. I can’t even get through it. This woman says “like” every other word. It’s distracting and exhausting to listen to. Elyse, please take a deep breath and gather your thoughts before you speak. I’d love to hear your story, but as is, I can’t muddle through.

May 31 episode with Colin Campbell was the most honest and moving conversation I have heard in years. Thank you. It really made me think hard about how I will next respond to someone grieving or how I might communicate my needs if I am grieving. You have both been through horrific pain and it was beautiful that you could both share laughter and lighten the pain while talking.Your laughter through pain gave me hope and made me realize it is okay to find laughter in this.

I’ve learned so much listening to this podcast. I’m so sorry for what you have gone through. Thank you for sharing and helping so many others share their stories and shedding some much needed light on addition and how it affects all of us. Dr Gabor Mate and this podcast have changed how I view myself. Thank you!

👏👏👏 one of my favorites. So glad it’s a weekly now! Go Steph!

I’m having an actual physical reaction of revulsion toward the host as I listen to an episode in which a grieving father is holding his composure as he describes the worst day of his life, while the host chooses to LEAVE her mic on (and obviously NOT remove in post) to make sure we, the audience, hear her every whimper, sigh and choked sob. Lady, IT ISN’T ABOUT YOU. I am honestly irate on behalf of her guest that she would deliberately include these sounds which serve only to distract our attention from the speaker toward her. Narcissist vibes for real!

I stumbled upon this podcast after listening to another Lemonada podcast. I was not looking for a show about addiction and loss, but this hooked me right away. I work in Behavioral Health administration and I have shared this show with all of my clinicians and drug counselors. It’s such a deep dive into all the aspects surrounding addiction. I grew up with alcoholic/addict parents and have lost friends to addiction. I appreciate the raw vulnerability shared, and the thorough investigation into this shadow world that is a part of our every day lives. Thank you.

So excited to listen every week. Listened to both episodes of the new season and they both wrecked me. I missed crying along with Stephanie. Such powerful stories.

I discovered #LastDay about a year ago. I binged episodes while I cooked, cleaned, showered and would even take a detour if I had more time left on the episode than time needed to get home or work. I could really see myself in so many of the stories that were discussed. I cried a lot, fell in-love with complete strangers that were the focus of an episode, and laughed some too. I am so proud of Stephanie and the entire #LastDay team for this labor of love podcast. As a(n) parent, teacher, adult doing intentional work to heal buried trauma, and overall human that has lived in dysfunction most of my life- this is a must listen.

Please have on Paul and Sasha from podcast Community News by paul and Sasha and I would like your snow even more. If it was my last day, I would just binge their shows all day long to make me laugh and I would also binge Dana Carvey's Fly on the Wall podcast.

Love this show

I’ve only listened to season one so far. What a great podcast. Season one was so enlightening. It made me look at substance abuse (I hope I’m not using an insensitive term) in a whole new light. I hope these episodes are being used to bring about change and improvements to recovery options for people who struggle.

I just listened to this show for the first time, the first episode of season four. It was so good! The host and the guest really bonded over their shared story. Very moving. Also I loved when the host’s daughter called from school, interrupting the interview. Too real!

This show is so so special to me. Stephanie is an amazing host. I want to be her best friend!

I’m a long-time listener and absolutely loved the first three seasons. They are beautifully produced- it’s the best, and toughest, podcast content you can find. I really like this new format for season 4 focusing on individual stories. Lemonada does it again.

best show around

I just listened to season one and got so much out of it, even tho I do not have experience with opioid addiction. The last day I have experienced in my life is the subject of season two and I am excited/nervous to listen to the season and take it all in. I know it’s going to be a ride. Thanks Stephanie and Jess for making this show.

I just started Season 1, as addiction hits close to home here in NH. I’ve lost multiple close friends & I know of at least 30 acquaintances, & friends, that have OD’d & died that I met in rehab, or NA/AA meetings or grew up with. Over 30!!! Girls from meetings & REHAB with me!!! It’s crippling! I was lucky to get sober in 2017 from my FIRST rehab. I owe it ALL to this amazing facility. That has since shut down to funding problems. 44 male beds & 22 female. Gone. And it’s as bad now as ever here. A sobering fact (little pun intended) 😉 (Gallows humor) is that when you released this in 2017, you said 70,000 ppl have died from overdoses that year. Well, here I am from the future, & we’re now at 107,000 for 2021. I’m sure the 2022 stats will be staggering. We’ve had between 430-500 here in NH every year for the past 5 years I really wish it was as simple as an amazing podcast & outreach & putting faces to the problem, & spreading knowledge, like you’re doing here, to make it stop, but sadly, we’re not getting any better. Truly though, you’re podcast is amazing. & I’m sorry for your loss, & for everyone else that has lost someone. Because I guarantee, if you’re here listening, it’s affected you too in some way. ❤️🙏

I listen a lot of podcasts. A lot. And this one. If I could only listen to one, this would be it. Oh, the others are amazing and inspiring and keep me coming back for more. There is an honesty and truth in this one that touches my soul in a different way, and also engages my heart and my mind. Love.

I have had the unfortunate experience of watching my son struggle with addiction for 18 years. Hearing the first season gave me so much validation for the emotional roller coaster of watching your family member slowly wasting away. The empathy for the addict and viewpoint of “the person w addiction disorder “ instead of the addict , and also the anger that goes along with their actions are so relatable. I have re listened several times, and shared with my family and support groups. You can never stop learning. My Sincere thanks to all involved for this podcast.

I try different podcast from time to time while commuting and rarely do I maintain interest beyond one or two episodes. Somehow I stumbled upon Last Day and couldn’t stop listening to it. . I have consumed this podcast like a late night binge on my fave Netflix series. I have busted out my AirPods when my commute is done to continue listening. I would call it brilliant cinematography if it were a movie…not sure what the magic is. Actually as revealed in an episode the magic isn’t magic it’s hours and hours of dedication and passion of the shows creators & producers. The episodes are engaging and have led me on an emotional journey through each episode. Although the subject matter of suicide and gun violence is depressing (season 2) the show somehow makes me feel hopeful and the interviews are engaging. Stephanie has a voice that is authentic and I can feel her when she speaks. Keep ‘‘em coming!!

Terrible waste of my time, definitely one sided

I am so happy I gave this podcast a try (I don't think the ads I've heard do it justice). Stephanie is a pleasure to listen to and can drop an incredulous f-bomb like no other. The reporting and research is top notch, and it feels like listening to a friend but without being too casual. Even the episodes I don't anticipate being especially exciting end up being compelling. I know I won't forget the people I've met through this podcast or their stories for a very long time. Thank you for the sensitive and compassionate way you tackle these difficult issues.

I feel like I've learned so much, and cried so much. It feels safe and scary all at the same time. I love it and can't stop. Please listen.

And July 12, 2021, I listen to the episode about the young women experiencing severe depression. A year later I found that I was in the same position as her and it was terrifying. I used to be so happy. I used to laugh with my friends. Sometimes I would think about things, and I would laugh about them and impulse. Now I hate getting out of bed, and I long for the day to be over. I can’t listen to the videos and podcast that I used to enjoy, because I have trouble concentrating. Furthermore, I have to force myself to engage in the activities that I used to enjoy can I like listening to music or using beauty products. I lost one friend, and I had to let go of another. As for my other friends, those relationships haven’t disintegrated, but they have certainly weakened overtime. I feel like I’m in jail because I am just so far removed from myself. I just don’t know what to do and I hope the right medication will work. Knowing that there are treatment options, and that there are people in this world who have gone through the same thing gives me hope. This podcast gift gives me hope to. Because the host has so much compassion and empathy for people struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder. I don’t know how to change my username, so I’m sorry if anyone is appalled by it. Thank you.

This podcast is easy to follow, engaging, and challenging my preconceived notions on substance abuse. Like many people, the opioid epidemic has directly impacted my family, and I’ve felt helpless. This podcast is empowering me to figure out what I can do... The content is heavy but full of hope. I’ve listened to the first ten episodes of season one in just a few days!

I haven’t been directly affected by the opioid crisis or gun violence (yet) so I’m learning so much from this podcast. And the narrator is such a sympathetic person it’s really easy to listen to.

I’m from the Deep South, most of my friends love their guns and if you even think the words “gun control” you’re an enemy. I wish they’d all listen to this podcast. I don’t care about your right to own a semi or automatic weapon because you enjoy target shooting, etc. Kids are being killed, let’s do something, anything, EVERYTHING to try to figure this out. Even if it doesn’t work, let’s try everything but let’s start with SOMETHING

Found this podcast about a month ago and am blown away by all the seasons. The first season on the opioid crisis has given me a completely different perspective on heroin addiction and the people who suffer from this illness. The host and producer are incredible in their willingness to be vulnerable and brutally honest. Their season on gun violence is balanced and I wish all of the people who make decisions about gun legislation would listen. Truthfully I wish Stephanie could address these people directly!!!! Thank you Stephanie and Jess. I wish you both peace of mind and hope that you know how valuable your work is.

I love this podcast, how real and true it is. Stephanie doesn’t shy away from any of it. I have learned so much about addiction that I never knew or understood, in general last day is just an amazing podcast all three seasons