Former Sex Worker Izzy’s Comeback to God & Sobriety

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

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 someone to addiction, or are battling your own demons, this conversation sheds light on the pain, longing, and search for healing.Journey Podcast Socials |Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@TheJourneyPodcast_/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/thejourneypodcastTikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@thejourneypodcast__Episode Highlights |0:00 | Intro00:17 | We’re all ‘At War’ with something8:25 | How the Journey Podcast came out22:29 | Grieving people who are still alive40:08 | Being Discontent 51:32 | Is the grass greener on the other side?11:11:34 | Jake1:37:25 | F The Stigma 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, tattoos, relapse, sobriety, the journey podcast, relationship, relationships, grief, loss, content creators, motivation, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 |Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/deadgirrlalive/Patreon | https://www.patreon.com/deadgirrlaliveEpisode Highlights |0:00 | Intro 1:32 | Picking up in 2022 first time getting sober through rehab2:53 | Old patterns and cycles8:45 | your whole life being recovery10:39 | Izzy trying to stray away from labels short13:00 | when you want to get clean you’ll Get clean short16:44 | what Izzy’s addiction looked like, why seek recovery?20:45 | What led to Izzy’s relapse23:13 | God ; Izzy getting baptized 38:32 | Forgiveness43:20 | Anger51:55 | Expression55:17 | Izzy’s Tattoos59:50 | Addiction to Love can be a downfall 1:07:23 | Izzy’s sobriety today1:17:10 | Izzy’s BookIzzy's Previous Interview | https://youtu.be/mtCM1AYTr70FTS 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://twitter.com/fthestigma Subscribe 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, author, sexwork, jesus, god, christianity, epidemic, higherpower, izzy, tattoos, relapse, sobriety, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 individual but everyone around them. As an advocate for early education, Stephanie has just launched a new children’s book designed to help families have honest, age-appropriate conversations about addiction with their kids. She also gives us an inside look at her upcoming movie, which sheds light on the realities of addiction and recovery.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://twitter.com/fuck_thestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, intervnetion, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, entertainment, healthandwellness, jail, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 and helped him overcome his struggles. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, purpose, and finding strength in the darkest moments.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://twitter.com/fuck_thestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, jake moscato, recovery, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit, vulnerability, youth, entertainment, healthandwellness, jail, football, god, d1 athlete, athlete, toxic masculinity, #fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 | 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://twitter.com/fthestigmaSubscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigmaTags in this video ↓fthestigma, podcast, addiction, alcoholism, recovery, overdoseawareness, trauma, anxiety, depression, ptsd, mentalhealth, mentalillness, nonprofit#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness

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 exposes the bad actors within the rehab industry, shedding light on unethical practices that harm those seeking help. With firsthand experience in both battling addiction and reshaping treatment approaches, Drew offers insight into what real, effective care should look like and how we can push for meaningful change. FTS Medication Assistance Program | Apply today : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/rx-assistance Donate to support! : https://www.fthestigma.com/pages/donate Podcast Links: Spotify | https://open.spotify.com/show/46dw6sl5t344p6PlBcykb3?si=35349a057d564bac Apple Podcast | https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/f-ck-the-stigma/id1691599224 Fuck 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/fukthestigma TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@fthestigma Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/FTStigma X | https://twitter.com/fuck_thestigma Subscribe for more! | https://www.youtube.com/@fthestigma#fthestigma #podcast #addiction #overdoseawareness #nonprofit #mentalhealth #mentalillness