Our Stigma

Generational Trauma A deeper look - Featuring Rosie Peters

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore generational trauma and the ways stigma, culture, family, and community can shape how trauma is understood across generations.

Joined by poet, author, storyteller, and activist Rosetta “Rosie” Peters, they discuss Indigenous culture, resilience, sobriety, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Rosie shares stories from her journey getting sober and reconnecting with her culture, Dakota language, and family, offering a personal perspective on how those connections have shaped her healing. The episode explores how reclaiming culture, language, and family can become powerful parts of recovery, resilience, and breaking cycles of generational trauma.

About the podcast:

Our Stigma is a fast-paced, easy-to-follow podcast exploring mental health and addiction stigma in faith communities. Pastor Seth Perry and co-host Nicole Thacker tackle real-life topics, challenge misconceptions, and explore practical solutions with expert guests. Whether faith communities have hurt you or helped you in the past, “Our Stigma” is worth exploring.

Other resources:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

"Our Stigma" is sponsored by Elim Lutheran Church, St. Croix Valley Foundation and the Elim Foundation. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry, Co-host: Nicole Thacker. Producer: Rod Phillips of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall, Cliff Vaughn and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia Minnesota, Elim Mental Wellness Committee, St. Croix Valley Foundation, and ELCA Clergy Facebook Page for their input on the survey.

Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: September 1, 2026.

Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

Naloxone Goes to Church - Featuring Dr. Francisco Herrera

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Our Stigma, Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how churches are responding to the opioid crisis and the growing role of naloxone in faith communities.

They are joined by Dr. Francisco Herrera, a theologian and advocate who works to expand naloxone training, harm reduction, and opioid crisis education throughout Illinois. The conversation examines how churches can move beyond simply making naloxone available by offering compassionate follow up, recovery support, medical resources, and meaningful connection after an overdose. Together, they challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and ask how churches can better understand the deeper inequities and circumstances behind opioid use and overdose.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: September 1, 2026.

Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

The Reason for the Loneliness Epidemic - Featuring Pastor Paul Drees

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “Our Stigma,” Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore the growing loneliness epidemic and why simply telling people to be more independent does not solve the problem.

They are joined by Pastor Paul Drees, a digital creator who shares a message of community, vulnerability, and liberation with hundreds of thousands of people online. The conversation examines how social media, the decline of community institutions, and a culture that celebrates independence can leave people disconnected even when they are surrounded by others. Together, they consider how churches can respond through intentional relationships, pastoral visitation, peer groups, shared meals, mentoring, and other meaningful opportunities for people to experience genuine belonging.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: September 1, 2026.

Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

A Mental Health Diagnosis Is Not a Moral Failure — Featuring Kody Green

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “Our Stigma,” Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker challenge the harmful idea that mental health diagnoses are a moral failure or something a person should simply “fix.”

Joined by mental health advocate, author, and motivational speaker Kody Green, they explore the stigma surrounding schizophrenia, mental illness, and even accusations of demonic possession within faith communities. The conversation highlights the power of peer support and the importance of empowering people with lived experience to help educate, encourage, and support others facing mental health challenges. Together, they discuss how churches can replace judgment with compassion and create communities where people with mental health conditions are seen, supported, and welcomed.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: September 1, 2026.

Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

How Isolation Creates Stigma- Featuring Aneri Pattani

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0000

In this episode of “Our Stigma,” Pastor Seth Perry and Nicole Thacker explore how isolation can fuel stigma, loneliness, substance use, and other mental health struggles.

They are joined by Aneri Pattani of KFF Health News to examine how modern life, technology, convenience, and social division can leave people feeling disconnected and unseen. The conversation explores the importance of rebuilding gathering spaces, libraries, parks, community organizations, and other forms of social infrastructure where people can experience meaningful connection. Together, they consider how we can embrace the inconvenience of showing up for one another and create communities where people feel less alone.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - https://www.samhsa.gov/

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - https://988lifeline.org/

Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: September 1, 2026.

Links: "Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness - https://www.nami.org/

Episode 6: Roundtable Discussion

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 6, Seth Perry, Farhia Budul, and Yeng Moua engage in dialogue about how they envision fighting mental health and addiction stigma in their communities moving forward. They reflect on the challenges posed by current funding cuts and freezes, share their hopes and strategies for leading meaningful change, and discuss what they see as the biggest threat to vulnerable and marginalized communities.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show
notes. Special thanks to the roundtable participants in this episode: Farhia Budul, founder of Niyyah Recovery Initiative; Yeng Moua, co-founder of Koom Recovery.

About the podcast:

We're finally talking about mental health and addiction in faith communities. But have we really listened? Lutheran Pastor Seth Perry hosts this six-part podcast exploring mental health and addiction in spiritual communities. For the past year, Perry has looked beyond the statistics to the real stories: rural towns with no treatment options, African American communities facing rising opioid overdoses, Indigenous populations with a 10-fold disparity in statistics, and third-generation immigrant families watching their encampments disappear overnight. Meanwhile, Muslim brothers and sisters seek recovery that honors both faith and culture.

The crisis is deep, the conversations are overdue, and the time to listen is
now. "Our Stigma" is a six-part podcast exploring faith, culture and recovery. It's hosted by Seth Perry, pastor of Elim Lutheran Church in Scandia, Minnesota, and himself a recovering addict living with bipolar disorder. Episodes start dropping weekly on Thursday, May 1, 2025. They will be accompanied by a study resource for small groups focused on developing grassroots mental health outreach. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth:
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

"Our Stigma" is sponsored by M Health Fairview and the Washington County Opioid Settlement. Writer / creator / host: Seth Perry. Producer: Cliff Vaughn of Good Faith Media. Additional support: Mitch Randall and Cally Chisholm of Good Faith Media. Special thanks: Sean and Rolando from Washington County, and Diane from M Health Fairview. Music: Pond5.

Episode release date: June 5, 2025.

Links:
"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/
"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/
Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Episode 5: Recovery in the Hmong Community

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 5, podcast host Seth Perry explores addiction and recovery in the Hmong population, including its unique culture and the role of encampments.

This episode mentions overdose death and violence. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show notes.

Here are the questions to ponder throughout the episode: Have you ever stopped to consider what drives people to live in housing encampments? What steps has your community taken to understand the root causes behind these encampments? Have you heard people in your church or community refer to them as "eyesores" or something similar?

Special thanks to this episode's interviewees: Representative Liz Lee; Representative Dave Baker; Pastor Danny Yang; Dr. Steve Delisi; Jeremy Drucker; and Y. Moua.

About the podcast:

For the past year, Perry has looked beyond the statistics to the real stories: rural towns with no treatment options, African American communities facing rising opioid overdoses, Indigenous populations with a 10-fold disparity in statistics, and third-generation immigrant families watching their encampments disappear overnight. Meanwhile, Muslim brothers and sisters seek recovery that honors both faith and culture.

Episodes start dropping weekly on Thursday, May 1, 2025. They will be accompanied by a study resource for small groups focused on developing grassroots mental health outreach. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Episode release date: May 29, 2025.

Links:

"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Episode 4: Recovery in the East African Community

Thu, 22 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 4, podcast host Seth Perry explores culturally specific treatment in recovery.

This episode mentions overdose death. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show notes.

Here are the questions to ponder throughout the episode: How welcoming is your community? What faiths and ethnic identities would feel unwelcome in your community? How uncomfortable does this question make you feel?

Special thanks to this episode's interviewees: Dr. Steve Delisi; Hodan Hassan; Jeremy Drucker; Kaleab Woldegiorgis; and Farhia Budul.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Episode release date: May 22, 2025.

Links:

"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Episode 3: Recovery Among Indigenous Americans

Thu, 15 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 3, podcast host Seth Perry explores the countless public health barriers faced by Indigenous peoples.

This episode mentions overdose death, violence, trauma and sexual assault. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show notes.

Here's the question to ponder throughout the episode: What would it be like if your community came together to explore the deeper roots of mental health and addiction challenges in Indigenous communities today? How would that conversation go? When, if ever, has your community had a conversation about this issue?

Special thanks to this episode's interviewees: Lynne Moratzka; Richard Wright; Tanya; Dr. Steve Delisi; Representative Dave Baker; and Jeremy Drucker.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Episode release date: May 15, 2025.

Links:

"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Episode 2: Recovery in a Divided Nation

Thu, 08 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 2, podcast host Seth Perry takes a closer look at the troubling rise in overdose deaths among Black Minnesotans.

This episode mentions overdose death, sexual assault and descriptions of violence. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show notes.

Here's the question to ponder throughout the episode: Opioid overdoses happen in rural, urban and suburban settings. What biases exist in your thinking when you consider where an overdose death occurs? What assumptions are attached to rural, suburban and urban settings?

Special thanks to this episode's interviewees: Emmanuel Lewis; Michele Hein; Ivan Nelson and Maurice Brown; Dr. Steve Delisi; Representative Dave Baker; Jeremy Drucker; and Keni Richardson Pittman.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Episode release date: May 8, 2025.

Links:

"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Episode 1: Recovery in Rural America

Thu, 01 May 2025 05:00:00 -0000

In Episode 1, "Recovery in Rural America," podcast host Seth Perry explores the challenges to accessing mental health and addiction services in rural communities.

This episode mentions overdose death and suicide. If you are in crisis, call or text 988. More resources are below in the show notes.

Here's the question to ponder throughout the episode: How easy is it to access mental health and addiction services in your area right now?

Special thanks to this episode's interviewees: Geno; Dr. Steve Delisi; Pat, Torre, and Chris; Jeremy Drucker; Marty; and Kirsten Libby.

About the podcast:

Other resources:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline

National Alliance on Mental Health: https://www.nami.org/

National Alliance on Mental Illness Helpline: https://www.nami.org/support-education/nami-helpline/

Find Both Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Here: https://findtreatment.gov/

The Trevor Project-Crisis Counseling for LGBTQ+ Youth: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Episode release date: May 1, 2025.

Links:

"Our Stigma" Podcast Page: https://goodfaithmedia.org/ourstigma/

"Our Stigma" Project: https://www.ourstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/

Our Stigma: Trailer

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:57:00 -0000

We're finally talking about mental health and addiction in faith communities. But have we really listened?

For the past year, podcast host Seth Perry has looked beyond the statistics to the real stories: rural towns with no treatment options, African American communities facing rising opioid overdoses, Indigenous populations with a 10-fold disparity in statistics, and third-generation immigrant families watching their encampments disappear overnight. Meanwhile, our Muslim brothers and sisters seek recovery that honors both faith and culture.

Trailer release date: April 4, 2025.

Links:

Our Stigma: https://www.ourgstigma.com/

Good Faith Media: https://goodfaithmedia.org/