F The Stigma Podcast is an extension of our 501(c)(3) nonprofit, F The Stigma, dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health, addiction, trauma, and the struggles we face in society. Hosted by Laisha Martinez, we have real, unfiltered conversations with guests from all walks of life—advocates, experts, and individuals with lived experiences—who share their personal stories, challenges, and triumphs.
Our goal is to normalize these tough conversations, challenge societal shame, and make mental health and addiction resources accessible to all. No one should feel ashamed in their journey
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Corey Warren EXPOSES the Truth About Addiction Nobody Talks About
Season 2 · Episode 54
Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 01:23:42
In episode 54 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with @icoreywarren a sober coach and mental health advocate who shares his raw journey from heroin use in high school to alcohol addiction—and ultimately, recovery. Now dedicated to helping others, Corey breaks down the myths surrounding alcohol, addiction, and sobriety, while offering real insight into how addiction impacts the brain and decision-making.This conversation dives into recovery, relapse prevention, and the truth about substance use—aimed at breaking stigma and helping others find a path forward.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |Corey's Links | Website | https://www.coreywarren.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarrenFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple 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, 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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict
Men Struggling With Addiction — This Story Could Change You
Season 2 · Episode 53
Friday, April 10, 2026 • Duration 01:00:17
In episode 53 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Alika Gambill to talk about what it really looks like to rebuild your life from the ground up. Alika opens up about the trauma he experienced growing up and how it shaped the path that led him into nearly two decades of addiction. He shares the chaos of that lifestyle, his struggle with addiction, and the reality of trying to survive while losing himself in the process. Alika speaks on rebuilding a relationship with his abusive father, navigating forgiveness, and what it means to break generational cycles.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 Introduction & Hawaiian Roots
01:00 Growing Up in Hawaii: Culture & Family
04:00 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges
08:00 Turbulent Home Life and Early Trauma
12:00 Feeling Overlooked and Introverted
15:00 Turning to Alcohol & Identity Issues
19:00 Following Role Models: Substances and Surf
22:00 Addiction, Identity, and Men’s Perspective
25:00 Finding Religion & First Encounters with God
29:00 Entry Into Drugs and Escalating Addiction
34:00 Living in Active Addiction
39:00 Victim Mentality and Family Resentments
44:00 Turning Point: Understanding & Forgiveness
47:00 Bottoming Out and the Path to Sobriety
53:00 Sobriety, Recovery, and Changing Mindsets
57:00 Addict Thinking: It’s About the Mind
01:00:00 Life After Addiction & Giving Back
01:02:00 Misconceptions About Addiction & Closing Thoughts
Follow us!
Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod
TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma
Over 300 People Die Every Day From Overdoses… Here’s Why
Season 2 · Episode 52
Monday, March 30, 2026 • Duration 49:04
In episode 52 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ahmad Hussain, founder and CEO of DEFENT, breaks down the harsh reality of the fentanyl epidemic and the truth behind the rising death toll. He shares what drives his mission to create an all-in-one fentanyl detection device and why urgent action is needed to address this national crisis.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.
DEFENT Links |Website | https://defent.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/defentofficialTiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@defentofficialChapters |00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction01:00 What is Defend? The All-in-One Solution03:00 Challenges with Traditional Fentanyl Test Strips05:00 Harm Reduction and Its Stigma09:00 Who Needs Harm Reduction? Breaking Stereotypes13:00 Personal Motivation: The Opioid Crisis17:00 Rising Fentanyl Deaths and Underlying Causes21:00 Why Fentanyl Is Everywhere: Economics & Supply Chains25:00 Strategy: Disrupting Drug Supply from the Bottom Up29:00 Limitations of Testing for Chronic Users33:00 Public Funding and Making Testing Accessible35:00 Addiction, Mental Health & Social Stigma39:00 Early Education and Honest Communication43:00 Myths About Fentanyl Risk and Consumer Attitudes46:00 Community Reporting and Real-Life Impact49:00 How the Device Works: All-in-One Explained53:00 Barriers to Adoption & Market Challenges57:00 Schools, Narcan, and Preventative Measures01:00:00 Xylazine, Nitazines, and Changing Drug Risks01:03:00 The Future of Harm Reduction01:07:00 Key Takeaways: Test Your SubstancesFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple 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, 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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict
Meth Addiction & Crime Took Everything From Him… Then This Happened | Garet McLendon
Season 2 · Episode 51
Monday, March 23, 2026 • Duration 01:04:56
In episode 51 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Garet McLendon to share his powerful story of addiction, trauma, and recovery. In this episode, he opens up about the struggles that led him down a destructive path, the turning points that forced change, and what it really takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. From hard truths about relapse to finding purpose in sobriety, Garet gives raw insight into the realities of overcoming addiction and breaking the stigma around mental health.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 Introductions00:50 Garrett's Sobriety Journey02:03 Life Today & Daily Routine03:10 Finding Balance in Recovery06:07 Early Life and Childhood Memories07:13 Family, Addiction and Early Exposure10:25 First Experiences With Substances11:01 Escalation and Living With Addiction14:10 Turning to Selling Drugs & Crime17:08 Life on the Streets and Prison21:19 Chaos, Paranoia, and Survival26:41 Addiction Deepens and Losing Hope32:41 Isolation and the Breaking Point36:46 Hitting Rock Bottom and Treatment41:12 First Steps to Recovery45:46 Staying Engaged and Active in Recovery50:01 Life Lessons and Growth in Sobriety54:08 Advice and Message for Those Struggling59:01 Closing Thoughts and GratitudeFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaPod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple 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, 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 #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict
Surviving Narcissistic Abuse and Addiction at 14
Season 2 · Episode 50
Monday, March 9, 2026 • Duration 01:03:52
In episode 50 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Faust Castellanos, who shares a powerful and deeply vulnerable conversation about trauma, addiction, faith, and recovery. Known for his appearance on Soft White Underbelly and several other podcasts, as well as his work as a pastor, clinical therapist, and founder of a peptide company, Fausto opens up about the sexual abuse he endured during his adolescent years and how that unresolved trauma led him to drugs and alcohol at just 14 years old. He shares candidly about overdoses, traumatic experiences, and hitting rock bottom in his early twenties before finally choosing sobriety and rebuilding his life from the ground up. Now thriving in recovery and helping others through faith, therapy, and entrepreneurship, Fausto explains why sharing his story publicly has been one of the most empowering and healing experiences of his life. This episode dives deep into childhood trauma, substance abuse, overcoming shame, getting sober, faith based healing, and what it truly means to transform pain into purpose.
Chapters |
00:00 Intro & Purpose of the Podcast
01:00 Meet Foster: Therapist, Influencer, Speaker
02:00 Motivation & Overcoming Adversity
04:00 Early Life: Trauma, Addiction, and Pain
07:30 Alcohol, Drugs & Escaping Anxieties
12:00 Teen Addiction & Spiraling Out
18:00 Progression of Substances & Deepening Struggles
22:00 Narcissistic Abuse Explained
26:00 Rock Bottom: Overdoses & Seizures
29:00 Attempts at Normalcy & Cycles of Toxic Relationships
34:30 Escalation: Heavier Use & Isolation
38:00 Reaching Out for Help & First Spiritual Experience
41:00 Entering Recovery: AA, Social Media & Vulnerability
Doctor & Felon Reveal Why Addicts Relapse
Monday, March 2, 2026 • Duration 01:01:28
In episode 49 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Michael Lynch and Dr. Kenny Clark as they return to announce the launch of their new podcast, Solo and Doc, and have a powerful conversation about rebuilding in recovery after losing everything to addiction. We talk about what it felt like to be absent fathers during active addiction and how they worked to repair and rebuild those relationships in sobriety. Dr. Kenny shares an honest look into the inner workings of his relapses, while we also dive into how trauma impacts addiction, the grief of losing friends to substance use, and what it truly takes to heal. This is a raw and real conversation about accountability, fatherhood, relapse, and hope in recovery that you do not want to miss.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.
Solo & Doc Links!
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@soloanddoc
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/soloanddoc
Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@soloanddoc
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/soloanddoc/
Chapters |
00:00 Introductions & Podcast Origins
01:05 Discussing Recovery & Addiction as a Disease
03:00 Personal Stories of Addiction and Family Impact
09:17 Rebuilding Family Relationships in Recovery
12:00 Trauma, Addiction, and Personal Growth
18:00 Defining Trauma & Its Effects
28:00 Relapse: Understanding the Process
35:30 Emotional States and Relapse Triggers
43:00 Importance of Community in Recovery
Decades Lost to Addiction After My Father Took His Life
Season 2 · Episode 48
Monday, February 23, 2026 • Duration 55:54
In episode 48 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Rich Bishop, who shares his journey through addiction and mental health struggles. From drinking alcohol at just two years old to later turning to opiates and other hard substances, Rich explains how he spent most of his life searching for escape. He also opens up about the devastating loss of his father, who battled severe mental health issues and agoraphobia before dying by suicide. As Rich’s addiction escalated and led to homelessness, he somehow found his way to rehab and has remained sober since his first time in treatment. In this honest conversation about trauma, substance abuse, grief, and recovery, Rich reveals what truly helped him get sober and stay sober, offering hope to anyone struggling with addiction and mental health.
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 & Backgrounds
01:07 Shared Treatment History & Podcast Goals
01:14 Rich's Early Life and Family Struggles
02:21 Impact of Agoraphobia & Parental Mental Health
03:51 Coping with Trauma and Loss
05:11 Early Substance Use and Addictive Patterns
06:40 Teenage Years: Escalating Addiction
08:31 Addiction as a Coping Mechanism
09:59 High Functioning Addiction & Escaping Consequences
15:35 Progression Through Substances & Life Events
20:23 Poverty, Relationships, and Rock Bottom
26:27 The Moment of Asking for Help
29:14 Treatment Experience & Malibu
How Our Parents Shaped Our Trauma & Addiction
Season 2 · Episode 47
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 • Duration 57:20
In episode 47 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes back Santana Dawson for the third time for an honest conversation about change, healing, and what it really takes to grow. Together, they unpack the fear of change and how trauma shapes our present behaviors, relationships, and mindset. They dive deep into how our parents and childhood experiences impact who we become, how we respond to stress, and how we navigate mental health and addiction recovery. Laisha and Santana also speak vulnerably about surviving suicide attempts, reaching four years of recovery, and what it looks like to rebuild a life after rock bottom. This episode explores breaking generational cycles, overcoming trauma, facing the fear of growth, and the power of sharing your story to help the next person struggling. If you’re navigating healing, sobriety, mental health challenges, or learning how to embrace change without losing yourself, this conversation will remind you that transformation is possible and your story has 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 & Intro to F the Stigma01:01 Reuniting & Reflections on Past Milestones03:00 Personal Growth After Sobriety05:00 Owning Your Story vs. Society’s Labels08:30 Stigma, Labels, and Stereotypes12:00 Expectations from Others – Family, Guilt & Shame15:00 Childhood, Fear, and How We Learn to Cope18:00 Addiction Beyond Substances: Codependency & Loneliness22:00 Confronting Old Memories & Breaking Cycles26:00 Strangers vs. Family: Acceptance on the Recovery Journey29:00 Purpose, Fulfillment, and the Search for Meaning33:00 Radical Optimism & Embracing Life’s Duality36:30 Living in the Gray: Extremes, Emotions & Self-Balance41:00 Change, Control & Learning to Adapt45:00 Goals, Vision Boards & The Power of Writing Things Down51:00 Paper, Ink & Manifesting Your Growth53:00 Connection, Spontaneity & The Power of Small Acts55:00 Reflections, Goodbyes & What’s Next
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.
Career Criminal Addicted to Crack Went From Bank Robbery to Redemption
Season 2 · Episode 46
Tuesday, February 10, 2026 • Duration 01:19:13
In episode 46 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Jeff, who shares his story of addiction, crime, and recovery, opening up about how growing up without a father figure and coming from a troubled family became his excuse for using drugs. He talks about how substance use within his family normalized addiction and led him down a path of criminal behavior, repeated prison time, and years stuck in the cycle of incarceration. Jeff reflects on the turning point that forced him to take accountability, break free from addiction, and leave the criminal lifestyle behind. Now four years in recovery, he shares how he rebuilt his life, found purpose, and proves that long-term recovery is possible after years of crime, prison, 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.
Chapters |
00:00 Welcome & Podcast Mission
01:14 Introducing Geeoff: Background & Early Life
02:40 Childhood Struggles & First Encounters with Addiction
05:08 Starting Substance Use as a Teen
08:05 Escalation: Crime, Jail, and Addiction Deepening
11:57 Living with Addiction: Violence, Jail Time & Consequences
16:36 Rock Bottom: Bank Robbery & Family Descent
23:31 Jail Time, Attempts at Recovery, and Relapse
28:00 The Turning Point: Last High & Entering Recovery
33:09 Sobriety Journey: Recovery Houses & New Beginnings
37:34 Family, Fatherhood & Life Changes
42:54 Life Today: Simplicity, Fear, and Values
47:15 Stepchildren, New Family Roles & Reflections
How Gambling Addiction & Crack Addiction Ruined My Life
Season 2 · Episode 45
Monday, February 2, 2026 • Duration 01:36:15
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
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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/I
nstagram | 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
52:41 Challenging Stigma & Addiction in All Walks of Life
54:54 Addiction Doesn't Discriminate – Final Messages
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
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
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
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
