F#CK THE STIGMA

In episode 64 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Elisa Saunders, recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, shares her extraordinary journey through childhood trauma, addiction, grief, and recovery. Elisa opens up about the heartbreaking experience of testifying against her older brother as a child, losing both her brother and parents, struggling with alcoholism while working as a school teacher, and receiving two DUIs before finally finding recovery. Now celebrating 14 years sober, Elisa dedicates her life to spreading hope, healing, and proof that recovery is possible. If you're struggling with addiction, trauma, or loss—or love someone who is—this conversation is a reminder that no matter how dark life gets, a new beginning is always possible.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Elisa's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/elisansaunders/Chapters |00:00 Welcome and Breaking Stigmas02:00 Discussing Addiction, Cats, and Connection05:00 Defining Alcoholism & Early Signs10:00 Growing Up Sheltered & Family Differences17:00 Florida to California: Life Changes & Family Dynamics25:00 Trauma, Coping, and Discovery of Alcohol33:00 First Experiences with Substances & Escapism39:00 Reflecting on Trauma, Inner Child, and Healing47:00 Active Addiction, DUIs, and Hitting Bottom53:00 Consequences, Recovery Challenges, and Spiritual Growth58:00 Faith, Loss, and Building a Life in Recovery01:00:00 Final Thoughts: Compassion for Family & ClosingFollow 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 63 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Wild Card, who shares his powerful journey through addiction, relapse, and recovery. Growing up with a father who cooked methamphetamine, Wild Card opens up about how childhood trauma and early exposure to drugs led him into addiction. After losing 9 years of sobriety, he fought his way back and is now 7 years sober. This honest conversation explores mental health, addiction, relapse, resilience, and the hope that recovery is always possible.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Wild Card's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/wildcardthedragon/Chapters |00:00 Intro & Meet Wildcard01:08 Life on Tour & Recovery02:21 Early Family Dynamics03:52 First Experiences With Alcohol05:15 Teen Rebellion and School Trouble06:26 Talk Show Intervention & Troubled Teens09:12 Trying Sobriety, Relapse Cycle12:11 Probation, Meetings & Graduation14:28 Meth, Mental Health, and Rock Bottom23:24 Sobriety, Success & Emotional Growth27:37 Relapse After 9 Years Sober31:13 Mental Health Struggles in Recovery34:46 Getting Back and Building Foundation40:52 Seven Years Sober—Reflecting, Grief & Growth47:19 The Importance of Compassion52:44 Role of God & Letting Go54:57 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find WildcardFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comPod links |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 62 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dylan Janet, who shares her powerful story of overcoming meth addiction, heroin addiction, alcohol addiction, and years of substance use. After countless attempts to get sober, surviving trauma, toxic relationships, and sex trafficking, Dylan finally found lasting recovery. Now over one year sober, she opens up about her darkest moments, what changed, and why recovery is possible for anyone struggling with addiction, mental health, or trauma.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Dylan's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thedylanjenet/Website | https://dylanjenet.live/Chapters |00:00 Introductions & Recovery Milestones03:00 Early Life, Family, and Moving to LA09:00 First Experiences with Substances12:00 Trauma, Blackmail, and Escalation17:00 Addiction, Relationships & Hitting Bottom23:00 Spiritual Awakening & Turning Point28:00 The Science & Stigma of Addiction34:00 Relapse, Recovery, and Support Systems41:00 Grief, Loss, and the Reality of Recovery46:00 Fighting Stigma & Community Solutions49:00 Life in Recovery & New Purpose51:00 Reflections & Closing RemarksFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags 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 61 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Connager Parks to discuss his incredible journey through mental health struggles, addiction, homelessness, and recovery. Born with a deformity caused by abuse his mother endured during pregnancy, Connager shares how childhood trauma, his father's battle with addiction, and his own meth addiction led him to homelessness at just 17 years old. After getting sober at 22, he completely changed the trajectory of his life and found purpose in recovery.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Connager's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/connager.mov/YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@Conmov.00Chapters |00:00 Intro & Guest Introduction01:02 Younger People in Recovery04:42 Applying Recovery Steps to Life07:20 Coner's Early Life & Medical Challenges11:00 Family, Upbringing & Divided Home16:14 Diagnoses & Social Struggles in School19:23 Discovering Substances & Early Experimentation23:32 Vlogging, Content Creation & High School Popularity26:09 High School to Harder Drugs30:53 COVID Hits & Life at the Skatepark34:46 Experimenting with Psychedelics37:13 Meth, Addiction, & Losing Control46:42 Rock Bottom & Hitting the Streets49:35 First Rehab & Family Impact54:02 Lessons Learned in Rehab57:39 Film School & Aiming for a Better Life01:00:57 Cycles of Recovery, Relapse & Isolation01:08:08 Rock Bottom Revisited & Reaching Out01:12:06 New Sober Living & Helping Others01:18:47 Early Recovery and Ongoing Struggles01:26:11 Finding Purpose, Career, & Family Support01:31:08 Faith, Goals, & Embracing Life01:34:43 Reflections, Healing, & ClosingFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags 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 60 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with musician Multifaceted Monster (Michael Smith) to discuss his battle with alcoholism, meth addiction, cocaine use, and mental health struggles. Michael shares what it was like growing up without his father, searching for a connection with a higher power, and navigating years of substance use that eventually led to daily binge drinking, frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and multiple 51-50 holds. He opens up about his lowest moments, the rock bottom that changed everything, and the path that ultimately led him to recovery.This conversation explores addiction, mental health, recovery, trauma, spirituality, alcoholism, drug addiction, and finding hope after years of struggle.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Michael Links |Website | https://multifacetedmonster.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/multifacetedmonster/Chapters |00:00 Intro & Meet the Guest00:30 Growing Up: Family, Childhood, and Moving01:14 Early Rebellion & Childhood Stories02:18 Family Dynamics and Religion03:29 Parental Absence & Communication Issues05:14 Substance Use Begins06:16 Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism07:28 Weed, Social Acceptance, and Early Drug Use09:59 Cocaine & Escalating Addiction12:34 Meth, Toxic Relationships, and the Spiral Down15:05 Legal Consequences & Crime Stories18:54 Never Feeling Like It Was a Problem21:32 First Rehab Experience24:22 Multiple 5150s & Suicidal Ideation27:00 Stigma of Suicide & The Reality31:14 Therapy, Recovery & Family Dynamics35:54 Rock Bottom and Road to Recovery41:40 Living Sober: New Life and Achievements54:50 Relationships, Recovery & Setting Boundaries01:02:02 Healthy Relationships & Personal Growth01:05:16 How to Find Multifaceted Monster & OutroFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodTags 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 59 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with entrepreneur, recovery advocate, podcast host, and founder of Kreatures of Habit, Michael Chernow, for an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.Michael shares his story of growing up with family challenges, experiencing s*xual assault, battling substance use disorder, and navigating the pain that fueled his addiction. He opens up about the realities of recovery, the lessons he's learned through adversity, and how sobriety helped him rebuild his life with 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 & Moving to LA01:31 Introduction to Recovery and Breaking Stigma03:25 Roots of Addiction & Importance of Healthy Habits05:25 Growing Up in New York City07:50 Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma13:13 Early Signs of Addiction and School Life16:16 Escaping Pain, Substance Use Begins20:07 Cycle of Self-Hate and the Role of Love25:33 Sports, Sexual Abuse, and Seeking Validation29:57 Molestation Realization & Impact33:11 Addiction Intensifies & Life on His Own36:35 Balancing School, Work, and Early Job Experience39:59 Addiction Deepens, Hitting Rock Bottom41:52 Overdose & Immediate Aftermath45:02 Explaining the Insanity of Addiction48:07 Powerlessness & Turning Point53:41 Asking for Help and the Start of Recovery56:09 The Recovery Plan & Building New Habits01:00:04 Lasting Transformation Through Structure01:03:37 Importance of Daily Wins & Routine01:06:05 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Recovery01:08:38 Sobriety, Abstinence, and Individual Recovery Paths01:12:19 Managing Trauma & Breathwork01:14:26 Addiction as a Disease & Combating Stigma01:17:56 Long-Term Self-Compassion & Living Sober01:18:38 Closing Thoughts & GratitudeMichael Chernow's Links |Website | https://www.michaelchernow.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 58 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Cristina for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, mental health, self harm, and the reality of how the disease of addiction can fatally progress. Cristina shares how family, environment, and trauma impacted her mental health and how she fought to overcome self harm and reclaim her life.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 & Meet Christina02:00 Growing Up in California & Early Childhood04:30 Medical Struggles and Early Memories06:40 Life at Home & Family Dynamics08:30 Religious Upbringing & Family Struggles10:00 First Encounters with Trauma and Abuse12:30 Early Self-Harm & Emotional Coping15:40 Diagnosis, Medications & Mental Health18:40 Addiction: Alcohol, Drugs & Progression21:00 Teen Addiction & Environment23:00 Meth Use & Struggles with Recovery26:00 Relapse, In and Out of Meetings29:00 Motherhood, Toxic Relationships & Loss31:30 Second Relapse & Spiraling Addiction34:40 Rock Bottom: Meth, Alcohol & Losing Custody40:00 Turning Point: Homelessness to Seeking Help44:00 Entering Treatment & Rebuilding Life47:00 Motherhood in Recovery & Healing49:00 Spiritual Life & Daily Practices51:00 Gratitude, Meditation & Surviving the Worst54:00 Life Today: Recovery, Growth & Giving Back57:00 The Power of Spiritual Connection58:00 Final Thoughts & OutroFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 57 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Jacob Kline who shares his raw and honest story of battling heroin addiction, how his addiction progressively took over his life, and the turning point that finally led him to sobriety and recovery. Jacob opens up about the realities of addiction, the struggles he faced during active use, and what helped him get sober. If you’re interested in addiction recovery stories, mental health conversations, and breaking the stigma surrounding substance use, this is an episode you can’t miss.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 and Podcast Theme01:15 Growing Up in Battle Creek, Michigan03:00 Family and Early Exposure to Addiction04:00 Emotional Struggles and Yearning for Belonging05:45 First Encounters with Substances08:50 Early Addiction and High School Consequences12:00 Escalation: Legal Issues and First DUIs18:00 Transition to Heroin and Early Adult Life23:00 Probation, Discovery, and Escalation28:00 Injecting and Life Spiraling Down32:00 Homelessness, Relocation, and Attempts to Change36:00 Relapse Cycles and Deeper Despair41:00 Austin, Texas: Searching for Change47:00 Rock Bottom: Overdoses and Turning Point53:00 Surrender and Choosing Recovery56:00 Early Sobriety and the Role of Community01:00:00 Recovery Methods and Evolving Approaches01:07:00 Life After Addiction: Coaching, Music, Service01:12:00 Ongoing Challenges, Vulnerability, and Staying Connected01:16:00 Gratitude, Giving Back, and Closing ThoughtsJacob Kline's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/officialjkline/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/JacobKline512/Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 56 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Glynis Franz shares her powerful story of addiction and recovery. From childhood trauma and her mother’s addiction to juvenile detention centers, prison, and intravenous heroin use, Glynis opens up about the reality of substance use disorder, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding her life in recovery. Now the founder of Peak Path Health and host of the Peak of Possibility Podcast, she’s helping others find hope, healing, and 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 Intro & Guest Introductions01:10 Getting Sober Young & Influences02:10 Background and Family History04:00 Finding Community in Recovery05:50 Early Exposure to Drugs & Family Changes08:10 Escalating Use & Early Addiction10:30 Consequences, Family Dynamics, and Denial13:00 Legal Issues & Juvenile Detention16:10 First Sobriety, Relapses, and Early Recovery19:00 Struggles with Relapse and Recovery Perspectives22:20 Facing Trauma and Root Causes25:30 Sobriety Journeys Are Different For Everyone28:00 Getting Sober After Prison31:00 Learning to Live Sober & Finding Mentors34:00 Honesty, Identity, and Authenticity in Recovery37:00 Growth, Self-Acceptance, and Helping Others40:00 Working in Recovery & The Treatment Industry44:00 Starting an Ethical Treatment Center48:00 Corruption and Compassion in Rehab51:00 Mission-Driven Recovery Work54:00 Final Thoughts & ClosingGlynis's Links - Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@UC3hd2l7YKPwLZIUCnonhbRA Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/glamorousglynis/Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

In episode 55 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dave Puhky shares how hitting rock bottom became the turning point that changed everything. In this episode, he breaks down how he quit all mind-altering substances, rebuilt his life through fitness and martial arts, and now advocates for men’s mental health and sobriety. If you’re struggling or seeking real recovery insight, this conversation is for you.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 & Guest Welcomes00:33 Early Addictions and Recovery Journeys04:00 Hitting Bottom: Mental vs. External Signs08:00 Growing Up, Family Trauma & Early Drinking14:00 Victimhood, Responsibility & Using Pain as Purpose19:30 Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Facing Demons24:00 Finding Connection & Presence Over Materialism31:00 Cycle of Addiction, Isolation & Comfort Zones36:00 DUIs, Legal Trouble & Learning from Rock Bottom44:00 Breaking the Cycle: Getting Sober & Building New Habits50:00 Martial Arts, Fitness & Healthy Addictions55:00 Balance, Joy, and Defining Your Own Success57:00 Final Thoughts, Socials & ThanksDave Puhky's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/davepuhky/Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapodWebsite | www.fthestigma.comTags 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict