We come out of the gates swinging in the debut episode, by taking a sledgehammer to the stigma surrounding mental illness and addiction.

Host Christopher Heimerman, a recovering alcoholic, shares his story of struggling to come to grips with his depression and anxiety in his teen years, and the steep step of finally getting help.

Today, he sees a therapist and a psychiatrist - in fact, they're the same person: Jada Butler. She joins the program to talk about breaking through the stigma to get help, addressing the epidemic of toxic masculinity, and her favorite medicine to prescribe: exercise. She's a Boston Marathon qualifier, a 12-time marathoner and a triathlete. Oh, and she's a licensed personal trainer.

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This episode was presented by Gateway Foundation. If drugs and alcohol are starting to take over your life, or the life of someone you love, it’s time to be honest and enlist some help. Gateway offers life-saving inpatient services, as well as virtual treatment. Call 877-505-HOPE to schedule a consultation, or visit gatewayfoundation.org for more information.

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Catch me on IGTV (@40000_Steps) and Facebook Live at 11 a.m. CST every Tuesday and Thursday. Join the discussion. Bring your own snacks.

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If you or someone you know would like to star on the podcast, or be interviewed on IGTV, email [email protected].

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Sign up for the free newsletter and read Christopher's regular musings in The Big Blog at 40000steps.com, where you can also listen to every episode of 40,000 Steps Radio.