F#CK THE STIGMA

Hosted by Laisha Martinez

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Oct 2026

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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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October 27, 2026Episode 771 hr 8 min

Homeless, Nodding Out on a Bus Bench: How She Finally Got Sober

In episode 77 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Keta Loren who grew up in foster care, was in juvenile hall by age 10, and in the California Youth Authority by 14. Today she’s a recovery advocate, singer-songwriter, podcast host, and author of the memoir Gutter Kid. In this raw episode of the Fuck The Stigma Podcast, Keta shares how she survived addiction, trauma, and mental illness, including the Christmas house fire that took four of her siblings when she was seven. She talks about living with bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and PTSD, why she believes trauma is the gateway to addiction, and how she healed her abandonment wounds. She also opens up about 13 years in recovery, her time homeless, relapse stigma, how a $47 money order led to a rehab scholarship, and the difference between enabling and supporting someone you love.If you’re struggling with addiction, foster care trauma, or mental health challenges, this is a reminder that change is possible. If she can do it, so can you.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Keta's Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamketaloren/Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@UCfAyBdzMgeH4sDh8sbSrjHw Chapters |0:00 Meet Keta Loren: Singer, Author & Podcast Host1:41 Life Gives You a Chance to Quit Right Before the Breakthrough3:35 Gutter Kid: Growing Up Without a Safe Place to Land5:21 Juvenile Hall at 10 & the Pizza Party Felony7:27 California Youth Authority at 148:16 Growing Up in Red Bluff & Parents Who Met in a Group Home11:14 The Christmas House Fire That Took Four Siblings12:36 Loving a Father With Schizoaffective Disorder14:20 Living With Bipolar, BPD & Manic Episodes16:01 From Hurricane to Undertow: Emotional Regulation17:24 Finding the Root of a Trigger (Abandonment Wounds)21:39 Believing You're Unlovable & Learning to Be Loved23:45 Scared but Safe: Looking for Proof in Relationships26:42 The Triple Threat: Trauma, Addiction & Mental Health29:21 Borderline Personality Disorder Explained31:17 Healing Through Friendships With Women34:44 "I've Died and Been Reborn Six Times"36:00 Personal Responsibility & Refusing to Be a Statistic37:30 Foster Care Over-Medication & Finally Getting Help39:09 "I'm Not an Outlier": Proof That Healing Is Possible40:47 13 Years in Recovery & the Truth About Relapse47:47 Ayahuasca, Pain Meds & Using Intention50:20 Why Relapse Carries So Much Stigma52:34 Anxiety, Purpose & Choosing Your Story56:03 Go 3 Days Without Food or Water: What Addiction Feels Like57:18 "Hell Has a Basement": Rock Bottom on a Bus Bench58:48 Asking for Help When You've Burned Every Bridge1:00:34 The $47 Money Order & the Rehab Scholarship1:03:19 "Only One of You Will Make It"1:03:44 Stigma, Compassion & Loving Someone in Addiction1:05:11 Enabling vs. Support: Finding the Middle Ground1:07:24 Where to Find Keta Loren & Gutter KidFollow 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,

October 13, 2026Episode 771 hr 15 min

11 Years of Addiction, Seizures and Blackouts—How He Survived

In episode 77 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Fausto Castellanos o discuss nearly nine years of sobriety after 11 years of alcohol and cocaine addiction. In this candid conversation, we explore childhood sexual abuse and grooming, questioning sexuality after trauma, addiction-related seizures, relapse, narcissistic abuse, boundaries, people-pleasing, social anxiety, and why toxic love can feel as addictive as drugs. Fausto shares what recovery has taught him about self-worth, healthy relationships, and taking his power back. If you’re navigating addiction recovery, trauma, or unhealthy relationships, this episode is a reminder that you’re not alone.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Fausto's Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hopedealerfausto/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hopedealerfausto/Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@HopeDealerFaustoPodcast | https://www.youtube.com/@Journey2SolutionsPodcastChapters |00:00 Welcome Back Fausto01:20 Fausto's Addiction and Recovery Story04:53 Sexual Abuse and Questioning Sexuality12:50 Why Victims Blame Themselves20:34 Why Fausto Chose Cocaine and Alcohol23:02 Growing Up with a Narcissistic Father27:55 Navigating Romantic Relationships in Recovery32:53 The Polyamory Experiment36:52 EMDR Therapy and Dating Apps42:36 Conflict Avoidance and Social Anxiety48:25 A Day in the Life of Active Addiction55:50 Seizures and Living on the Edge59:00 The Obsession That Never Quits01:02:45 Rethinking Relapse01:06:48 The Love Drug: Addiction to Relationships01:08:46 Toxic Love and Heartbreak01:14:43 Final Thoughts and FarewellFollow 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 #doctor

October 7, 2026Episode 761 hr 3 min

2 Near-Death Experiences Ended My Fentanyl Addiction

In episode 76 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ashley Moore who shares her raw story of her nine-year battle with heroin, meth and fentanyl addiction and the two near-death experiences that finally pushed her toward sobriety. Ashley opens up about childhood trauma, repeated relapses, losing herself in addiction and what it took to rebuild her life in recovery. This is an honest conversation about overdose, healing, motherhood, accountability and the reality that recovery is possible, even when all hope feels lost. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Ashley Moore's Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/ashley_marie_moore/ Chapters | 00:00 Interview with Ashley Moore Begins 00:21 Xanax Caused Insomnia 01:54 Addiction, Trauma, and the Nervous System 03:31 Family History and Genetic Predisposition 06:56 Addict and Alcoholic: Same Thing 08:23 Leaving the Program and Relapse 11:41 Fear and Wisdom Keep You Sober 13:10 Growing Up: Family, Death, and Divorce 14:49 Attachment Styles and Childhood Wounds 17:40 Sent to Boarding School and Wilderness 19:10 Wilderness Program and Returning Home 20:00 Behavior Modification Program 22:21 Starting Drugs and the Opioid Epidemic 25:32 Heroin, Speed, and Selling Drugs 27:04 Comeback Ashley Moore Club 28:40 IV Drug Use and Abscesses 31:55 The Dark Side of IV Use 34:36 Hustling and Getting Humbled 35:54 Pregnancy, Jail, and Getting Sober 37:45 Doing the Steps and a Psychic Change 39:17 Core Wound Mapping and Step Four 41:07 Relapse: Ego and Complacency 43:14 Overdosing on Fentanyl 44:41 Battling Shame and Guilt in Sobriety 46:00 Filming the Overdose 47:28 Why Sharing Your Story Matters 49:03 The Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of Addiction 51:57 Fentanyl: The Elephant Tranquilizer 54:35 The Turning Point and Getting Sober Again 56:13 Lessons Learned: Emotional Maturity 57:24 Finding Your Why 59:30 Overcoming Shame and Stigma in the Industry 01:01:11 Courage and Contrary Action 01:02:31 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude 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/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3 Apple 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, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism #doctor

September 30, 2026Episode 751 hr 1 min

The Brutal Reality of Homelessness, Crystal Meth & Xanax Addiction

In episode 75 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Timothy Obis speaks honestly about addiction, homelessness, and life on the streets. Timothy shares his experiences with crystal meth and Xanax, the circumstances that led to homelessness, and the physical and psychological effects that living without stability can have on a person. This powerful episode offers a firsthand look at survival, isolation, substance abuse, and the human realities that are often overlooked when people talk about homelessness.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Timothy Obis' Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/timobiscomedy/Chapters |00:00 Welcome & Introduction00:15 Tim's Background & Recovery00:28 Childhood & Family Struggles02:04 First Encounters with Substances03:20 Self-Image & Early Substance Use04:32 Feelings of Shame & Not Fitting In06:42 Father's Alcoholism08:03 Parent's Split & Family Impact08:28 The Gateway Drug Effect09:50 The War on Drugs Debate12:47 Identifying as an Addict13:54 Life After High School & Moving16:23 Exposure to Sobriety & Meetings17:13 Path to Rock Bottom19:20 The Meth & Xanax Combo20:08 The Slide into Homelessness21:01 First Time Trying Crystal Meth22:03 Life on the Streets26:30 Repeated Attempts at Sobriety27:38 The Mindset of Relapse30:48 Romanticizing Addiction & Using33:40 All-or-Nothing Personality36:00 Struggles With Adderall37:02 The Turning Point to Sobriety39:30 Friend's Death & Seeking Help40:40 Inside Impact Treatment Center42:10 Processing Grief in Sobriety44:20 Life After Homelessness47:00 Financial Struggles & Sobriety54:30 Discovering Stand-Up Comedy58:00 Comedy as a Sober Outlet01:00:00 Advice for Those StrugglingFollow 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 #doctor

September 14, 2026Episode 731 hr 21 min

Why a Doctor Risked His Marriage and Career for Drugs

In episode 73 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dr. Kenny Clark who returns for an honest conversation about addiction, relapse, and what getting sober doesn’t automatically fix. We explore whether addiction is a disease or a choice, the biggest lies addicts tell themselves, AA and 12-step recovery, Suboxone and methadone, and how addiction affects marriage and family. What keeps someone using, even when everything is on the line? Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Kenny's Links Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/drkennyclark/ Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556847637005 Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@soloanddoc/ Chapters | 00:00 Introduction and Sobriety Journey 01:30 Changes in Recovery 06:00 Redefining Gratitude 10:50 Wife's Support Through Relapse 20:00 Lessons in Marriage and Recovery 22:50 Awareness of Addiction 28:40 Debunking the Allergy Myth 37:00 Dealing with Anger and Resentment 42:40 Addiction: Disease and Choice 55:00 Career, Licenses, and Amends 01:04:20 Working at the Shelter 01:09:10 Biggest Lies and Addictive Drugs 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 #doctor

September 11, 2026Episode 721 hr 20 min

Heroin Cost Me My Career and Custody of My Daughter | Dave Manheim

In episode 72 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dave Manheim, opens up about his heroin addiction, using drugs while working at MTV, losing custody of his daughter, and the painful road to sobriety. He shares how he rebuilt his life and turned his darkest experiences into one of the most recognized addiction recovery podcasts. This is an honest conversation about addiction, relapse, fatherhood, recovery, and second chances.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Dave Manheim's Links | Website | https://dopeypodcast.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dopeypodcast/Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dopeypodcast/Chapters |00:00 Welcome to F the Stigma00:20 Type A vs. Type B Personality01:40 Vaping and Quitting Smoking04:30 Dopey Podcast Origins07:00 Interviewing Hunter Biden08:30 Early Days of Dopey10:00 Naming the Podcast11:30 Sobriety and Uncertainty13:20 Growing Up in Manhattan15:00 First Encounters with Drugs17:30 Career in TV Production20:30 Heroin Addiction Begins23:00 Rehab and Relapse26:00 Moving to LA and Struggling29:00 Benzos and Blackouts31:00 Mother's Illness and Turning Point34:00 Fatherhood and Shame39:00 Losing Custody and Rock Bottom42:00 Finding AA and Sobriety47:00 Dopey's Growth and Community49:00 Coping with Loss54:00 Why We Use and the Power of Choice57:00 Obsessions and Recovery01:00:00 Lessons from AA Meetings01:03:00 The Real Reason for Using01:05:00 Learning Hard Work at Katz's01:09:00 Dominican Roots and Connection01:11:00 Working at Katz's and Dopey01:13:00 Grieving the Old Life01:15:00 Dopey Con and Future Plans01:17:00 Defining Addiction and Breaking StigmaFollow 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 31, 2026Episode 711 hr 17 min

Meth Made Me Do the Unimaginable | Matt Barker’s SHOCKING Recovery Story

In episode 71 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Matt Barker, who was recently featured on Soft White Underbelly, joins the podcast to share how he transformed his life after decades of addiction, meth use, prison, and devastating loss. Today, Matt is sober, has earned his master’s degree, and uses his experience to help others find recovery. In this raw conversation, we break down the disease of addiction, the insanity and destruction that surround it, the reality of getting sober, and how purpose, accountability, and helping others gave Matt a chance to rebuild his life. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Matt's Links | Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@almostfamoustotallysober Chapters | 00:00 Welcome Matt Barker 00:14 Growing Up in the Valley 00:46 Last High and Jail 02:34 Sister's Ultimatum 04:40 Running Into Tiny 06:29 Attempted Robberies 07:32 Pep Boys Incident 08:38 Long Beach Detox 11:53 Mother's Call and Dark Knight 14:29 Beginning of Sobriety 16:04 Finding a Sponsor 18:20 Withdrawal Symptoms 20:24 Running Into Weasel 21:11 20 Years of Addiction 26:00 Best Friend's Death 29:05 Meeting Willie 30:38 AA Meetings and Stories 32:23 Anonymity and Comments 34:46 Sobriety and Life 36:35 Obsession Lifted 38:00 Expunging Felonies 40:56 Six Months and Ten Days 42:43 Almost Relapsing 45:40 Importance of Drunkalogue 50:15 Education and Career 54:00 Writing and Screenplays 57:00 Working in Treatment 01:00:20 Wife's Cancer Scare 01:01:33 Understanding Addiction 01:03:00 Stigma and Treatment Industry 01:06:50 Future of Recovery 01:09:45 AA Traditions and Bill Wilson 01:12:00 Different Paths to Recovery 01:14:55 Living in the World 01:16:11 Where to Find Matt 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/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3 Apple 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, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict #alcoholism

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/@pejinterventions Chapters | 00:00 Welcome to F the Sigma Podcast 00:28 Pej's Recovery Story and Mission 00:53 Pej's Background and Family Life 01:07 Early Childhood and Memories 02:24 Moving to California and First Substance Use 03:43 The Genesis of Addiction 04:59 The Car Accident and Its Aftermath 07:23 Addiction Spiral and Legal Troubles 09:33 The Drug Dealing Lifestyle 12:31 From Counselor to Interventionist 13:43 Becoming an Interventionist 15:35 The Importance of Interventions 17:42 The Reality of Drug Dealing 19:50 The Toll on Humanity 22:32 Hitting a Spiritual Bottom 24:40 The Role of a Mentor 26:00 From Addiction to Advocacy 28:25 Facing the Toughest Interventions 31:27 Enabling vs. Helping 34:47 Personal Struggles in Recovery 38:22 Shedding the Ego 41:49 Where to Find Pej 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 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