Addicted 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 about her personal journey through addiction and recovery. Laura opens up about how a prescription for Ambien to treat postpartum insomnia quietly spiraled into a full-blown dependency—one she kept hidden behind the appearance of a picture-perfect, high-end Los Angeles lifestyle. From navigating divorce and separation to the lasting impact of an abusive stepfather, she shares the emotional toll, the stigma, and the deep isolation that came with addiction. Laura speaks honestly about the resistance, hesitation, and discrimination she faced while seeking help—and how, despite it all, she found the strength to go to rehab and transform her life. This episode is a raw, inspiring look at the power of truth, healing, and breaking the stigma.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, robbery, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, author

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 addiction, recovery, relapse, and healing. Kenny shares how he battled over a decade of substance use while navigating the intense demands of medical school, and how the loss of his father led him to cope through substances. After achieving more than 10 years of sobriety, a prescription for Xanax—meant to help with his sleep—triggered a relapse, sending him back into the chaos of addiction. In this raw conversation, Kenny reveals parts of his story he's never shared before, reflecting on the pain, lessons, and hope he's found in his continued path to recovery. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and serves as a beacon of inspiration for anyone facing the challenges of mental health or addiction.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, robbery, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, neglect, doctor, physician #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 foster care system. She opens up about the trauma she experienced, from the neglect and abuse by her father to the painful realities of living in group homes. Madisun speaks candidly about how addiction shaped parts of her journey and how difficult it was to navigate life without stability or safety. But her story doesn't end there—Madisun also shares the turning point of meeting her foster mom, a moment that brought love, healing, and a sense of belonging. Now, as an adult, she's using her experiences to help other foster kids feel seen, supported, and at home—wherever they may be. This episode is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the power of using your story to uplift others.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Madisun's Social Media |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/madawgydawg/FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donateFuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, robbery, addiction recovery, insanity, psychosis, story, foster, foster care, fostercare, kids, children, juvenile, juvi, neglect, abuse, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 light-hearted conversation about his journey through addiction and into recovery. Jimmy, who has gained recognition for his ability to find humor in even the darkest parts of his past, shares his story of progressive addiction — starting with weed and alcohol, leading to cocaine, and ultimately, to his biggest battle: crystal meth. His addiction spiraled into a life of crime, fraud, homelessness, and even stealing from his own parents. It wasn’t until he ended up in jail that Jimmy was able to find a path toward sobriety. Today, he shares his incredible journey with almost 13 years of recovery under his belt, proving that hope, humor, and healing are possible no matter how far you fall. This is a powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, and the strength it takes to turn your life around.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Jimmy's Social Media |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/whoamyou/Website | https://whoamyou.bigcartel.com/Episode Highlights |0:00 | Intro2:11 | Laughing at our Past4:18 | Beginning of Jimmy’s Addiction13:42 | How he got hooked on Crystal Meth18:59 | Reality of Homelessness & Addiction26:58 | Reality check35:03 | Romanizing drug use38:28 | Mental Hospitals42:12 | Recovery54:05 | Jimmy’s thoughts of Medications & Big PharmaFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, los angeles, psychological, experience, spiritual, spirituality, alcoholic, robbery, addiction recovery, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 year and a half to share how he's been coping with and owning his autism, OCD, and FASD diagnoses. He opens up about dealing with online criticism, what his struggles actually look like behind the scenes, and how he’s continued to grow through it all. Aaron also speaks honestly about his Christian faith and the shame he felt being the only Black person in an all-white church. This is a real, unfiltered conversation about identity, mental health, and breaking the stigma. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Sun Hat Kid's Social Media |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/sunhatkidWebsite | www.sunhatkid.shopTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@sunhatkid3FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

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 as it gets.Growing up surrounded by street life, Big Faith was once caught up in the same cycle that traps so many. But after seeing the darkness and emptiness that came with it, he made a decision to shift his path. Fueled by a love for hip hop and a desire to make something meaningful out of his life, he now uses rap to share his testimony and help others find a way out — and back to God.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Big Faith Social's |Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/mrbigfaith/YouTube |  @BigFaithOfficial  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@mrbigfaithFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma

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, and the impact of toxic relationships. Laisha and Alex share what triggers their anxiety, how they cope with it, and their personal perspectives on addiction and the recovery journey. They also dive into how toxic relationships shaped their experiences, the struggles they faced, and what ultimately led Laisha to break free from a harmful situation. This episode is a raw and relatable discussion on mental health, self-growth, and healing.🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that challenge stigma and bring awareness to mental health and addiction.Instagram |https://www.instagram.com/fukthestigma/https://www.instagram.com/nolongerlaisha/FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, loss, grief, addicts, recovery, addict, relationships, relationship, toxic, toxicity, nyc, new york, meetings, 12 step, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 shares his deeply personal experience of growing up with both parents battling addiction, becoming a father at just 19 years old, and the whirlwind of competing on one of the biggest stages in the world. He also speaks candidly about the grief of losing his best friend, who struggled with mental health, and how that loss has shaped his perspective. Join us for this raw and heartfelt conversation as we dive into resilience, fatherhood, fame, and the impact of addiction and mental health struggles.Noah's Social's |Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/noahthompsonmusic/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@noahthompsonmusicWebsite - https://www.noahthompsonmusic.com/Episode Highlights :0:00 | Intro1:13 | Noah Winning Season 20 of American Idol3:44 | Starting Music5:44 | Noah speaking on Addiction11:01 | Parents Struggling with Addiction15:21 | Losing his best friend21:20 | Relating with Addicts24:36 | Growing up too fast34:05 | His purpose with as a musician 37:30 | Men’s Mental Health & Addiction StigmaFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, sobriety, relapse, treatment, americanidol, winner, american idol, loss, grief, addicts, noah thompson, recovery, musician, songwriter, singer, music,#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

We’re joined by Michelle Hammer, the founder of Schizophrenic NYC, a clothing and lifestyle brand dedicated to spreading awareness and breaking the stigma surrounding schizophrenia. Michelle shares her personal journey of being diagnosed, what her schizophrenic symptoms were, and how she navigated paranoia and hallucinations. She opens up about the realities of living with schizophrenia, the misconceptions that often surround the disorder, and how her brand is working to change the conversation. We dive deep into education, advocacy, and breaking the stigma—because mental health awareness matters.Michelle's Social's |Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/schizophrenic.nyc/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@schizophrenic.nycWebsite - https://www.schizophrenic.nyc/FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, healthandwellness, god, jesus, god, judaism, epidemic, higherpower, relapse, sobriety, psych wards, psych, police, paranoia, hallucinations, hallucination#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness #schizophrenia

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 struggles with addiction, the choices that led to his high-profile burglary case, and the tragic events that resulted in the death of an off-duty police officer—landing him behind bars for years. He shares raw, unfiltered insights on how addiction took control of his life, what he learned during his time in prison, and how he fought to rebuild himself after hitting rock bottom. Now focused on using his story to inspire others, he discusses his journey to recovery, the lessons he’s gained, and what he’s working on today. Lillo Socials |Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lillo_brancato/Podcast IG - https://www.instagram.com/thekultureproject_/Podcast on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@TheKultureProjectEpisode Highlights |0:00 | Intro ; How Lillo would've defended his own case4:08 | Lillo's thoughts on Addiction & Recovery14:28 | Lillo's upbringing 21:03 | Effects of Addiction to Crack Cocaine33:25 | Struggling with Sobriety ; Physical & Psychological Dependency39:48 | Prison Mentality44:56 | Done Apologizing for Past Mistakes51:45 | Do you have any regrets?1:00:07 | Lillo's Sobriety1:10:13 | Thought's on TreatmentFTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistanceDonate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donatePod links |Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bacApple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224Fuck the Stigma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that believes people shouldn’t be judged or labeled based on their mental health status. Whether you are struggling with an addiction or have been taking meds for a diagnosis, our community doesn’t judge and seeks to collectively end the stigma around mental health. Our mission is to normalize mental health and mental illness as widespread, treatable, and acceptable. We do this by providing useful resources, improving access to services for those who need help, sharing stories, and building a community of young people who all agree… Follow us! Website | https://fthestigma.com/Instagram | https://instagram.com/fukthestigmaTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigmaFacebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigmaX | https://x.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma