Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast
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.
Episodes
In this episode, I sit down with Javier Barba. A Shafter resident, father, former CSUB soccer standout, and the creator of a decade-long annual toy and clothing drive in Kern County. As he celebrates the 10th Annual Toy Drive 6 vs 6 Co-Ed Tournament on December 14, 2025, Javier shares what inspired his commitment to giving back and how community service has supported his own mental well-being.
Episode 1 of 24: We talk to Dr Matthew Beare about his journey towards becoming an Addiction Medicine Physician and how the landscape has changed. Join us in an honest conversation!
About our guest: Dr. Matthew Beare is a double board-certified Family and Addiction Medicine physician and the Program Director for Kern County’s first Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Clinica Sierra Vista. Since joining Clinica in 2016, he’s led the...
Domestic Violence Awareness Month is in October, but the conversation should never stop. Host Ramon Sanchez, LCSW, sits down for a critical and profoundly moving conversation with survivor and advocate Katie Valenzuela.
Katie courageously shares her personal journey through the complexities of Domestic Violence, moving from a place of isolation to powerful advocacy to provide hope and destigmatization to listeners who are currently ...
For this episode, I’ve invited a go-to expert for helping teens and their families navigate anxiety in today’s world: Sophia Vale Galano, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a thriving therapy practice across California.
Sophia has extensive experience as a therapist across various settings. She is the author of the essential guide, Calming Teenage Anxiety: A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Teenager Cope with Worry. The book offer...
For this episode, I’ve invited... Andrae Gonzales.
Andrae is currently running for the California State Assembly in the 35th district, is a City Councilmember for the City of Bakersfield, former School Boardmember, CEO, nonprofit leader, and lifelong Bakersfield resident. he has led efforts, including building Bakersfield first low-barrier homeless shelter and expanding access to homeownership for first-time homebuyers. Professional...
In this episode, we sit down with relationship therapist and sound bath practitioner Norma Garcia, LCSW, to explore how we can transform heartbreak into healing. As the daughter of immigrants, Norma shares her unique perspective on the generational cycles and immense expectations many women carry, and how these patterns can affect our relationships. We discuss her holistic approach, which blends trauma-informed therapy, somatic pra...
Host Ramon Sanchez gets candid about his personal journey to becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California. He dives into the state's complex licensing system, from what an MSW student goes through, to the challenges of becoming an Associate Clinical Social Worker (ASW) to the frustration of an exam process with no official study guide.
Ramon openly shares the emotional toll of his experience, including the hit to...
In this episode, I’m joined by Rebeca Gonzalez — a brilliant and compassionate immigration attorney, CSUB alum, and graduate of Loyola Law School. Born and raised in the Central Valley, Rebeca is the founder of Rebeca Gonzalez Law, APC, where she has become a fierce advocate for immigrant families across California and beyond. Her work has focused on protecting asylum seekers, DACA recipients, and people at risk of detention or dep...
In this episode, I’m joined by a good friend and former colleague, Dr. Naga “Satish” Bodapati, MD — a double board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry. With over seven years of experience, Dr. Bodapati brings a wealth of clinical and leadership expertise, shaped by his work as Medical Director at Sunshine Behavioral Health Services, his involvement with the Department of State Hospitals’ I...
In this deeply personal solo episode, host Ramon Sanchez—Latino therapist and creator of the Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast—breaks from the usual format to speak directly from the heart about the crisis unfolding in Los Angeles. With ICE raids, military presence, and violent crackdowns on protestors, the toll on mental health, especially in immigrant communities, is devastating.
Ramon unpacks the emotional and psychological weig...
In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome back Cristina Rodriguez, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Tulare, California, with over 11 years of experience in the field. Cristina joins me for a deep dive into three powerful and transformative therapeutic approaches: Play Therapy, EMDR, and Internal Family Systems (IFS).
We break down what these methods are, how they work, and the real impact they can have on clients' lives....
In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Eli Cruz, a Nutritionist and the founder of Elate Nutrition Counseling in Oakland, California. Eli holds a Master of Science in Lifespan, Nutrition, and Dietetics from the University of Southern California. Eli joins us to delve into crucial subjects such as food security, common myths, eating disorders, and the vital role of nutrition education.
Strikes can be complicated—especially when you’re torn between personal beliefs and professional responsibilities. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the latest labor action, why I made the decision to stand in solidarity, and the bigger picture beyond just one day.
But this isn’t just about me. Whether you’re striking, working, or somewhere in between, your voice matters. Let’s talk about what real change looks like and how we...
In this special episode of Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast, we are joined by Libertarian Candidate William Brown a dynamic leader and advocate who is running for California Assembly District 32. With the Special Primary Election set for February 25, 2025, William Brown discusses his campaign vision, his commitment to serving the community, and how mental health initiatives play a vital role in his platform.
Tune in to hear his i...
In this episode, I have two incredible guests (Ucedrah Osby & Deidre Hathor), from Community Interventions who are here to share the amazing work they do, as well as highlight their Annual Black Healing Summit, an event dedicated to promoting wellness, health, and community involvement for the Black community and its allies.
Mental Health Clinicians! This one is for you! Well... anyone can benefit from improving their time management & who better to talk about this than The Creative Therapist Christina Rodriguez LMFT! She is here to talk about time management and her awesome Hourly Planner!
This episode is not sponsored! Simply supporting an awesome tool!
Learn more about Christina Rodriguez
Lakeside Therapy Instagram
The Creative Therapist's Instagram...
In this solo episode, I share my personal perspective on some pressing issues: fears about Trump’s second presidency, the impact of ICE raids in Bakersfield, and the devastation of the Los Angeles wildfires. This isn’t about politics—it’s about how these events affect our mental health, our communities, and our sense of unity. I also highlight organizations stepping up during these crises and how we can all make a difference. Pleas...
In this special episode of Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Chris Cruz-Boone, a dynamic leader and advocate who is running for California Assembly District 32. With the Special Primary Election set for February 25, 2025, Dr. Cruz-Boone discusses her campaign vision, her commitment to serving the community, and how mental health initiatives play a vital role in her platform. Tune in to hear her insights on ad...
Kern Community College District Governing Board Trustee Candidate for Area 4 Flor Olvera joins Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast, allowing her voters to learn about her before this important election.
*This episode is not an endorsement. Any candidate is welcomed on my podcast to discuss their campaign regardless of party affiliation.*
Bakersfield City School District Governing Board Trustee Candidate for Area 1 Luis Garcia joins Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast, allowing his voters to learn about him before this important election.
*This episode is not an endorsement. Any candidate is welcomed on my podcast to discuss their campaign regardless of party affiliation.*
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