Ramon Sanchez, LCSW with cohost Dr. Ashleigh Herrera dive into the conversation with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D and discuss the challenges and disparities in substance use treatment and prevention, particularly focusing on the impact of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) on marginalized communities. It explores the disproportionate impact of substance use on communities of color, the barriers to accessing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the gaps in substance use prevention and research for marginalized communities. Additionally, it discusses the influence of psychosocial stressors on substance use and mental health. The conversation delves into the impact of stigma and systemic racism on overdose prevention measures, the need for nuanced and culturally sensitive approaches to substance use disorder, policy changes and systemic impact, and hope for health equity and prevention. The discussion highlights the challenges in promoting awareness, addressing stigma and systemic racism, and the need for linguistically accessible services and culturally specific messaging. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with resources for behavior change and the shift to direct inject as a method for initiating MOUD.

This project is funded by the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). The contents and views are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or views of DHCS or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

For this episode, I’ve invited the stand-up comedian and host of the widely followed Borderline Podcast Disorder, Levy Lupu.

Levy is a truly unique voice in the mental health space, bringing his darkly honest comedic style to a topic many still shy away from. He is a London-based stand-up comedian whose work fearlessly mines his own life for comedy that is as insightful as it is funny. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which provided a new lens to understand a life spent navigating complex mental health challenges. Levy has also been open about his long-term struggles with gambling and alcohol addiction, which began at the age of 13. Now approaching three years of sobriety, he uses his platform to tackle these heavy topics with brutal honesty and humor, believing that comedy is one of the most powerful tools for destigmatizing mental illness and recovery.

In this episode, I sit down with Javier Barba. A Shafter resident, father, former CSUB soccer standout, and the creator of a decade-long annual toy and clothing drive in Kern County. As he celebrates the 10th Annual Toy Drive 6 vs 6 Co-Ed Tournament on December 14, 2025, Javier shares what inspired his commitment to giving back and how community service has supported his own mental well-being.

Join me for a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of helping others.

Learn more at Raices of Kern

Episode 1 of 24: We talk to Dr Matthew Beare about his journey towards becoming an Addiction Medicine Physician and how the landscape has changed. Join us in an honest conversation!

About our guest: Dr. Matthew Beare is a double board-certified Family and Addiction Medicine physician and the Program Director for Kern County’s first Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Clinica Sierra Vista. Since joining Clinica in 2016, he’s led the expansion of care for Kern County’s most vulnerable residents, building the region’s first street medicine teams and developing an integrated model of care that reaches those experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders where they are. A long-time resident of Kern County, Dr. Beare has lived, learned, and worked here for over 25 years. His work has earned recognition, including the Beautiful Bakersfield Health Award and the Kern Medical Exceptional Mentor Award, and he continues to advocate for accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free addiction care throughout the Central Valley.

This episode is sponsored by Hope in the Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to providing community-based behavioral health, prevention, and recovery support services throughout Kern County. Hope in the Valley is committed to expanding access to overdose-prevention resources.

This project is funded by the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). The contents and views are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or views of DHCS or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October, but the conversation should never stop. Host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW, sits down for a critical and profoundly moving conversation with survivor and advocate Katie Valenzuela.

Katie courageously shares her personal journey through the complexities of Domestic Violence, moving from a place of isolation to powerful advocacy to provide hope and destigmatization to listeners who are currently struggling.

This episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of abuse, beyond the physical, including: the damaging effects of emotional, financial, and psychological control. Katie discusses the immense internal barriers to seeking help, the process of safety planning, and the long-term mental health impact on survivors.

Resources for Intimate Partner Violence: https://www.thehotline.org/; National Center for Victims of Crime 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846); & StrongHearts Native Helpline 844-762-8483

For this episode, I’ve invited a go-to expert for helping teens and their families navigate anxiety in today’s world: Sophia Vale Galano, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a thriving therapy practice across California.

Sophia has extensive experience as a therapist across various settings. She is the author of the essential guide, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. The book offers a compassionate roadmap to transform the overwhelming challenges of teenage anxiety into actionable steps for parents.

For this episode, I’ve invited... Andrae Gonzales.

Andrae is currently running for the California State Assembly in the 35th district, is a City Councilmember for the City of Bakersfield, former School Boardmember, CEO, nonprofit leader, and lifelong Bakersfield resident. he has led efforts, including building Bakersfield first low-barrier homeless shelter and expanding access to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. Professionally, he works as the CEO of a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to adults with mental disabilities.

*As a reminder, interview is not an endorsement; Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast is committed to inviting any and all candidates who want to get vulnerable on its platform.

In this episode, we sit down with relationship therapist and sound bath practitioner Norma Garcia, LCSW, to explore how we can transform heartbreak into healing. As the daughter of immigrants, Norma shares her unique perspective on the generational cycles and immense expectations many women carry, and how these patterns can affect our relationships. We discuss her holistic approach, which blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic practices, and sound healing to help you regulate your nervous system, heal at the root, and attract secure, emotionally available love. If you've ever felt the weight of being the "strong one" or are ready to break free from painful relationship cycles, this episode is for you.

Website: Amalú Therapy & Wellness

Host Ramon Sanchez gets candid about his personal journey to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. He dives into the state's complex licensing system, from what an MSW student goes through, to the challenges of becoming an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) to the frustration of an exam process with no official study guide.

Ramon openly shares the emotional toll of his experience, including the hit to his self-esteem after having to take the licensing exam a staggering seven times. This is a story of resilience, perseverance, and ultimately, a powerful message for anyone navigating a difficult professional journey.

You can share this episode and listen to past episodes of Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

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In this episode, I’m joined by Rebeca Gonzalez — a brilliant and compassionate immigration attorney, CSUB alum, and graduate of Loyola Law School. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Rebeca is the founder of Rebeca Gonzalez Law, APC, where she has become a fierce advocate for immigrant families across California and beyond. Her work has focused on protecting asylum seekers, DACA recipients, and people at risk of detention or deportation — helping them navigate a system that often feels stacked against them.

With the recent ICE raids in Los Angeles creating waves of fear, confusion, and emotional distress in our communities, I knew Rebeca was the perfect person to break down what’s happening. We’ll be talking about the legal landscape, what rights immigrants have right now, and how all of this ties into mental health, trauma, and systemic injustice.