F#CK THE STIGMA

Laisha Martinez

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

  1. My Addiction to Heroin Led Me To Getting Trafficked

    3 hr ago

    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 Milestones03:00 Early Life, Family, and Moving to LA09:00 First Experiences with Substances12:00 Trauma, Blackmail, and Escalation17:00 Addiction, Relationships & Hitting Bottom23:00 Spiritual Awakening & Turning Point28:00 The Science & Stigma of Addiction34:00 Relapse, Recovery, and Support Systems41:00 Grief, Loss, and the Reality of Recovery46:00 Fighting Stigma & Community Solutions49:00 Life in Recovery & New Purpose51:00 Reflections & Closing RemarksFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/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, 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

    52 min
  2. I Was Addicted To Meth & Homeless At 17

    6 days ago

    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/FTStigma 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

    1hr 36min
  3. My Drug Addiction Led Me to Psych Wards & 5150 Holds

    16 Jun

    My Drug Addiction Led Me to Psych Wards & 5150 Holds

    In episode 60 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with musician Multifaceted Monster (Michael Smith) to discuss his battle with alcoholism, meth addiction, cocaine use, and mental health struggles. Michael shares what it was like growing up without his father, searching for a connection with a higher power, and navigating years of substance use that eventually led to daily binge drinking, frequent psychiatric hospitalizations, and multiple 51-50 holds. He opens up about his lowest moments, the rock bottom that changed everything, and the path that ultimately led him to recovery.This conversation explores addiction, mental health, recovery, trauma, spirituality, alcoholism, drug addiction, and finding hope after years of struggle. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Michael Links | Website | https://multifacetedmonster.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/multifacetedmonster/ Chapters | 00:00 Intro & Meet the Guest00:30 Growing Up: Family, Childhood, and Moving01:14 Early Rebellion & Childhood Stories02:18 Family Dynamics and Religion03:29 Parental Absence & Communication Issues05:14 Substance Use Begins06:16 Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism07:28 Weed, Social Acceptance, and Early Drug Use09:59 Cocaine & Escalating Addiction12:34 Meth, Toxic Relationships, and the Spiral Down15:05 Legal Consequences & Crime Stories18:54 Never Feeling Like It Was a Problem21:32 First Rehab Experience24:22 Multiple 5150s & Suicidal Ideation27:00 Stigma of Suicide & The Reality31:14 Therapy, Recovery & Family Dynamics35:54 Rock Bottom and Road to Recovery41:40 Living Sober: New Life and Achievements54:50 Relationships, Recovery & Setting Boundaries01:02:02 Healthy Relationships & Personal Growth01:05:16 How to Find Multifaceted Monster & Outro Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma 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

    1hr 6min
  4. Michael Chernow Reveals the Trauma That Fueled His Addiction

    8 Jun

    Michael Chernow Reveals the Trauma That Fueled His Addiction

    In episode 59 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with entrepreneur, recovery advocate, podcast host, and founder of Kreatures of Habit, Michael Chernow, for an honest conversation about addiction, trauma, recovery, and personal transformation.Michael shares his story of growing up with family challenges, experiencing s*xual assault, battling substance use disorder, and navigating the pain that fueled his addiction. He opens up about the realities of recovery, the lessons he's learned through adversity, and how sobriety helped him rebuild his life with purpose. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Chapters | 00:00 Welcome & Moving to LA 01:31 Introduction to Recovery and Breaking Stigma 03:25 Roots of Addiction & Importance of Healthy Habits 05:25 Growing Up in New York City 07:50 Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma 13:13 Early Signs of Addiction and School Life 16:16 Escaping Pain, Substance Use Begins 20:07 Cycle of Self-Hate and the Role of Love 25:33 Sports, Sexual Abuse, and Seeking Validation 29:57 Molestation Realization & Impact 33:11 Addiction Intensifies & Life on His Own 36:35 Balancing School, Work, and Early Job Experience 39:59 Addiction Deepens, Hitting Rock Bottom 41:52 Overdose & Immediate Aftermath 45:02 Explaining the Insanity of Addiction 48:07 Powerlessness & Turning Point 53:41 Asking for Help and the Start of Recovery 56:09 The Recovery Plan & Building New Habits 01:00:04 Lasting Transformation Through Structure 01:03:37 Importance of Daily Wins & Routine 01:06:05 The Role of Fitness and Nutrition in Recovery 01:08:38 Sobriety, Abstinence, and Individual Recovery Paths 01:12:19 Managing Trauma & Breathwork 01:14:26 Addiction as a Disease & Combating Stigma 01:17:56 Long-Term Self-Compassion & Living Sober 01:18:38 Closing Thoughts & Gratitude Michael Chernow's Links | Website | https://www.michaelchernow.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/ Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

    1hr 19min
  5. I Started Self-Harming at 6 — Then Meth Took Over My Life

    28 May

    I Started Self-Harming at 6 — Then Meth Took Over My Life

    In episode 58 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Cristina for a raw and honest conversation about addiction, mental health, self harm, and the reality of how the disease of addiction can fatally progress. Cristina shares how family, environment, and trauma impacted her mental health and how she fought to overcome self harm and reclaim her life.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Chapters |00:00 Intro & Meet Christina 02:00 Growing Up in California & Early Childhood 04:30 Medical Struggles and Early Memories 06:40 Life at Home & Family Dynamics 08:30 Religious Upbringing & Family Struggles 10:00 First Encounters with Trauma and Abuse 12:30 Early Self-Harm & Emotional Coping 15:40 Diagnosis, Medications & Mental Health 18:40 Addiction: Alcohol, Drugs & Progression 21:00 Teen Addiction & Environment 23:00 Meth Use & Struggles with Recovery 26:00 Relapse, In and Out of Meetings 29:00 Motherhood, Toxic Relationships & Loss 31:30 Second Relapse & Spiraling Addiction 34:40 Rock Bottom: Meth, Alcohol & Losing Custody 40:00 Turning Point: Homelessness to Seeking Help 44:00 Entering Treatment & Rebuilding Life 47:00 Motherhood in Recovery & Healing 49:00 Spiritual Life & Daily Practices 51:00 Gratitude, Meditation & Surviving the Worst 54:00 Life Today: Recovery, Growth & Giving Back 57:00 The Power of Spiritual Connection 58:00 Final Thoughts & OutroFollow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapodTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, jail, prescription, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

    58 min
  6. How Heroin Addiction Led Me to Overdose 5 Times in 2 Weeks

    20 May

    How Heroin Addiction Led Me to Overdose 5 Times in 2 Weeks

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

    1hr 18min
  7. I Was Using Heroin at 14 Years Old | The Truth About My Rock Bottom

    14 May

    I Was Using Heroin at 14 Years Old | The Truth About My Rock Bottom

    In episode 56 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Glynis Franz shares her powerful story of addiction and recovery. From childhood trauma and her mother’s addiction to juvenile detention centers, prison, and intravenous heroin use, Glynis opens up about the reality of substance use disorder, hitting rock bottom, and rebuilding her life in recovery. Now the founder of Peak Path Health and host of the Peak of Possibility Podcast, she’s helping others find hope, healing, and purpose. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Chapters | 00:00 Intro & Guest Introductions 01:10 Getting Sober Young & Influences 02:10 Background and Family History 04:00 Finding Community in Recovery 05:50 Early Exposure to Drugs & Family Changes 08:10 Escalating Use & Early Addiction 10:30 Consequences, Family Dynamics, and Denial 13:00 Legal Issues & Juvenile Detention 16:10 First Sobriety, Relapses, and Early Recovery 19:00 Struggles with Relapse and Recovery Perspectives 22:20 Facing Trauma and Root Causes 25:30 Sobriety Journeys Are Different For Everyone 28:00 Getting Sober After Prison 31:00 Learning to Live Sober & Finding Mentors 34:00 Honesty, Identity, and Authenticity in Recovery 37:00 Growth, Self-Acceptance, and Helping Others 40:00 Working in Recovery & The Treatment Industry 44:00 Starting an Ethical Treatment Center 48:00 Corruption and Compassion in Rehab51:00 Mission-Driven Recovery Work54:00 Final Thoughts & Closing Glynis's Links - Podcast | https://www.youtube.com/@UC3hd2l7YKPwLZIUCnonhbRA Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/glamorousglynis/ Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

    1hr 15min
  8. I Got 3 DUIs Before 20… and It Still Didn’t Stop My Addiction

    29 Apr

    I Got 3 DUIs Before 20… and It Still Didn’t Stop My Addiction

    In episode 55 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Dave Puhky shares how hitting rock bottom became the turning point that changed everything. In this episode, he breaks down how he quit all mind-altering substances, rebuilt his life through fitness and martial arts, and now advocates for men’s mental health and sobriety. If you’re struggling or seeking real recovery insight, this conversation is for you. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction. Chapters |00:00 Intro & Guest Welcomes00:33 Early Addictions and Recovery Journeys04:00 Hitting Bottom: Mental vs. External Signs08:00 Growing Up, Family Trauma & Early Drinking14:00 Victimhood, Responsibility & Using Pain as Purpose19:30 Addiction, Trauma, and the Power of Facing Demons24:00 Finding Connection & Presence Over Materialism31:00 Cycle of Addiction, Isolation & Comfort Zones36:00 DUIs, Legal Trouble & Learning from Rock Bottom44:00 Breaking the Cycle: Getting Sober & Building New Habits50:00 Martial Arts, Fitness & Healthy Addictions55:00 Balance, Joy, and Defining Your Own Success57:00 Final Thoughts, Socials & Thanks Dave Puhky's Links | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/davepuhky/ Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma 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, alcoholic, alcoholism, treatment, diagnosis, prison, criminal, psychology, doctor, dealer, baltimore diagnosis, felony, felonies, forgiveness, spiritual, DUI#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #mentalhealth #mentalillness #recovery #criminal #addictionrecovery #addict

    58 min

About

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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