Deadly Cost: The Burden of Driving Drunk (includes audio story)

“Deadly Cost: The Burden of Driving Drunk” is a two-episode podcast series that delves into the devastating consequences of a single decision: driving under the influence. Through raw, emotional conversations with those directly impacted, this series offers listeners a deeply personal look at the toll of drunk driving, exploring themes of grief, forgiveness, and redemption.

Episode 1: A Mother’s Heartbreak

Renee Lord, a mother who lost her 20-year-old daughter to a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver, shares her story of overcoming adversity. Renee reflects on the profound impact this loss has had on her life and her journey to raise awareness and call for action against drunk driving. Through her story, listeners will understand the real – life consequences of impaired driving and be inspired to join the mission to put an end to this preventable tragedy.

Episode 2: The Night That Destroyed Three Families

We sit down with Eric Smallridge, the man responsible for the tragic accident that took the life of Renee’s daughter and her best friend. Eric opens up about the immense regret he carries for driving drunk and the consequences of his actions, sharing the harsh realities of living with this responsibility and the pain of prison life. Through his story, he emphasizes the dangers of driving under the influence and serves as a powerful voice in the fight to prevent others from making the same devastating mistake.

To watch the accompanying video story, click here. To view the accompanying photo essay, click here. To watch the accompanying documentary, click here. To visit the accompanying website, click here.

Dawn Boothe is a proud Jamaican American, born and raised in Miami, Florida. She currently serves as a journalist and reporter for Caplin News. Currently, as a junior at Florida International University, Dawn is majoring in Digital Communications with a minor in Social Media Marketing. She is passionate about pursuing a career in entertainment, news, and investigative media, with aspirations to become a leading reporter and anchor.

Luz Gonzalez is a junior majoring in Digital + Interactive Media, with a passion for graphic design and video production. Luz is also pursuing a minor in Social Media and E-Marketing analytics, for she loves interweaving her media production skills with her ability to manage social media platforms and execute extensive market research. After her studies, she wishes to become a community manager and content creator.

Stefanny Tenia is a junior pursuing a degree in digital broadcasting with a minor in marketing and advertising. She aspires to be a news anchor for a television network. She is passionate about media and current events, actively working to refine her communication skills for that future role.

Paola Sirignano is a Junior majoring in Digital Interactive Media. After graduating, she wants to pursue a career in entertainment media, allowing her to spread information regarding the latest in pop culture and cover the greatest events in music, film, TV, and even fashion.