Welcome to The Survivor’s Voice, where resilience meets hope.

Malaina was only 23 when her body started shutting down. What began as fatigue and brain fog escalated into stage four kidney failure, liver failure, and sepsis. In this powerful episode, Malena shares how unchecked alcoholism—masked by independence and a “normal” life—nearly killed her. She opens up about denial, medical trauma, body image, fear, and the radical shift that saved her life. Now sober and standing strong, Malena’s story is a raw, eye-opening reminder of how quickly life can unravel—and how much strength it takes to fight back.

Your Host: Angie Sedore Our Guest: Malaina Castillo

Trigger Warning

This episode includes discussions of alcoholism, medical trauma, and depression. Listener discretion is advised. The views expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast.

What to Expect:

• Malaina’s near-death experience after rapid liver and kidney failure
• The reality of high-functioning alcoholism in young adults
• Medical trauma and life inside the ICU
• How unprocessed emotions and denial masked a growing addiction
• The emotional impact of sobriety, loss, and learning to live differently

Key Takeaways:

• Sobriety is not just about quitting—it's about healing
• Denial can delay life-saving help
• Mental health is just as vital as physical health
• Even when it feels too late, it’s not over yet

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsor:

Safe Harbor for Freedom exists to serve victims of human trafficking by providing secure housing, therapy, medical care, reintegration support, and awareness education.

www.safeharborforfreedom.com

Stay Connected

www.thesurvivorsvoice.net

@TheSurvivorsVoicePodcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X

If Malaina’s story moved you, please share this episode and help us bring awareness to hidden struggles and unseen strength.

If you enjoy the Survivors voice, please give us a follow and a 5 star rating!

New episodes every Tuesday.

Do you have a story to share? Contact: booking@thesurvivorsvoice.net

Together, we remind survivors everywhere: Your story matters.

Produced & Edited by: Krystina Elder | YouTube: Elder House Media

Special Thanks to: Dan Wise | YouTube: North Idaho Podcast Productions​