Episodios

  • Ep 84: Kaden Bradway's Journey from Medical Gaslighting to Finding Relief with Kratom

    Ep 84: Kaden Bradway's Journey from Medical Gaslighting to Finding Relief with Kratom
    Nov 21 2025
    Kaden Bradway opens up about his incredible journey through years of unexplained health issues and medical dismissal. Growing up with escalating symptoms of severe chronic pain, neuropathy, joint instability, and episodes of passing out, Kaden faced countless ER visits and unhelpful appointments. After years of struggle, he finally received a diagnosis: hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a connective tissue disorder affecting the entire body. But the diagnosis didn't solve everything. Many doctors remained unfamiliar with EDS or skeptical of its impact, forcing Kaden to self-manage his condition while dealing with constant pain and severe nerve flares that left him unable to stand for more than a few minutes. Then came the breakthrough. After two and a half years of overwhelming daily symptoms, Kaden discovered Kratom. He shares the emotional moment on an Amtrak train when he first felt his pain ease, a relief so profound it brought him to tears. Today, Kratom allows him to function, move, sleep, and care for himself in ways that seemed impossible before. Kaden walks us through his approach to using Kratom, his dosing strategy, the dramatic difference in his pain levels, and his perspective on 7OH products. He also offers essential advice for new consumers: choose reputable, lab-tested vendors and do thorough research. This conversation is a powerful reminder of why advocacy matters and the critical need for accessible plant-based options for people who have been ignored or failed by traditional medicine. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/84 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 MitraSpec - 40% 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 5 m
  • Ep 83: From Advocacy to Action: Jordan Richard's Fight to Protect Kratom from 7OH

    Ep 83: From Advocacy to Action: Jordan Richard's Fight to Protect Kratom from 7OH
    Nov 14 2025
    Jordan Richard, founder of New Hope Botanicals, returns to share crucial updates on the Kratom landscape since his first appearance nearly two years ago. This time around, he's here to explain the difference between natural Kratom leaf and the chemically altered compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH), which he calls "deception, not innovation." Jordan breaks down how 7OH isn't naturally found in the Kratom leaf, but instead created through chemical conversion, often with unsafe methods. He warns that 7OH has caused widespread harm, creating addiction and confusion that threaten Kratom's reputation and legality. Madalyn and Jordan also cover ongoing legislative battles in California, Florida, and Texas, where advocates are fighting to regulate Kratom while banning 7OH. Jordan discusses his direct involvement in hearings, his friendship with officials drafting fair regulations, and the ongoing spread of misinformation on social media. He also shares progress on his upcoming documentary, The Green Miracle, and his free educational book, The Truth About Kratom. The conversation highlights the importance of education, consumer protection, and responsible advocacy to preserve safe and legal access to Kratom. 🍃 RELATED LINKS Hear Jordan's Kratom Story in episode 8 of this podcast New Hope Botanicals - Jordan's company. Get 10% off with code KratomStories (I love their super green ultra!) The Difference Between Kratom and 7-OH: It's Not Even Close - Jordan's blog post The Truth About Kratom - Jordan's book is available for free in our Kratom Real Talk community. It's in the Classroom section. The Green Miracle - Jordan's documentary trailer Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/83 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 MitraSpec - 40% 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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    44 m
  • Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light

    Ep 82: Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: How Kratom Changed Everything for Araya Light
    Nov 7 2025

    Araya Light shares her powerful journey from being a vibrant, go-getter bartender to suddenly becoming bedridden with rheumatoid arthritis, only to later discover she also had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Frustrated by the failure of conventional medicine, she turned to natural health approaches—changing her diet, eliminating processed foods, and finding relief through herbal remedies. Her persistence and research eventually led to a full turnaround in her bloodwork and a diagnosis that finally explained decades of unexplained pain and fatigue.

    In her search for natural relief, Araya discovered Kratom and found it to be life-changing. It eased her chronic pain, helped her sleep, and gave her the energy and focus she needed to care for her family and run her hobby farm. She shares how Kratom also improved her anxiety and overall quality of life. Araya discusses her concerns about 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) products flooding smoke shops, warning that these semi-synthetic versions threaten the reputation of natural Kratom. Her story is one of self-advocacy, resilience, and a deep desire to educate others about responsible Kratom use and natural healing.

    🍃 RELATED LINKS

    A Leaf of Faith documentary

    Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/82

    🎥 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

    MitraSpec - 40% 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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    58 m
  • Ep 81: From Pain to Purpose: Inside the Kratom Industry with MitWellness Founder Todd Underwood

    Ep 81: From Pain to Purpose: Inside the Kratom Industry with MitWellness Founder Todd Underwood
    Oct 31 2025
    Todd Underwood, founder of MitWellness, shares his powerful story of living with chronic pain and then finding hope through Kratom. Diagnosed as a child with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a progressive form of muscular dystrophy, Todd endured decades of severe pain that led to years of heavy opioid use following a heart attack and quadruple bypass. In 2019, after reaching a breaking point, he tried Kratom for the first time, and that day marked the end of his dependence on prescription opioids. Kratom helped him manage his pain without feeling medicated, giving him both relief and clarity. That experience inspired Todd to dedicate his professional life to understanding Kratom and developing safer, compliant products for others like him. Today, through MitWellness, Todd brings an insider's view of the Kratom industry, one grounded in experience, ethics, and regulation. He explains what true GMP compliance looks like, why FDA registration and testing matter, and how unregulated synthetic products like 7 hydroxymitragynine threaten consumer safety and the future of the plant. This conversation goes beyond personal testimony to deliver a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how Kratom should be made, marketed, and protected for years to come. 🍃 RELATED LINKS MitWellness - Founder & CEO American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/81 🎥 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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    52 m
  • 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