Episodios

  • 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

    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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    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
  • Ep 72: Addiction, Recovery, and Kratom: Tracey Slack’s Powerful Story

    Ep 72: Addiction, Recovery, and Kratom: Tracey Slack’s Powerful Story
    Aug 22 2025
    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.
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    47 m
  • Ep 71: From Desperation to Relief: Stacy Wismer on the Power of Kratom

    Ep 71: From Desperation to Relief: Stacy Wismer on the Power of Kratom
    Aug 15 2025

    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.
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    51 m