Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast

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 provides financial assistance to adults with mental disabilities.*As a reminder, interview is not an endorsement; Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast is committed to inviting any and all candidates who want to get vulnerable on its platform.

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 NAMI Kern County.Together, we dive into a wide-ranging and meaningful conversation—covering everything from ADHD and Bipolar Disorder to cultural identity, stigma, and the complex realities of mental health care. We explore how our personal backgrounds inform our professional paths and discuss the importance of culturally responsive care, advocacy, and access to treatment.Whether you're a mental health professional, student, or someone curious about the many layers of psychiatry and wellness—this episode offers deep insight, honest reflections, and important takeaways.

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 RodriguezLakeside Therapy InstagramThe Creative Therapist's Instagram & Etsy

Bakersfield City School District Governing Board Trustee Candidate for Area 1 Emma De La Rosa joins Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast, allowing her voters to learn about her before this important election.*This episode is not an endorsement. Any candidate is welcomed on my podcast to discuss their campaign regardless of party affiliation.*

For this episode, I have invited Joshua Garnica a Program Specialist with Kern Behavioral Health & Recovery Services Mental Health Service Act Team.Joshua jumps on Destigmatize to share his mental health journey, how Prepare U Pro has worked for him & how this resource can be a supplemental mental health resource tool for all. The goal of this episode is to share this resource for free to local schools and organizations that would like to have Prepare U Pro for students. Contact Joshua GarnicaEmail: jgarnica@kernbhrs.orgPhone: (661) 496-5723

We have decided to remove this episode of Destigmatize Mental Health Podcast. This decision comes in light of recent developments involving one of our guests, currently under investigation. While we do not support the actions under investigation and remain committed to amplifying the voices of the LGBTQ community. We plan to rerecord this episode to ensure the importance of coming out stories and that they are heard and celebrated. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

A brief 30 seconds of what this mental health podcast is going to be about. Instagram @ramonsanchez_msw