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In this episode of Mississippi Stories, Mississippi Today Editor-At-Large Marshall Ramsey talks to Neil Woodall, Jr. about his recovery from opioid pain pills.

Woodall had the world going his way. A successful student athlete at Millsaps College, he didn’t know how his life would change due to a freak hunting accident. Shot in the face and chest, Woodall dealt with a painful recovery. Part of the recovery involved opioid pain pills. After his recovery and healing, he discovered that the pills also helped mute a deeper pain he was experiencing — fear and lack of self-esteem. Soon the substance that helped ease his pain began causing it. Woodall shares his motivational journey — from his fall to his triumphant recovery and a new life based on his faith.

Watch Marshall’s previous interview with John.


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Marshall Ramsey, a nationally recognized editorial cartoonist, shares his cartoons and travels the state as Mississippi Today’s Editor-At-Large. He’s also host of a weekly statewide radio program and a television program on Mississippi Public Broadcasting and is the author of several books. Marshall is a graduate of the University of Tennessee and a 2019 recipient of the University of Tennessee Alumni Professional Achievement Award.