Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast

Ramon Sanchez
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to Destigmatize, the podcast breaking barriers in mental health one conversation at a time. Join our diverse panel of experts, friends, and intriguing individuals as we delve into the taboo topics often left unspoken. From navigating anxiety to unraveling the complexities of trauma, we're here to spark candid discussions and foster understanding. Our mission? To not only destigmatize mental health but to ignite a movement of empathy and awareness. Tune in, subscribe, and be part of the journey towards a more compassionate world.

  1. Season 4 Episode 10 - What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with Comedian Levy Lupu (Ep. 58)

    DEC 22

    Season 4 Episode 10 - What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) with Comedian Levy Lupu (Ep. 58)

    For this episode, I’ve invited the stand-up comedian and host of the widely followed Borderline Podcast Disorder, Levy Lupu. Levy is a truly unique voice in the mental health space, bringing his darkly honest comedic style to a topic many still shy away from. He is a London-based stand-up comedian whose work fearlessly mines his own life for comedy that is as insightful as it is funny. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which provided a new lens to understand a life spent navigating complex mental health challenges. Levy has also been open about his long-term struggles with gambling and alcohol addiction, which began at the age of 13. Now approaching three years of sobriety, he uses his platform to tackle these heavy topics with brutal honesty and humor, believing that comedy is one of the most powerful tools for destigmatizing mental illness and recovery.

    1h 1m
  2. Season 4 Episode 9 - Javier Barba & Holiday Soccer Tournament/Toy Drive 2025 (Ep. 57)

    DEC 6

    Season 4 Episode 9 - Javier Barba & Holiday Soccer Tournament/Toy Drive 2025 (Ep. 57)

    In this episode, I sit down with Javier Barba. A Shafter resident, father, former CSUB soccer standout, and the creator of a decade-long annual toy and clothing drive in Kern County. As he celebrates the 10th Annual Toy Drive 6 vs 6 Co-Ed Tournament on December 14, 2025, Javier shares what inspired his commitment to giving back and how community service has supported his own mental well-being. Join me for a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of helping others.Learn more at Raices of Kern

    51 min
  3. Hope In The Valley Series - Episode 1 with Dr. Matthew Beare (Ep.56)

    NOV 29

    Hope In The Valley Series - Episode 1 with Dr. Matthew Beare (Ep.56)

    Episode 1 of 24: We talk to Dr Matthew Beare about his journey towards becoming an Addiction Medicine Physician and how the landscape has changed. Join us in an honest conversation! About our guest: Dr. Matthew Beare is a double board-certified Family and Addiction Medicine physician and the Program Director for Kern County’s first Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Clinica Sierra Vista. Since joining Clinica in 2016, he’s led the expansion of care for Kern County’s most vulnerable residents, building the region’s first street medicine teams and developing an integrated model of care that reaches those experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders where they are. A long-time resident of Kern County, Dr. Beare has lived, learned, and worked here for over 25 years. His work has earned recognition, including the Beautiful Bakersfield Health Award and the Kern Medical Exceptional Mentor Award, and he continues to advocate for accessible, compassionate, and stigma-free addiction care throughout the Central Valley. This episode is sponsored by Hope in the Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to providing community-based behavioral health, prevention, and recovery support services throughout Kern County. Hope in the Valley is committed to expanding access to overdose-prevention resources.

    1h 7m
  4. Season 4 Episode 8 - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 with Katie Valenzuela (Ep.55)

    OCT 30

    Season 4 Episode 8 - Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2025 with Katie Valenzuela (Ep.55)

    Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October, but the conversation should never stop. Host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW, sits down for a critical and profoundly moving conversation with survivor and advocate Katie Valenzuela. Katie courageously shares her personal journey through the complexities of Domestic Violence, moving from a place of isolation to powerful advocacy to provide hope and destigmatization to listeners who are currently struggling. This episode delves into the often-overlooked aspects of abuse, beyond the physical, including: the damaging effects of emotional, financial, and psychological control. Katie discusses the immense internal barriers to seeking help, the process of safety planning, and the long-term mental health impact on survivors. Resources for Intimate Partner Violence: https://www.thehotline.org/; National Center for Victims of Crime 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846); & StrongHearts Native Helpline 844-762-8483

    48 min
  5. Season 4 Episode 7 - Calming Teenage Anxiety with Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW (Ep. 54)

    OCT 11

    Season 4 Episode 7 - Calming Teenage Anxiety with Sophia Vale Galano, LCSW (Ep. 54)

    For this episode, I’ve invited a go-to expert for helping teens and their families navigate anxiety in today’s world: Sophia Vale Galano, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a thriving therapy practice across California. Sophia has extensive experience as a therapist across various settings. She is the author of the essential guide, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. The book offers a compassionate roadmap to transform the overwhelming challenges of teenage anxiety into actionable steps for parents.

    46 min
  6. Season 4 Special Episode - Election 2026 Andrae Gonzales (Ep. 53)

    OCT 9 · BONUS

    Season 4 Special Episode - Election 2026 Andrae Gonzales (Ep. 53)

    For this episode, I’ve invited... Andrae Gonzales. Andrae is currently running for the California State Assembly in the 35th district, is a City Councilmember for the City of Bakersfield, former School Boardmember, CEO, nonprofit leader, and lifelong Bakersfield resident. he has led efforts, including building Bakersfield first low-barrier homeless shelter and expanding access to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. Professionally, he works as the CEO of a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to adults with mental disabilities. *As a reminder, interview is not an endorsement; Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast is committed to inviting any and all candidates who want to get vulnerable on its platform.

    1h 12m
  7. Season 4 Episode 6: Dating, Breakups, & Healing with Norma Garcia, LCSW (Ep. 52)

    SEP 18

    Season 4 Episode 6: Dating, Breakups, & Healing with Norma Garcia, LCSW (Ep. 52)

    In this episode, we sit down with relationship therapist and sound bath practitioner Norma Garcia, LCSW, to explore how we can transform heartbreak into healing. As the daughter of immigrants, Norma shares her unique perspective on the generational cycles and immense expectations many women carry, and how these patterns can affect our relationships. We discuss her holistic approach, which blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic practices, and sound healing to help you regulate your nervous system, heal at the root, and attract secure, emotionally available love. If you've ever felt the weight of being the "strong one" or are ready to break free from painful relationship cycles, this episode is for you. Website: Amalú Therapy & Wellness

    1h 6m
  8. Season 4 Bonus Episode: From MSW to LCSW: The California Licensing Maze (Ep. 51)

    AUG 8 · BONUS

    Season 4 Bonus Episode: From MSW to LCSW: The California Licensing Maze (Ep. 51)

    Host Ramon Sanchez gets candid about his personal journey to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. He dives into the state's complex licensing system, from what an MSW student goes through, to the challenges of becoming an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) to the frustration of an exam process with no official study guide. Ramon openly shares the emotional toll of his experience, including the hit to his self-esteem after having to take the licensing exam a staggering seven times. This is a story of resilience, perseverance, and ultimately, a powerful message for anyone navigating a difficult professional journey. You can share this episode and listen to past episodes of Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. #DestigmatizePodcast #SocialWork #MentalHealth #MSW #ASW #LCSW #AMFT #LMFT #LPCC #MentalHealthMatters #PodcastRecommendation #BreakTheStigma #MentalHealthAwareness #EndTheStigma #DestigmatizeMentalHealth #YouAreNotAlone #BreakTheSilence #StartTheConversation #SelfCare #MentalHealthMatters #SupportEachOther #WellnessJourney

    39 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to Destigmatize, the podcast breaking barriers in mental health one conversation at a time. Join our diverse panel of experts, friends, and intriguing individuals as we delve into the taboo topics often left unspoken. From navigating anxiety to unraveling the complexities of trauma, we're here to spark candid discussions and foster understanding. Our mission? To not only destigmatize mental health but to ignite a movement of empathy and awareness. Tune in, subscribe, and be part of the journey towards a more compassionate world.

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