Episodios

  • Ep 80: From Pills to Plants: Diana’s Path to Wellness with Kratom

    Ep 80: From Pills to Plants: Diana’s Path to Wellness with Kratom
    Oct 17 2025
    Diana-Ashley Krach shares her journey from being a chronically ill pain patient on multiple prescriptions to finding lasting relief and freedom through Kratom. Living with Crohn’s disease, endometriosis, and anxiety, she recalls the chaos of being prescribed handfuls of pills, some to counteract the side effects of others, until a sudden crackdown left her without medication or guidance. In desperation, she discovered a local kava bar in Florida and tried Kratom tea. Within days, she experienced peaceful sleep for the first time in years and began a path toward natural wellness that eventually replaced nearly all of her prescriptions. In this episode, Diana and Madalyn discuss the evolution of Kratom advocacy from the early 2000s to today, including the 2016 national ban threat, the rise of seven-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) controversy, and how misinformation and fear continue to shape public perception. Diana, a longtime writer and podcaster, also reflects on how Kratom reshaped her view of plant medicine, the importance of responsible use and transparency among vendors, and the need for honest education in the face of censorship and corporate control. She now uses her platform, Your Highness Media, to spotlight plant-based wellness and harm reduction advocacy, empowering others to become informed, responsible consumers. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Your Highness Media Getting Personal with Plant Medicine podcast American Kratom Association Blate Papes Kratom Real Talk EXP Gummies - get 15% off with code KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - get 10% off with code KratomStories Kratom for Chronic Pain - webinar Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/80 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Ep 79: From Exhaustion to Empowerment: How Kratom Changed Sarah Pitta’s Life

    Ep 79: From Exhaustion to Empowerment: How Kratom Changed Sarah Pitta’s Life
    Oct 10 2025
    Sarah Pitta, co-founder of MitraSpec, shares how her search for a natural solution to pain and fatigue led her to discover Kratom in 2014. What began as a way to help her husband manage chronic back pain and keep his trucking job quickly became life-changing for both of them. Sarah found herself with more energy, better focus, and a brighter mood, so much so that she earned a promotion at work. As friends and coworkers noticed the transformation, she began sharing Kratom with others and educating them about its benefits, which soon evolved into a small family business dedicated to quality, transparency, and community support. Sarah also talks about her advocacy work, including running a long-standing women’s-only Kratom support group on Facebook and sponsoring female athletes to show that Kratom users come from all walks of life. She and Madalyn discuss the challenges of social-media censorship, the 2016 DEA scheduling scare, and the current confusion surrounding 7-hydroxymitragynine products. Sarah emphasizes the importance of responsible use, education, and consumer transparency while encouraging newcomers to start low, stay hydrated, and measure doses accurately. Together, they celebrate the community’s resilience and commitment to keeping Kratom safe and accessible. 🍃 RELATED LINKS MitraSpec - Sarah's company A Leaf of Faith documentary American Kratom Association Kratom Real Talk community on Skool Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/79 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    57 m
  • Ep 78: Kratom as a Lifeline: Cassie Craft's Story of Recovery and Relief

    Ep 78: Kratom as a Lifeline: Cassie Craft's Story of Recovery and Relief
    Oct 3 2025
    Cassie Craft shares her deeply personal journey from years of opioid addiction, nursing-related injuries, and struggles with depression to finding hope and relief through Kratom. After cycles of prescription pills, heroin, Suboxone, and even poppy seed tea, Cassie discovered Kratom at a local shop. She quickly realized it not only helped manage her chronic back pain and sciatica but also improved her depression and gave her energy to keep working. Her story highlights how Kratom provided a path forward when other options failed, offering pain relief without the destructive cycle of opioid abuse. In this candid conversation, Cassie opens up about her past struggles with addiction, her concerns about 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products, and her belief in using whole-leaf Kratom responsibly. She discusses how important it is for consumers to educate themselves, read packaging carefully, consult with doctors, and get regular lab work to ensure safety. Cassie also gives heartfelt advice to those considering Kratom for the first time: start small, monitor your health, and avoid mixing it with other substances. Her story is one of resilience, survival, and the life-changing impact of Kratom. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Cassie gets her Kratom from New Hope Botanicals. Get 10% off with code KratomStories Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/78 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    51 m
  • Ep 77: Quitting Kratom for 10 Days: Insights from Abram Jacobson of Pure Infinity Botanicals

    Ep 77: Quitting Kratom for 10 Days: Insights from Abram Jacobson of Pure Infinity Botanicals
    Sep 26 2025
    In this episode, Abram Jacobson of Pure Infinity Botanicals returns to share his experience documenting a 10-day Kratom tolerance break. Abram speaks openly about why he took the break, what it felt like physically and mentally, and why he believes transparency is crucial in the Kratom community. He explains how withdrawal symptoms were short-lived and far less severe than often portrayed, noting the importance of personal accountability and understanding the products people consume. Abram also discusses his ongoing efforts to bring education and transparency to the industry through his YouTube channel, including a series on “Bootstrapping a Botanical Business.” He highlights the positive stories he has witnessed in Kava bars, the challenges of facing critics online, and why setting realistic expectations around Kratom use is essential. This candid conversation underscores the value of discipline, tolerance breaks, and informed consumption while reminding listeners of the broader mission to build trust and share honest perspectives in the community. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Episode 68: Abram Jacobson Talks Kratom, Kava, and Responsible Use The Kratom Gals livestream spotlighting Abram's 10 day Kratom break Abram's 10 days of Quitting Kratom videos Pure Infinity Botanicals - YouTube channel Pure Infinity Botanicals - website Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/77 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    24 m
  • Ep 76: Kratom, Chronic Illness, and Losing Pain Management: How Deborah E. Took Control

    Ep 76: Kratom, Chronic Illness, and Losing Pain Management: How Deborah E. Took Control
    Sep 19 2025
    Deborah E. returns to the Kratom Stories Podcast to share an emotional update on her journey with pain management, seizures, and chronic illness. She explains how restrictive pain contracts and unexpected urine tests left her feeling powerless, even leading to a seizure in her doctor’s lobby after being forced to stop Kratom and rely on Gabapentin. Deborah opens up about being abruptly dropped by her pain clinic, the impact it had, and her search for a lawyer to pursue patient abandonment. She describes how dehumanizing it felt to be discarded without warning and why many patients like her fear speaking openly about Kratom use. Despite these challenges, Deborah found hope. She discovered a new pain management center that also accepts medical marijuana and Kratom. This gave her the freedom to manage her health without shame. Deborah and Madalyn highlight the importance of backup plans for those in pain management and the role of Kratom as a life-changing alternative. Their conversation underscores the need for compassion, common sense, and self-advocacy in navigating a broken healthcare system. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Deborah's previous Kratom Stories Podcast episodes: Ep 11: Kratom: A Game-Changer for Chronic Pain Sufferers Like Deborah E Ep 54: Deborah Anderson is Living with Diabetes and Thriving with Kratom Madalyn's video - "We need to normalize Kratom" KratomAnswers.org Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/76 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Happy Hippo - 15% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    55 m
  • Ep 75: Inside the Kratom Industry: Emy & Oshin of Jaya Kratom Share Their Journey

    Ep 75: Inside the Kratom Industry: Emy & Oshin of Jaya Kratom Share Their Journey
    Sep 12 2025
    In this episode, Emy & Oshin of Jaya Kratom share an insider view of the industry, from their field research in the rainforests of Borneo to building a Portland shop dedicated to education and transparency. They open up about what it was like living with farming communities, how Kratom supports families and preserves the rainforest, and the challenges they’ve seen firsthand in an industry often clouded by misinformation. We also dive into myths about “strains,” the difference between large container shipments and small-batch sourcing, and why freshness and single-origin practices matter for consumers. Emy & Oshin’s journey offers a rare perspective that connects the roots of Kratom in Southeast Asia to its impact here in the U.S., making this conversation both eye-opening and inspiring for anyone who wants to understand the plant more deeply. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Jaya Kratom - get 10% off with code KratomStories Jaya's Blog - it's filled with great info! Jaya Kratom on Instagram The Kratom Gals livestream Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/75 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT KRATOM REAL TALK COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Ep 74: Stephanie’s Journey: Finding Freedom from Addiction and Pain with Kratom

    Ep 74: Stephanie’s Journey: Finding Freedom from Addiction and Pain with Kratom
    Sep 5 2025

    Stephanie shares her powerful journey of overcoming opioid addiction and chronic pain with the help of Kratom. After a horseback riding accident left her with lifelong pain, she turned to prescription medications, which eventually spiraled into addiction. While searching online for ways to stop, she discovered Kratom and was able to quit opioids without rehab. Over the last nine years, she has found Kratom to be the only consistent solution that relieves her back pain, eases her anxiety and depression, and supports her overall well-being. She even gained the support of her family by openly educating them, transforming their initial concern into full acceptance as they saw her life improve.

    In this episode, Stephanie and Madalyn discuss the differences between Kratom leaf powder and products like 7OH, the role of tolerance and strain rotation, and how misinformation and bans create unnecessary fear and harm for consumers. Stephanie explains how Kratom allows her to work demanding 12-hour shifts in veterinary emergency care, manage flare-ups, and even recover from a recent car accident without resorting to opioids. Her story is a testament to how Kratom can restore quality of life and empower people to move forward free from addiction and pain.

    🍃 RELATED LINKS

    American Kratom Association

    Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/74

    🎥 Watch the video on YouTube

    STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com

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    Skool.com/KratomRealTalk

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    New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories

    Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories

    Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes!

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    THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories

    Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    52 m
  • Ep 73: Surviving Pain, Alcohol, and Pills: How Sherry Owings Found Freedom in Kratom

    Ep 73: Surviving Pain, Alcohol, and Pills: How Sherry Owings Found Freedom in Kratom
    Aug 29 2025
    Sherry Owings shares her powerful journey of overcoming alcohol dependence and a lifetime of chronic pain through Kratom. After surviving a devastating car accident, years of debilitating pain, and dependence on over 26 different medications, Sherry’s life spiraled further when her medications were cut back. To cope, she turned to alcohol while also serving as the caregiver for both her husband and father. In December 2017, her husband discovered Kratom and urged her to try it. To her surprise, the plant not only relieved her pain but also curbed her alcohol cravings, marking the beginning of a complete life transformation. Within a year, she was off all medications, lost 100 pounds, and regained her health and stability. Today, Sherry runs her locksmith business, enjoys gardening, and advocates tirelessly for Kratom in Mississippi and beyond. She reflects on her experiences battling local bans, building grassroots advocacy groups, and confronting the stigma and misinformation surrounding the plant. Sherry stresses the importance of honest conversations with doctors, finding supportive healthcare providers, and advocating for one’s own rights as a consumer. Her story is a testament to resilience, the power of natural alternatives, and the critical need for ongoing advocacy to protect Kratom access. 🍃 RELATED LINKS American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/73 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com JOIN OUR VIBRANT COMMUNITY ON SKOOL: Skool.com/KratomRealTalk 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Super Speciosa - 20% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list of Madalyn's recommended vendors along with coupon codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X THE KRATOM GALS is a dose of real talk, real stories, and relentless advocacy. Every week, we dive into the latest Kratom headlines, react to videos, and call out misinformation with facts and fierce passion. It's not just a show, it’s a movement to protect the plant we love and the people who rely on it. YouTube.com/@KratomStories Please note: The views and experiences shared in this episode are personal and unique to the guest. Kratom, while featured prominently in these stories, is a botanical substance that is unregulated in the U.S. and various countries around the world. The Kratom Stories Podcast and its host, Madalyn Sklar, do not endorse, promote, or encourage the use of Kratom. We simply aim to shed light on personal experiences and narratives related to this plant. If you're considering using Kratom, we strongly urge you to seek professional medical advice, conduct thorough research, and comply with all local laws and guidelines.
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    59 m