Kratom Stories

Madalyn Sklar

Transforming Pain. Conquering Addiction. Empowering Lives. Explore the revolutionary power of Kratom in this insightful podcast series hosted by Madalyn Sklar. You'll hear riveting personal accounts of overcoming challenges such as chronic pain, opioid and alcohol addiction, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through the use of Kratom. Each episode uncovers the profound impact this botanical has on individuals seeking alternative pathways to healing and well-being. Kratom Stories highlights personal victories and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Join us to witness the power of Kratom in turning struggle into strength, one story at a time.

  1. Kratom Stories Podcast Update, Holiday Break, and Our New YouTube Channel

    12/19/2025 · BONUS

    Kratom Stories Podcast Update, Holiday Break, and Our New YouTube Channel

    In this short solo episode, Madalyn shares an important update with the Kratom Stories Podcast community. After losing the Kratom Stories Podcast YouTube channel, Madalyn explains what happened, where listeners can now find the show on YouTube, and why this moment makes sense to take a brief holiday break. She also shares thoughts on the ongoing challenges of social media censorship within the Kratom community and why continuing to share honest, educational information matters. We'll return with new episodes in January.   🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomRealTalk Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    3 min
  2. Ep 87: From Chaos to Clarity: Lea Lyden's Journey from Addiction to Healing with Kratom

    12/12/2025

    Ep 87: From Chaos to Clarity: Lea Lyden's Journey from Addiction to Healing with Kratom

    Lea Lyden spent her early life navigating trauma, addiction, and years of cycling through antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and stimulant misuse. Even as a licensed clinician and single mother, she carried intrusive thoughts, executive dysfunction, and the lingering effects of childhood abuse. Her first attempt at Kratom years ago went nowhere, and a later run-in with extracts only added confusion about what Kratom actually was. Everything shifted when Lea discovered natural leaf Kratom through education and community. She switched to reputable vendors and found herself stepping out of lifelong patterns: alcohol cravings disappeared, stimulant misuse stopped overnight, and she no longer needed the stack of medications she once relied on. Kratom also eased her IBS, menopause symptoms, chronic pain, and gave her the mental clarity to be present at work and at home. Lea says Kratom brought balance, steadiness, and a sense of control that had been missing for most of her life.  🍃 RELATED LINKS Jordan Richard's TikTok Madalyn's TikTok Kratom Stories Podcast episodes with Dan Pitta and Sarah Pitta from MitraSpec FDA's Dose Finding Study How Super Speciosa Became Part of Groundbreaking FDA Study Does Kratom Really Cause Seizures? Blate Papes - edible gel film MitraSpecs vegan capsule video Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/87 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    58 min
  3. Ep 86: How Dan Pitta Discovered Pain Relief and a Mission to Help Others

    12/05/2025

    Ep 86: How Dan Pitta Discovered Pain Relief and a Mission to Help Others

    Dan Pitta shares how chronic back injuries from his truck-driving career pushed him to search for pain relief that would not jeopardize his commercial license. Discovering Kratom in 2013 changed everything for him. Within 45 minutes of his first dose, he felt the relief he had been chasing for years. Dan opens up about how consistency, dosing schedules, and understanding his own sensitivity played a crucial role in using Kratom successfully. His early experience led him to start bringing samples to coworkers, which snowballed into the beginnings of his company, MitraSpec. Dan also talks about the challenges of running a Kratom company through FDA seizures, the 2016 scheduling scare, and the ongoing pressure and confusion in the industry around enhanced products. He and Sarah built their brand around education, transparency, and products designed for safety, including their popular vegan capsules. He emphasizes smart dosing, hydration, sleep, and awareness of personal wellness when using Kratom. This is a candid, educational conversation about pain, perseverance, and building a business rooted in helping others.  🍃 RELATED LINKS Episode 79: From Exhaustion to Empowerment: How Kratom Changed Sarah Pitta's Life Dan's company, MitraSpec A Leaf of Faith documentary Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/86 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    55 min
  4. Ep 85: Amanda Rainer: Finding Freedom After Thirty Years on Pain Meds

    11/28/2025

    Ep 85: Amanda Rainer: Finding Freedom After Thirty Years on Pain Meds

    Amanda Rainer shares her powerful story of living with extreme chronic pain since childhood and spending thirty years on prescription pain medication. She opens up about migraines, fibromyalgia, trigeminal neuralgia, severe back degeneration, Crohn's disease, and long-term anxiety that kept her bed bound and wiped out her quality of life. After watching her mother die from a cocktail of prescribed medications, Amanda became determined to find a safer alternative. She discovered Kratom over eight years ago and says it gave her life back. For the first time, she could get out of bed, attend her son's graduation, take care of daily chores, and live with manageable pain instead of despair. Amanda also talks in detail about transparency, compliance, proper lab testing, and why she holds vendors to a high standard after becoming sick from a tainted product. She explains how she evaluates vendors, why GMP practices matter, and how the community has played a huge role in supporting one another. She also dives into her experience with 7OH, how it helps her during severe Crohn's flares when powder isn't an option, and why she believes accountability and responsible use are essential. Amanda shares strong words on advocacy, misinformation in the media, the political pressure against Kratom, and how everyday consumers are the ones who must speak up.   🍃 RELATED LINKS American Kratom Association Jordan Richard's TikTok 7-Hope Alliance Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/85 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    1h 4m
  5. Ep 84: Kaden Bradway's Journey from Medical Gaslighting to Finding Relief with Kratom

    11/21/2025

    Ep 84: Kaden Bradway's Journey from Medical Gaslighting to Finding Relief with Kratom

    Kaden Bradway opens up about his incredible journey through years of unexplained health issues and medical dismissal. Growing up with escalating symptoms of severe chronic pain, neuropathy, joint instability, and episodes of passing out, Kaden faced countless ER visits and unhelpful appointments. After years of struggle, he finally received a diagnosis: hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder affecting the entire body. But the diagnosis didn't solve everything. Many doctors remained unfamiliar with EDS or skeptical of its impact, forcing Kaden to self-manage his condition while dealing with constant pain and severe nerve flares that left him unable to stand for more than a few minutes. Then came the breakthrough. After two and a half years of overwhelming daily symptoms, Kaden discovered Kratom. He shares the emotional moment on an Amtrak train when he first felt his pain ease, a relief so profound it brought him to tears. Today, Kratom allows him to function, move, sleep, and care for himself in ways that seemed impossible before. Kaden walks us through his approach to using Kratom, his dosing strategy, the dramatic difference in his pain levels, and his perspective on 7OH products. He also offers essential advice for new consumers: choose reputable, lab-tested vendors and do thorough research. This conversation is a powerful reminder of why advocacy matters and the critical need for accessible plant-based options for people who have been ignored or failed by traditional medicine. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/84 STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    1h 5m
  6. Ep 83: From Advocacy to Action: Jordan Richard's Fight to Protect Kratom from 7OH

    11/14/2025

    Ep 83: From Advocacy to Action: Jordan Richard's Fight to Protect Kratom from 7OH

    Jordan Richard, founder of New Hope Botanicals, returns to share crucial updates on the Kratom landscape since his first appearance nearly two years ago. This time around, he's here to explain the difference between natural Kratom leaf and the chemically altered compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH), which he calls "deception, not innovation." Jordan breaks down how 7OH isn't naturally found in the Kratom leaf, but instead created through chemical conversion, often with unsafe methods. He warns that 7OH has caused widespread harm, creating addiction and confusion that threaten Kratom's reputation and legality. Madalyn and Jordan also cover ongoing legislative battles in California, Florida, and Texas, where advocates are fighting to regulate Kratom while banning 7OH. Jordan discusses his direct involvement in hearings, his friendship with officials drafting fair regulations, and the ongoing spread of misinformation on social media. He also shares progress on his upcoming documentary, The Green Miracle, and his free educational book, The Truth About Kratom. The conversation highlights the importance of education, consumer protection, and responsible advocacy to preserve safe and legal access to Kratom.  🍃 RELATED LINKS Hear Jordan's Kratom Story in episode 8 of this podcast New Hope Botanicals - Jordan's company. Get 10% off with code KratomStories (I love their super green ultra!) The Difference Between Kratom and 7-OH: It's Not Even Close - Jordan's blog post The Truth About Kratom - Jordan's book is available for free in our Kratom Real Talk community. It's in the Classroom section. The Green Miracle - Jordan's documentary trailer 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/83 STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    44 min
  7. Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light

    11/07/2025

    Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light

    Araya Light shares her powerful journey from being a vibrant, go-getter bartender to suddenly becoming bedridden with rheumatoid arthritis, only to later discover she also had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Frustrated by the failure of conventional medicine, she turned to natural health approaches—changing her diet, eliminating processed foods, and finding relief through herbal remedies. Her persistence and research eventually led to a full turnaround in her bloodwork and a diagnosis that finally explained decades of unexplained pain and fatigue. In her search for natural relief, Araya discovered Kratom and found it to be life-changing. It eased her chronic pain, helped her sleep, and gave her the energy and focus she needed to care for her family and run her hobby farm. She shares how Kratom also improved her anxiety and overall quality of life. Araya discusses her concerns about 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products flooding smoke shops, warning that these semi-synthetic versions threaten the reputation of natural Kratom. Her story is one of self-advocacy, resilience, and a deep desire to educate others about responsible Kratom use and natural healing.  🍃 RELATED LINKS A Leaf of Faith documentary Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/82 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories MitraSpec - 40% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    58 min
  8. Ep 81: From Pain to Purpose: Inside the Kratom Industry with MitWellness Founder Todd Underwood

    10/31/2025

    Ep 81: From Pain to Purpose: Inside the Kratom Industry with MitWellness Founder Todd Underwood

    Todd Underwood, founder of MitWellness, shares his powerful story of living with chronic pain and then finding hope through Kratom. Diagnosed as a child with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, Todd endured decades of severe pain that led to years of heavy opioid use following a heart attack and quadruple bypass. In 2019, after reaching a breaking point, he tried Kratom for the first time, and that day marked the end of his dependence on prescription opioids. Kratom helped him manage his pain without feeling medicated, giving him both relief and clarity. That experience inspired Todd to dedicate his professional life to understanding Kratom and developing safer, compliant products for others like him. Today, through MitWellness, Todd brings an insider's view of the Kratom industry, one grounded in experience, ethics, and regulation. He explains what true GMP compliance looks like, why FDA registration and testing matter, and how unregulated synthetic products like 7 hydroxymitragynine threaten consumer safety and the future of the plant. This conversation goes beyond personal testimony to deliver a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Kratom should be made, marketed, and protected for years to come.  🍃 RELATED LINKS MitWellness - Founder & CEO American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/81 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it's a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.

    52 min
4.5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

Transforming Pain. Conquering Addiction. Empowering Lives. Explore the revolutionary power of Kratom in this insightful podcast series hosted by Madalyn Sklar. You'll hear riveting personal accounts of overcoming challenges such as chronic pain, opioid and alcohol addiction, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression through the use of Kratom. Each episode uncovers the profound impact this botanical has on individuals seeking alternative pathways to healing and well-being. Kratom Stories highlights personal victories and the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Join us to witness the power of Kratom in turning struggle into strength, one story at a time.

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