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. 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 for...

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 s...

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). 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 ex...

Veronica Jacuinde, an advocate for mental health, discusses the upcoming World Bipolar Day event 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 heal...

For this episode, I’ve invited Lisa Gartner. 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 sci...

I’ve invited a true pioneer of Chicano Rap and a West Coast legend representing the 619 - Jose Anguiano also known as Mr. Shadow. Since he first hit the scene in the late 90s, Shadow has been a definitive voice for the streets, known for his raw lyricism and for putting San Diego on the map with classics like Till I Die and What Goes Around Comes Around. He’s an artist who has navigated the heights of the industry and the realities of the hood, all while maintaining a career that has spanned ove...

For this episode, I’ve invited the leadership and community behind Girls Run Bakersfield, a club that builds sisterhood while creating a safe space for women to exercise together. Luz Almanza, Angelica Sabiano LCSW, & Occupational Therapist Damarice Herrera discuss the creation of a women's running club as a safe space for women to run and exercise without fear of harassment or judgment. The club aims to provide a supportive community for women of all fitness levels and backgrounds, promoting me...

In this episode of the Destigmatize Mental Health: Hope In the Valley series, we are joined by Lorelei Punsalan, DNP, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, CNRN, CHSE, a powerhouse leader in clinical practice and community advocacy. Supported by the MAT Access Grant, this conversation dives deep into the unique challenges faced by the Filipino community in California. Dr. Punsalan brings her extensive expertise as a Doctor of Nursing Practice to explore the vital intersection of cultural identity and substance use...

For this episode, I’ve invited Morgan Mroz. Morgan is a special education teacher, ABA graduate student, and founder of She Shapes Behavior, a platform making behavior science accessible and practical for families, educators, and future behavior analysts. Her passion for supporting individuals with disabilities began early, influenced by her uncle with a significant disability. With experience in special education and ABA training, Morgan bridges research and practice, focusing on evidence-base...

Ramon Sanchez, LCSW with cohost Dr. Ashleigh Herrera dive into the conversation with Ricky N. Bluthenthal, Ph.D and discuss the challenges and disparities in substance use treatment and prevention, particularly focusing on the impact of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) on marginalized communities. It explores the disproportionate impact of substance use on communities of color, the barriers to accessing medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and the gaps in substance use prevention and re...

For this episode, I’ve invited the stand-up comedian and host of the widely followed Borderline Podcast Disorder, Levy Lupu. Levy is a truly unique voice in the mental health space, bringing his darkly honest comedic style to a topic many still shy away from. He is a London-based stand-up comedian whose work fearlessly mines his own life for comedy that is as insightful as it is funny. A few years ago, he was diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), which provided a new lens to unde...

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. Join me for a conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of helping others. Learn more at ...

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 expansion of care for Kern County’s most vulnerable residents, bui...

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 struggling. This episode delves into the often-overlooked aspe...

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 offers a compassionate roadmap to transform the overwhelming challen...

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. Professionally, he works as the CEO of a nonprofit organization that provid...

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 practices, and sound healing to help you regulate your nervous syste...

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 his self-esteem after having to take the licensing exam a stagg...

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 deportation — helping them navigate a system that often feels stacke...

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’ Incompetent to Stand Trial Program, and his advisory role with NAM...

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 weight of witnessing this as a therapist, a son of immigrants, and ...

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. Whether you're a mental health professional, a parent curious ...

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 move forward together. Disclaimer: The views expressed in thi...