In episode 45 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Malik Keene, discussing his journey from active addiction to long-term recovery. Malik opens up about quitting drugs and alcohol, walking away from the drug dealer lifestyle, and confronting a gambling addiction that deeply impacted every area of his life. He shares how multiple DUIs and compulsive gambling became major turning points, forcing him to face the consequences of addiction and ultimately choose sobriety. Now dedicated to helping others, Malik explains how he transformed his lived experience into purpose and became a sobriety coach, supporting individuals seeking recovery from substance use, gambling, and other addictive behaviors. This episode offers an honest conversation about addiction, accountability, mental health, and what real recovery looks like beyond just quitting substances.

Malik's Links! |Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/3901295416779134Book A Screening Call - https://calendly.com/malik-malikkeene/screening-callMalik's Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVQ6M2TR

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction

.Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Mission

01:13 Introducing Malik’s Recovery Journey

03:30 Addiction Timeline & Early Struggles

06:40 Middle School Trauma & Search for Belonging

13:00 High School Years: Experimentation & Party Lifestyle

17:00 First Experience with Addiction Consequences

22:00 Escalation in College: Drugs, Gambling, and Dealing

29:00 Understanding Gambling & Its Risks

36:00 Rock Bottom Moments: Violence, DUIs, and Crisis

47:00 Cycle of Addiction: Guilt, Relapse, and Denial

01:00:00 Spiritual Turning Point & Seeking Help

01:04:00 Key Relationships & the Path to Surrender

01:09:00 Checking Into Rehab & Embracing Recovery

01:18:00 Transformation, Faith, and Life After Addiction

01:25:00 Debating Identity: 'Once an Addict, Always an Addict?'

01:32:00 Multiple Pathways to Recovery & Breaking the Stigma

01:36:00 Supporting Others, Resources & Final Thoughts

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

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Website | https://fthestigma.com/

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Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 44 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Travis Shields, who shares an honest conversation about addiction, grief, and recovery after more than a decade of active drug and alcohol use. Travis opens up about surviving the loss of a close friend, the survivor’s guilt that followed, and how that pain drove him deeper into substance use. He also reflects on losing multiple friends to addiction, struggling to identify and process emotions, and the long internal work required to heal. This episode dives deep into the inner workings of addiction in the mind, the emotional impact of grief, and what recovery really looks like beyond sobriety.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 43 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ryan Ead, sharing his raw and unfiltered story of mental health struggles and addiction that began at a young age. After years of misbehavior and substance use, Ryan’s parents had him kidnapped and sent to a wilderness program in the Utah desert, where he was forced to survive for three months. Instead of helping, the experience fueled anger and rebellion, pushing Ryan deeper into addiction. As the opioid epidemic took hold, he began doctor shopping, spiraling into heroin addiction and eventually hitting rock bottom in prison. It was there, at his lowest point, that Ryan made the decision to get sober. This episode explores trauma, addiction, the troubled teen industry, the opioid crisis, incarceration, and the long road to recovery, while breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Breaking the Stigma

01:00 Childhood, Family, and Early Influences

03:40 Addiction and Its Deeper Roots

07:00 Coping with Trauma and Finding Outlets

11:00 School Struggles and Early Substance Use

17:00 Escalation: Drugs, Crime, and Identity

26:00 Being Sent Away: Utah Desert & Boarding School

34:00 Returning Home and Deepening Addiction

39:50 Cycle of Jail, Addiction, and Starting Over

45:00 Rock Bottom, Solitary, and a Turning Point

49:00 The Importance of Intent and Recovery

53:00 Giving Back: Recovery, Purpose, and Service

56:00 Finding Connection & Overcoming Stigma

58:00 Mindset in Addiction & Final Thoughts

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 42 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Anderson, who shares his raw and honest journey through mental health struggles, addiction, incarceration, and recovery. Now 9 years sober, Matt opens up about going to jail at just 15 years old, being exposed to hard drugs at a young age, and growing up with an abusive father where fighting became his outlet. After his childhood home burned to the ground, his addiction escalated, leading to years of cycling in and out of jail and prison. Along the way, Matt lost many loved ones to fentanyl overdoses, deepening his struggle with grief and substance use. He shares how finding God became a turning point in his life and played a critical role in his sobriety and recovery. This episode dives into trauma, addiction, faith, loss, and what it truly takes to break the cycle and rebuild a life in recovery.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction

00:30 Matt's Early Life & Family Background

02:00 Struggling with Anger & Behavior as a Child

04:55 Violence, Hyperactivity, and Early Programs

07:20 Discovering Outlets: Fighting & Seeking Approval

10:25 Substances Enter the Picture

13:00 Experimenting with Alcohol & Peer Influence

15:20 Family Trauma & First Encounters with Drugs

17:55 Stealing, Conscience, and Losing Guidance

22:35 Escalation: Violence, Stealing & Substances

25:15 First Consequences: Juvenile Detention & Early Legal Trouble

29:30 Growing Up in the System & Life-changing Encounters

36:00 Cycles: Release, Relapse & Street Life

40:00 Introduction to Cocaine & Crack Addiction

44:00 Descending into Crime & Prisons

50:40 Losing Loved Ones & Reflection

53:25 Hitting Rock Bottom & The Road to Change

01:00:20 Sobriety, AA, and Finding God

01:06:30 The Power of Inventory & Making Amends

01:13:00 Perspective, Gratitude, and Relationships

01:17:20 The Stigma of Addiction & Educating Others

01:25:00 Steps for Everyone & Final Thoughts

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

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X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 41 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Mike Eaton, who has 17 years sober and opens up about the turning point that changed his life forever. After years of failed attempts to get sober, Mike’s addiction led to a fatal drunk driving accident that took someone’s life, resulting in him getting sober while incarcerated. He shares what it was like to confront the weight of that reality, take accountability, and begin true recovery behind bars. Mike also speaks candidly about being diagnosed with Bipolar 1, how untreated mental health impacted his addiction, and what it’s taken to manage his diagnosis through medication, structure, and sobriety. This conversation explores accountability, mental health, and what long-term recovery really looks like after irreversible loss.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Introduction

00:29 Early Substance Use & Childhood

01:46 Escalation & Early Consequences

06:00 Major Life Losses & Hitting Rock Bottom

09:20 First Journey to Sobriety

12:00 Underlying Mental Health & Relapse

14:14 Mania, Breakdown, and Recovery Setbacks

17:00 Addiction's Toll: Loss, Depression, and Rock Bottom

20:00 DUI, Fatal Accident & Jail Time

24:00 Prison Experience & Personal Growth

28:00 Release, Recovery, and Starting Over

33:00 Dream Life Program & Life After Prison

36:00 Managing Resentment & Forgiveness

40:00 Living with Bipolar & Balanced Medication

44:00 Breaking Stigma: Addiction & Community

48:00 Understanding Addiction & Disease Concept

52:00 Mental Health, Medication, & Recovery Perspective

56:00 Ongoing Growth & Reflections

58:46 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 40 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Emily, who shares her journey with alcoholism, starting from drinking at a young age and the struggles that followed her into high school, including an abusive relationship that shaped how she coped with pain. She opens up about using alcohol to numb the grief of losing a close family member and how that loss deepened her addiction. Now approaching 15 years of sobriety, Emily reflects on what it took to break the cycle, heal from trauma, and build a life rooted in recovery, honesty, and resilience.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma\

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

In episode 39 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with William Mitchell, who was wrongfully sentenced to life in prison for attempted murder at just 23 years old and ended up serving 18 years behind bars. William opens up about battling crack addiction, how prison transformed him, and the moment he found his faith in Christianity. He shares how becoming a minister and paralegal while incarcerated changed the course of his life, and how he now dedicates his time to advocating for people in recovery and supporting those impacted by overdoses in Baltimore. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, and using your story to help others.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Intro & Prison Backstory

03:35 Growing Up Around Addiction

08:00 Prison Life & Self-Transformation

14:00 Faith, Purpose, and Religion in Recovery

20:45 Meeting People Where They Are

25:25 Family Influence & Early Recovery Attempts

32:00 Crack Addiction: Control & Recovery

38:45 Stigma, Language, and Helping Others

45:35 Recovery Identities & Harm Reduction

52:00 Addiction, Faith & The 'God-Sized Hole'

59:40 Working as an Overdose Coach

01:07:00 Giving, Money, and Service in Recovery

01:11:45 Loving Difficult People

01:17:00 Overdoses, Fentanyl, and Community Response

01:21:00 Breaking the Stigma of Addiction & Mental Health

01:25:05 Explaining Addiction to Non-Addicts

01:32:00 Closing Reflections & Final Thoughts

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

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X | https://x.com/fthestigma

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Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 38 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Cindy, who opens up about using heroin at just 11 years old, growing up in a chaotic and painful environment, and losing control of her life to addiction. She shares what it was like entering 13 different treatment centers, the multiple rock bottoms that forced her to confront the reality of her addiction, and the moments that pushed her toward change.

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction & Cindy's Recovery Journey00:47 Early Life and First Encounters with Addiction02:53 Struggling with Self-Esteem and Family Issues05:25 Childhood Trauma and Feeling Like an Outsider11:00 Addiction as a Family Disease13:55 Escalation: From Adolescence to Young Adult20:05 Rock Bottom and Spiritual Awakening27:00 Misconceptions, Stigma, and Willpower35:40 Different Paths to Recovery & Harm Reduction43:36 Sober Living and Starting Over53:01 Lessons, Growth, and Challenges in Long-Term Recovery01:03:36 Coping with Loss, Grief, and Mental Health in Recovery01:11:15 New Possibilities and Giving Back01:13:13 Hope and Meeting People Where They Are01:14:25 Closing Remarks & Gratitude

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

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Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 37 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Chris Yarnell, In this episode, Laisha sits down with a guest who opens up about a lifetime of stigma, trauma, and addiction. He talks about growing up in a household shaped by alcohol and drugs and how fractured family dynamics fueled his early substance use. He shares how his drinking escalated through adolescence, how a chemical imbalance influenced his drug choices, and what ultimately pushed him to join the Marines. He dives into the reality of serving while struggling mentally, the injuries and losses that followed, and the survivor’s guilt that nearly destroyed him. As addiction progressed, sobriety became a cycle of chaos, relapse, and consequence that eventually led to jail time, psychosis, and a rock-bottom moment that forced him to confront the truth. Now in recovery, he reflects on rebuilding purpose, the importance of service, and why healing means more than just staying sober. This conversation sheds light on the stigma around mental health, the impact of unspoken trauma, and the power of asking for help.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome and Podcast Intro

01:29 Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health & Addiction

02:58 Growing Up: Family, Community and Early Exposure

05:47 Alcohol and Drugs in the Home

10:13 First Experiences With Drinking and Family Dynamics

15:41 Teens, Substance Use, and Parental Relationships

20:48 Adolescence & The Progression of Alcohol Use

27:01 Chemical Imbalance and Drug Choice Discussion

33:14 Joining the Marines: Motivation & Pre-Military Life

38:33 Struggles in the Military, Family, and Trauma

46:11 Injury, Discharge, and Caregiving at Home

50:40 Loss, Survivor’s Guilt & Mental Health Impact

57:12 Addiction Progression & Cycles of Sobriety

01:01:33 Complacency, Chaos, and Staying Sober

01:09:34 Relapses, Triggers, and Uphill Recovery

01:17:42 Consequences: Jail and the Wrong Path

01:27:06 Bad Criminal Luck: Court, Mistakes, and Stigma

01:36:00 The Breaking Point: Psychosis & Ultimate Rock Bottom

01:44:11 Recovery Work, Service, and What It Means

01:53:19 Defining Addiction & Hope for Recovery

02:01:01 Purpose, Wellness, and Community Healing

02:04:02 Why Recovery Means More Than Sobriety

02:09:07 Trauma, Comparison, and The Value of Asking For Help

02:15:05 Final Thoughts: Breaking Down Stigma and Moving Forward

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

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X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI

In episode 36 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ashley Pertuno, who bravely shares her story of surviving childhood abuse by a close family member, the trauma that fueled her addiction, and the mental health battles that followed her into adulthood. Ashley reveals how this pain shaped her relationships with men, pushed her deeper into substance use, and followed her through both her basketball career and her time serving in the military. From hitting rock bottom to fighting her way back to recovery, Ashley’s story is a raw and powerful look at trauma, addiction, resilience, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life after years of darkness.

*Apologies for the change in audio quality around the 17:00 mark, we experienced technical difficulties*

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction

00:43 Ashley’s Childhood and Family Life

02:10 Experiencing Trauma and Navigating Shame

05:07 When Did the Secret Come Out?

06:49 The Challenges of Sharing and Healing

08:27 Speaking Truth, Baby Steps Toward Healing

10:27 Substances Enter the Picture

13:20 High School Struggles & Coping with Addiction

16:00 Mental Health Battles and Suicidal Thoughts

17:38 First Treatment & The ‘Great Pretender’

18:32 Addiction Progression and Chasing Stability

20:26 College Athletics and Hidden Addiction

22:45 Joining the Military: A New Escape

25:14 Military Life, Structure, and Drinking

28:44 Life After the Military: Back to Delaware

30:52 Addiction to Love and Relationships

34:29 Chasing Toxic Relationships

38:58 The Spiral Into Harder Drugs

41:53 The Depths of Addiction: Love in the Trenches

45:19 Rock Bottom: A Winter to Remember

48:04 First Real Treatment Experience

52:14 Finding Recovery & a New Perspective

55:27 Baby Steps, Willingness, and Long-Term Recovery

58:48 Value of Sobriety & Recovery Stories

01:01:28 Why Recovery Time Matters

01:04:15 The Insanity of Addiction

01:06:47 Hardest Parts of Recovery: Relationships

01:10:15 Discovering Self-Worth in Recovery

01:13:18 Addiction as a Disease – Personal Insight

01:18:55 Genetics, Awareness, and Stigma

01:22:11 Closing Thoughts & Thank You

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health.

Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree…

Follow us!

Website | https://fthestigma.com/

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigma

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma

X | https://x.com/fthestigma

Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness