For this episode, I’ve invited a fellow MSW graduate from California State University Bakersfield: Shelby Esquedo. Shelby is the Program Development Director with Bakersfield Angels. With seven years of experience working alongside system-impacted youth, she has a deep, firsthand understanding of how the justice and child welfare systems shape lives. She’s spent the last five years at Bakersfield Angels creating programs that focus on supporting and empowering the youth we serve. I’m looking forward to discussing the intersection of foster care, community support, and the mental health of our youth.

In this heavy yet hopeful Hope In The Valley Special Episode, host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW & Dr. Ashleigh Herrera, sit down with Chris and Loretta LaMedica for a raw conversation about the fentanyl epidemic hitting the Central Valley. This episode is a tribute to their son, Carlos Marquez, who we tragically lost on March 3, 2025, at the age of 34.

After Carlos’s five-year battle with methamphetamine addiction ended in an accidental fentanyl poisoning, the LaMedicas refused to let his story end in silence. Instead, they founded the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation.

• The Reality of Loss: The heartbreaking details of Carlos’s journey and the distinction between an "overdose" and "poisoning."
• Turning Pain into Purpose: How the LaMedicas are using their grief to build a foundation that provides education and resources to Kern County and beyond.
• Breaking the Stigma: A candid look at the intersection of addiction, mental health, and the barriers families face when trying to support a loved one.
• Community Protection: Practical advice on how we can protect our neighbors and youth from the rising fentanyl crisis.

Carlos Marquez will be "Forever 34" in the hearts of those who loved him. This episode is a call to action for our community to lead with compassion, stay informed, and destigmatize the conversation around addiction to save lives.

Connect with the Foundation:

• Website/Social Media: Instagram
• Mission: Raising fentanyl awareness and providing community support.

Listen & Subscribe: Catch this and past episodes of the Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows.

In this episode of the Hope In The Valley series, host Ramon Sanchez and co-host Dr. Ashleigh Herrera sit down with Johnny Delgado and Cheyenne Bond from the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP). Together, they pull back the curtain on the unique challenges facing the American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Kern County regarding opioid and stimulant use disorders.

From the impact of intergenerational trauma to the power of culturally grounded healing, this conversation explores how tradition and evidence-based treatment can work hand-in-hand. We discuss the role of gender-based taboos, the importance of "trusted messengers," and how to remove the systemic barriers—like rural isolation and stigma—that prevent individuals from seeking life-saving care. Join us for a deeply respectful and insightful look at resilience and the path to wellness in the Valley.

Veronica Jacuinde, an advocate for mental health, discusses the upcoming World Bipolar Day event and the importance of destigmatizing mental health. She shares her personal journey with bipolar disorder and emphasizes the role of transparency and medication in managing the condition. Veronica also highlights the power of art and creativity in bridging the gap in understanding mental health. The conversation concludes with a message of encouragement for seeking help and destigmatizing mental health.

Takeaways

• Transparency and medication play a crucial role in managing bipolar disorder.
• Art and creative expression serve as a powerful bridge for understanding mental health.
• The conversation around mental health needs to be open and inclusive, encouraging people to seek help without shame.

For this episode, I’ve invited Lisa Gartner. Lisa is a Special Education teacher and an expert in disability support who is currently completing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. She is the founder of Faith Filled Teaching, where she works at the unique intersection of education, behavioral science, and chronic health.

Lisa is deeply passionate about supporting individuals impacted by autoimmune diseases and invisible illnesses. She uses her background in behavioral science to help people navigate the unpredictable nature of chronic health—focusing on everything from symptom tracking to building the self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in a world that isn’t always built for fluctuating health needs. I wanted to bring her on to talk about the mental health toll of living with a 'hidden' disability and how we can better support those in our community dealing with chronic illness.

I’ve invited a true pioneer of Chicano Rap and a West Coast legend representing the 619 - Jose Anguiano also known as Mr. Shadow. Since he first hit the scene in the late 90s, Shadow has been a definitive voice for the streets, known for his raw lyricism and for putting San Diego on the map with classics like Till I Die and What Goes Around Comes Around. He’s an artist who has navigated the heights of the industry and the realities of the hood, all while maintaining a career that has spanned over two decades.

Shadow covers his journey in Chicano rap, the evolution of his focus and lifestyle, the strength of the community, the role of music as therapy, destigmatizing mental health, and the importance of unity. Mr. Shadow shares personal experiences and advice for the community, emphasizing the significance of men's mental health and seeking help. He concludes with a message of resilience and faith.

To learn more about Mr. Shadow check out his website!

Takeaways

* Embracing Chicano rap as a cultural identity

* The importance of seeking help for men's mental health

Chapters

* 00:00 Introduction and Appreciation

* 07:04 Community Strength and Emotional Struggles

* 15:30 Music Career and Family Dynamics

* 26:25 Unity and Political Climate

* 33:52 Men's Mental Health and Seeking Help

The conversation with Mr. Shadow covers his journey in Chicano rap, the evolution of his focus and lifestyle, the strength of the community, the role of music as therapy, destigmatizing mental health, and the importance of unity. Mr. Shadow shares personal experiences and advice for the community, emphasizing the significance of men's mental health and seeking help. He concludes with a message of resilience and faith.

Takeaways

• Embracing Chicano rap as a cultural identity
• The importance of seeking help for men's mental health

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Appreciation
• 07:04 Community Strength and Emotional Struggles
• 15:30 Music Career and Family Dynamics
• 26:25 Unity and Political Climate
• 33:52 Men's Mental Health and Seeking Help

For this episode, I’ve invited the leadership and community behind Girls Run Bakersfield, a club that builds sisterhood while creating a safe space for women to exercise together. Luz Almanza, Angelica Sabiano LCSW, & Occupational Therapist Damarice Herrera discuss the creation of a women's running club as a safe space for women to run and exercise without fear of harassment or judgment. The club aims to provide a supportive community for women of all fitness levels and backgrounds, promoting mental and physical well-being through running and social interaction. The conversation explores the benefits of running and physical activity for mental health, the importance of community and social support, and the role of movement in trauma recovery. It also delves into the impact of running on emotional expression and the creation of a supportive and inclusive running community.

In this episode of the Destigmatize Mental Health: Hope In the Valley series, we are joined by Lorelei Punsalan, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNRN, CHSE, a powerhouse leader in clinical practice and community advocacy.

Supported by the MAT Access Grant, this conversation dives deep into the unique challenges faced by the Filipino community in California. Dr. Punsalan brings her extensive expertise as a Doctor of Nursing Practice to explore the vital intersection of cultural identity and substance use recovery. From the weight of "saving face" and cultural stigma to the power of faith-based and family-centered engagement, we discuss how culturally grounded care is the key to breaking barriers in stimulant and opioid use treatment.

For this episode, I’ve invited Morgan Mroz. Morgan is a special education teacher, ABA graduate student, and founder of She Shapes Behavior, a platform making behavior science accessible and practical for families, educators, and future behavior analysts.

Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began early, influenced by her uncle with a significant disability. With experience in special education and ABA training, Morgan bridges research and practice, focusing on evidence-based strategies that prioritize student strengths and quality of life, while empowering caregivers and professionals to advocate confidently and ethically.