Welcome to Destigmatize, the podcast breaking barriers in mental health one conversation at a time. Join our diverse panel of experts, friends, and intriguing individuals as we delve into the taboo topics often left unspoken. From navigating anxiety to unraveling the complexities of trauma, we're here to spark candid discussions and foster understanding. Our mission? To not only destigmatize mental health but to ignite a movement of empathy and awareness. Tune in, subscribe, and be part of the journey towards a more compassionate world.
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.
3 May 2026
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.
12 Apr 2026
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.
Who has been a guest on Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Rebeca Gonzalez
Dr Naga "Satish" Bodapati
Cristina Rodriguez
Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
4.9 / 5
13 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 56 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
83
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
71
Contact Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast
Who hosts Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast?
host host the show. Published by Ramon Sanchez.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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