In this episode of the Kratom Stories Podcast, Madalyn Sklar sits down with John, a longtime grappler and Kratom consumer who shares his powerful, no-holds-barred journey with the plant. After a devastating back injury in 2005 left him bedridden and desperate for relief, John discovered Kratom at a local kava bar—and it changed everything. What began as a way to manage pain turned into a life-enhancing tool that helped him return to training, coaching, and living with renewed energy and purpose.

John speaks candidly about his experiences using both whole leaf Kratom and extracts, including a difficult period of overuse that taught him hard lessons about moderation and self-awareness. He offers valuable insights into how Kratom became an alternative to painkillers, how it supports his intense physical lifestyle, and why extracts have become his preferred method. From traveling internationally with Kratom to educating others in his grappling community, John brings a deeply personal, experience-driven perspective to this episode that Kratom consumers—and anyone curious about it—won’t want to miss.

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Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/67

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Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.