We Are The Stigma

Melissa & Cody are solo as they discuss dating, mainly dating in early sobriety. One of the most popular suggestions when getting sober is - DO NOT DATE!! Well, can it work? Does it work? What could go wrong?? Let's chat!In this episode, we discussWhy do people often suggest staying single when you first decide to change your substance abuseThings to consider when dating  Setting boundaries Intentions What dating looked like in early recovery for Cody & MelissaMelissa and Cody have been sober for 9.5 years and have been in a relationship for about as long. They are passionate about recovery, self-love, ending stigmas, and spirituality.-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book our past guests wrot

Join us for a truly BEAUTIFUL, soul-expressive episode with our dear friend, Carrie Pullaro. This captivating convo was recorded in 2022, days after Carrie returned from Burning Man; we chat about that and much more. We get raw and vulnerable as we discuss shame, transformation, self-worth, abortion, and recovery. Carrie is a return guest, be sure to check out her first episode - 302. Breaking Through Shame & Addiction. In this new episode we talk about:Burning Man & TransformationCreating your own realityHealing past versions of oneselfEnding the stigma of HerpesAbortionAddiction & RecoveryCarrie Pullaro supports women to courageously "Live Out Loud!"She teaches humans to use their voice, live unapologetically, pursue their passion, and find freedom!-Find Carrie on Instagram @carriepullaro-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to s

We are BACK and beyond grateful to be here!!! We are kicking off the show with the super fabulous Madeline Forrest from Happiest Sober. Madeline is 28 and from Toronto, Canada. Madeline got sober in November 2020 after a decade of gray-area problem drinking. Now, she is passionate about helping & inspiring others on their sobriety journeys.In this episode we discuss:- Hangxiety- Gray area drinking vs the “alcoholic” label- Sober socializing-Where to find Madeline Instagram @happiestsoberInfo on her Sober Trip and Podcast-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram -You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book our past guests wrote! It's a way we can support them and you!***As always, share with others, and reach out if you'd like to share you

This week Melissa & Cody are chatting with Brianne Mass, a spiritual coach and mentor whose mission is to raise the collective consciousness by practicing what she preaches in her program, Words Are Human. This is where Brianne teaches and guides you to get “unstuck” and find your unique purpose.Whether you consider yourself “spiritual” or not, this episode is full of golden nuggets about healing yourself and overcoming personal traumas. In this episode, we discuss: -Releasing unrealistic expectations of yourself. -Meditation -Conscious language to attract what you desire -Rebuilding “self” from the ground up.Find Brianne on:TIKTOK: Brianne.mass2.0 IG: Brianne.mass2.0 Facebook: WORDSAREHUMAN wordsarehuman.com-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screensho

This week Melissa & Cody are chatting with Lisa Howe! A mama, social worker, parent educator, and Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach. We talk about the challenging and rewarding work of parenthood. Lisa is beautiful at helping the cohosts feel seen and validated. Whatever journey you’re on, with or without kiddos, there is much to learn! In this episode, we discuss: -Parenting -Meditation-EmpathyFind Lisa on:IG @becoming_peacefulFacebook @ Becoming Peaceful And her website www.becomingpeaceful.comLisa Howe is a Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach and received her Master of Social Work (MSW) from San Diego State University. She has spent the last 27 years working with children and families to help them be the best they can be. Lisa was one of only fifteen clinicians privately trained by Dr. Laura Markham to become a Certified Peaceful Parenting Coach and has gone on to coach thousands of parents privately, in addition to teaching workshops and speaking at schools, parenting conferences, and private companie

**Trigger warning - this episode briefly discusses self-harm; if you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to local MHS ♥️This week Melissa & Cody are chatting with Kristen Hassan! A sober mama, wife, nurse, and content creator. Kristen shares the highs and lows of life and how a trip to a mental institution led her and her husband down a recovery path. In this episode, we discuss: -Addiction/sobriety/recovery-Mommy wine culture-Sober marriageFind Kristen on:TikTok @recover_queenIG @__itsmekris_Kristen is in recovery from alcohol abuse. She shares her story of trauma, mental illness, and recovery to help break the stigma around addiction and mental health. She is a registered nurse, mom of four, and married to her best friend, who also happens to be sober. -You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma

It's the first interview episode of season 4, and we're going deeeeep y'all!! We're chatting with 20-year-old Mikah Jones about spirituality and mental health. From severe trauma to everyday setbacks, this episode offers something for everyone! Mikah uses the power of social media to bring healing to the mental health community & future generations.We are honored to share this episode and to call him our friend.  In this episode we discuss-Mental Health & Spirituality - Spiritual Practice - Healing Journey (Stages of Healing)-Find Mikah on Instagram @mikahjonesss and hear his podcast Exploring w/Mikah Jones on Spotify-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book our past g

It's been a journey, but here we are!! We are re-introducing ourselves in this quick 10-minute episode and chatting about season 4! We are so excited to keep this journey going!! If you're new or have been with us all along, thank you, we are SO GLAD to have you!! We'll see you for a new, full-length interview episode in two weeks. So much love!!xox Cody & Melissa-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can find Cody on Tiktok @codywkreutz and Instagram @codykreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus and TikTok @melskreutz**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book our past guests wrote! It's a way we can support them and you!***As always, share with others, and reach out if you'd like to share your story https://wearethestigma.com/be-a-guest-on-our-show/

We've been sitting on this episode for a little while and we HAVE to share it! In this short but inspirational episode we chat with self-healing consultant, Emily Katz! Emily describes herself as a "professional problem solver," and we can't think of a more perfect way to describe her! She is a POWERHOUSE dedicated to helping others overcome the darkness and master their mental health. It was an honor chatting with her, and we are so excited to share her message.In this episode we discuss:-Mental health-Self-healing-TraumaAs always, Thanks for your support and we'll see you for SEASON 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!-You can find Ashley on Instagram @the.self.healing.consultant-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can follow Cody’s spiritual journey here on YouTube & his Limiting Beliefs Sessions on Instagram @CodyKreutz-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screensho

**Trigger Warning:  This episode deals childhood sexual abuse and suicide - if you After taking a few weeks off, we are finishing this season STRONG! In this episode, we share a brave and powerful conversation with Ashley Arruda.  After hearing the stories of Jen Elizabeth, Desi Martin, and others, Ashley asked to share her story - and we are deeply grateful that she chose to trust us.Ashley's story of childhood sexual abuse, addiction, spirituality, and everything in between reminds us that we are not alone wherever we are on our journeys. We are all up against something. However, when we can recognize the similarities and connect with each other, we can survive.Ashley's story is a BEAUTIFUL reminder - wherever you are on your journey, YOUR STORY MATTERS xoxTopics Include:- Childhood sexual trauma & Repressed memories -Spiritual Awakening-Addiction & SobrietyAshley is a 33 years old woman living in Ontario, Canada. A spiritual awakening in 2017 jarred open repressed memories of childhood se

This week we sit down with our very dear friend, Ally Bazely. If you're looking to get juiced up and inspired - this is IT my friends. Ally's story of personal transformation will get you hyped on for your own journey! We are reminded that the end, is just the beginning, and that the rock bottom is the most profound place to build again. This episode is powerfully pack with mental health, personal growth, taking back your life - and a little bit of magic. Topics Include:-Healing & Transformation-Manifestation-Self-betrayalAlly believes it is her purpose to embody the work that has allowed her to change her own life for the BEST. As a person who has experienced many trials in her life - divorce, grief, chronic illness, and medical trauma to name only a few - Ally has remarkably transformed her entire life one baby step at a time over the last two and a half years, and desires to show the world how possible it is to make big life changes by keeping teeny, tiny commitments to yourself.She is the ri

This week we are chatting with our very dear internet friend, Kyra Evans!Kyra is an author, speaker, and self-empathy teacher. Her first book, “The Dictionary of Limiting Beliefs: Transforming your inner narrative to manifest a wholehearted life,” launched in June of this year and has quickly been adopted by spiritual seekers, coaches, and therapists as a transformational personal development tool. Kyra lives in a cabin in the woods of Muskoka, Canada, with her husband and daughter.This conversation left us feeling educated and full of self-love, and we are so excited for you to hear it. Check out our Instagram for your chance to win a copy of Kyra's self-illuminating book! In this episode, we explore:- How to soothe self-loathing and heal your inner critic- How to access and reprogram your Limiting Beliefs- Why HSPs lose trust in themselves and how to gain it back- Why Self-Empathy is the key to changing the worldWhere To Find Kyra:-IG: @kyra_evans_writer-Website: kyraevans.com-Book: kyraevans.com/dicti

It is national recovery month, so we’re going back to out home base - Sobriety and Recovery! We’re talking to Hayley Waters, the Recovery Baddie. This interview was such a good time and we’re so excited to have you sit in on this powerful conversation! Hayley is one badass sober babe and we are HERE FOR IT!!!! In this episode we discuss:- Identifying as an alcoholic/addict vs. being alcohol-free (labels) -Shame associated with being an alcoholic/ addict as a mother-Gratitude"My name is Hayley. I’m 35, from Washington, D.C., and my sobriety date is August 28th, 2020.  I grew up in an American military family. Looking back, I started displaying signs of addiction at a very early age. Early in childhood, my parents divorced; I grew up fast, experimented young, and struggled to find my identity and purpose in life.By 16, I began partying often. When my peers stopped or moved on, I was looking for the next “scene” and the next group of friends that accepted my lifestyle without judgment or questions. By nothi

This week we are joined by Spiritual Life and Business Coach, Kevin Carton for a juiced up and deep conversation. Get your feels out and sit down as the forth member in this convo, we are so glad you're here with us! Topics include:-How trauma isn't always "big T" trauma-Releasing shame/guilt for having challenges with mental health-The importance of community for our overall well-beingKevin specializes in empowering people to discover and live their soul’s purpose. He began his journey when he took a leap of faith to leave pharmacy school to pursue his purpose. Within a year he established himself as a budding expert in the personal development industry.Now as a Spiritual Life & Business Coach, Kevin has spoken on stage in front of thousands of people, which led to him being described as a young Bob Proctor and the next Tony Robbins. He shares daily inspiration on his Instagram @kevinfcarton and his podcast "Science & Spirituality" with an international community of tens

Welcome back! After an impromptu reset, we are back and ready to start the second half of Season 3, with new guests and the same love!Cody & Melissa spent the break re-evaluating the show and making conscious changes. In this episode, they go behind the scenes and discuss what the future holds.We are asking for feedback - what can we do differently, and where can we better serve YOU, the listener? We value your opinions, and we'd love to hear from you! Feel free to send us a message via Instagram @_wearethestigmaSending you all of our love, we hope to see you on the next episode with a brand-new, super awesome interview.-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram and Facebook-You can follow Cody’s spiritual journey here on YouTube & his Limiting Beliefs Sessions on Instagram-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book written by

We are chatting with comedian and coach Craig Shoemaker and we cannot wait for you to hear it! Craig is THE MAN and we are so honored to share this experience with him. Laughter is PROVEN to raise your vibration, help you feel better, and extend your life! Join us as we laugh out loud & take back our lives by remembering to take it less seriously! Craig’s passion reaches beyond comedy. He founded LaughterHeals.org, a nonprofit group dedicated to using laughter as a healing modality. He has a doctorate degree from Cal U of PA.  Do not sleep on this one, friends - there is so much to learn, and laugh about! In this episode we discuss:-Laughter is healing-The importance of comedy-Staying present-Spirituality & Joy-Leaning to take life (and oneself) less seriouslyCraig Shoemaker has had a career in show business spanning over three decades as a stand-up comedian, actor, author, writer & producer. He was named Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic at The American Comedy Awards on ABC & has garnered two Emm

We are again joined by our dear friend, Mac Brazina aka The Human Builder. This BEAUTIFUL conversation left us floating through our day, and we know it'll do the same for you! We connect on a soul level about relationships, mental health, education, triggers and flowing through life. Mac is launching her 12 week program - Master Your Mind, and we go into details on how you can win a front row seat to this life changing program! We'll share the details on Instagram, so make sure you check in with us for all the info. Mac is also offering $100 off for all of our listeners! Sign up for her 12 week program Master Your Mind, and use the code MASTER100 at check out.Mac Lives in integrating science, with candid human connection and mysticism. Bridging the gap between the questions that hold us back. As a compassionate guide, mentor and coach, Mac nurtures the evolution of each individual with utter confidentiality, non-judgment and dedication to uniqueness of each human - one rep at a time-Follow Mac on In

Melissa and Cody chat with Izzie Miller, for a lighthearted and fun conversation about finding and living as our authentic selves! We were left vibin high, and we know you will be too!! In this episode we discuss:-Authenticity-Confidence-Fulfillment Mentality Izzie Miller is a speaker and content creator with a mission to inspire in others the authentic self and consequently lead a life of freedom, unaffected by external circumstances. She is the founder of the ‘Neutrality Mentality’ which has led to the relentlessly positive personality she exudes.  Izzie’s own transformation over the last 18 months has led her to quit her job, mid-pandemic, to pursue her calling in content creation, speaking, self development and live her passion for helping others to be their best selves.  We only get one life, with no guarantees but we always have the choice to live with positivity, authenticity and grace.Through the writing of her first book, development of retreats, workshops, courses and activity on social media, Izzie

It's another 10 Minute Monday - where Melissa & Cody sit down and hold silly conversations about uncomfortable topics, in hopes of ending stigmas. The cohosts are talking about the other side of Father's Day; the difficult side. In this episode we discuss:-Societal Stigmas (abandonment, death, inability to have children)-Why Cody finds Father's Day difficult -Mother's Day vs Father's Day Thanks for listening and we'll see you next week for an all new episode xox-You can follow us @_wearethestigma on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook-You can follow Cody’s spiritual journey here on YouTube & his Limiting Beliefs Sessions on Instagram-Find Melissa on Instagram @_thepetitecactus**The best way to support We Are The Stigma is by leaving us a five-star review on iTunes! Take a screenshot of your written review, and we'll send you any book written by our past guests! It's a way we can support them and you! ***As always share with others, and reach out if you’d like to sh

**Trigger Warning** This episode deals with Childhood Sexual Abuse. For support and information please visit rainn.org Season 3 has been packed with powerful episodes, and this one is no different! We are chatting with author & artist, Arlene Wilhite-Williams. Arlene is the definition of beautiful soul, we felt her love & kind spirit through our head phones, and we are so excited to share it with you!!!She shares her story of surviving childhood abuse & addiction with the hopes of helping others feel less alone. Her hope is contagious! We left the interview knowing without a doubt, there is a vital story inside of us all. Arlene is a retired alcohol and drug counselor. A visual artist, book author, and social activist who believes in using the arts to help young minds and adult men and women elevate their minds and environments by focusing on creativity and honing life skills.In this episode we discuss:-Childhood sexual abuse-Addiction-Incarceration -Finding life & purpose through spirituality