Shame on Stigma Podcast

Season 2 kicks of with CarrieAnne and Nicole discussing 2 upcoming events: Overdose Memorial Ceremony on August 31 and the 3rd Annual Stigma event on September 12th

“What if law enforcement became part of the healing conversation?”

In this forward-thinking conversation, Sarko from Winthrop Police Department shares how first responders are exploring psychedelic healing, trauma-informed approaches, and alternative pathways in addiction response. We discuss the intersection of policing, mental health, and innovation — and what it could mean for the future of public safety and recovery.

“Stigma doesn’t motivate change — it prevents it.”

We sit down with Tara, creator of Burn the Stigma, to talk advocacy, social media activism, and the courage it takes to challenge harmful narratives. This episode dives into the real consequences of shame — and how speaking up can shift culture, policy, and perception.

“Recovery doesn’t disqualify you — it qualifies you.”

In this powerful conversation, A marketing director shares how lived experience shaped their leadership journey. We talk about stigma in professional spaces, vulnerability as strength, and what happens when people in recovery refuse to stay silent. Representation matters — especially in positions of influence.

“What if businesses responded to substance use with strategy instead of fear?”

Our contracted nursing team joins us to talk about business outreach, overdose response education, and proactive community health. We discuss how partnering with local businesses changes the culture around substance use — and how education reduces panic, builds preparedness, and strengthens community safety.

“You can’t help someone if you don’t see them as human first.”

Meet the outreach team behind the work. In this episode, we talk about what street-level engagement really looks like — building trust, responding to overdoses, providing basic needs, connecting people to care, and showing up consistently. This isn’t charity. It’s relationship-based public health. And it saves lives.

“The system isn’t broken by accident — and stigma isn’t harmless.”

In our first episode, CarrieAnn and Nicole share why they started the SOS Podcast and what they’ve witnessed working on the frontlines of substance use and mental health. From harm reduction to recovery pathways, they unpack why shame continues to fuel the crisis — and why compassion, collaboration, and real solutions are the way forward. This is about flipping the script on addiction and rewriting the narrative together.