Ep 26: Tara's Triumph: Conquering Pain and Depression with Kratom

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.

12 Sep 1h 5min

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 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.

5 Sep 51min

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.

29 Aug 58min

In this episode, Madalyn sits down with Tracey Slack, who opens up about her decade-long struggle with heroin and meth addiction and the life-changing discovery that helped her turn it all around: Kratom. Tracey shares how it became the key to easing her withdrawals, lifting her mood, and ultimately breaking the cycle of craving and despair. What began as a desperate search for relief turned into a source of hope, giving her the strength to leave behind a life she once thought she was trapped in forever. Tracey reflects on her early days learning about Kratom through online communities, the support she found in fellow consumers, and the resilience it gave her through major life milestones, including motherhood. She speaks candidly about the stigma, legal battles, and challenges she faced along the way, including being punished by the legal system simply for using Kratom during recovery. Despite the hurdles, Tracey stands firm in her advocacy, determined to show others how this plant can provide real alternatives and help rebuild lives. Her journey is a powerful reminder of the importance of community, resilience, and speaking out in the face of misinformation and stigma. Tracey’s story is inspiring and offers hope for anyone looking for a path forward.  🍃 RELATED LINKS Hamilton’s Pharmacopeia: The Secret Kratom Plants of Thai Farmers Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/72 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Etha Natural Botanicals - 25% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list and codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X HAVE YOU SEEN THE KRATOM GALS? We host a weekly show on YouTube where we react to videos, clear up misinformation, and share our personal experiences. JOIN KRATOM REAL TALK, our online community for positive, uplifting discussions about the power of whole-leaf Kratom. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US. If you love our content and community, you can show your support through Buy Me A Coffee, or in this case... Buy Me A Kratom tea! This helps us with the cost of running the podcast, livestreams, and forum. 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.

22 Aug 47min

In this powerful episode, Madalyn sits down with Stacy Wismer, who has faced decades of complex health challenges, including interstitial cystitis, depression, and a rare Tarlov cyst that left her in debilitating pain. After surgeries, medications, and therapies failed to provide lasting relief, a 2022 car accident worsened her condition, and then a friend introduced her to Kratom. Starting with small doses and experimenting with strains, Stacy discovered a life-changing balance that brought her pain down from an eight to a two. Today, Kratom not only eases Stacy’s chronic pain but also helps with menopause-related joint pain and lifts her mood. While mindful of minor side effects, she says the benefits far outweigh them. Now a passionate advocate, she educates others on safe, responsible use and the importance of sourcing only from reputable vendors. Her story is one of resilience, hope, and reclaiming the ability to live fully again.  🍃 RELATED LINKS American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/71 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Etha Natural Botanicals - 25% off with code: KratomStories Tap here for full list and codes! 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X HAVE YOU SEEN THE KRATOM GALS? We host a weekly show on YouTube where we react to videos, clear up misinformation, and share our personal experiences. JOIN KRATOM REAL TALK, our online community for positive, uplifting discussions about the power of whole-leaf Kratom. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US. If you love our content and community, you can show your support through Buy Me A Coffee, or in this case... Buy Me A Kratom tea! This helps us with the cost of running the podcast, livestreams, and forum. 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.

15 Aug 51min

In this powerful episode, Madalyn sits down with Scarlett, a resilient survivor who opens up about her decades-long struggle with substance use and how Kratom became a turning point in her life. Scarlett shares her deeply personal journey, starting with addiction to heroin at age 16 and years spent in and out of treatment, mental hospitals, and methadone and Suboxone programs. After 14 years on Suboxone and feeling trapped by its side effects and limitations, Scarlett made the difficult decision to stop, and relied on Kratom to help her through one of the hardest transitions of her life. Scarlett candidly describes what it was like to detox off Suboxone in the middle of the desert, the physical and emotional toll it took, and how Kratom gave her the strength to not only push through but begin truly healing. Now a year out, she uses Kratom occasionally to manage chronic pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia, but remains committed to responsible use. Her story is raw, honest, and inspiring, and offers hope to anyone looking for a way out of addiction. Whether you're on a similar path or simply curious about Kratom’s potential, this episode will stay with you long after listening.  🍃 RELATED LINKS American Kratom Association 2025 Kratom State Legality & Legislation Restricted Zip Codes Prohibiting the Sale of Leaf Kratom Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/70 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Etha Natural Botanicals - 25% off with code: KratomStories 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X HAVE YOU SEEN THE KRATOM GALS? We host a weekly show on YouTube where we react to videos, clear up misinformation, and share our personal experiences. JOIN KRATOM REAL TALK, our online community for positive, uplifting discussions about the power of whole-leaf Kratom. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US. If you love our content and community, you can show your support through Buy Me A Coffee, or in this case... Buy Me A Kratom tea! This helps us with the cost of running the podcast, livestreams, and forum. 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.

8 Aug 46min

In this gripping episode, Madalyn sits down with Bunny, the creator of Budget Van Life and a resilient survivor who overcame a years-long meth addiction while living on the road. Bunny shares the harrowing story of how she was first exposed to meth against her will and how her life spiraled into years of painful addiction and delusion while trying to survive in places like Slab City. She details the extreme toll it took on her body and mind—and how a chance encounter with Kratom became the turning point in her journey to reclaim her life. Bunny opens up about how Kratom, specifically green vein powder, became a powerful tool in her recovery. She used it strategically to manage withdrawal symptoms, chronic pain, and regain the focus needed to function while detoxing. Her story is not only a testament to the plant’s potential as a harm-reduction tool but also a call to action for awareness around misinformation, legality, and access. Whether you're someone who’s struggled with addiction or simply want to understand how Kratom is changing lives, this episode is raw, real, and deeply inspiring.  🍃 RELATED LINKS American Kratom Association Bunny's TikTok, YouTube & Instagram Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/69 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Etha Natural Botanicals - 25% off with code: KratomStories 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X HAVE YOU SEEN THE KRATOM GALS? We host a weekly show on YouTube where we react to videos, clear up misinformation, and share our personal experiences. JOIN KRATOM REAL TALK, our online community for positive, uplifting discussions about the power of whole-leaf Kratom. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US. If you love our content and community, you can show your support through Buy Me A Coffee, or in this case... Buy Me A Kratom tea! This helps us with the cost of running the podcast, livestreams, and forum. 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.

1 Aug 49min

In this powerful episode, Madalyn Sklar sits down with Abram Jacobson, a longtime Kratom consumer and passionate advocate who shares his journey from recreational use to leadership in the Kratom industry. Abram opens up about discovering Kratom and Kava a decade ago in St. Petersburg, Florida, and how the sense of community at his local Kava bar helped him connect with others from all walks of life. He explains how Kratom helped him decompress and stay focused during high-stress periods in his life, and how responsible use has been a game changer—not just for him, but for countless others he's met along the way. As the conversation unfolds, Abram discusses his transition into the Kratom business, the importance of ethical practices, and why he uses his voice and platform to educate consumers. He also tackles common misconceptions, the impact of media bias, and offers guidance for new users and those interested in getting involved in advocacy. Whether you're new to Kratom or have been using it for years, this episode offers honest insight, practical advice, and a reminder of the growing movement to protect access to this plant.  🍃 RELATED LINKS Pure Infinity Botanicals - Abram's company Pure Infinity Botanicals - YouTube See Madalyn on NBC's Nightly News - (fast forward to 1:25) American Kratom Association Full show notes for this episode at KratomStoriesPodcast.com/68 🎥 Watch the video on YouTube STAY CONNECTED with us by subscribing to our newsletter! Sign up at KratomStoriesPodcast.com 🍃 MADALYN'S RECOMMENDED VENDORS 🍃 Christopher's Organic Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories New Hope Botanicals - 10% off with code: KratomStories Etha Natural Botanicals - 25% off with code: KratomStories 🍃 FOLLOW US TikTok YouTube X HAVE YOU SEEN THE KRATOM GALS? We host a weekly show on YouTube where we react to videos, clear up misinformation, and share our personal experiences. JOIN KRATOM REAL TALK, our online community for positive, uplifting discussions about the power of whole-leaf Kratom. HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US. If you love our content and community, you can show your support through Buy Me A Coffee, or in this case... Buy Me A Kratom tea! This helps us with the cost of running the podcast, livestreams, and forum. 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.

25 Juli 58min