Why people recommend it
Painkiller by Will Staeger is a dramatic and investigative look into the origins of the opioid crisis and the pharmaceutical industry practices that fueled it. On The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan discussed the subject across multiple episodes, specifically referencing the Netflix docuseries adaptation produced by Peter Berg. While talking with guests such as Shane Dorian and Jeremy Renner, Rogan explored the devastating societal impact of painkillers and the powerful media projects depicting these events. Although the book itself serves as the source material and thematic backbone for these Hollywood dramatizations, the podcast conversations heavily emphasized the visual and cultural footprint left by Berg's screen adaptation. Rogan used the discussion to highlight the sheer magnitude of the opioid epidemic, reflecting on how deeply prescription medications have altered American communities and families. Through these mentions, the narrative surrounding the painkiller crisis gained broader attention, linking investigative journalism with popular streaming culture to underscore a tragedy that continues to affect millions of lives globally. The ongoing dialogue demonstrates the enduring public interest in uncovering corporate accountability and the human cost of widespread pharmaceutical addiction.
Who recommended it
- Joe Rogan Discussed
Joe Rogan — 2 mentions
“You've seen Peter Berg's uh thing on Netflix, Painkiller? Have you seen that? It's a docu drama documentary.”
“like I had Peter Berg on the podcast he's the guy that produced that Netflix uh series painkiller”