F#CK THE STIGMA

Laisha Martinez
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

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. Michael Chernow Reveals the Trauma That Fueled His Addiction

    3h ago

    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

    1h 19m
  2. I Started Self-Harming at 6 — Then Meth Took Over My Life

    May 28

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

    May 20

    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

    1h 18m
  4. I Was Using Heroin at 14 Years Old | The Truth About My Rock Bottom

    May 14

    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

    1h 15m
  5. I Got 3 DUIs Before 20… and It Still Didn’t Stop My Addiction

    Apr 29

    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
  6. Corey Warren EXPOSES the Truth About Addiction Nobody Talks About

    Apr 21

    Corey Warren EXPOSES the Truth About Addiction Nobody Talks About

    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 | 00:00 Welcome & Small Town vs. City Life 02:13 Moving, Flying & Control Issues 04:36 Rise Recovery Community & Business Journey 06:30 Social Media, Advocacy, & Its Challenges 09:07 Sobriety Journey Begins 13:13 From Heroin to Armed Robbery 17:20 Stigma, Addiction, and Upbringing 19:32 Transition to Alcohol & College Years 22:27 Alcohol, Consequences & Social Perceptions 25:46 Alcoholism: Heavy Drinking vs. Addiction 29:33 Getting Sober Young vs. After Decades 32:01 Coaching in Recovery: Structure & Prep 35:02 The Role of Community & Program Choice 38:39 AA, Spirituality, & Changes in Recovery Culture 41:13 Triggers, Life Skills & Emotional Regulation 44:04 Addiction: Nature vs. Nurture 46:28 Opening Rise Recovery & Family Influence 49:38 Relapse, Rock Bottom, and Turning Point 53:29 Spirituality, God & Recovery 58:33 Faith, Family, and Long-Term Change 01:03:29 Advice for People Struggling with Addiction 01:06:17 Social Media’s Impact on Mental Health 01:10:51 Understanding Addiction & Social Media Analogy 01:13:23 Clean Culture Brand & Broader Recovery Message 01:16:43 Closing Thoughts & Farewells Corey's Links | Website | https://www.coreywarren.com/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarren Follow us! Instagram | https://instagram.com/fthestigmapod TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma Pod links | Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple 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, 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

    1h 24m
  7. Men Struggling With Addiction — This Story Could Change You

    Apr 10

    Men Struggling With Addiction — This Story Could Change You

    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 Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma Pod links | Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple 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, 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

    1 hr

  8. Mar 30

    Over 300 People Die Every Day From Overdoses… Here’s Why

    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

    49 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

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

Information

  • Creator
    Laisha Martinez
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laisha Martinez
  • Show Website
    F#CK THE STIGMA

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