Damien Echols was sentenced to death at 18 for the 1993 murders of three 8-year-old boys in West Memphis, Arkansas. After nearly 18 years on death row, Damien was released – because the entire time, no physical or DNA evidence ever linked him to the crime. In 1993, the media called Damien and his friends "The West Memphis Three." Prosecutors built the case on his interest in occult magick – a major topic during the Satanic Panic – and a confession from co-defendant Jessie Misskelley Jr. that was later recanted. In 2011, after DNA testing matched none of the defendants, all were released on Alford pleas: allowing them to maintain innocence while acknowledging the state had enough to convict. They are still seeking full exoneration. Echols joins Dr. Drew to talk about how the systems people trust can fail completely, what nearly two decades in prison taught him about discipline and survival, and his forthcoming book “Alchemy of the Broken Blade.” Author and urban-futures scholar Joel Kotkin discusses the rise of socialist politics in America and what it means for the middle class, drawing on his book “The Coming of Neo-Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class.” LINKS & SOURCES: https://drdrew.com/6302026 Joel Kotkin is a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University and a senior research fellow at the University of Texas Austin. He is the author of "The Coming of Neo Feudalism: A Warning to the Global Middle Class," as well as ten other books, including "The New Class Conflict" (Telos Press), "The Human City: Urbanism for the Rest of Us," and the co-edited collection "Infinite Suburbia." Follow at https://x.com/joelkotkin Damien Echols is the author of the forthcoming book "Alchemy of the Broken Blade" available September 7, 2026. He was one of the three men known as the "West Memphis Three." He spent nearly eighteen years on death row in Arkansas for crimes he said he did not commit. In 2011, he was released through an Alford plea. His memoir "Life After Death" is a New York Times bestseller. Follow at https://x.com/damienechols and @damienechols8091 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS: Find out more about the brands that make this show possible and get special discounts on Dr. Drew's favorite products at https://drdrew.com/sponsors • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Be prepared for the next crisis with a Medical Emergency Kit. Learn more at https://twc.health/drew Portions of this program may examine countervailing views on health issues, and do not necessarily represent the views of the hosting platform or producers. This show is for entertainment or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or attorney before making health or financial decisions. Executive Producers • Kaleb Nation - https://kalebnation.com @kalebnation • Susan Pinsky - https://x.com/firstladyoflove Content Producer & Booking • Emily Barsh - https://x.com/emilytvproducer Hosted By • Dr. Drew Pinsky - https://x.com/drdrew About The Show Tired of tribalism and outrage? It's time for a second opinion. From the front lines of the culture war to the front lines of medicine, iconic broadcaster Dr. Drew Pinsky (of "Loveline" with Adam Carolla) brings his unfiltered perspective to today’s most urgent political, cultural, and medical issues. Dr. Drew is a board-certified physician with over 35 years of national radio shows, NYT bestselling books, and countless TV shows bearing his name. He's best known for Celebrity Rehab (VH1), Teen Mom OG (MTV), The Masked Singer (FOX), and multiple hit podcasts. Dr. Drew Pinsky received his undergraduate degree from Amherst College and his M.D. from the University of Southern California. Read more at https://drdrew.com/about