Season 5 Bonus Episode - Beyond the Stigma: World Bipolar Day 2026 in Wasco, CA (EP 65)

Season 5 Episode 5: Foster Care Community Care with Bakersfield Angels Shelby Esquedo, MSW (Ep 68)

For this episode, I’ve invited a fellow MSW graduate from California State University Bakersfield: Shelby Esquedo. Shelby is the Program Development Director with Bakersfield Angels [https://www.bakersfieldangels.org/]. With seven years of experience working alongside system-impacted youth, she has a deep, firsthand understanding of how the justice and child welfare systems shape lives. She’s spent the last five years at Bakersfield Angels creating programs that focus on supporting and empowering the youth we serve. I’m looking forward to discussing the intersection of foster care, community support, and the mental health of our youth.

Hope In The Valley Series- Ep 5 Fentanyl epidemic & Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation (EP 67)

In this heavy yet hopeful Hope In The Valley Special Episode, host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW & Dr. Ashleigh Herrera, sit down with Chris and Loretta LaMedica for a raw conversation about the fentanyl epidemic hitting the Central Valley. This episode is a tribute to their son, Carlos Marquez, who we tragically lost on March 3, 2025, at the age of 34. After Carlos’s five-year battle with methamphetamine addiction ended in an accidental fentanyl poisoning, the LaMedicas refused to let his story end in silence. Instead, they founded the Carlos Marquez Forever 34 Foundation. WHAT WE DISCUSS * The Reality of Loss: The heartbreaking details of Carlos’s journey and the distinction between an "overdose" and "poisoning." * Turning Pain into Purpose: How the LaMedicas are using their grief to build a foundation that provides education and resources to Kern County and beyond. * Breaking the Stigma: A candid look at the intersection of addiction, mental health, and the barriers families face when trying to support a loved one. * Community Protection: Practical advice on how we can protect our neighbors and youth from the rising fentanyl crisis. KEY TAKEAWAY Carlos Marquez will be "Forever 34" in the hearts of those who loved him. This episode is a call to action for our community to lead with compassion, stay informed, and destigmatize the conversation around addiction to save lives. ---------------------------------------- Connect with the Foundation: * Website/Social Media: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carlosmarquez34foundation/] * Mission: Raising fentanyl awareness and providing community support. Listen & Subscribe: Catch this and past episodes of the Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find your favorite shows.

Hope In The Valley Series- Ep 4 Addiction, Resilience, and Healing with BAIHP (EP 66)

In this episode of the Hope In The Valley series, host Ramon Sanchez and co-host Dr. Ashleigh Herrera sit down with Johnny Delgado and Cheyenne Bond from the Bakersfield American Indian Health Project (BAIHP) [https://bakersfieldaihp.org/]. Together, they pull back the curtain on the unique challenges facing the American Indian and Alaska Native communities in Kern County regarding opioid and stimulant use disorders. From the impact of intergenerational trauma to the power of culturally grounded healing, this conversation explores how tradition and evidence-based treatment can work hand-in-hand. We discuss the role of gender-based taboos, the importance of "trusted messengers," and how to remove the systemic barriers—like rural isolation and stigma—that prevent individuals from seeking life-saving care. Join us for a deeply respectful and insightful look at resilience and the path to wellness in the Valley.

Season 5 Bonus Episode - Beyond the Stigma: World Bipolar Day 2026 in Wasco, CA (EP 65)

Veronica Jacuinde [https://www.instagram.com/world_bipolarday], an advocate for mental health, discusses the upcoming World Bipolar Day event [https://worldbipolar.com/] and the importance of destigmatizing mental health. She shares her personal journey with bipolar disorder and emphasizes the role of transparency and medication in managing the condition. Veronica also highlights the power of art and creativity in bridging the gap in understanding mental health. The conversation concludes with a message of encouragement for seeking help and destigmatizing mental health. Takeaways * Transparency and medication play a crucial role in managing bipolar disorder. * Art and creative expression serve as a powerful bridge for understanding mental health. * The conversation around mental health needs to be open and inclusive, encouraging people to seek help without shame.

Season 5 Episode 4: Autoimmune Advocacy & Behavioral Wellness (EP 64)

For this episode, I’ve invited Lisa Gartner [https://www.instagram.com/faithfilled_teaching/]. Lisa is a Special Education teacher and an expert in disability support who is currently completing her Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. She is the founder of Faith Filled Teaching, where she works at the unique intersection of education, behavioral science, and chronic health. Lisa is deeply passionate about supporting individuals impacted by autoimmune diseases and invisible illnesses. She uses her background in behavioral science to help people navigate the unpredictable nature of chronic health—focusing on everything from symptom tracking to building the self-advocacy skills needed to thrive in a world that isn’t always built for fluctuating health needs. I wanted to bring her on to talk about the mental health toll of living with a 'hidden' disability and how we can better support those in our community dealing with chronic illness.