F#CK THE STIGMA

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 losing loved ones—both those who have passed and those still alive but distant. We explore how vices fill the void, the emotional toll of addiction, and the complex ways grief manifests in our lives. Whether you're in recovery, have lost...

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 she felt sex work was her only way to survive. She shares how getting baptized and embracing Christianity completely changed her life. Now sober, Izzy has left addiction and sex work behind and has even published a poetry book. Izzy's Socials...

Stephanie King, a nationally certified interventionist, shares her deeply personal journey into the world of addiction recovery. Stephanie opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her husband to alcoholism and how that tragedy led her to dedicate her life to helping others break the cycle of addiction. She shares her insight into how addiction is truly a family disease, affecting not just the indi...

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, influencer, and motivational speaker. Jake shares his intense battle with panic attacks—going from daily hospital visits for three months to finding complete peace. He reveals how discovering faith and embracing Christianity saved his life a...

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, Trauma, Alcoholism, Addiction, and how she is now in active recovery. FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links : Spotify |...

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 dedicated to transforming addiction treatment and advocating for industry reform. Drew shares his personal journey to sobriety, opening up about the struggles he faced and the roadblocks that nearly derailed his recovery. He also...

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 resilience and transformation. Jimmy opens up about his experience in the music industry, where the fast-paced lifestyle and widespread substance use played a significant role in his struggles with addiction. He discusses the challenges of chron...

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 mission of hope. Shelly shares the story of losing her brother to a heroin overdose laced with fentanyl—a devastating moment that changed her life forever. Through her grief, she found strength and purpose, launching a nonprofit in her brother's n...

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 about his identity and the challenges he has faced, delving into the effects of the current political climate on the queer and trans community. He reflects on the influence of religion in his life, the complexities of coming out, and his jou...

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 OCD, the impact of COVID-19 on her mental health, and her path to overcoming an eating disorder. Layne shares candidly about how her need for control influenced her struggles and how she’s found ways to heal and thrive. Join us for this heart...

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. She talks about the stigma and shame she faced in the aftermath, how she’s navigated her grief, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Indiyah also offers valuable insights on how we can better support people dealing with addiction an...

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 the stigma that comes with it. Caitlin shares her deeply personal experience with bipolar disorder, opening up about her first bipolar episode and the challenges that followed. Together, they explore the stigma around addiction, the impact it...

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 experience with methadone maintenance, the challenges of slowly tapering off the medication, and her perspective on the recovery debate—what does "recovery" truly mean? She also delves into her personal struggles with DCFS (Department of Children...

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 the complexities of creativity, imposter syndrome, and the struggles of living authentically. Todd opens up about the grief of losing his brother and how therapy played a crucial role in his healing journey. Also touching on...

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 right now in their mental health journey. They dive deep into the challenges of dealing with the loss and grief of a close friend, the role of spirituality in healing, and the ways they both cope with life’s ups and downs. They also di...

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 and finding healing through the use of medical marijuana. Rick opens up about his struggles with PTSD and how traditional treatments fell short, leading him to explore cannabis as a medicinal alternative. Now a passionate advocate,...

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 impactful work SoberLivin is doing to provide crucial resources to individuals new to recovery or seeking help. Ed shares the inspiring story behind the founding of SoberLivin, its mission, and the vital support it offers...

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 personal journey of navigating life as a biracial woman, owning her truth, and embracing her unique experiences. Laisha and Sami delve into the struggles of feeling out of place due to race, the importance of accepting who we are, a...

In Episode 60 of the "Fuck the Stigma" podcast, host Laisha Martinez welcomes special guest Candy from the Baltimore Harm Reduction Coalition (BHRC). Candy shares the impactful mission of BHRC, which mobilizes community members for the health, dignity, and safety of people targeted by the racist war on drugs and anti-sex worker policies. Discover how BHRC advocates for harm reduction as...

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 as a lesbian, shedding light on the stigmas and struggles she and many others face. Together, Laisha and Gigi delve into their personal experiences with coming out, religion, the invalidation from others, and much more. This episode...

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 addiction recovery. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Tim shares his powerful journey of surviving 27 years of active addiction and his battle with bipolar disorder. He opens up about his struggles with medication and the denial o...

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 friends Roman and Aidan for an in-depth discussion on the youth mental health and addiction crisis. Together, they tackle pressing issues such as the severe lack of mental health resources in schools, the urgent need for reform in trea...

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 hypnotherapist. In this enlightening discussion, they debunk common misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy and shed light on its myriad benefits, especially in the context of Mental Health Awareness Month. Frank shares insights into h...

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 the often-overlooked struggles of individuals battling sex, gambling, and drug addiction, offering valuable insights into the challenges they face. Through the lens of somatic healing, Michael explores the powerful connection between...

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. Together, they delve into breaking misconceptions surrounding mental health, addiction, anxiety, and depression. Judy offers her unique perspective on the controversial topic of marijuana and sheds light on the complexities surrounding it....