Episode 1: Welcome to the Stigma Podcast
My name is Stephen Hays, and my podcast is focused on the intersection of mental health, addiction and entrepreneurship. We will be talking with founders, investors, and leaders of all types about how mental health has impacted them.
You will hear from psychiatrists who have done extensive research on the link between mental illness and entrepreneurship. You will hear from CEOs who can tell you specifically how their leadership styles changed once they incorporated meditation and awareness into their daily routine. You will also hear from those who are still struggling and how they seek help.
The purpose of these conversations is to create a virtuous cycle of sharing, and encouragement to fight against the stigma that prevents people from getting help. As we share our stories of addiction, recovery, and living with mental illnesses… others are encouraged to share. As more people share, more people hear that help is available and eventually seek help.
Our goal is to be apart of the amplification of the conversation on mental health, addiction and most importantly, the stigma that surrounds these topics.
Why are we doing this?
After years of battling addictions and mental illness, I finally got help. You can read more of my story here: My Struggle With Bipolar and Addiction
In recovery we learn that we only keep what we have by giving it away. Part of the recovery process is to be of service and help others.
I find it impossible to sort of live my life 9-5 and then do recovery in the evenings or on the weekend. Recovery is my life, and everything else secondary. Step 12 of the 12-step process talks about service and giving back – so this podcast, and this venture fund I’m trying to build, are a giant 12th step for me.
If it keeps me sober, and it helps one other person, then it’s a huge win. That’s the goal. Turn up the volume on people’s stories, encourage others to talk and break down stigma, and hopefully some people who are in pain, will get relief because of it.
Please join us in this conversation. Please engage, give us feedback, subscribe and write reviews, and engage on social media. Show those who are suffering that there is a groundswell of support, whether you are living in recovery, or you’re not an addict, or you don’t know what to think. Just join in the conversation and lets all be well together.
Thank you for being here.