The Voncast Show

In this conversation, Michael shares his life story, detailing his journey from Vietnam to the United States, the challenges he faced growing up, and the life-altering decisions that led to his incarceration for nearly 20 years. He discusses the cultural adjustments he had to make, the influence of gangs during his high school years, and the harsh realities of prison life. Michael reflects on the lessons he learned during his time in prison, the importance of having a plan for reintegration into society, and the significance of family connections. His story is one of resilience, personal growth, and the power of hope.

Original Episode Aired April 2022

 
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Podcast Overview
(00:00 Michael's Early Life and Cultural Adjustment
(04:13) High School Challenges and Gang Culture
(10:04) Life-Changing Events and Incarceration
(12:06) Adjusting to Prison Life
(18:04) Prison System and Overcrowding Issues
(24:02) Preparing for Release and Life After Prison
(27:01) Reconnecting with Food and Family
(29:48) Life Lessons from Prison Cooking
(32:14) Navigating Prison Dynamics and Personal Growth
(34:53) Reflections on Change and Growth
(36:05) Adjusting to Life After Prison
(39:27) Reconnecting with Family and Culture
(41:43) Using Technology to Stay Connected
(43:35) Finding Purpose and Employment After Release
(45:24) The Importance of Planning for the Future
(46:38) The Surreal Experience of Freedom 

IG https://www.instagram.com/cali.ogmike/

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In this conversation, Von interviews April Ella, the director of operations at A New Path, a San Diego-based organization focused on harm reduction and advocacy for therapeutic drug policies. They discuss April's journey from fashion to harm reduction, the impact of fentanyl and the emerging drug Trank, the concept of harm reduction, the historical context of the war on drugs, and the importance of naloxone in preventing overdoses. April shares insights on the stigma surrounding addiction and the various services offered by A New Path to support individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Harm Reduction and A New Path
(04:47) April's Journey from Fashion to Harm Reduction
(09:28) Understanding Fentanyl and Its Impact
(17:26) The Myths and Realities of Fentanyl
(21:37) Defining Harm Reduction in Drug Use
(24:32) Personal Experiences and Harm Reduction Strategies
(24:48) Harm Reduction in the Drug Community
(27:33) Understanding Addiction as a Disease
(30:27) The Need for Safe Consumption Sites
(33:24) The War on Drugs: A Historical Perspective
(39:20) The Ongoing Impact of Drug Policies (
46:07) Reframing Addiction: A Public Health Issue
(47:47) The Impact of Fear Mongering in the Drug War
(52:42) Understanding Tranq: The New Drug on the Scene
(55:59) Harm Reduction: A Bridge to Recovery
(01:02:32) Naloxone: Saving Lives Through Education
(01:11:07) A New Path: Community Services and Support 


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In this conversation, Nora shares her personal journey with ketamine therapy, discussing its therapeutic effects on mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. The discussion delves into how ketamine works in the brain, the importance of ongoing treatment, and the societal stigma surrounding drug use. Nora reflects on her experiences, the impact of ketamine on her daily life, and the significance of support systems in mental health recovery. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more compassionate understanding of addiction and mental health treatment.

Chapters 
(00:00) Introduction and Valentine's Day Special
(03:33) Understanding Ketamine Therapy
06:24) The Mechanism of Ketamine in Mental Health
(09:47) Personal Experiences with Ketamine
(12:35) The Importance of Context in Ketamine Use
(15:32) The Journey to Ketamine Therapy
(18:39) The Role of Ketamine in Healing
(21:29) Ongoing Support and Therapy
(24:42) The Impact of Anxiety and PTSD
(27:30) Conclusion and Reflections on Mental Health
(30:50) Understanding Mental Health and Addiction
(38:42) Experiencing Ketamine Therapy
(49:58) The Impact of Ketamine on Daily Life
(58:06) Exploring the Future of Treatment

Nora Rahimian Linktree:
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In this episode of the Voncast Show, host Von reflects on his return to podcasting after a two-month break, discussing the importance of mental health, personal growth, and the balance between podcasting and life. He shares his experiences during the break, including reconnecting with friends, watching shows, and playing video games, which helped him manage anxiety. Von expresses gratitude for his listeners and emphasizes the need to enjoy the podcasting process without stressing over numbers or engagement.

Chapters
(00:00) Return to Podcasting: A Personal Journey
(08:23) Finding Balance: Life Beyond the Mic
(15:54) Reflections on Growth and Gratitude



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In this conversation, Von and Yessica discuss their personal journeys through addiction and recovery. They share their experiences with substance use, the challenges they faced, and the turning points that led them to seek help. The discussion highlights the importance of community, self-awareness, and the ongoing process of recovery, especially in the context of new parenthood. They emphasize the need for support and the value of sharing their stories to help others who may be struggling with similar issues.

Released April 18, 2023

The Retired Stoner Girl Linktree
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Chapters 
(00:00) Journey to Sobriety: A Shared Experience
(03:27) The Impact of Addiction on Daily Life 
(06:12) First Encounters with Substances
(09:35) The College Experience and Substance Use
(12:22) Recognizing the Signs of Addiction
(15:36) The Creative High: Art and Substance Abuse
(18:30) The Vicious Cycle of Substance Use
(21:34) Confronting the Reality of Addiction
(24:22) The Role of Environment in Addiction
(27:15) The Struggle for Authenticity
(30:17) Living a Double Life
(33:12) Finding Hope in Recovery
(37:38) Reflections on Addiction and Relationships
(40:37) The Journey to Sobriety
(47:43) Navigating Parenthood in Recovery
(56:21) Coping with Cravings and Triggers
(01:03:49) Encouragement for Those Considering Sobriety

Leah, the founder and CEO of Pineapple Support, discusses her journey in the adult industry and the importance of mental health support for sex workers. She highlights the stigma faced by individuals in this field and how it impacts their mental health. Leah elaborates on the various services provided by Pineapple Support, including therapy, support groups, and educational resources aimed at breaking down stigma. The conversation also touches on the challenges of social media and the need for community support to ensure the wellbeing of those in the adult industry.

Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to Pineapple Support and Leah's Journey
(07:31) The Impact of Stigma on Sex Workers' Mental Health
(14:29) Pineapple Support's Services and Community Initiatives
(20:34) Navigating Online Abuse and Mental Health Strategies
(25:27) The Importance of Community Support and Donations

Pineapple Support IG
Pineapple Support Linktree

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In this engaging conversation, host Von speaks with actor, writer, and director Abby Rey about her journey into the world of acting, her experiences with mental health, and the importance of community in the arts. Abby shares her personal story of overcoming shyness, the challenges of auditioning, and the significance of supporting aspiring actors. They discuss the emotional aspects of acting, including techniques for crying on command and managing nervousness. The conversation also delves into mental health, self-care practices, and the importance of pursuing one's passion despite societal pressures. Abby offers valuable advice for those looking to enter the acting industry, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process and surrounding oneself with supportive individuals.


Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(04:27) The Journey into Acting
(09:28) Overcoming Nervousness in Performance
(15:16) Character Development and Preparation
(19:08) Emotional Depth and Crying on Command
(25:05) Mental Health and Personal Struggles
(36:48) Navigating Career Transitions
(39:07) The Importance of Support in Pursuing Passion
(41:10) Cultural Expectations and Career Choices
(43:52) Mental Health and Self-Care Strategies
(48:35) The Power of Connection Through Art
(52:46) Advice for Aspiring Artists
(57:05) Enjoying the Process Over the Outcome


Abby Rey Linktree

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In this solo episode, Von shares his journey of sobriety, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the past two years. He discusses the reasons behind his decision to stop partying, the difficulties faced during the first year of recovery, and the emotional struggles encountered in the second year. Von emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, emotional regulation, and finding peace without substances. He also addresses the feelings of isolation and burnout, while expressing gratitude for his recovery and encouraging others facing similar challenges.

Chapters
(00:00) Introduction and Life Updates
(05:59) Challenges of Early Sobriety
(08:21) Reflections on Year Two of Sobriety
(11:09) Learning to Regulate Emotions
(15:03) The Struggle with Isolation
(17:49) Gratitude for Recovery
(21:25) Encouragement for Others Facing Addiction

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Von reflects on his journey, discussing the importance of solo episodes, navigating life's challenges, and the significance of reflecting on personal progress. He shares insights on dealing with burnout, the benefits of gym workouts, and the necessity of self-reflection to appreciate how far one has come. Von emphasizes the importance of bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining a positive perspective on personal growth.


Chapters
(00:00) Embracing Solo Episodes
(08:49) Reflecting on Personal Progress
(25:08) Finding Balance and Moving Forward

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In this episode host Von discusses the therapeutic use of ketamine with licensed clinical worker Candace Curzon and medical provider Austin Francom. They explore the benefits of ketamine therapy and delve into the administration methods, safety protocols, and the importance of mindset. The discussion highlights the role of music in therapy sessions and emphasizes the need for continued work post-therapy to integrate the experiences gained during treatment.

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Ketamine Therapy
(03:30) Understanding Ketamine: Properties and Uses
(06:26) The Therapeutic Process of Ketamine Administration
(09:23) The Role of Music in Ketamine Therapy
(12:35) Navigating Addiction and Ketamine Therapy
(15:19) The Integration of Ketamine Therapy with Traditional Therapy
(18:37) The Experience of a Ketamine Therapy Session
(21:31) The Importance of Setting and Support in Therapy
(24:23) Long-term Management and Self-Care After Therapy
(29:54) Exploring Ketamine and Ayahuasca: A Comparative Insight 
(37:24) Considerations and Precautions for Ketamine Therapy
(40:43) Finding the Right Clinic for Ketamine Treatment

Ketamine Therapy SLC linktree

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