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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 | F**k 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.F**k 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 F**k 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

In episode 38 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Cindy, who opens up about using heroin at just 11 years old, growing up in a chaotic and painful environment, and losing control of her life to addiction. She shares what it was like entering 13 different treatment centers, the multiple rock bottoms that forced her to confront the reality of her addiction, and the moments that pushed her toward change. Chapters | 00:00 Introduction & Cindy's Recovery Journey00:47 Early Life and First Encounters with Addiction02:53 Struggling with Self-Esteem and Family Issues05:25 Childhood Trauma and Feeling Like an Outsider11:00 Addiction as a Family Disease13:55 Escalation: From Adolescence to Young Adult20:05 Rock Bottom and Spiritual Awakening27:00 Misconceptions, Stigma, and Willpower35:40 Different Paths to Recovery & Harm Reduction43:36 Sober Living and Starting Over53:01 Lessons, Growth, and Challenges in Long-Term Recovery01:03:36 Coping with Loss, Grief, and Mental Health in Recovery01:11:15 New Possibilities and Giving Back01:13:13 Hope and Meeting People Where They Are01:14:25 Closing Remarks & Gratitude Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. F**k 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 37 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Chris Yarnell, In this episode, Laisha sits down with a guest who opens up about a lifetime of stigma, trauma, and addiction. He talks about growing up in a household shaped by alcohol and drugs and how fractured family dynamics fueled his early substance use. He shares how his drinking escalated through adolescence, how a chemical imbalance influenced his drug choices, and what ultimately pushed him to join the Marines. He dives into the reality of serving while struggling mentally, the injuries and losses that followed, and the survivor’s guilt that nearly destroyed him. As addiction progressed, sobriety became a cycle of chaos, relapse, and consequence that eventually led to jail time, psychosis, and a rock-bottom moment that forced him to confront the truth. Now in recovery, he reflects on rebuilding purpose, the importance of service, and why healing means more than just staying sober. This conversation sheds light on the stigma around mental health, the impact of unspoken trauma, and the power of asking for help. 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 and Podcast Intro 01:29 Breaking Stigma Around Mental Health & Addiction 02:58 Growing Up: Family, Community and Early Exposure 05:47 Alcohol and Drugs in the Home 10:13 First Experiences With Drinking and Family Dynamics 15:41 Teens, Substance Use, and Parental Relationships 20:48 Adolescence & The Progression of Alcohol Use 27:01 Chemical Imbalance and Drug Choice Discussion 33:14 Joining the Marines: Motivation & Pre-Military Life 38:33 Struggles in the Military, Family, and Trauma 46:11 Injury, Discharge, and Caregiving at Home 50:40 Loss, Survivor’s Guilt & Mental Health Impact 57:12 Addiction Progression & Cycles of Sobriety 01:01:33 Complacency, Chaos, and Staying Sober 01:09:34 Relapses, Triggers, and Uphill Recovery 01:17:42 Consequences: Jail and the Wrong Path 01:27:06 Bad Criminal Luck: Court, Mistakes, and Stigma 01:36:00 The Breaking Point: Psychosis & Ultimate Rock Bottom 01:44:11 Recovery Work, Service, and What It Means 01:53:19 Defining Addiction & Hope for Recovery 02:01:01 Purpose, Wellness, and Community Healing 02:04:02 Why Recovery Means More Than Sobriety 02:09:07 Trauma, Comparison, and The Value of Asking For Help 02:15:05 Final Thoughts: Breaking Down Stigma and Moving Forward F**k 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

In episode 36 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ashley Pertuno, who bravely shares her story of surviving childhood abuse by a close family member, the trauma that fueled her addiction, and the mental health battles that followed her into adulthood. Ashley reveals how this pain shaped her relationships with men, pushed her deeper into substance use, and followed her through both her basketball career and her time serving in the military. From hitting rock bottom to fighting her way back to recovery, Ashley’s story is a raw and powerful look at trauma, addiction, resilience, and the strength it takes to rebuild your life after years of darkness. *Apologies for the change in audio quality around the 17:00 mark, we experienced technical difficulties* Chapters | 00:00 Welcome & Podcast Introduction 00:43 Ashley’s Childhood and Family Life 02:10 Experiencing Trauma and Navigating Shame 05:07 When Did the Secret Come Out? 06:49 The Challenges of Sharing and Healing 08:27 Speaking Truth, Baby Steps Toward Healing 10:27 Substances Enter the Picture 13:20 High School Struggles & Coping with Addiction 16:00 Mental Health Battles and Suicidal Thoughts 17:38 First Treatment & The ‘Great Pretender’ 18:32 Addiction Progression and Chasing Stability 20:26 College Athletics and Hidden Addiction 22:45 Joining the Military: A New Escape 25:14 Military Life, Structure, and Drinking 28:44 Life After the Military: Back to Delaware 30:52 Addiction to Love and Relationships 34:29 Chasing Toxic Relationships 38:58 The Spiral Into Harder Drugs 41:53 The Depths of Addiction: Love in the Trenches 45:19 Rock Bottom: A Winter to Remember 48:04 First Real Treatment Experience 52:14 Finding Recovery & a New Perspective 55:27 Baby Steps, Willingness, and Long-Term Recovery 58:48 Value of Sobriety & Recovery Stories 01:01:28 Why Recovery Time Matters 01:04:15 The Insanity of Addiction 01:06:47 Hardest Parts of Recovery: Relationships 01:10:15 Discovering Self-Worth in Recovery 01:13:18 Addiction as a Disease – Personal Insight 01:18:55 Genetics, Awareness, and Stigma 01:22:11 Closing Thoughts & Thank You Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. F**k 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 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 35 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Josh, who opens up about his journey from decades of jail, prison, and active heroin addiction to now celebrating 15 years sober. Josh keeps it real about what life was like in and out of institutions, what finally pushed him to change, and how he’s managed to stay grounded in recovery ever since. It’s an honest, no-fluff conversation about the reality of addiction, rebuilding your life, and what long-term sobriety really looks like. 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 & Podcast Purpose 00:32 Breaking the Stigma: Why We Share 00:59 Growing Up: Childhood & Family Dynamics 02:51 Moving, Family Background & School Years 05:59 Adolescence, Rebellion & Early Exposure 09:12 First Experiences with Substances 11:00 Getting Drawn into Drug Culture 13:00 Dropping Out & Life on the Road 17:18 Grateful Dead Tour & Teenage Drug Community 23:04 Psychedelics: Influence & Reflections 27:10 The Progression to Harder Drugs 30:29 Addiction Escalates: Heroin & Real Consequences 36:42 Legal Trouble: Jail, Homelessness & Hitting Bottom 43:08 Rock Bottom Moments & Missed Opportunities 51:00 Seeking Help: Jail, Treatment & Getting Sober 54:01 Entering Recovery: New Life Challenges 01:00:03 Life Skills, Fear & Growing Up in Sobriety 01:03:22 Mindset in Active Addiction vs Recovery 01:06:08 Personal Growth & Lifelong Recovery 01:09:00 Service, Self-Discovery & Staying Grateful 01:10:02 Closing & Final Reflections 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#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 34 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tabitha, who shares powerful journey from a childhood filled with chaos, trauma, and abuse to finding recovery and rebuilding her life. Growing up in a toxic household in Baltimore, she faced early exposure to addiction, violence, and pain that led her down a path of substance use, incarceration, and survival on the streets. From the heartbreak of overdoses and prison time to navigating the fentanyl and Xylazine crisis, Tabitha’s story is raw and real—but it’s also one of redemption. Today, she’s a devoted mother, Peer Recovery Specialist, and living proof that healing is possible. Her story reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, recovery and self-worth can still be found. 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 Tabitha 00:17 Growing Up in Baltimore 02:28 Family Struggles & Early Trauma 06:46 Addiction Starts Young 08:55 Teen Pregnancy & Family Dynamics 13:01 Escalation: Violence & Arrests 17:00 First Time in Prison 22:22 Prison Life & Heroin Introduction 28:36 Street Life, Drug Dealing & Multiple Incarcerations 32:21 Overdoses, Survival & Losing Hope 39:03 Kensington & Fentanyl/Xylazine Era 44:41 Final Arrest & Path to Recovery 46:03 Treatment, Sobriety, and Becoming a Parent Again 49:40 Therapy, Medication & Adult Recovery Court 53:07 Sustaining Sobriety & Growing Self-Worth 56:00 Working as a Peer Recovery Specialist 57:01 Family Healing & Finding Stability 58:58 Reflection, Advice, and Hope for Others 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 #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

In episode 33 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ansu, who shares his powerful story of battling alcoholism for over a decade while struggling with identity, family abandonment, and a toxic marriage. From growing up between cultures and living as a “functional” addict to hitting rock bottom and finding faith, Ansu opens up about his journey toward healing, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Through honesty and reflection, he reveals how surrendering to God and embracing humility helped him rebuild his life and find true purpose beyond addiction. 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 & Guest Introduction 00:40 Growing Up Between Cultures 02:18 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges 05:13 Landmark Childhood Events and Moving 08:07 Adjusting to New Environments 10:11 Struggles with Identity and Acceptance 13:13 Experimenting with Substances in Adolescence 16:46 College Life: Escalation of Alcohol & Drugs 21:21 Living as a 'Functional' Addict 25:29 Marriage, Stress, & Substance Abuse 32:57 Divorce, Rock Bottom & Hitting Crisis 37:34 Withdrawal, Recovery & Spiritual Awakening 41:05 Finding Healing Through Community & Faith 44:22 Spirituality vs Organized Religion 48:28 Humility, Ego, and Emotional Growth 52:00 Service, Connection, and Helping Others 56:41 Emotions, Reactions, and Growth 01:00:10 God, Purpose, and Identity 01:04:04 Materialism, Fulfillment & Guiding Decisions 01:10:59 Defining God, Spirituality & Personal Belief 01:14:32 Closing Reflections & Gratitude F**k 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 32 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Tim Fritz to share his powerful story of battling active alcoholism and addiction. Tim opens up about how the loss of his father deeply impacted his life and became a driving force behind his substance use. Together, Laisha and Tim break down the thought processes that come with being in active addiction—the denial, the shame, and the endless cycle of chasing escape. Through raw honesty and reflection, Tim shares what it truly took to find his way out and begin the journey toward healing and self-awareness. This conversation sheds light on the emotional roots of addiction and serves as a reminder that recovery is possible, no matter how lost you may feel. 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 & Growing Up in Baltimore 01:30 Early Childhood and Family Dynamics 03:30 Losing a Parent and Turning to Substances 06:30 Is Addiction Nature or Nurture? 08:00 Personal DUI Experiences & Defining Addiction 11:00 Identifying as an Addict—Comparison and Craving 15:00 The Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Nature of Addiction 18:30 Impact of External Consequences and Unmanageability 21:30 Adolescence into College—Escalating Drinking 24:30 College Years and the Struggle to Control Drinking 28:00 The Obsession with Control & Attempts to Moderate 32:00 Substances Beyond Alcohol and Cross-Addiction 36:00 Why Alcohol Feels Different Than Other Drugs 39:00 Misconceptions: Is it Just Willpower? 43:00 Material Success vs. Internal Fulfillment 47:00 Reaching Bottom: The Path to Treatment 51:00 Medical Marijuana, Relapse, and True Recovery 55:00 Spiritual Experience & Life with a Higher Power 01:00:00 Advice for Those Struggling & Breaking Stigma 01:01:30 Closing Thoughts and Farewell Donate to support! https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate 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 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 31 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Maggie who opens up about her journey through addiction, recovery, and rebuilding her life. She shares what it was like growing up around addiction, experimenting as a teen, and facing early arrests and probation. From her first rehab stay—where she admits she tried to “beat the system”—to the depths of opiate and heroin addiction in Kensington, Maggie’s story is raw and eye-opening. She talks about the repeated attempts at treatment, the turning point of true surrender, and how community became essential to her recovery. Now years sober, Maggie reflects on becoming a parent in recovery, working in treatment, navigating mental health challenges, and finding spirituality and purpose in long-term sobriety. This episode is a real, honest look at what it takes to rebuild and heal after addiction. 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 and Podcast Mission 00:35 Maggie's Early Years & Family Background 02:00 Childhood Experiences with Addiction 04:34 Noticing Differences & First Encounters 07:14 Teen Experimentation and Escalation 13:10 High School Arrests & Probation Struggles 17:00 First Rehab and Intentions to ‘Beat the System’ 19:09 Opiates, Heroin, and Full-Blown Addiction 23:18 Going Deeper: Kensington and Consequences 27:30 Multiple Attempts at Treatment 32:00 The Role of Community and True Surrender 38:29 Early Recovery, Growth, & New Challenges 44:24 Becoming a Sober Parent and Building a New Life 47:07 Working in Treatment & Family Recovery 52:18 Mental Health, Stigma, and Support Needs 55:26 Spirituality in Recovery 01:03:42 Long-term Sobriety and Changing Recovery Paths 01:07:07 Biggest Highlights and Reflections 01:09:54 Ongoing Mental Health and Support in Recovery 01:13:23 Final Thoughts and Closing FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate 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 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, DUI, DWI, forgiveness, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness