F#CK THE STIGMA

Hosted by Laisha Martinez

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144

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Aug 2026

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About the show

F The Stigma is a podcast 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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August 26, 2026Episode 701 hr 12 min

The Fatal Car Accident That Led Me Into Meth Addiction

In episode 70 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Pej, a professional interventionist with 19 years of sobriety and a powerful story of addiction and recovery. Pej spent nearly a decade addicted to drugs and meth while working as a drug dealer, with his addiction escalating after a fatal car accident. Today, he uses his personal experience with addiction to help others, specializing in interventions for clients struggling with psychosis, substance abuse, and addiction. Pej shares what it took to get sober, how he turned his past into a career helping others, and what families need to know when a loved one is struggling with addiction.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Pej's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/pejinterventions/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/PejizCorner/Podcast | @PrimaryPurposeWithPej & @PejInterventions Website | https://pejinterventions.com/Tiktok | https://www.tiktok.com/@pejinterventionsChapters |Follow 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

August 17, 2026Episode 691 hr 7 min

I Spent 15 Years Addicted to Heroin Before I Got Sober

In episode 69 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Danny Shannon. Who shares his incredible journey from teenage addiction and years of heroin and ice use to incarceration, homelessness, countless attempts at rehab, and ultimately long-term recovery. Danny opens up about the darkest moments of his addiction, what finally made him choose recovery, and how he transformed his past into a mission to help others struggling with substance use and mental health. Today, Danny is a recovery advocate, speaker, entrepreneur, and the host of the Colorful Past Podcast, where he shares powerful stories surrounding addiction, recovery, and the people who have lived through them. In this episode, we talk about addiction, prison, recovery, relapse, the reality of trying to get sober, and what it takes to completely rebuild your life after years of substance abuse. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Danny's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dan_the_man_46_/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/danny.shannon.395/ Podcast | @AColourfulPastPodcast Chapters | 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 02:38 Growing Up in Australia 04:35 First Substance Use 07:37 The First Heroin Hit 10:30 Progression to Addiction 14:17 What Heroin Solved 16:32 First Withdrawal and Jail 19:21 Life in Australian Prison 23:00 Methadone and MAT Debate 27:56 Rock Bottoms and Attempts 32:02 Recovery in America 35:55 Overdoses and Fear of Dying 38:17 Explaining Addiction 42:16 Parenthood and Regret 46:06 The Turning Point 49:59 Life Today and Encapsulator 53:03 Crucial Factors in Recovery 57:01 Leaving 12-Step Fellowship 01:04:12 Message to Those Struggling Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com 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

August 11, 2026Episode 681 hr 10 min

I Was Addicted To Ketamine & Used 7OH To Detox

In episode 68 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Courtney LeRoux, who opens up about her journey with mental health struggles and addiction, beginning at just 11 years old. Growing up in South Africa before moving to the United States, Courtney’s struggles eventually led to addiction involving ketamine, alcohol, and other psychedelics. Now over one year sober, she shares the raw reality of addiction, recovery, mental health, and finding hope after years of struggling. Courtney’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that your past does not have to define your future. This episode explores addiction, sobriety, substance abuse, mental health, psychedelic use, alcoholism, and the journey to recovery. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Courtney's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/roux_coco/ & https://www.instagram.com/court_leroux/ Website | www.lerouxwellness.com Treatment Resource | https://moongladerecovery.com/ Chapters | 00:00 Introduction & Welcome 00:28 Childhood in South Africa 01:48 Mental Health Struggles & Family Dynamics 03:50 Being the Younger Sister 04:50 Relationship With Her Parents & Healing 05:03 The Impact of Her Father on the Family 07:20 Lessons From Childhood08:02 Her Mother’s Support During Recovery 09:17 How Her Parents Changed During Recovery 10:16 First Encounters With Substances 11:31 Early Alcohol & Drug Use 12:28 The Stoner Phase & Searching for Identity 13:33 Spirituality & Drugs14:56 Spirituality & Substance Use 16:20 Experiences With Psychedelics 17:33 Intentional Substance Use 18:36 Her Thoughts on Therapeutic Ketamine 19:30 Problematic Ketamine Use 20:56 Her First Experience With Ketamine 22:10 Moving to the United States & Lifestyle Changes 22:37 College Experiences & MDMA 23:25 Life in Colorado & Cocaine 24:00 First Contact With Ketamine 25:09 Selling Ketamine & Addiction 26:28 What Is Ketamine? 27:44 Medical Uses of Ketamine 28:33 Toxic Relationship & Selling Ketamine 30:00 Escalating Addiction & Deterioration 31:28 Fleeing to California & Seeking Help 32:33 Deciding to Go to Rehab 33:21 Her Experience in Rehab 35:28 Kratom Addiction & Withdrawal 36:21 Levels of Treatment & Sober Living 39:20 Meeting Her Partner in Rehab 40:28 Working in Treatment Centers 41:41 Surrender & Gratitude 44:46 Mindset, Control & Abundance 47:11 Addiction as a Symptom & Spirituality 49:19 Body Image Struggles & Dance 51:20 Yoga as a Tool for Healing 54:39 The Role of Therapy & Self-Esteem 56:50 The Crucial Role of Recovery 58:02 Changing Your Mindset & Perspective 59:55 Reflections on Substance Use & Recovery 01:02:04 Toxic Relationships & Lessons Learned 01:04:00 Healthy Love & Personal Growth 01:05:20 The Importance of Communication 01:08:59 Thank You & Closing Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com 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

August 4, 2026Episode 671 hr 27 min

My Husband's Suicide Led Me Back to Alcohol

In episode 67 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Wendy shares her incredible journey through trauma, grief, addiction, and recovery. After witnessing violence as a child, surviving sexual assault at 15, becoming a young mother, battling alcoholism, and losing her husband to suicide during his active addiction, Wendy opens up about the pain that shaped her life. Today, she uses the grief of losing her husband as her greatest motivation to advocate for mental health, addiction recovery, and hope. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how much you've been through, healing is possible, sobriety is achievable, and you can rebuild your life.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Wendy's Links |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/breezywend/Chapters |00:00 Introduction & Guest Story Tease00:37 Breaking Stigma of Mental Health & Suicide01:12 Dealing with Loss and 'What Ifs'02:27 Acceptance & Guilt after Loss04:08 Personal History With Suicide & Early Life05:13 Childhood, Family and Early Trauma06:31 Witnessing Trauma as a Child08:45 Pushing Through Trauma & Early Abuse10:03 Cycle of Blame, Perfectionism & Seeking Validation12:13 Handling Abuse Reports & Family Response14:01 Seeking Attention, Promiscuity, and Family Challenges15:41 Substance Use and Losing Control18:00 Teen Pregnancy, Family Response & Self Harm22:22 Abusive Relationships & Single Motherhood25:01 Self Harm Patterns and Coping Mechanisms27:10 Mental Health Struggles & Institutionalization29:09 Young Motherhood, Marriage & Eating Disorders32:22 Weight Loss Surgery and Family Changes33:40 Second Marriage & Escalation of Drinking36:42 Alcoholism Takes Hold – Blackouts and Neglect39:55 Family History of Addiction & Alcoholism41:31 Detox Attempts & Cycle of Addiction44:44 First Recovery, Relapse and the AA Journey47:53 Relapse, Escalation, and Self Harm50:34 Marital Turmoil & Husband's Decline53:46 Confronting Loss – Husband’s Suicide59:59 Processing the Trauma & Aftermath01:04:01 Relapse, Isolation, and Hitting Bottom Again01:09:07 Family, Recovery, and Changing Patterns01:10:33 Finding Lasting Recovery & New Purpose01:12:55 Living Out Loud – Service, Sponsorship, and Advocacy01:15:27 Lessons Learned, Family Healing & Legacy01:18:01 Spreading Hope & Breaking Stigma for Others01:21:00 New Life: Fitness, Teaching & Recovery Advocacy01:23:12 Final Reflections & Messages of HopeFollow 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

July 28, 2026Episode 661 hr 13 min

How Losing My Parents to a Suicide Pact Led Me to Addiction & Prostitution

In episode 66 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Betty Guadango to share her incredible journey from addiction, prostitution, and unimaginable loss to lasting recovery and purpose. Betty opens up about growing up with parents struggling with addiction, losing both of them in a suicide pact, and how that devastating tragedy pushed her deeper into addiction. She also shares the moment of divine intervention that changed the course of her life, helping her break free from substance use and begin her recovery journey. Today, Betty is a transformation coach dedicated to helping others heal, find hope, and create meaningful change. This conversation sheds light on addiction, trauma, grief, mental health, recovery, and the power of resilience, proving that no matter how dark life becomes, transformation is possible. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Betty's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/buddha.betty/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/bettyguadagno/ Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@buddhabetty Website | https://buddhabetty.com/ Chapters | 00:00 Introductions & Backgrounds 02:20 Growing Up in Chaos 05:55 First Encounters with Substances 08:08 Progression of Addiction 12:00 Family Addiction & Shared Struggles 14:44 Major Family Trauma & Loss 18:43 Coping After Parents’ Suicide 22:24 Relationships, Co-Dependency & Addiction 27:28 Addiction’s Consequences & Hitting Bottom 33:00 Prostitution & Survival Strategies 36:46 Getting Clean & Crossroad Moments 41:32 Spiritual Awakening & Near-Death Experience 45:34 Forced Surrender & Finding Recovery 48:46 Long-Term Rehab & Healing 52:59 Building a New Life in Recovery 54:25 Spirituality, God, and the 12 Steps 57:57 Addressing Eating Disorders in Recovery 01:01:12 Holistic Healing & Food Recovery 01:03:51 Spiritual Beliefs & Alternate Paths 01:06:52 Lessons, Life Purpose & Helping Others 01:12:00 Wrapping Up & Final Thoughts Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com 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

July 20, 2026Episode 651 hr 8 min

Skinny Vinny From Heroin Addiction & Homelessness to Co-Hosting with Steve-O

In episode 65 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Skinny Vinny (Vincent Imperati), co-host of Steve-O's Wild Ride, to share his incredible journey from addiction to recovery. Vinny opens up about losing his father to a drunk driver, battling heroin addiction alongside his mother, being body brokered in California, surviving homelessness while living in a porta potty, and overcoming countless obstacles before eventually co-hosting a podcast with his childhood idol, Steve-O. This powerful conversation explores addiction, trauma, grief, recovery, homelessness, and how hope can transform even the darkest moments into a new beginning.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Skinny Vinny's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/skinnyvinny/ Youtube | @Vinnyimperati Chapters | 00:00 Intro & Skinny Vinnie's Story 03:35 Growing Up: Trauma & Family Background 07:00 First Encounters with Substances 09:38 Opioids, Addiction, and Legal Troubles 13:12 Homelessness & Its Impact 17:56 Family Dynamics & Enabling 23:36 Body Brokering & Recovery Industry Issues 27:31 Finding Sobriety, Filming, and Luck 32:00 Passion Meets Recovery & Working With Jackass Crew 38:32 Work-Life Balance & Sacrifice 43:13 Career, Relationships & Chasing Stability 48:21 Addiction as a Disease? Perspectives 50:43 Inside the Addict Mind: Why Not 'Just Stop'? 55:00 Growth, Relationships, & Emotional Work in Recovery 01:00:46 Legacy, Kindness, & Lessons From Loss 01:04:10 Gratitude & Final Reflections Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com Pod links | Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224 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, steve-o, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

July 13, 2026Episode 641 hr 0 min

I Was an Alcoholic High School Teacher Who Got 2 DUIs

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 Stigmas 02:00 Discussing Addiction, Cats, and Connection 05:00 Defining Alcoholism & Early Signs 10:00 Growing Up Sheltered & Family Differences 17:00 Florida to California: Life Changes & Family Dynamics 25:00 Trauma, Coping, and Discovery of Alcohol 33:00 First Experiences with Substances & Escapism 39:00 Reflecting on Trauma, Inner Child, and Healing 47:00 Active Addiction, DUIs, and Hitting Bottom 53:00 Consequences, Recovery Challenges, and Spiritual Growth 58:00 Faith, Loss, and Building a Life in Recovery 01:00:00 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

July 6, 2026Episode 6355 min

How Meth-Induced Psychosis Saved My Life

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 Wildcard 01:08 Life on Tour & Recovery 02:21 Early Family Dynamics 03:52 First Experiences With Alcohol 05:15 Teen Rebellion and School Trouble 06:26 Talk Show Intervention & Troubled Teens 09:12 Trying Sobriety, Relapse Cycle 12:11 Probation, Meetings & Graduation 14:28 Meth, Mental Health, and Rock Bottom 23:24 Sobriety, Success & Emotional Growth 27:37 Relapse After 9 Years Sober 31:13 Mental Health Struggles in Recovery 34:46 Getting Back and Building Foundation 40:52 Seven Years Sober—Reflecting, Grief & Growth 47:19 The Importance of Compassion 52:44 Role of God & Letting Go 54:57 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Wildcard Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com Pod 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

June 30, 2026Episode 6551 min

My Addiction to Heroin Led Me To Getting Trafficked

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 Milestones 03:00 Early Life, Family, and Moving to LA 09:00 First Experiences with Substances 12:00 Trauma, Blackmail, and Escalation 17:00 Addiction, Relationships & Hitting Bottom 23:00 Spiritual Awakening & Turning Point 28:00 The Science & Stigma of Addiction 34:00 Relapse, Recovery, and Support Systems 41:00 Grief, Loss, and the Reality of Recovery 46:00 Fighting Stigma & Community Solutions 49:00 Life in Recovery & New Purpose 51:00 Reflections & Closing Remarks Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com 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

June 24, 2026Episode 611 hr 35 min

I Was Addicted To Meth & Homeless At 17

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.00 Chapters | 00:00 Intro & Guest Introduction 01:02 Younger People in Recovery 04:42 Applying Recovery Steps to Life 07:20 Coner's Early Life & Medical Challenges 11:00 Family, Upbringing & Divided Home 16:14 Diagnoses & Social Struggles in School 19:23 Discovering Substances & Early Experimentation 23:32 Vlogging, Content Creation & High School Popularity 26:09 High School to Harder Drugs 30:53 COVID Hits & Life at the Skatepark 34:46 Experimenting with Psychedelics 37:13 Meth, Addiction, & Losing Control 46:42 Rock Bottom & Hitting the Streets 49:35 First Rehab & Family Impact 54:02 Lessons Learned in Rehab 57:39 Film School & Aiming for a Better Life 01:00:57 Cycles of Recovery, Relapse & Isolation 01:08:08 Rock Bottom Revisited & Reaching Out 01:12:06 New Sober Living & Helping Others 01:18:47 Early Recovery and Ongoing Struggles 01:26:11 Finding Purpose, Career, & Family Support 01:31:08 Faith, Goals, & Embracing Life 01:34:43 Reflections, Healing, & Closing Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/fthestigmapod Website | www.fthestigma.com 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