In episode 74 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dani Burd who is a professional dancer and founder of Indigo Dance Company, to discuss addiction, sobriety, relapse, and grief. Dani shares how she became an IV heroin user at 18, got sober with the help of Suboxone, maintained eight years of sobriety, and relapsed while coping with the devastating loss of two people she loved.

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

Dani's Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/daniiburd/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/indigodancecompany/

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:07 Growing Up in LA County

00:44 Family Dynamics and Parents' Split

01:22 Journey into Recovery

01:59 First Encounters with Substances

04:07 Early Substance Use and Turning Point

05:33 Childhood Anxiety and Self-Consciousness

06:28 Progression of Use

08:02 Opiates and Benzos

10:23 The Road to Treatment

12:28 Heroin Escalation

14:12 Family Response and Support

15:36 Emotional Intensity and Coping

17:17 Living with Mom and Hidden Addiction

19:05 Moving in with Dad

19:50 Legal Consequences and Shame

20:38 IV Use and Dad Discovering

22:10 Rehab Experience and Withdrawal

24:03 Learning in Treatment

26:06 Overcoming the Obsession

27:46 Sobriety in Youth

30:41 Thriving in Sobriety

32:34 Drifting Away from the Program

37:20 The Concept of Recovery

39:23 Relapse and COVID

45:39 The Decision to Drink

48:00 Grief and Active Addiction

51:15 Loss and Despair

53:50 Window of Willingness

55:20 Shame and Barriers to Return

57:40 The Turning Point

01:01:00 Life After Sobriety

01:05:57 Stigma and Internal Struggles

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism #doctor

In episode 73 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dr. Kenny Clark who returns for an honest conversation about addiction, relapse, and what getting sober doesn’t automatically fix. We explore whether addiction is a disease or a choice, the biggest lies addicts tell themselves, AA and 12-step recovery, Suboxone and methadone, and how addiction affects marriage and family. What keeps someone using, even when everything is on the line?

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

Kenny's Links

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drkennyclark/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556847637005

Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@soloanddoc/

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction and Sobriety Journey

01:30 Changes in Recovery

06:00 Redefining Gratitude

10:50 Wife's Support Through Relapse

20:00 Lessons in Marriage and Recovery

22:50 Awareness of Addiction

28:40 Debunking the Allergy Myth

37:00 Dealing with Anger and Resentment

42:40 Addiction: Disease and Choice

55:00 Career, Licenses, and Amends

01:04:20 Working at the Shelter

01:09:10 Biggest Lies and Addictive Drugs

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism #doctor

In episode 72 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dave Manheim, opens up about his heroin addiction, using drugs while working at MTV, losing custody of his daughter, and the painful road to sobriety. He shares how he rebuilt his life and turned his darkest experiences into one of the most recognized addiction recovery podcasts. This is an honest conversation about addiction, relapse, fatherhood, recovery, and second chances.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Dave Manheim's Links | Website | https://dopeypodcast.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dopeypodcast/Chapters |00:00 Welcome to F the Stigma00:20 Type A vs. Type B Personality01:40 Vaping and Quitting Smoking04:30 Dopey Podcast Origins07:00 Interviewing Hunter Biden08:30 Early Days of Dopey10:00 Naming the Podcast11:30 Sobriety and Uncertainty13:20 Growing Up in Manhattan15:00 First Encounters with Drugs17:30 Career in TV Production20:30 Heroin Addiction Begins23:00 Rehab and Relapse26:00 Moving to LA and Struggling29:00 Benzos and Blackouts31:00 Mother's Illness and Turning Point34:00 Fatherhood and Shame39:00 Losing Custody and Rock Bottom42:00 Finding AA and Sobriety47:00 Dopey's Growth and Community49:00 Coping with Loss54:00 Why We Use and the Power of Choice57:00 Obsessions and Recovery01:00:00 Lessons from AA Meetings01:03:00 The Real Reason for Using01:05:00 Learning Hard Work at Katz's01:09:00 Dominican Roots and Connection01:11:00 Working at Katz's and Dopey01:13:00 Grieving the Old Life01:15:00 Dopey Con and Future Plans01:17:00 Defining Addiction and Breaking StigmaFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 71 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Barker, who was recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, joins the podcast to share how he transformed his life after decades of addiction, meth use, prison, and devastating loss. Today, Matt is sober, has earned his master’s degree, and uses his experience to help others find recovery. In this raw conversation, we break down the disease of addiction, the insanity and destruction that surround it, the reality of getting sober, and how purpose, accountability, and helping others gave Matt a chance to rebuild his life.

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

Matt's Links |

Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@almostfamoustotallysober

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome Matt Barker

00:14 Growing Up in the Valley

00:46 Last High and Jail

02:34 Sister's Ultimatum

04:40 Running Into Tiny

06:29 Attempted Robberies

07:32 Pep Boys Incident

08:38 Long Beach Detox

11:53 Mother's Call and Dark Knight

14:29 Beginning of Sobriety

16:04 Finding a Sponsor

18:20 Withdrawal Symptoms

20:24 Running Into Weasel

21:11 20 Years of Addiction

26:00 Best Friend's Death

29:05 Meeting Willie

30:38 AA Meetings and Stories

32:23 Anonymity and Comments

34:46 Sobriety and Life

36:35 Obsession Lifted

38:00 Expunging Felonies

40:56 Six Months and Ten Days

42:43 Almost Relapsing

45:40 Importance of Drunkalogue

50:15 Education and Career

54:00 Writing and Screenplays

57:00 Working in Treatment

01:00:20 Wife's Cancer Scare

01:01:33 Understanding Addiction

01:03:00 Stigma and Treatment Industry

01:06:50 Future of Recovery

01:09:45 AA Traditions and Bill Wilson

01:12:00 Different Paths to Recovery

01:14:55 Living in the World

01:16:11 Where to Find Matt

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3

Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 70 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Pej, a professional interventionist with 19 years of sobriety and a powerful story of addiction and recovery. Pej spent nearly a decade addicted to drugs and meth while working as a drug dealer, with his addiction escalating after a fatal car accident. Today, he uses his personal experience with addiction to help others, specializing in interventions for clients struggling with psychosis, substance abuse, and addiction. Pej shares what it took to get sober, how he turned his past into a career helping others, and what families need to know when a loved one is struggling with addiction.

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

Pej's Links |

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pejinterventions/

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

Podcast |  @PrimaryPurposeWithPej  &  @PejInterventions 

Website | https://pejinterventions.com/Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pejinterventions

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome to F the Sigma Podcast

00:28 Pej's Recovery Story and Mission

00:53 Pej's Background and Family Life

01:07 Early Childhood and Memories

02:24 Moving to California and First Substance Use

03:43 The Genesis of Addiction

04:59 The Car Accident and Its Aftermath

07:23 Addiction Spiral and Legal Troubles

09:33 The Drug Dealing Lifestyle

12:31 From Counselor to Interventionist

13:43 Becoming an Interventionist

15:35 The Importance of Interventions

17:42 The Reality of Drug Dealing

19:50 The Toll on Humanity

22:32 Hitting a Spiritual Bottom

24:40 The Role of a Mentor

26:00 From Addiction to Advocacy

28:25 Facing the Toughest Interventions

31:27 Enabling vs. Helping

34:47 Personal Struggles in Recovery

38:22 Shedding the Ego

41:49 Where to Find Pej

Follow us!

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 69 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Danny Shannon. Who shares his incredible journey from teenage addiction and years of heroin and ice use to incarceration, homelessness, countless attempts at rehab, and ultimately long-term recovery. Danny opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, what finally made him choose recovery, and how he transformed his past into a mission to help others struggling with substance use and mental health. Today, Danny is a recovery advocate, speaker, entrepreneur, and the host of the Colorful Past Podcast, where he shares powerful stories surrounding addiction, recovery, and the people who have lived through them. In this episode, we talk about addiction, prison, recovery, relapse, the reality of trying to get sober, and what it takes to completely rebuild your life after years of substance abuse.

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

Danny's Links |

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dan_the_man_46_/

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/danny.shannon.395/

Podcast |  @AColourfulPastPodcast 

Chapters |

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

02:38 Growing Up in Australia

04:35 First Substance Use

07:37 The First Heroin Hit

10:30 Progression to Addiction

14:17 What Heroin Solved

16:32 First Withdrawal and Jail

19:21 Life in Australian Prison

23:00 Methadone and MAT Debate

27:56 Rock Bottoms and Attempts

32:02 Recovery in America

35:55 Overdoses and Fear of Dying

38:17 Explaining Addiction

42:16 Parenthood and Regret

46:06 The Turning Point

49:59 Life Today and Encapsulator

53:03 Crucial Factors in Recovery

57:01 Leaving 12-Step Fellowship

01:04:12 Message to Those Struggling

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 68 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Courtney LeRoux, who opens up about her journey with mental health struggles and addiction, beginning at just 11 years old. Growing up in South Africa before moving to the United States, Courtney’s struggles eventually led to addiction involving ketamine, alcohol, and other psychedelics. Now over one year sober, she shares the raw reality of addiction, recovery, mental health, and finding hope after years of struggling. Courtney’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that your past does not have to define your future. This episode explores addiction, sobriety, substance abuse, mental health, psychedelic use, alcoholism, and the journey to recovery.

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

Courtney's Links |

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/roux_coco/ & https://www.instagram.com/court_leroux/ Website | www.lerouxwellness.com

Treatment Resource | https://moongladerecovery.com/

Chapters |

00:00 Introduction & Welcome

00:28 Childhood in South Africa

01:48 Mental Health Struggles & Family Dynamics

03:50 Being the Younger Sister

04:50 Relationship With Her Parents & Healing

05:03 The Impact of Her Father on the Family

07:20 Lessons From Childhood08:02 Her Mother’s Support During Recovery

09:17 How Her Parents Changed During Recovery

10:16 First Encounters With Substances

11:31 Early Alcohol & Drug Use

12:28 The Stoner Phase & Searching for Identity

13:33 Spirituality & Drugs14:56 Spirituality & Substance Use

16:20 Experiences With Psychedelics

17:33 Intentional Substance Use

18:36 Her Thoughts on Therapeutic Ketamine

19:30 Problematic Ketamine Use

20:56 Her First Experience With Ketamine

22:10 Moving to the United States & Lifestyle Changes

22:37 College Experiences & MDMA

23:25 Life in Colorado & Cocaine

24:00 First Contact With Ketamine

25:09 Selling Ketamine & Addiction

26:28 What Is Ketamine?

27:44 Medical Uses of Ketamine

28:33 Toxic Relationship & Selling Ketamine

30:00 Escalating Addiction & Deterioration

31:28 Fleeing to California & Seeking Help

32:33 Deciding to Go to Rehab

33:21 Her Experience in Rehab

35:28 Kratom Addiction & Withdrawal

36:21 Levels of Treatment & Sober Living

39:20 Meeting Her Partner in Rehab

40:28 Working in Treatment Centers

41:41 Surrender & Gratitude

44:46 Mindset, Control & Abundance

47:11 Addiction as a Symptom & Spirituality

49:19 Body Image Struggles & Dance

51:20 Yoga as a Tool for Healing

54:39 The Role of Therapy & Self-Esteem

56:50 The Crucial Role of Recovery

58:02 Changing Your Mindset & Perspective

59:55 Reflections on Substance Use & Recovery

01:02:04 Toxic Relationships & Lessons Learned

01:04:00 Healthy Love & Personal Growth

01:05:20 The Importance of Communication

01:08:59 Thank You & Closing

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 67 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Wendy shares her incredible journey through trauma, grief, addiction, and recovery. After witnessing violence as a child, surviving sexual assault at 15, becoming a young mother, battling alcoholism, and losing her husband to suicide during his active addiction, Wendy opens up about the pain that shaped her life. Today, she uses the grief of losing her husband as her greatest motivation to advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how much you've been through, healing is possible, sobriety is achievable, and you can rebuild your life.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Wendy's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/breezywend/Chapters |00:00 Introduction & Guest Story Tease00:37 Breaking Stigma of Mental Health & Suicide01:12 Dealing with Loss and 'What Ifs'02:27 Acceptance & Guilt after Loss04:08 Personal History With Suicide & Early Life05:13 Childhood, Family and Early Trauma06:31 Witnessing Trauma as a Child08:45 Pushing Through Trauma & Early Abuse10:03 Cycle of Blame, Perfectionism & Seeking Validation12:13 Handling Abuse Reports & Family Response14:01 Seeking Attention, Promiscuity, and Family Challenges15:41 Substance Use and Losing Control18:00 Teen Pregnancy, Family Response & Self Harm22:22 Abusive Relationships & Single Motherhood25:01 Self Harm Patterns and Coping Mechanisms27:10 Mental Health Struggles & Institutionalization29:09 Young Motherhood, Marriage & Eating Disorders32:22 Weight Loss Surgery and Family Changes33:40 Second Marriage & Escalation of Drinking36:42 Alcoholism Takes Hold – Blackouts and Neglect39:55 Family History of Addiction & Alcoholism41:31 Detox Attempts & Cycle of Addiction44:44 First Recovery, Relapse and the AA Journey47:53 Relapse, Escalation, and Self Harm50:34 Marital Turmoil & Husband's Decline53:46 Confronting Loss – Husband’s Suicide59:59 Processing the Trauma & Aftermath01:04:01 Relapse, Isolation, and Hitting Bottom Again01:09:07 Family, Recovery, and Changing Patterns01:10:33 Finding Lasting Recovery & New Purpose01:12:55 Living Out Loud – Service, Sponsorship, and Advocacy01:15:27 Lessons Learned, Family Healing & Legacy01:18:01 Spreading Hope & Breaking Stigma for Others01:21:00 New Life: Fitness, Teaching & Recovery Advocacy01:23:12 Final Reflections & Messages of HopeFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Tags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 66 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Betty Guadango to share her incredible journey from addiction, prostitution, and unimaginable loss to lasting recovery and purpose. Betty opens up about growing up with parents struggling with addiction, losing both of them in a suicide pact, and how that devastating tragedy pushed her deeper into addiction. She also shares the moment of divine intervention that changed the course of her life, helping her break free from substance use and begin her recovery journey. Today, Betty is a transformation coach dedicated to helping others heal, find hope, and create meaningful change. This conversation sheds light on addiction, trauma, grief, mental health, recovery, and the power of resilience, proving that no matter how dark life becomes, transformation is possible.

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

Betty's Links |

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty/

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

Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@buddhabetty

Website | https://buddhabetty.com/

Chapters |

00:00 Introductions & Backgrounds

02:20 Growing Up in Chaos

05:55 First Encounters with Substances

08:08 Progression of Addiction

12:00 Family Addiction & Shared Struggles

14:44 Major Family Trauma & Loss

18:43 Coping After Parents’ Suicide

22:24 Relationships, Co-Dependency & Addiction

27:28 Addiction’s Consequences & Hitting Bottom

33:00 Prostitution & Survival Strategies

36:46 Getting Clean & Crossroad Moments

41:32 Spiritual Awakening & Near-Death Experience

45:34 Forced Surrender & Finding Recovery

48:46 Long-Term Rehab & Healing

52:59 Building a New Life in Recovery

54:25 Spirituality, God, and the 12 Steps

57:57 Addressing Eating Disorders in Recovery

01:01:12 Holistic Healing & Food Recovery

01:03:51 Spiritual Beliefs & Alternate Paths

01:06:52 Lessons, Life Purpose & Helping Others

01:12:00 Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts

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Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

In episode 65 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Skinny Vinny (Vincent Imperati), co-host of Steve-O's Wild Ride, to share his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. Vinny opens up about losing his father to a drunk driver, battling heroin addiction alongside his mother, being body brokered in California, surviving homelessness while living in a porta potty, and overcoming countless obstacles before eventually co-hosting a podcast with his childhood idol, Steve-O. This powerful conversation explores addiction, trauma, grief, recovery, homelessness, and how hope can transform even the darkest moments into a new beginning.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.

Skinny Vinny's Links |

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/skinnyvinny/

Youtube |  @Vinnyimperati 

Chapters |

00:00 Intro & Skinny Vinnie's Story

03:35 Growing Up: Trauma & Family Background

07:00 First Encounters with Substances

09:38 Opioids, Addiction, and Legal Troubles

13:12 Homelessness & Its Impact

17:56 Family Dynamics & Enabling

23:36 Body Brokering & Recovery Industry Issues

27:31 Finding Sobriety, Filming, and Luck

32:00 Passion Meets Recovery & Working With Jackass Crew

38:32 Work-Life Balance & Sacrifice

43:13 Career, Relationships & Chasing Stability

48:21 Addiction as a Disease? Perspectives

50:43 Inside the Addict Mind: Why Not 'Just Stop'?

55:00 Growth, Relationships, & Emotional Work in Recovery

01:00:46 Legacy, Kindness, & Lessons From Loss

01:04:10 Gratitude & Final Reflections

Follow us!

Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod

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

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

Website | www.fthestigma.com

Pod links |

Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224

Tags in this video ↓

fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, 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, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, 5150, psych wards, steve-o, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism