ln this deeply moving episode of Own Your Story, Vanessa opens up about what it was like growing up in the shadow of a parent’s addiction. She shares the emotional and social weight of secrecy—the fear of judgment, the silence at school, and the constant need to appear “okay” even when life at home wasn’t.

Through her story, Vanessa reveals how hiding pain for so long shaped her sense of identity, trust, and relationships. She discusses the moment she finally broke the silence, how speaking her truth became the first step toward healing, and the power that comes from turning shame into strength.

The conversation reminds listeners that they are not defined by their family’s addiction and that healing begins the moment we choose honesty over silence.

Sonny, the tribal chairman for the Hopland Band of Pomo Indians, shared his personal journey of growing up in a household affected by addiction, which shaped his early life experiences and relationships. Despite facing challenges including parental incarceration and family struggles with addiction, Sonny found support from his extended family and cultural connections while working to overcome his own addiction issues. Through his experiences, Sonny emphasized the importance of cultural preservation and community service, while advocating for young Native men to embrace change and take on leadership roles in their communities.

Zoey talked about her challenging upbringing in a household affected by addiction and abuse, where Zoey had to take on a parental role at a young age while managing daily struggles at home. Zoey shared her journey to sobriety at age 22 and how it helped her process past trauma, leading to improved relationships with her family and focus on setting healthy boundaries. Today, Zoey prioritizes being a present and loving mother to her own child while maintaining gratitude and finding joy despite past difficulties.

Makeylah shared her experiences growing up with a mother who struggled with addiction for 13 years, describing the emotional challenges of having a missing parent and dealing with complex family dynamics. She discussed the impact of her mother's incarceration and the difficult decisions she faced regarding loyalty and protection, while also navigating her relationship with her father and siblings. Through her journey of healing and growth, Makeylah emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and finding resilience, ultimately finding ways to create a fulfilling life despite the challenges of her upbringing.

In this special kickoff episode, host Tisha Gonzalez opens her heart to share the journey behind Not My Addiction – Own Your Story. From growing up in the shadow of addiction to building a nonprofit dedicated to breaking generational cycles, Tisha reveals the personal experiences that shaped her voice and her vision.

You’ll hear how pain became purpose, why creating safe spaces for youth and families is so important, and the mission that drives every episode to come. Whether you’ve lived through similar struggles or simply want to understand and support those who have, this episode invites you into a story of resilience, healing, and hope.

Welcome to Not My Addiction – Own Your Story, a podcast where pain transforms into purpose. In this short trailer, founder Tisha Gonzalez shares the vision: a safe space for honest conversations about growing up with addiction, healing creatively, and breaking generational cycles. Press play and join a community of hope and resilience.