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 ...

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 ...

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...

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 insights on addressing critical issues in the district, his plans...

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 & Etsy

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. Please visit my LinkTree to see websites that are supporting the LA Wi...

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 addressing critical issues in the district, her plans for creating ...