Painkiller

Why people recommend it

Painkiller by Will Staeger is a gripping work that explores the devastating origins and escalation of the American opioid crisis, which was subsequently adapted into a notable Netflix dramatic series. The book and its screen adaptations have been referenced by guests and hosts on major podcasts. On The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan recommended the Netflix dramatization to listeners during discussions about the opioid epidemic, and later asked guest Jeremy Renner if he had seen the docuseries. Rogan also mentioned the project while recalling an appearance by its producer, Peter Berg. On The Megyn Kelly Show, writer Danny Strong discussed reading Painkiller alongside other research materials like Dreamland while investigating the opioid crisis for his own projects. Strong explained that learning about the corporate greed and regulatory failures detailed in these books amplified his horror and ultimately drove him to tell the story himself. Across these podcast episodes, speakers emphasized the chilling accuracy and emotional weight of the investigative work behind Painkiller, highlighting its role in bringing urgent national attention to one of the most devastating public health crises in modern American history.