In episode 48 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Rich Bishop, who shares his journey through addiction and mental health struggles. From drinking alcohol at just two years old to later turning to opiates and other hard substances, Rich explains how he spent most of his life searching for escape. He also opens up about the devastating loss of his father, who battled severe mental health issues and agoraphobia before dying by suicide. As Rich’s addiction escalated and led to homelessness, he somehow found his way to rehab and has remained sober since his first time in treatment. In this honest conversation about trauma, substance abuse, grief, and recovery, Rich reveals what truly helped him get sober and stay sober, offering hope to anyone struggling with addiction and mental health.

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 Introductions & Backgrounds

01:07 Shared Treatment History & Podcast Goals

01:14 Rich's Early Life and Family Struggles

02:21 Impact of Agoraphobia & Parental Mental Health

03:51 Coping with Trauma and Loss

05:11 Early Substance Use and Addictive Patterns

06:40 Teenage Years: Escalating Addiction

08:31 Addiction as a Coping Mechanism

09:59 High Functioning Addiction & Escaping Consequences

15:35 Progression Through Substances & Life Events

20:23 Poverty, Relationships, and Rock Bottom

26:27 The Moment of Asking for Help

29:14 Treatment Experience & Malibu

32:28 Building Connections in Recovery

36:47 Spirituality and Faith in Recovery

40:07 Letting Go of Materialism & Comfort Zones

43:04 Growth Through Uncomfortable Experiences

45:05 Owning the Addict Label & Redefining Self

47:01 Power of Connection Over Isolation

48:49 Friendship, Honesty & Overcoming Loneliness

51:20 Is Addiction a Disease?

52:41 Challenging Stigma & Addiction in All Walks of Life

54:54 Addiction Doesn't Discriminate – Final Messages

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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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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 47 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes back Santana Dawson for the third time for an honest conversation about change, healing, and what it really takes to grow. Together, they unpack the fear of change and how trauma shapes our present behaviors, relationships, and mindset. They dive deep into how our parents and childhood experiences impact who we become, how we respond to stress, and how we navigate mental health and addiction recovery. Laisha and Santana also speak vulnerably about surviving suicide attempts, reaching four years of recovery, and what it looks like to rebuild a life after rock bottom. This episode explores breaking generational cycles, overcoming trauma, facing the fear of growth, and the power of sharing your story to help the next person struggling. If you’re navigating healing, sobriety, mental health challenges, or learning how to embrace change without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that transformation is possible and your story has purpose.

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 & Intro to F the Stigma01:01 Reuniting & Reflections on Past Milestones03:00 Personal Growth After Sobriety05:00 Owning Your Story vs. Society’s Labels08:30 Stigma, Labels, and Stereotypes12:00 Expectations from Others – Family, Guilt & Shame15:00 Childhood, Fear, and How We Learn to Cope18:00 Addiction Beyond Substances: Codependency & Loneliness22:00 Confronting Old Memories & Breaking Cycles26:00 Strangers vs. Family: Acceptance on the Recovery Journey29:00 Purpose, Fulfillment, and the Search for Meaning33:00 Radical Optimism & Embracing Life’s Duality36:30 Living in the Gray: Extremes, Emotions & Self-Balance41:00 Change, Control & Learning to Adapt45:00 Goals, Vision Boards & The Power of Writing Things Down51:00 Paper, Ink & Manifesting Your Growth53:00 Connection, Spontaneity & The Power of Small Acts55:00 Reflections, Goodbyes & What’s Next

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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 46 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Jeff, who shares his story of addiction, crime, and recovery, opening up about how growing up without a father figure and coming from a troubled family became his excuse for using drugs. He talks about how substance use within his family normalized addiction and led him down a path of criminal behavior, repeated prison time, and years stuck in the cycle of incarceration. Jeff reflects on the turning point that forced him to take accountability, break free from addiction, and leave the criminal lifestyle behind. Now four years in recovery, he shares how he rebuilt his life, found purpose, and proves that long-term recovery is possible after years of crime, prison, 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.

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome & Podcast Mission

01:14 Introducing Geeoff: Background & Early Life

02:40 Childhood Struggles & First Encounters with Addiction

05:08 Starting Substance Use as a Teen

08:05 Escalation: Crime, Jail, and Addiction Deepening

11:57 Living with Addiction: Violence, Jail Time & Consequences

16:36 Rock Bottom: Bank Robbery & Family Descent

23:31 Jail Time, Attempts at Recovery, and Relapse

28:00 The Turning Point: Last High & Entering Recovery

33:09 Sobriety Journey: Recovery Houses & New Beginnings

37:34 Family, Fatherhood & Life Changes

42:54 Life Today: Simplicity, Fear, and Values

47:15 Stepchildren, New Family Roles & Reflections

50:00 Faith, Baptism, and Spiritual Growth

51:32 Losing My Brother: Grief, Guilt, and Tough Love

58:37 Turning Pain into Purpose: Foundations & Giving Back

01:03:20 Understanding Addiction & Breaking the Stigma

01:09:28 Recovery, New Perspectives & Lived Experience

01:13:40 Lessons Learned & The Power of Real Experience

01:15:06 Concluding Thoughts & Inspirational Message

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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

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…

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 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

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 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

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