Advocacy Episodes
Dec. 19, 2025
Kratom Stories Podcast Update, Holiday Break, and Our New YouTube Channel
Madalyn shares an important update after losing the Kratom Stories Podcast YouTube channel, explains where to find the show now, and announces a brief holiday break before returning in January.
Guest: Madalyn Sklar
86
Dec. 5, 2025
Ep 86: How Dan Pitta Discovered Pain Relief and a Mission to Help Others
After years of back pain, Dan Pitta found relief with Kratom and later built his company, MitraSpec. He shares lessons on dosing, wellness, and navigating the challenges of the Kratom industry.
Guest: Daniel Pitta
85
Nov. 28, 2025
Ep 85: Amanda Rainer: Finding Freedom After Thirty Years on Pain Meds
Amanda Rainer shares how Kratom helped her rebuild her life after decades of chronic pain and prescriptions. She explains vendor safety, 7OH, and why advocacy and responsible use matter.
Guest: Amanda Rainer
83
Nov. 14, 2025
Ep 83: From Advocacy to Action: Jordan Richard’s Fight to Protect Kratom from 7OH
Jordan Richard of New Hope Botanicals returns to explain the real difference between Kratom and 7OH, share updates on new legislation, and discuss why education is key to protecting the plant.
Guest: Jordan Richard
82
Nov. 7, 2025
Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light
Araya Light shares how she overcame chronic pain and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome through diet changes, natural healing, and Kratom—a plant she says gave her life back and fuels her advocacy.
Guest: Araya Light
80
Oct. 17, 2025
Ep 80: From Pills to Plants: Diana’s Path to Wellness with Kratom
Diana shares how Kratom helped her leave behind prescription chaos, manage Crohn’s and pain naturally, and embrace plant-based healing after years of dependence on pharmaceuticals.
Guest: Diana-Ashley Krach
79
Oct. 10, 2025
Ep 79: From Exhaustion to Empowerment: How Kratom Changed Sarah Pitta’s Life
Sarah Pitta of MitraSpec shares how discovering Kratom helped her and her husband find relief from pain and exhaustion, leading to advocacy, education, and a mission to empower others.
Guest: Sarah Pitta
77
Sept. 26, 2025
Ep 77: Quitting Kratom for 10 Days: Insights from Abram Jacobson of Pure Infinity Botanicals
Abram Jacobson returns to share his 10-day Kratom tolerance break, what he learned from the experience, and how education, transparency, and discipline strengthen the Kratom community.
Guest: Abram Jacobson
76
Sept. 19, 2025
Ep 76: Kratom, Chronic Illness, and Losing Pain Management: How Deborah E. Took Control
Deborah E. shares how pain management failed her, how Kratom gave her freedom, and why backup plans and self-advocacy are crucial for chronic pain patients.
Guest: Deborah E [Anderson]
75
Sept. 12, 2025
Ep 75: Inside the Kratom Industry: Emy & Oshin of Jaya Kratom Share Their Journey
Emy and Oshin of Jaya Kratom share their journey from Borneo field research to building a Portland, OR shop, debunking myths, and showing how small-batch sourcing benefits people and planet.
Guest: Emy & Oshin
73
Aug. 29, 2025
Ep 73: Surviving Pain, Alcohol, and Pills: How Sherry Owings Found Freedom in Kratom
Sherry Owings shares how Kratom helped her break free from alcohol, 26 medications, and chronic pain, leading to health, advocacy, and a renewed life after years of struggle.
Guest: Sherry Owings
72
Aug. 22, 2025
Ep 72: Addiction, Recovery, and Kratom: Tracey Slack’s Powerful Story
Tracey Slack reveals how Kratom helped her break free from heroin and meth, rebuild her life, and find hope in recovery.
Guest: Tracey Slack
69
Aug. 1, 2025
Ep 69: From Meth to Freedom: How Bunny Used Kratom to Reclaim Her Life
Bunny shares her powerful story of overcoming meth addiction while living on the road and how Kratom helped her heal, recover, and reclaim her life. A raw, honest, and inspiring conversation.
Guest: Diana April
68
July 25, 2025
Ep 68: Abram Jacobson Talks Kratom, Kava, and Responsible Use
Abram Jacobson shares his journey from Kratom user to industry advocate, diving into responsible use, community, advocacy, and the fight to protect access to this misunderstood plant.
Guest: Abram Jacobson
66
July 11, 2025
Ep 66: From Touring Musician to Kratom Advocate, Jeremy Steding’s Powerful Transformation
Jeremy Steding of 1836 Kratom shares his powerful story of discovering Kratom, overcoming challenges, and turning his passion into a purpose-driven business.
Guest: Jeremy Steding
65
March 7, 2025
Ep 65: Stephanie Sue's Story of Resilience and Recovery as a Kratom Industry Insider
Stephanie Sue discusses her transformative journey with Kratom, covering her struggles with addiction, advocacy, safe consumption methods, and the challenges faced in the community.
Guest: Stephanie Sue
59
Jan. 24, 2025
Ep 59: From Addiction to Healing: A Kratom Journey with Misty & Kassie - Part 2
Misty & Kassie share their inspiring Kratom recovery journeys. Part 2 reveals how Kratom helped them overcome addiction, improve mental well-being, and navigate restrictive recovery programs. Their powerful stories challenge the stigma and highlight diverse paths to healing.
Guests: Misty Brown , Kassie Renee
58
Jan. 17, 2025
Ep 58: From Addiction to Healing: A Kratom Journey with Misty & Kassie - Part 1
Misty & Kassie share their powerful Kratom recovery stories. From opioid addiction to finding healing and challenging stigmas, their journeys offer raw honesty and hope. This episode explores the complex realities of addiction, highlighting Kratom's role in harm reduction and personal transformation. Hear their inspiring stories and gain valuable insights into recovery.
Guests: Misty Brown , Kassie Renee
56
Dec. 13, 2024
Ep 56: Jennifer Gillis: Kratom, Chronic Pain, and the Power of Advocacy
Jennifer Gillis shares her transformative Kratom journey on this week's podcast. Diagnosed with transverse myelitis in 2005, she battled chronic pain until discovering Kratom. Learn how it changed her life and how she's now a passionate advocate, fighting misinformation and promoting responsible Kratom use. Discover valuable insights and resources to start your own journey.
Guest: Jennifer Gillis
49
Oct. 25, 2024
Ep 49: Understanding Kratom with Mac Haddow: Science, Politics, and Personal Experience
Mac Haddow, AKA senior fellow and Kratom user, shares his personal story and the ongoing battle for legal access. He exposes the FDA's biased stance and flawed data, highlighting the importance of consumer advocacy. Learn how Kratom has helped millions and how you can get involved to protect this beneficial plant.
Guest: Mac Haddow
48
Oct. 18, 2024
Ep 48: Misty Brown: From Addiction's Grip to Kratom's Embrace
From addiction to advocacy, hear Misty Brown's incredible Kratom transformation. She shares her story of recovery, healing, and hope for those struggling with chronic pain and addiction.
Guest: Misty Brown
47
Oct. 11, 2024
Ep 47: Caro Freinberg: Brewing Up Change in the Kratom World
Kratom advocate Caro Freinberg shares her transformative journey of overcoming chronic pain & burnout. She reveals how Kratom helped her heal and offers delicious recipes & insights into responsible use & advocacy. Learn how this plant changed her life!
Guest: Caro Freinberg
46
Oct. 4, 2024
Ep 46: Amanda Ortiz's Powerful Story of Advocacy, Resilience, and Etha Botanicals
Amanda Ortiz of Etha Botanicals shares her unique Kratom journey and pivotal role in the company's growth. Hear her unexpected career path, marketing insights, and how Kratom impacted her family during a difficult time. Get a rare inside look at the Kratom industry and its complexities.
Guest: Amanda
45
Sept. 27, 2024
Ep 45: Sharon Winkler's Kratom Journey: From Chronic Pain to Passionate Advocate
Sharon Winkler is a passionate advocate for Kratom and a testament to its potential benefits. After years of battling chronic pain from multiple injuries and facing barriers to traditional pain management, she found relief through Kratom. Her experience inspired her to become a vocal advocate, dedicating her time to raising awareness and fighting for responsible access to this natural remedy. Sharon shares her story to educate others and fight for policy changes that reflect the potential benefits of Kratom.
Guest: Sharon Winkler