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 5 Episode 2: Empowering Women Through Movement with Girls Run Bakersfield (EP 62)

    3D AGO

    Season 5 Episode 2: Empowering Women Through Movement with Girls Run Bakersfield (EP 62)

    For this episode, I’ve invited the leadership and community behind Girls Run Bakersfield, a club that builds sisterhood while creating a safe space for women to exercise together. Luz Almanza, Angelica Sabiano LCSW, & Occupational Therapist Damarice Herrera discuss the creation of a women's running club as a safe space for women to run and exercise without fear of harassment or judgment. The club aims to provide a supportive community for women of all fitness levels and backgrounds, promoting mental and physical well-being through running and social interaction. The conversation explores the benefits of running and physical activity for mental health, the importance of community and social support, and the role of movement in trauma recovery. It also delves into the impact of running on emotional expression and the creation of a supportive and inclusive running community.

    56 min
  2. Hope In The Valley Series- Ep 3 Culture Meets Care Filipino Health with Lorelei Punsalan DNP (EP 61)

    FEB 12

    Hope In The Valley Series- Ep 3 Culture Meets Care Filipino Health with Lorelei Punsalan DNP (EP 61)

    In this episode of the Destigmatize Mental Health: Hope In the Valley series, we are joined by Lorelei Punsalan, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNRN, CHSE, a powerhouse leader in clinical practice and community advocacy. Supported by the MAT Access Grant, this conversation dives deep into the unique challenges faced by the Filipino community in California. Dr. Punsalan brings her extensive expertise as a Doctor of Nursing Practice to explore the vital intersection of cultural identity and substance use recovery. From the weight of "saving face" and cultural stigma to the power of faith-based and family-centered engagement, we discuss how culturally grounded care is the key to breaking barriers in stimulant and opioid use treatment.

    54 min
  3. Season 5 Episode 1: ABA, Special Education, & Everything In Between! (EP 60)

    FEB 1

    Season 5 Episode 1: ABA, Special Education, & Everything In Between! (EP 60)

    For this episode, I’ve invited Morgan Mroz. Morgan is a special education teacher, ABA graduate student, and founder of She Shapes Behavior, a platform making behavior science accessible and practical for families, educators, and future behavior analysts. Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began early, influenced by her uncle with a significant disability. With experience in special education and ABA training, Morgan bridges research and practice, focusing on evidence-based strategies that prioritize student strengths and quality of life, while empowering caregivers and professionals to advocate confidently and ethically.

    33 min
  4. Hope In The Valley Series - Episode 2 with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D (Ep.59)

    JAN 28

    Hope In The Valley Series - Episode 2 with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D (Ep.59)

    Ramon Sanchez, LCSW with cohost Dr. Ashleigh Herrera dive into the conversation with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D and discuss the challenges and disparities in substance use treatment and prevention, particularly focusing on the impact of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) on marginalized communities. It explores the disproportionate impact of substance use on communities of color, the barriers to accessing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the gaps in substance use prevention and research for marginalized communities. Additionally, it discusses the influence of psychosocial stressors on substance use and mental health. The conversation delves into the impact of stigma and systemic racism on overdose prevention measures, the need for nuanced and culturally sensitive approaches to substance use disorder, policy changes and systemic impact, and hope for health equity and prevention. The discussion highlights the challenges in promoting awareness, addressing stigma and systemic racism, and the need for linguistically accessible services and culturally specific messaging. Additionally, the conversation emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals with resources for behavior change and the shift to direct inject as a method for initiating MOUD. This project is funded by the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). The contents and views are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or views of DHCS or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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

    12/22/2025

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

    12/06/2025

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

    11/29/2025

    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. This project is funded by the Department of Health Care Services’ (DHCS) State Opioid Response Grant (SOR). The contents and views are those of the author and may not reflect the policies or views of DHCS or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

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

    10/30/2025

    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
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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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