Finding Your Voice with Jason Carrasco, LMFT

Jason Carrasco, LMFT
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Finding Your Voice is a podcast about resilience, truth, and the courage it takes to be seen. Hosted by Jason Carrasco, LMFT, this show creates space for real people to share real stories—in their own words. As a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist and lifelong student of human resilience, Jason has spent years sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments—moments that challenge identity, spirit, and the will to keep going. What he’s learned is simple and powerful:Human beings are capable of surviving the unthinkable.Jason speaks with everyday people, mental health clinicians, artists, musicians, activists, and professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Together, they share insight, experience, and practical wisdom meant to educate, empower, and offer hope. This podcast is grounded in one core belief: Healing doesn’t only happen in a therapy session. Healing happens in community. It happens when someone brave enough says, “I’ve been there… and you can make it through, too.” Finding Your Voice isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth. It’s about courage. It’s about becoming whole. If you’re seeking understanding, connection, or a reminder that you’re not alone—this space is for you. Welcome to the conversation.Welcome to Finding Your Voice..

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    OCD: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Help

    Send us Fan Mail Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, often reduced to stereotypes about cleanliness or organization. In reality, OCD is a complex disorder marked by distressing intrusive thoughts, overwhelming uncertainty, and compulsive behaviors that can significantly impact a person's daily life. Specific phobias are equally powerful, leading people to avoid situations, places, or objects in ways that can quietly limit their freedom and quality of life. In this episode of Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco, LMFT, sits down with OCD specialist Erin Smokovich Dorflinger, Clinical Social Worker/Therapist for an in depth conversation about what OCD and specific phobias really look like beyond the myths. Together, they explore the lived experience of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, shame, avoidance, and the emotional toll these conditions can take on individuals and families. The conversation also examines how OCD and phobias are accurately diagnosed, why they are so often misunderstood, and the evidence-based treatments that have helped countless people reclaim their lives. Erin explains Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD, as well as exposure therapy for phobias, offering practical insight into how facing fear rather than avoiding it can become the pathway to healing. Whether you live with OCD or a specific phobia, love someone who does, or simply want to better understand these conditions, this episode offers compassionate education, practical guidance, and hope. Recovery is possible, and with the right support, people can learn to live meaningful, fulfilling lives beyond fear, doubt, and avoidance. Join us for an honest conversation that challenges stigma, builds understanding, and reminds us that healing begins when we have the courage to face what frightens us and to find our voice.

  2. Jun 19

    Voices of Pride: A Natural Connection

    Send us Fan Mail In honor of Pride Month, Jason Carrasco sits down with social justice advocate, community leader, and consultant Hector Trinidad Placencia for a thoughtful and deeply human conversation about identity, belonging, resilience, and the power of community. Drawing from more than 15 years of experience working alongside undocumented Californians, communities of color, and transgender and queer communities, Hector shares their personal journey, the lessons they've learned through advocacy, and the importance of creating spaces where people can live authentically and be seen for who they are. Together, Jason and Hector explore common misconceptions about transgender and queer communities, the impact of acceptance and rejection on mental health, the role of family and community support, and why healing is never a solo journey. They also discuss the intersection of immigrant rights and LGBTQ+ advocacy, the challenges facing trans communities today, and how everyday people can help create a more compassionate and inclusive world. This episode is ultimately about something larger than labels—it's about what it means to be human, to understand ourselves, to trust our journey, and to create communities where everyone has the opportunity to find their voice. In This Episode:  Understanding transgender and queer identities  Mental health and belonging  The importance of family and community support  Advocacy, social justice, and systemic change  Moving beyond fear toward understanding  Trust, resilience, and personal growth  What it means to create a more inclusive society Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a parent, ally, clinician, or simply someone seeking greater understanding, this conversation offers wisdom, compassion, and hope for us all.  Plascencia Consulting https://hectorplascencia.com/ Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/plascenciaconsulting/

  3. Jun 12

    Human Trafficking in Plain Sight

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Finding Your Voice, Jason Carrasco sits down with Clinical Law Professor Bridgette Carr from the University of Michigan. Professor Carr is one of the nation's leading voices in the fight against human trafficking. She discusses what human trafficking really looks like, challenges common myths, and explains how trafficking often happens much closer to home than people realize.  Professor Carr shares insights from her years of working with survivors, explaining the importance of trust, dignity, and community in the healing process. The conversation also examines how systems can better support survivors, the realities of labor and sex trafficking, and how technology may help expand access to justice in the future.  Most importantly, this episode reminds us that people who have experienced trafficking are far more than what happened to them. They are individuals with strength, resilience, hope, and the ability to build meaningful lives beyond their trauma.  This is a thoughtful and powerful conversation about human dignity, healing, and the importance of seeing people in their full humanity. University of Michigan Website https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/bridgette-carr National Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 National Human Trafficking Website https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en

  4. May 22

    Part 2 The Reality of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women: Stolen Voices

    Send us Fan Mail In Part 2 of this deeply moving two-part conversation, and return to continue sharing the heart behind their work with and the ongoing movement surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women  (MMIW). Together, we explore the spiritual foundation of their advocacy and the sacred responsibility they carry as they support families impacted by unimaginable grief and loss. Teyana and Norm speak openly about the emotional weight of this work, the importance of ceremony, and how prayer, community, and connection to the land guide everything they do. In this episode, listeners will hear about the meaning behind the Red Teepee, prayer runs, mountain climbs, and the powerful healing spaces they create for families to share their stories and honor loved ones who have been taken too soon. They also reflect on resilience, generational healing, Indigenous identity, and the importance of transforming grief into action while continuing to fight for visibility, accountability, and justice. This conversation is not only about advocacy, it is about humanity, remembrance, healing, and hope. It is a powerful reminder that healing happens in community, that stories matter, and that every voice has the power to create change. Way of the Sacred Mountain  You Tube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0 https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/

  5. May 15

    Part 1 The Reality of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women: Stolen Voices

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful first installment of a two-part conversation on Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco sits down with Teyana Viscarra and Norm Sands from Way of the Sacred Mountain to explore the devastating reality of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). This episode shines a light on the heartbreaking statistics, systemic failures, and generational trauma impacting Indigenous communities across North America. Together, they discuss why Indigenous women, men, girls, boys, and two spirit relatives face disproportionately high rates of violence, why so many cases go underreported or unsolved, and how awareness, advocacy, and community action are critical in creating change. Through honest conversation and education, this episode invites listeners to move beyond headlines and truly understand the human impact behind the MMIW crisis. More than statistics, these are stories of daughters, mothers, sisters, families, and communities whose voices deserve to be heard. This conversation is difficult, emotional, and deeply important. Our hope is that by bringing greater awareness to MMIW, we can help amplify Indigenous voices, honor those who have been lost, and encourage meaningful action and healing. Topics discussed include:  The origins and meaning of the MMIW movement  The alarming statistics surrounding violence against Indigenous women  Why many cases receive little media attention  Historical trauma and systemic barriers  Advocacy, education, and community healing  How listeners can support awareness and change Part Two will continue the conversation by focusing on healing, advocacy efforts, and the work being done through Way of the Sacred Mountain to support Indigenous communities and protect future generations. Way of the Sacred Mountian  You Tube Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGydeK4RmMw&t=5s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdzO_oVT7v0 https://wayofthesacredmountain.org/

  6. Apr 17

    The Mission Continues: Jim Zenner, Director of LA County Military & Veterans Affairs

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful episode of Finding Your Voice, host Jason Carrasco, LMFT, sits down with Jim Zenner, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, U.S. Army veteran, and national leader in veteran policy and services. Jim shares his journey from enlisting after 9/11 to serving in Iraq, and how those life-and-death experiences shaped his leadership, resilience, and commitment to serving veterans. This conversation explores the real impact of military service on mental health, the challenges veterans face transitioning back to civilian life, and the importance of trauma-informed care, therapy, and community support. Jim also discusses his groundbreaking work to end veteran homelessness in Los Angeles County, expand the Veteran Peer Access Network, and build systems that better support veterans and their families at the local, state, and national levels. This episode is a powerful conversation about leadership, healing, purpose, and what it truly means to continue the mission after service. Military Veteran Affairs, Los Angeles County https://mva.lacounty.gov/executive-bios/james-zenner/ Veteran Peer Access Network (VPAN) https://mva.lacounty.gov/veteran-peer-access-network/ Warrior Heritage Foundation (scroll down to see video of Jim Zenner speaking) https://warriorheritagefoundation.org/about

  7. Mar 31

    Running Toward the Fire: Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Eric Eastlund

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Finding Your Voice, I sit down with Los Angeles County Fire Department Captain Eric Eastlund, a leader, a servant to his community, and a man who understands what it means to show up in the middle of chaos. Eric shares what it’s like to live a life of constant response, running toward crisis when others are running away. From his experiences during the Altadena Fires to the everyday realities of being continuously exposed to trauma, he opens up about the emotional weight first responders carry and how they learn to keep going. Eric speaks candidly about his own recovery journey, the lessons he’s learned about resilience, and how giving back has become a cornerstone of his life, both within the fire department and beyond it. Whether it’s supporting his fellow firefighters, engaging in peer support, or serving his community in meaningful ways, his story is one of purpose, humility, and strength. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/recovery

  8. Mar 22

    Behind the Badge: Trauma, Crisis, and Finding Humanity

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Finding Your Voice, I sit down with retired Los Angeles Police Department Detective Garrett Bush to explore the intersection of law enforcement and mental health crisis response. Drawing from his work with the SMART team and CAMP unit, Garrett shares about his experience in crisis situations while also opening up about his own childhood trauma and challenges within his family. This conversation is about service, resilience, and the power of meeting people with understanding in their most vulnerable moments. National Alliance on Mental Illness https://www.nami.org/ Suicide and Crisis Lifeline https://988lifeline.org/ Finding Your Voice Instagram Page https://www.instagram.com/findingyourvoicepodcast/

  9. Mar 2

    Dr. Jaime Brown on “Finding Our Humanity: Culture, Courage, and the Power of Community”

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Finding Your Voice, I talk with Dr. Jaime Brown, leader at Brite Psychological Services, for a powerful and honest conversation about identity, strength, and what it truly means to heal. We discuss: Latino communityEven The “warrior” needs to be vulnerableHealing in community instead of isolationReclaiming our shared humanityWhat therapy means to himAnd yes,  how punk rock spirit shows up in mental healthBecause sometimes healing isn’t soft. Sometimes it’s loud. Sometimes it’s rebellious. And sometimes the most radical thing we can do is feel. It’s about honoring where we come from without being trapped by it. And it’s about remembering that being human is not weakness, it is courage. Brite Psychological Services https://www.britepsych.com/ Regal Beagle http s://www.instagram.com/regalbeaglesgv/ https://www.instagram.com/findingyourvoicepodcast

  10. Feb 20

    Dr. Melanie Cain: From Service to Healing

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Finding Your Voice, I speak with Dr. Melanie Cain, a Native American psychologist whose journey into the field of psychology is as powerful as the work she does today. Dr. Cain shares her path to becoming a psychologist—what shaped her calling, the challenges she navigated, and the deeper purpose that guides her work. From serving within state systems to building her own private practice supporting women, she brings both clinical expertise and lived understanding to the therapy room. We explore the core issues she sees most often in her work: anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma. Dr. Cain offers thoughtful insight into how trauma can echo across generations, how women often carry invisible emotional burdens, and what healing can look like when culture, identity, and voice are honored in the therapeutic process. This conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply empowering. It’s about resilience. It’s about representation. And it’s about what happens when someone chooses not only to find their voice, but to help others find theirs too. If you’ve ever wondered how personal history shapes professional purpose, or how therapy can create space for healing across generations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Substance Abuse Prevention Control http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/sapc/ https://www.instagram.com/findingyourvoicepodcast

  11. Feb 13

    Music, Therapy, and Finding Your Voice

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I talk with Daniel French, one of the founding members of Las Cafeteras, for a conversation that moves beyond music and into meaning. We explore the power of music as healing, the overlap between creativity and therapy, and how Daniel’s work has evolved over time from performing on stages to helping others find their own voice, purpose, and sense of connection. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about art, service, and what it means to use your gifts in ways that truly impact others. https://www.instagram.com/frenchismexican/ https://www.instagram.com/findingyourvoicepodcast

  12. Feb 13

    When Love Hurts: Intimate Partner Violence

    Send us Fan Mail In this powerful and deeply important episode of Finding Your Voice, I’m joined by Elizabeth Eastlund, MSW, with extensive experience working with survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV). Together, we break down what intimate partner violence really is beyond the stereotypes and misconceptions, and why it so often goes unseen. Elizabeth shares her on the ground experience from the field, offering clarity around common warning signs, patterns of control, and the emotional complexities that make these relationships so difficult to leave. We also spend time talking about something many people struggle with: how to support someone you love who may be in an abusive relationship. What helps?  This episode is honest, educational, and grounded in care. Whether you’re a clinician, a loved one, or someone seeking understanding, this conversation aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and remind listeners that support and safety begin with listening. If you’ve ever wondered how to recognize IPV or how to be a safe presence for someone navigating it, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. National Domestic Violence Hotline https://www.thehotline.org/ California Partnership to End Domestic Violence https://www.cpedv.org/find-help/ Finding Your Voice Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/findingyourvoicepodcast

  • 12 Episodes

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About

Finding Your Voice is a podcast about resilience, truth, and the courage it takes to be seen. Hosted by Jason Carrasco, LMFT, this show creates space for real people to share real stories—in their own words. As a licensed marriage, family, and child therapist and lifelong student of human resilience, Jason has spent years sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments—moments that challenge identity, spirit, and the will to keep going. What he’s learned is simple and powerful:Human beings are capable of surviving the unthinkable.Jason speaks with everyday people, mental health clinicians, artists, musicians, activists, and professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. Together, they share insight, experience, and practical wisdom meant to educate, empower, and offer hope. This podcast is grounded in one core belief: Healing doesn’t only happen in a therapy session. Healing happens in community. It happens when someone brave enough says, “I’ve been there… and you can make it through, too.” Finding Your Voice isn’t about perfection. It’s about truth. It’s about courage. It’s about becoming whole. If you’re seeking understanding, connection, or a reminder that you’re not alone—this space is for you. Welcome to the conversation.Welcome to Finding Your Voice..

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