Reduce The Stigma the podcast that amplifies silenced voices to change the world for the better. Too often, stigma creates barriers and restricts access to services. Our hope is that by spreading the stories of individuals with lived/living experience with substance use, mental health and all stigmatized life experiences we can break down barriers and build bridges. Hosted by Whitney Menarcheck and occassional co-host, Dr. Mo., Reduce The Stigma is brought to you by Straight Up Care.

Whitney Menarcheck: Whitney is the Chief Innovation Officer at Straight Up Care. Whitney is a trained professional counselor who recently completed training as a peer specialist. With over 12 years of experience serving individuals with substance use and/or mental health needs, Whitney is passionate about reducing stigma and elevating the voices of those with lived experience. Whitney's personal lived experience is with depression, grief, and trauma.

Dr. Mo: Melissa Dittberner, PhD, lovinly known as "Dr. Mo" is a person in long-term recovery from methadmphetamine and alcohol. Having dropped out of highschool, Dr. Mo's recovery journey has progressed from gaining her GED to obtaining her PhD. A true inspiration to all and hardcore advocate for recovery, Dr. Mo inspires us all while putting in the work to make this world a better place.

Straight Up Care is a comprehensive platform ecosystem that provides all the administrative, compliance, and marketing tools for peer specialists to work for themsevles. Our hope is that by eliminating the barriers peer specialists encounter we can accelerate the connection between peers and the individuals who seek their services. Learn more about Straight Up Care: https://straightupcare.com

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