Shows / F#CK THE STIGMA
F#CK THE STIGMA
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…
Episodes
F#CK THE STIGMAEx-Nightclub Owner Ian Bick: FBI Arrest to Solitary Confinement
In episode 20 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Ian Bick—entrepreneur, speaker, and host of the viral podcast Locked In with Ian…
F#CK THE STIGMATrauma Triggered Mental Illness— Family Mental Health Crisis | Mädchen Amick & Mina Tobias
In episode 19 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with actress and director Mädchen Amick—best known for her iconic roles in Twin Peaks and…
F#CK THE STIGMABank Robbery To FBI Raid & Reality Of Drugs In Prison
In episode 18 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez reconnects with Patrick years after their first interview, this time for Men’s Mental Health…
F#CK THE STIGMASurviving Suicide Attempt & Manic Episode
In episode 17 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Santana Ryan, who shares her raw and unfiltered experience growing up in…
F#CK THE STIGMA10 Years in Baltimore Prison, Violence, Drug Dealing & Addiction
In episode 16 of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Walt, who shares his raw and unfiltered experience growing up in Baltimore…
F#CK THE STIGMAAddicted to Sleeping Pills & How She Hid It From Everyone
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Laura Cathcart Robbins, who is also the author of the book Stash, to talk…
F#CK THE STIGMADoctor Chooses Drugs Over Wife & Career
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Dr. Kenny Clark, a physician who opens up about his personal journey through…
F#CK THE STIGMANeglect & Abuse Led Her to Broken Foster Care System
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Madisun to share her raw and deeply personal story of growing up in the…
F#CK THE STIGMAHow Crystal Meth Addiction Led Me to Homelessness & Jail
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Jimmy, known to many as "Jimmy Who Am You," for an open and refreshingly…
F#CK THE STIGMAStruggles of living with Autism & OCD with Sun Hat Kid
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Aaron Hall, also known as Sun Hat Kid, returns to the FTS Podcast after a…
F#CK THE STIGMAEscaping Demonic LA Street Life & Addiction to Finding Jesus
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Big Faith — a Christian rapper from Los Angeles with a story that’s as real…
F#CK THE STIGMAHow to Stop Letting ANXIETY & TOXICITY Control Your Life
In this episode of F The Stigma Podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with guest Alex for an open and honest conversation about anxiety, addiction, recovery…
F#CK THE STIGMAAmerican Idol Winner Noah Thompson Loses Best Friend To Mental Health Struggles
We’re joined by Noah Thompson, the winner of American Idol Season 20, as he opens up about his journey from a small-town kid to a national sensation. Noah…
F#CK THE STIGMAThe Harsh Reality of Schizophrenic Hallucinations & Paranoia
We’re joined by Michelle Hammer, the founder of Schizophrenic NYC, a clothing and lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading awareness and breaking the stigma…
F#CK THE STIGMAA Bronx Tale's Lillo Brancato Addicted to Cr*ck & Years in Prison Leading to Sobriety
FTS sat down with Lillo Brancato, best known for his roles in A Bronx Tale and The Sopranos. Joining us from Yonkers, New York, Lillo opens up about his…
F#CK THE STIGMAA Deep Dive into Loss & Longing | The Journey Podcast
The hosts of The Journey & FTS Podcast dive into the struggles of addiction, the relentless feeling of never having enough, and the deep grief that comes with…
F#CK THE STIGMAFormer Sex Worker Izzy’s Comeback to God & Sobriety
Izzy is back on the F The Stigma podcast for a follow-up after our first interview in 2022. She opens up about her relapse, the challenges she faced, and how…
F#CK THE STIGMALosing Her Husband to Addiction Led Her to Become an Interventionist
Stephanie King, a nationally certified interventionist, shares her deeply personal journey into the world of addiction recovery. Stephanie opens up about the…
F#CK THE STIGMAFormer D1 Athlete overcoming Panic Attacks & Toxic Masculinity
Jake Moscato, a former D1 football player whose dreams were shattered by a career-ending back injury. He opens up about his journey from athlete to filmmaker…
F#CK THE STIGMAHow Getting Addicted to Alcohol SAVED MY LIFE
For our very first episode of Season 2 of the FTS podcast, our very own Director of Content Creation; Laisha Martinez shares her experience with Stigma…
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Corrupt Addiction Treatment Industry, Every Day Drug User to Long Term Sobriety | EP 73
In Episode 73 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Drew LaBoon, the owner of four treatment centers across the country, who is…
F#CK THE STIGMAChronic Relapser, DUI's to Long Term Sobriety | EP 72
In Episode 72 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Jimmy from the H.O.F.F.A. Foundation to share his inspiring journey of…
F#CK THE STIGMALosing a Brother to an Overdose, Becoming an Addiction Recovery Advocate | EP 71
In Episode 71 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Shelly, a courageous advocate who turned her personal tragedy into a…
F#CK THE STIGMATrans Man Journey, FTM, Gender Norms, Coming out, Political Climate, Kids exposed to LGBTQ+ | EP 70
In Episode 70 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Jasper, a trans man, to share his deeply personal journey. Jasper opens up…
F#CK THE STIGMAOVERCOMING OCD, BINGE EATING DISORDER, EFFECTS of COVID-19 on MENTAL HEALTH, MEDICATION | EP 69
In Episode 69 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Layne to dive deep into her personal journey navigating the challenges of…
F#CK THE STIGMABROTHER PASSING AWAY FROM OVERDOSE, COPING WITH GREIF, DRUGS IN SCHOOL, MENTAL ILLNESS | EP 68
In Episode 68 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Indiyah who shares her personal story of losing her brother to an overdose…
F#CK THE STIGMABIPOLAR DISORDER Diagnosis, GENDER IDENTITY CONTROVERSY, Positive Psychology, Addiction | EP 67
In Episode 66 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez sits down with Caitlin, a Baltimore local, to discuss her journey with mental health and…
F#CK THE STIGMAMethadone Maintenance, Recovery Debate, DCFS, MAT stigma, Eliza with Pretaa | EP 66
In Episode 66 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with Eliza Foltz from Pretaa to share her powerful story. Eliza opens up about her…
F#CK THE STIGMATodd Schlosser 'The Horror Virgin' Podcast, Therapy, Derogatory Slurs, Toxic Southern Culture | 65
In Episode 65 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with host of 'The Horror Virgin' podcast Todd Schlosser for an in-depth conversation on…
F#CK THE STIGMACoping with Death & Grief in Recovery, Mental Health Struggles, Family Dynamics | EP 64
In Episode 64 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with Nik Kellerman for an honest, open, and casual conversation about where they are…
F#CK THE STIGMAMedical Marijuana Stigma, Big Pharma, PTSD Recovery, Marine Corps Veteran, Alcoholism | EP 63
In Episode 63 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with Rick Glass, a Marine Corps veteran who shares his journey of overcoming alcoholism…
F#CK THE STIGMADecades of Addiction & Alcoholism, Soberlivin.org, Baltimore Opioid Crisis, Forgiveness | EP 62
In Episode 62 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with Ed Dannettel, the founder of the nonprofit "SoberLivin." Together, they explore the…
F#CK THE STIGMAA Real Conversation about Biracial Identity & Addiction | EP 61
In Episode 61 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha sits down with Sami to explore the complexities of identity, race, and addiction. Sami shares her…
F#CK THE STIGMARacist War on Drugs, Harm Reduction, Anti-S*x Worker Policies, Debates, BHRC | EP 60
In Episode 60 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes special guest Candy from the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition (BHRC). Candy…
F#CK THE STIGMAPride Month, LGTBQ + Community, Lesbian Struggles, Invalidation, Religion, Stigma, Identity | EP 59
In Episode 59 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes special guest Gigi in honor of Pride Month. Gigi opens up about her experiences…
F#CK THE STIGMATim Lodgen Surviving 27 Years of Active Addiction in Baltimore, Mens Mental Health, Veteran | EP 58
Join us in episode 58 of the "F the Stigma" podcast with host Laisha Martinez, featuring Tim Lodgen. A dynamic speaker and advocate for mental health and…
F#CK THE STIGMAGen Z Mental Health Crisis, Drug Accessibility, Drunk Driving, Peer Pressure, Regrets, Rehab | EP 57
Join us in episode 57 of the "F the Stigma" podcast with host Laisha Martinez, created in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, as she welcomes longtime…
F#CK THE STIGMAHypnosis, Introverts & Extroverts, Trauma Recovery, Healing, Misconceptions | EP 56
Join us in episode 56 of the "F the Stigma" podcast as host Laisha Martinez dives deep into the realm of hypnotherapy with special guest Frank, a licensed…
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Somatic Healing Through S*x & Love Addiction | EP 55
In Episode 54 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast we dive deep into the world of process addiction with Michael, a seasoned sex therapist. Michael sheds light on…
F#CK THE STIGMAMarijuana Controversy, Mental Health Advocacy, Psychosis, Life Coach & Author | EP 54
In Episode 54 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast we sit down with life coach, mental health advocate, and author Judy Morris, alongside our host Laisha Martinez…
F#CK THE STIGMAMax Bird-Ridnell, Actor to Licensed Therapist, Overmedicated & Over Diagnosed America | EP 53
In Episode 53 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast featuring our guest Max Bird-Ridnell and host Laisha Martinez. Max shares his journey from the world of acting…
F#CK THE STIGMAScars of Addiction, Homeless for 2 years, Postpartum Depression, Shame & Stigma | EP 52
In Episode 52 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast' featuring our guest Heidi Marcz and host Laisha Martinez. In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Heidi…
F#CK THE STIGMASuboxone Maintenance Controversy, 'JUNKIE', Body Image, Stigmatizing Language, Relapse, Mental Health | EP 51
In Episode 51 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast' featuring our guest Jessi Brown and host Laisha Martinez. Together, they delve into a conversation about…
F#CK THE STIGMAA Real Conversation About Homosexuality, Laisha & Myles' Experiences | EP 50
In Episode 50 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast' featuring Myles and Laisha as they share their personal journeys and experiences with homosexuality. With…
F#CK THE STIGMAINTERGENERATIONAL TRAUMA, BLM, IMMIGRANT PARENTS, LATINO MENTAL HEALTH, STUDENT DEBT, EDUCATION ACCESS | EP 49
In Episode 49 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast' Alma Petty-Zaragoza, the author of "Chingona" and a dedicated advocate in the realm of educational access…
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DISEASE OF ADDICTION, UNDERSTANDING ALCOHOLISM, LIFE COACH, 20+ YEARS SOBER, TRAUMA RECOVERY, MISCONCEPTIONS | EP 48
In Episode 48 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast! We sit down with Charles, a remarkable life coach. Formerly battling addiction to crack, Charles has defied the…
- F#CK THE STIGMA
T.A.C.O. INC, OVERDOSE AWARENESS, FENTANYL TEST STRIPS, ADDICTION IN COLLEGE, NEURO SCIENCE | EP 47
In Episode 47 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast! Join us in this deeply insightful episode as we sit down with Kameron, the current CEO of T.A.C.O. (Team…
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EX-PROSTITUTE, BRANDING COVER UPS, S*X WORK BEING TRENDY, BODY STORING TRAUMA, NEW LIFE! | EP 46
Brittnay's Previous Interview | https://youtu.be/uTo8l0hYa7UIn Episode 46 of the 'F*ck The Stigma' Podcast, Brittnay makes a return to share the next chapter…
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4 DUI'S, HEROIN ADDICTED FATHER + BANK ROBBER, TOXIC MASCULINITY, LABELS, ADDICTION | EP 45
FTS PODCAST EP 45! Join us in a raw and honest conversation with Rod, who shares his courageous journey through decades of active addiction, growing up with a…
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HIV/AIDS STIGMA, A.C.A.B, TRAFFICKING, ACTIVISM, ADDICTION, GENDER, ARREST, DRAG TIME STORY HR | EP 44
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 44! On this episode of the FTS podcast, we've brought on Xodiak sharing his story and experience with sex trafficking, breaking the stigma…
- F#CK THE STIGMA
F*CK FENTANYL, CONSPIRACY, OVERDOSE DEATHS, PRISON, NARCAN, MOVEMENT | EP 43
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 43! On this episode of the FTS podcast, we've brought on Tyson from the F*ck Fentanyl Movement. To bring awareness to the Fentanyl…
- F#CK THE STIGMA
SHATTERPROOF, ADDICTION, LEGISLATION, RELAPSE, LOVING AN ADDICT, ALCOHLISM, MAT, RECOVERY | EP 42
On this episode of the 'Fuck the Stigma' podcast, we're joined by Shatterproof, a game-changing organization dedicated to tackling addiction head-on. Grant and…
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR, PTSD, TRAUMA & ABUSE, COURT CASES, JOURNEY TO RECOVERY | EP 41
⚠️ Content Warning:This episode discusses sensitive topics related to domestic violence, PTSD, and trauma. Listener discretion is advised. In honor of Domestic…
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'SUN HAT KID' on AUTISM, OCD, FASD, ADD, EVERY DAY CHALLENGES, HOMOSEXUALITY, ABUSE, ADOPTED | EP 40
Discover the challenges he faces daily and the strength it takes to overcome them. Join us as we're breaking down the barriers of stigma surrounding mental…
- F#CK THE STIGMA
SUICIDE AWARENESS WEEK, SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, SELF HARM, FAILED FBI RAID, NEED FOR COMMUNITY | FTS
For National Suicide Awareness Week FTS wanted to make a dedicated episode to spreading awareness for those who have attempted, passed away, or have been…
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Jenny's Sober Lifestyle, FENTANYL CRISIS, ADULT ENTERTAINMENT, 15+ OF DRUGS. BIG PHARMA & MORE | EP39
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 39! Jenny from 'Jenny's Sober Lifestyle' came on our podcast to speak on the stigmas surrounding substance use, fentanyl epidemic, big…
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FELON, CONVICT, ADDICT, ENABLING, PRISON, STRUGGLE WITH EMPLOYMENT, END OF HUSTLE CULTURE | EP 38
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 38! Charli came on the Podcast to talk about the stigmas she faced as an ex felon trying to find a job in the real world, challenges with…
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MANDELA EFFECT, COPING with DEATH, 7 Stages of Grief MYTH, Grief Recovery Specialist | EP 37
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 37! On this episode we have Carol Pereira a Grief Recovery Specialist and author of Helder's Story speaking on the misconceptions and…
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TRANS WOMAN on PHYSICAL ABUSE, HATE CRIMES, TRANSITIONING, MALE PRIVILEGE, GOD, ADDICTION | EP36
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 36! On this episode of the podcast we have Cassie joining us to speak on her fully coming out as a Trans Woman. She speaks on the stigmas…
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TRANSGENDER MAN STIGMA, TRAUMA, RESTROOMS, POLICE, DRAG QUEENS, RELIGION, FOSTER CARE, MALE PRIVILEGE | EP 35
FTS PODCAST EPISODE 35! On this episode of the podcast we have Spencer sharing his story with Transitioning, his experience with male privilege, trauma, and…