Jeannine was an active drug addict and alcoholic for fifteen years - her using led to multiple arrests, homelessness and the loss of absolutely everything - which she considers to be the best thing that ever happened to her.Sober since January 15, 2015, and now a successful fitness studio owner & entrepreneur, she is committed to sharing her stories in the hopes that they may help others. Jeannine or the featured guest will share where they were “on this day” in history, vs where they are now. Kim Walker is an LMFT who has been seeing clients for 15 years. Released every other Thursday.
The Chasing Heroin: On This Day, Recovery Podcast is an incredible podcast that explores the journey of recovery from addiction. The host, Jeannine, shares her own personal experiences and brings on guests who also share their stories of overcoming addiction. This podcast is not only entertaining, but it is also emotional and informative. It provides a sense of inspiration, hope, and understanding for both addicts and non-addicts alike.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the raw honesty and vulnerability that Jeannine brings to each episode. She shares her story in a way that is relatable and engaging, making you feel connected to her on a personal level. Through her storytelling, she is able to shed light on the struggles and triumphs that come with addiction recovery.
Additionally, the podcast provides valuable insights into addiction and recovery. Listeners can learn about themselves, their triggers, and gain a better understanding of addiction through the various stories and commentary shared on the show. This podcast serves as a source of education and awareness for both addicts and those who have been impacted by addiction.
While there are many positive aspects to this podcast, one potential downside is the lack of interaction from the co-host. Some listeners may prefer more probing questions or deeper discussions about emotions surrounding addiction. However, this does not take away from Jeannine's engaging storytelling style and her ability to connect with listeners.
In conclusion, The Chasing Heroin: On This Day, Recovery Podcast is a must-listen for anyone who has been touched by addiction in any way. Jeannine's courage in sharing her story and passing on hope is truly inspiring. She is making a difference in changing lives through this podcast, providing insight into addiction while giving a sense of gratitude, hope, and laughter along the way.
Note from Jeannine: So, this is a pretty big one for me. In 2020, while my studio was closed, I started manically listening to various podcasts every day looking for motivation and insight. One morning while sitting on the floor of our strength room, I heard the story of The Coffee Bean, as told through Clemson coach, Dabo Sweeney. The origins of that story begin in a jail cell in Texas - with today's guest. Interviewing him and telling him the impact his story had on me was a very cool experience and a reminder to me that my Higher Power is always working in my life...even when I can't see it. Special thank you to Dave from Dopey for connecting me with Damon. Enjoy!Episode description:Today Jeannine interviews Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice. Damon is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and 3 x Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His bestselling business book, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, was listed by Forbes' in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.Damon shares his story of how his first use of meth escalated into homelessness in 18 months, including all manner of tweaker hijinks, including a mail man hustle and stealing a car from the Texas Rangers police impound. We talk recovery, resentments, rebuilding after incarceration and never letting dreams die. Let me know what y'all think!Connect with Damon on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:I had a great time chatting with Patrick. I found him to be incredibly insightful, vulnerable and honest. He is someone is consistently doing work to try to become the best version of himself, and I think we can always learn from people who are willing to take accountability, and share their solutions. Enjoy!Episode description:Patrick Holbert is a stand-up comedian whose special, "Qualification,: is out now! Patrick grew up in rural New York and didn't start drinking until college. College drinking escalated - and ended - pretty quickly. Patrick got sober at twenty-seven and has embarked on a journey of twelve step sobriety and fellowship that introduced him to his wife, as well as his solution for his problems in sobriety.Please let me know what you think!Connect with Patrick on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Y'all are gonna love Deana as much as I did.Deana was adopted into a family in Calabasas and thrown into the entertainment industry as a child. Enduring childhood abuse by her adoptive mother led to teen rebellion and drug use. Addicted to crack cocaine by eighteen years old, Deana spent the next thirty years of life addicted, homeless and lost.Deana finally got sober in 2020 and is thriving in her life. She shares her story with humor and vulnerability. I was so inspired by her story, and I know you will be too!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Jimmy's using career began and ended early. Starting with weed and massive amounts of cough syrup eventually progressed to cocaine and meth. Jimmy's meth use descended into homeless and countless stints in jail - quickly. Locked up on nine warrants - plus a new charge of breaking and entering into his family home - Jimmy went to jail on July 20th, 2013 for the last time. He has now been sober since that date as well. Jimmy is not a twelve step person and I really enjoyed learning about the recovery program and process he put together for himself.Can wait to hear what you think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE, watch bonus content & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:Thank you guys so much for your patience over the last few weeks as I prepared for my TedX Talk! I think it went well and hopefully it'll be published to the TedX YouTube in a few months! CJ's episode is incredible, I learned so much from him and I know you will, too. Let me know your thoughts!Episode description:CJ grew up bouncing around amongst three separate and very culturally distinct neighborhoods. Chaos and violence at home led to early instability and adversity. While CJ did manage to graduate from high school, he struggled afterward with establishing financial or emotional stability. Descending into heroin addiction over time, CJ started the rounds of state facilities and detoxes, even traveling cross country a few times. Sober now since 2018, CJ's spiritual and Twelve Step wisdom and insight truly amazed and inspired me. Let me know what you think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: Christina's story is one of my favorite all time episodes of the show. Just an incredible story of strength and resilience. This is an encore run of her episode, new episodes return next week after my TedX Talk! Thank you for being patient with me, I love you guys!TRIGGER WARNING******sex trafficking, domestic abuse, assault, SA and pregnancy termination My conversation today with Christina Garofalo will have you both laughing and crying. Christina is a survivor in the truest form of the word. I was blown away by her vulnerability, authenticity and the strength she has shown in escaping the world she was trapped in, making it back to her hometown and family in San Diego AND tapering down from an incredibly high dose of methadone (170 mL). Christina now has a sponsor, works steps, goes on twelve step retreats and does EMDR therapy - she has worked so hard to find healing, peace and safety and I am personally so proud of her.Connect with Christina on InstagramConnect with Christina on TikTokDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: Vegas's episode is one of my favorite all time episodes! With my Tedx Talk happening next Saturday, I felt it was a good time to revisit a popular episode - back with new episodes next week!I got to sit down with Michael "Vegas" Gialketsis. Vegas talks to us about growing up in Las Vegas, getting into drugs young, being sent to an institution as a teenager, going to jail in Vegas and Texas and tons of active addition mayhem. Sober now since June of 2018, Vegas is now a loving father, partner and talented musician. Vegas shares how the Twelve Steps helped him find his true personality, as well as how his awareness of his character defects through the 5th and 6th steps can help prevent relapse. You may also recognize him from Cheryl Anne's Rehab Fitness ;)Check out Vegas's music on Spotify and Apple!Connect with Vegas on InstagramConnect with the show on InstagramConnect with Jeannine on TikTokJoin the Nod Pod Private Facebook group!
Note from Jeannine:Y'all are going to love today's episode with Dayna Christman Graham.Dayna has been in and out of sobriety for nearly forty years. After putting together ten years of sobriety together in her twenties, a car accident and subsequent pain medication resulted in a decades long relapse. Dayna spent years in prison for human trafficking, commercial burglary and other crimes during this period of relapse. Dayna is now approaching one year sober in a few weeks and is working in treatment, married and doing well.Please let me know what you think!Connect with Dayna on DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me at chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:Hey, y'all! Today's episode originally aired in 2023 and it's one of my all time favorite episodes and I feel it deserves a revival! My friend, Sara Clark, grew up using very early with her dad and eventually her use developed into full blown addiction. Sara was arrested multiple times, including twice in one week! After finally getting sober, Sara returned to school, graduated AND completed law school and is now an attorney in Oklahoma. I absolutely love this woman, and I know you will too.Connect with Sara on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.com
Note from Jeannine:Hey, y'all! Today's episode is a bit different, but really fun and informative. Today, Fausto Castellano returns to the show to discuss his specialty as a therapist, codependency in relationships. I share some stories about my past dating history that I have never shared before and we discuss what codependency looks like, why it can be consequential for your mental health and overall life, and how to break codependent patterns.Also!! Fausto posts weekly mental health and therapy videos on his YouTubeCan't wait to hear what y'all think!Connect with Fausto on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:Ooooh, Y'ALL. This is another banger. Louie Mandrapilias was a young gay man in Louisiana in the 70s...when it really wasn't okay to be a gay man anywhere, much less Louisiana. Checking out New York, or as Louie tells me "gay mecca," for two weeks the summer before his senior year of high school turns into a years long run as an international drug smuggler. Louie was diagnosed with HIV in 1983 before there was any treatment available. At that time, HIV was a death sentence. Louie chose to stay sober anyway. His story is wild and inspiring and I can't wait to hear what you think!Connect with Louie on InstagramBuy Louie's book: Flew Too HighDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE, hear bonus episodes & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:Joey Rakisits is back! Narcan Nate and I interviewed Joey a few years ago, and his episodes (Part One and Two), remain two of the highest rated shows we've published. Definitely go back and listen to those! When we interview Joey, he had about two years sober. He had recently tapered himself off of suboxone and felt solid in his recovery. A few months after our episode aired, Joey was injured at work and required pain medication. That night, he went to the casino from the hospital and was off and running. He lost his house, his job and all the usual bullshit that happens when we're running amok began happening again. Now six months sober, Joey asked to come back on the show to share what happened, where he felt he went wrong, and what he's doing differently.Let me know what you think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokJoin the private Facebook group!Email me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:Y,all this episode is FUN. I totally fell in love with Jessy during this interview and you will, too. From raves in high school as the "Persian Kitten," to goofballs and grand theft auto, Jessy Lauren has done it all and lived to tell her story. Facing three years in prison in her thirties, Jessy OD'd in a trap house and finally decided to make a genuine attempt at sobriety.Now the owner of a sober living, Jessy snowboards and travels and lives a full life after surviving and escaping the chaos of addiction and crime.Connect with Jessy on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: Hey, y'all! I decided to switch it up today! We had two back to back incredible episodes that were heavy on the recovery, mental health struggled and treatment, so this week we're going with a bit more light hearted subject - motel stories! (If you have any motel stories, btw, I'd love to hear them! Send an email or voice message to chasingheroine@gmail.com)Jed is now sober with a wife and baby girl and is well on his way to becoming an addiction counselor and therapist.We can be at the point where we're self inflicting third degree burns for pain pills - and make it back to society!Let me know what you think!Connect with Jed on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.com
This is going to be everyone's new favorite, I already know! Kelly shares a harrowing story of surviving 9-11, mental health disorders, disordered eating, a rare infectious disease, delusory parasitosis, homelessness, spinal cord injury, and more.Kelly is a fighter.Finally getting sober at 44, Kelly shares some of the most profound wisdom and insight for healing and resilience that I have ever heard. I can't wait to hear what you guys think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Do y'all remember Amanda's episode? She and her sisters were all three strung out on heroin and living in their parents home. Amanda wrote to the Dr. Phil show and it worked! The producers of Dr. Phil reached out and flew the whole family out to LA and sent the sisters to treatment. The free rehab came with an incredibly high price the family couldn't have anticipated. Millions of people watched video of our guest today, Valeen Holloway meet men at motel rooms for money and shoot heroin in their house together. The backlash was intense.After treatment, Valeen was sent to Texas where she still lives. In the years since her appearance on Dr. Phil, Amanda has continued to work very hard on her mental health and sobriety. Reconnecting with her daughter has been top of mind for Valeen for all these years and now has a second daughter with her partner, Dylan. I am so proud of Valeen - she has turned down every other interview before this one! - and she showed up incredibly vulnerably and authentically. Let me know what y'all think!Connect with Valeen on TikTokDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.com
Ooooh, y'all will love Justin! I was laughing for, like, 75% of this episode at least.Justin Darnell is a sober entrepreneur, comedian and social media content creator. Growing up, Justin went doctor shopping with his mom and started smoking weed and dabbling in percocets in high school. Though employed as an EMT, Justin's alcoholism managed to progress until getting sober four years ago. Now a successful entrepreneur and content creator, I know y'all will be as inspired by Justin as I am!Connect with Justin on instagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen ADFREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.com
That's a wrap on Narcan Nate...Today is our last episode with Nate before he moves back home to Tennessee to spend time with his family. It has truly been an honor to have Nate as a regular guest co-host for the past four years, and I will dearly miss him and his hill billy shit talking. For our last episode we have one last NDPE for the road, another random ass celebrity encounter of mine in LA, we discuss Nate's recent experiences with the therapy modality, Brain Spotting, his plans for Tennessee and take a few questions from listeners.If you haven't left a review, yet, waht are you waiting for?! And please subscribe in alllll the usual places - thank uou so much :)Connect with Nate on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen ADFREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
I can't wait to hear what y'all think of Brandon D'Ambra!Brandon is one of the creators of the lifestyle brand,Pink7Brandon graduated from the USC Marshal School of Business and was working in tech in Silicon Valley even as his addiction to opiates was steadily progressing. Eventually strung out on fentanyl, Brandon found himself in and out of detoxes and rehabs until finally finding success in sobriety in 2022.Check outPink7Connect withBrandonDM me onInstagramMessage me onFacebookListen ADFREE& workout with me onPatreon Laugh with me onTikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
TW: Graphic description of wound care and necrotic skin from 1:09:00 to 1:10:00 Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Heroine! So happy to have y'all here :) Today's episode is going to be your new favorite - Tracy's story is incredibly powerful and inspiring. After narrowly surviving a serious car crash in her twenties, Tracy's use continued to escalate, eventually landing her homeless in Kensington in her late 30s. Tracy hit Kensington right as the tranq dope epidemic began and when mysterious black wounds began appearing on her arms, no one was sure what was happening or how to treat her. Sober now for two years, Tracy is an incredible success story - please let me know what you think! Connect with Tracy on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
Y'all, my guest today, Toni Becker is absolutely incredible. Toni lives in South Africa and is a content creator with twelve years sober. Toni was plagued by disordered eating years before her addictions to meth and alcohol began. Years of partying led to homelessness, meth psychosis and severe illness and kidney failure. In sobriety, Toni was still struggling with disordered eating. Treatment in sobriety finally helped her with that struggle. Later in sobriety, she developed facial dysmorphia induced by social media expectations and filters. Talking about these issues in sobriety was fascinating and I learned so much from Toni! Connect with Toni on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
Check out Magic Mind here! Use code: HEROINE20 for 20% off or 48% off a subscription. I am thrilled for you guys to hear my conversation with my mom! My mother was in town for my ten years last week, so we sat down one afternoon and chatted about both of our experiences during the chaos of my active addiction. In addition to her lived experience, my mom is also an MSW with an extensive career in social work. She is a wealth of knowledge and information about everything from addiction to forgiveness to healing from divorce. Please let me know your thoughts on this one! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
Oooh, y'all are gonna love today's episode! I sat down with Jared Klickstein, author of Crooked Smile, to chat about his addiction and path to sobriety. Jared was homeless on Skid Row and in the Tenderloin area for much of his addiction. His stories are wild and raw and I highly recommend reading his book. Jared was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1989 to heroin-addicted parents. He spent his teenage years outside of Oakland, California after being adopted by his aunt and uncle. He attended UC Santa Cruz where he got addicted to heroin himself, dropped out, and spent nearly ten years chronically homeless and addicted around the country. His stories are wild and raw and I highly recommend reading his book. I can't wait to hear what y'all think! Connect with Jared on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
I can't wait to hear what you guys think of this episode! I sat down with MMA fighter, Blake Bilder, and he has such kind and earnest energy, I could have chatted with him for another two hours. Raised by his mother, a series of step dads and the occasional contribution of his dad when he wasn't in prison, Blake's childhood was chaotic but mostly very lonely. Growing up, Blake lived with a constant chip on his shoulder and the feeling that no one ever actually showed up for him or had his back. After watching his dad become violent one night, Blake decided he would grow up to be someone who was strong enough to never be scared again. He set out on a path to professional fighting and stumbled onto alcohol, adderal, cocaine and meth along the way. I think you guys will love Blake and his story, let me know what you think! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
(The first four minutes of audio when I begin my talk is kind of crackly - it clears up after that!) Happy New Year, y'all! I hope everyone had a good holiday season and is feeling hopeful about 2025. Scuyler and I didn't do sh*t, lol. Finished Ozark and went to bed way early. Wouldn't have it any other way! Today's episode is a bit different, today I'm sharing my talk from Cal State San Marcos in October 2023. They invited me to campus to share my addiction and recovery story, as well as easy and effective ways to add fitness to your life. I am also sharing some mental health benefits of exercise and my hope is to inspire you to add some more movement and exercise to your life in 2025! When I changed my motivation from "getting skinny," to " staying happy," my fitness routine became way more consistent and rewarding. Can't wait to hear what y'all think! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
(Make sure you're subscribed/following on Apple or Spotify - it helps with the show a ton! :) Hey, y'all! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday (if you celebrate)! Scuyler and I watched all five Die Hards over two days - I had never seen a single one - they're really good! Y'all are going to LOVE today's episode with Colin Morrison. Colin was a legend in the 90s Motocross world, traveling with the Warped Tour, getting arrested in Germany, partying all night with the bands - basically living a rock star life...including all the drugs. Colin finally found sobriety and made a name for himself as a sober influencer, even resurrecting his motocross career - only to have it all crash and burn when he revealed he had been relapsed and lying for two years of his sobriety. I had a great time chatting with Colin, you can feel his kindness through the screen, he's just a super genuine dude. Can't wait to hear what y'all think! Connect with Colin on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Listen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
Y'all are going to LOVE today's episode. I spoke with Somatic Sobriety Coach, Elan Hardy. Before she was ten years old, Elan had smoked weed and taken mushroom, which was common in the culture in which she was raised - traveling with the Grateful Dead as a child and teenager. Her early drug use escalated into opiate addiction as an adult. After getting sober, Elan discovered somatic therapy is a form of body-centered therapy that looks at the connection of mind and body and uses both psychotherapy and physical therapies for holistic healing. In addition to talk therapy, somatic therapy practitioners use mind-body exercises and other physical techniques to help release the pent-up tension that negatively affects a patient's physical and emotional wellbeing. Elan is certified in Somatic work and is also an addict in recovery. Combining her training and lived experience, Elan specializes in somatic and sobriety coaching. Elan is also offering all of you a free resource, simply DM her and she will send you free somatic exercises designed specifically for those in recovery. As we approach the New Year, I cannot recommend Magic Mind enough as a part of your tool kit to achieving your 2025 goals. Carefully crafted over 10+ years with the help of our scientific advisory board, Magic Mind is a potent elixir infused with clinically studied ingredients that work together to fully optimize your daily mental performance, stress, and energy. You guys get 20% off a month's supply or 48% off the first month of subscription using this link. and code: HEROINE20 Connect with Elan on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com See you next week!
Hey, hey, y'all! Today we're catching up with long time NodPod member, Matt Billions! Since we last spoke with Matt, he's gotten married and bought a house! Matt and I share some holiday stories and what we've done to stay sober over the holidays. I also school Matt in how a secret proposal with photos can absolutely be achieved!! :) As we approach the New Year, I got a code for you guys for my favorite productivity enhancing supplement, Magic Mind 20% off a one month supple with code: HEROINE20 or 48% off a subscription through this link: https://www.magicmind.com/heroine Connect with Matt on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
I am super excited to introduce you guys to my friend, Chris! Chris is the first guest I've interviewed that used with me during my heaviest time of active addiction. Chris was on the run when I met him, out on triple bail, with the Secret Service building an indictment against him for counterfeiting, amongst other crimes. He already gone through drug court successfully as well as multiple other treatment programs. Chris and I would sit on the floor on the crappy, scary trap house I lived in and talk about how badly we wanted to finally be free of our addictions. In October 2014, Chris finally got sober for the last time. Now married and a father of two, Chris endured the "newcomer grind," like I did, taking the bus, no money, felony convictions, etc. I can't wait to hear what y'all think! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
**trigger warning: SA, domestic violence, suicidal ideation Happy Thanksgiving, y'all! I was absolutely blown away by my guest today, Jenna Rose Foster. Jenna is one of the women I went to NYC with for Dopeycon and I have had the pleasure of getting to know her a little more post NY trip and also had the incredible honor of interviewing her. After a teenage addiction to Benzos progresses to meth addiction, Jenna ultimately gets arrested twice in one week, finally prompting her to get sober. Turning herself in to do her jail time sober, Jenna now works in treatment in the service of other addicts and alcoholics. Let me know what you guys think! Connect with Jenna on Instagram DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
I am so excited for y'all to meet Danielle Megaffin. I briefly connected with Danni at Dopeycon and stayed in touch through socials - and I'm so glad we did! Her story is incredible - partying her way across Europe, dating rock stars, traveling the world and of course, snorting copious amounts of cocaine ;) What began as glitz and glamour eventually became grimy, chaotic and tragic. After a physical assault that left her spiritually broken and defeated, Danni finally surrendered. Sobriety hasn't been continuous, but her recovered life is a testament that sobriety doesn't have to be linear to be a life saving and valuable journey. After one year sober, Danni relapsed four months ago, and opens up about the circumstances surrounding her relapse and what she is doing differently this time. Now in sobriety, Danni is combining her two passions - recovery and museums! Connect with Danni on Instagram Musuem of Addiction and Recovery DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
Hey hey y'all...everybody's favorite angsty harm reduction hero is back! Narcan Nate comes back to the pod to catch up on life, MILFs and NDPEs :) PLUS! What notorious 90s/2000s celebrity woman did Jeannine spend the night before Thanksgiving with in 2008? We have possible the best NDPE we have ever received from Jed of the Church & Other Drugs podcast. DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
am very excited to introduce y'all to my beautiful friend, Sam. Sam was my last "bunkie" in institutions. Sam and I met over ten years ago...our rehab was my last rehab, unfortunately it was not Sam's last rehab. In and out now for a the past decade, Sam has made incredible progress...and then used again anyway. Her parents have had custody of her son since 2014 and we talk about the complicated mix of guilt and gratitude involved in that situation. I love Sam, she now has 15 months and I am so proud of her. Let me know your thoughts! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
Interview begins at 4:07 I already know y'all are gonna text and DM me that today's episode is your "new favorite!" I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Mackenzie Selby, a woman in recovery since 2009. Mackenzie was the victim of every type of abuse a child can experience. Her mother was a stripper and drug dealer, her grandfather (who was the primary father figure in her life) was a member of the MC Iron Horseman in Memphis, TN. Mackenzie was gifted her first gun around 7 or 8 years old and her mother began teaching her how to make meth at a young age. At age 17, Mackenzie faced either 5 years in adult prison or going to rehab for one year. She chose rehab and has been sober ever since. With zero intention of actually changing her life, Mackenzie is a great example that the program works for those who do it...regardless of feelings about it. I can't wait to hear what y'all think! DM me on Instagram Message me on Facebook Workout with me on Patreon Laugh with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com
I am so excited for y'all to hear my interview with Hootie & The Blowfish drummer Jim Sonefeld! Jim has been the drummer for Hootie & The Blowfish since 1993, and he actually wrote their hit song "Hold My Hand." Jim lived the ultimate rock star life and I LOVED his book, "Swimming with the Blowfish" Convincing himself for years that he couldn't possibly be an alcoholic or an addict was easy - he was a successful musician with multiple home, multiple cars and platinum album sales. At forty years old, his four year old daughter said something that moved him so much, he finally made some changes. Let me know what y'all think! DM me on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok Workout with me! Patreon
Today's interview is with one of our own from the Nod Pod community, Chuck Zamzow. Chuck grew up in the midwest and began drinking alcoholically after catching his wife having an affair in his early twenties. The next several years of Chuck's life continued to spiral until a near fatal car accident in 2008 scared him enough to finally stay sober. Working with mentors and "old timers" in Twelve Step has given Chuck incredible wisdom and insight into the steps and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. I learned so much from Chuck and I know you guys will too. Let me know your thoughts! DM me on Instagram Connect with Chuck on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok
Y'all, I have truly enjoyed my time with Jed :) In this last installment, we see Jed navigating the path of coming clean - again - to friends and family about relapsing again. I have been there so many times...letting people down - AGAIN. Jed shares candidly and vulnerably about the end of his marriage, the insidious return of Kratom into his life and his desperate attempts to get on vivitrol and fully embrace fatherhood. Let me know what you think! DM me on Instagram DM me on TikTok Workout With Me on Patreon! Connect with Jed on Instagram Join our Private Facebook Group
**depiction of injury and intense skin burn from 46:50 to 47:10 Meet David Riggins! David enlisted in the military the day after 9/11. An early boot camp training injury led to an early medical discharge and prescriptions for morphine and dilaudid. When the US government began cracking down on pain clinics, David was cut off from his legal prescription. David turned to street drugs to mitigate the intense withdrawal. That began a 20 year long addiction filled with stints in jail, homelessness and broken relationships. In December 2022, while nodded out on fentanyl, David experienced an accident that left him an amputee. That's when he had finally had enough. Please let me know what y'all think! email me chasingheroine@gmail.com DM me on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok
I can't wait for you guys to meet today's guest, Ashley Walls. I heard Ashley share at a Twelve Step Meeting a few months ago and was absolutely blown away. At just 21 years old, her wisdom and self awareness are remarkable. Ashley's father was in prison when she was very young, then got out and was sober for many years. Ashley went with him to meetings and fell in love with the program from the sidelines. After nine years sober, her father's relapsed, sending Ashley spiraling. Consciously deciding to begin using substances, Ashley was strung out on benzos by the time she was 18. An early relationship tragedy led to suicidal ideation and and her first foray into substance abuse treatment. Ashley spent the next few years in and out of treatment and relapsing. Eventually landing at a women's facility in San Diego, there she met Polina White, a friend that would change her life. Through their friendship, Ashley and Polina were able to support each other in early sobriety and both began rebuilding their lives with their newfound friendship as the foundation. Tragically, in September 2021, Polina drowned while swimming at the Corona del Mar beach while Ashley was visiting family in LA. Though devastated, Ashley managed to stay sober through her grief and recently celebrated three years of sobriety. Ashley still credits her friendship with Poline as a cornerstone in her recovery and together with Polina's family, started a scholarship fund in Polina's name. The Polina Fund raises money to send women in need to substance abuse and mental health treatment. Ashley's grasp and insight into the steps, as well as her dedication to service work in recovery, have truly inspired me, and I think she will inspire you too. I can't wait to hear what you all think of Ashley's episode! DM me on Instagram Connect with me on Tiktok Workout with me on Patreon
Scuyler Part Two! My husband's story continues...Part One ended with Scuyler landing in San Diego and beginning the recovery years of his life. Making sober friends, finding a career, and actually working a Twelve Step program for the first time, Scuyler began his sober journey. We got married, opened our business, his father passed away...basically life happened and Scuyler's program waned over the years as he got busier and more stressed. Today's episode catches us up today, we celebrated his one year sober last week and the journey continues. Thank you all so much for being a part of my life and for caring about Scuyler :) DM me on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok Email me chasingheroine@gmail.com Join our Private Private Facebook Community
(If listening through headphones, the first 16 minutes are difficult to hear Scuyler, but then it evens out - stay with me!!) Part One of my husband's incredible story. Scuyler grew up in an affluent area of Northern California, spending summers at the family home in Nantucket, surrounded by wealthy families and privilege. A gifted athlete, a knee injury at sixteen threw his entire world off course. Strung out on oxycontin and kicked out high school his senior year, Scuyler's world completely crumbled. By the time he was 18 he was doing his first jail term and had a felony strike in California. Extradited at 22 from Florida to California by US Air Marshals and accused of homicide didn't stop his escalating drug use. Part One brings us to Scuyler turning 29 and beginning a new treatment center in San Diego, the year he also met me. I REALLY want to hear what you guys think of my husband's episode...I am BEYOND proud of him and his vulnerability and strength in this episode. DM me your thoughts on Instagram! Say Hi on TikTok!
As some of you know, last year my husband went through a gnarly relapse - it was HELL on both of us. He spent very little time in our home in 2023 and I was desperate to hide that fact. This week last year, I released an episode sharing what was really going on and that I didn't know if my marriage was going to work. I was in a place of heartbreak and resignation, but also determination to start making moves to stand on my own - without him if need be. When I released this, he had resurfaced from Mexico, dirty, picked up, emaciated and sick. I allowed him to sleep in the living room downstairs with all of my valuables locked in my car, keys in my bra, while I tried to find him a detox we could afford. Over the ensuing weeks, two things happened - one, we couldn't afford anything nor get him into a free detox, and two, he actually seemed to be finally beaten. Cut to this past Monday, September 2nd 2024, he just celebrated one year sober. I interviewed him on Monday and that episode will release next week. Today's episode is the episode I released last year at this time. I wanted to revisit this time together to catch up anyone who is new to the show, but also to share the true miracle that is recovery. I was totally resigned to the end of my marriage and through recovery, Scuyler has totally turned things around. The second half of the episode is a breakdown of the Twelve Steps, specifically for anyone who is interested in getting sober but has heard terrible things about the Twelve Step community (AA, NA, HA, etc) (Twelve Step breakdown begins at 35:40 if you would like to jump to it :) Support the show and get access to my fitness classes and bonus content HERE Connect with me on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok
If you have ever dealt with heartbreak in recovery, this episode is for you. I had the opportunity to interview my long time friend, Ivey, who got sober at 18 years old. We go through her childhood and early drug use in the first hour, and in the second hour, we delve into her marriage and motherhood at just 22 years old with a few years sober, and her subsequent divorce by 27. Ivey is so incredibly vulnerable and honest in sharing her experience with heartbreak and then dating in sobriety, and I am so proud of her. Ivey and I also talk about our recent separation in our friendship...if you have been listening to the show for a while, you have probably heard me mention a friend that I have missed and have often expressed deep regret about losing - this is who I was talking about. Ivey and I had the opportunity to make amends to each other and I while I hate that we had a disagreement in the first place, I love that in real time you all were able to walk with me through a crushing friend breakup and then see it resolved...through recovery, we can restore and repair important relationships and it's a beautiful thing. :) As always, please let me know your thoughts! DM me on Instagram, or email chasingheroine@gmail.com Connect with me on Instagram Connect with me on TikTok Connect with Ivey on Instagram
Part Two with Jed Payne! Y'all LOVED part one - today we pick up with Jed right where we left him, in East Baton Rouge Parish Prison...which is as terrifying as it sounds. We travel with Jed from prison, back into sober livings, back down kratom and suboxone roads, and into a sober relationship that ultimately ends in relapse and heartbreak. In Part THREE (yes, three!) we will finally see Jed's happy ending - which I assure you, finally finds him :) Video episode now available only exclusively on Patreon! Connect with Jed on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok Subscribe on YouTube
Ooooh, Y'ALL. This one goes HARD! I was not expecting the crazy stories I heard from Jed Payne, the host of podcast, "Church & Other Drugs." Jed was raised in the bible belt, with the influence of Christianity strong in both the community and within his home. Shooting heroin for the first time at 15, by the time he was in his mid-twenties, Jed had been to over 20 rehabs, all to no avail. Throughout his active addiction, his faith remained a beacon of hope, continuously showing up for him when he needed comfort. Today is part one of Jed's story - let me know your thoughts! DM me on IG, email chasingheroine@gmail.com or leave comments on Spotify! Connect with Jed on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok
Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Heroine! Y'all will love RJ Elizarraz, owner of Oak Forest Recover in Agoura Hills and host of the "Against All Odd's" podcast with Rachel Slocum and Hunter Sheppard. I may have related more to RJ's story than any other guest. The details of our lives are completely different, but his feelings about not needing traditional recovery because of being so incredibly special :) is exactly how I felt as well. After finding himself strung out on heroin over and over again, RJ finally found lasting recovery through connection with other men in a truly accidental sober living. Let me know your favorite part of RJ's story! chasingheroine@gmail.com Connect with RJ on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok
Narcan Nate is back, y'all! Just for one episode :( UNLESS we get some more NDPEs or other fun stories, voice mails or emails and I'll bring Nate in when we collect a few, sound good?! Nate has been up to his usual capers...saving the community with narcan training and drug testing and he's back in Twelve Step after a brief hiatus. Let me know what y'all think! Connect with Narcan Nate on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Join our Private NodPod Facebook Community
I am so happy to bring you guys my interview with singer songerwriter, Edwin McCain! I had a great time chatting with Edwin about his adventures with executives at the Atlantic Record Label, touring with Hootie & the Blowfish, his experience in rehab, acceptance and anger. I can't wait to hear what you guys think about this episode! Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Edwin on TikTok Join the Nod Pod Private Facebook Group
When I asked Amanda Crossley to be a guest on the show, I actually had NO idea she had been featured on one of the most infamous episodes of Dr Phil in the shows history. Amanda and BOTH of her sisters became addicted to heroin while living with their parents in New Jersey. Amanda reached out to Dr Phil for help and the women were flown to LA, berated and chastised on TV in front of millions, and sent to separate treatment centers around the country. Sober now for nearly a decade, Amanda is a success story. And what about her sisters? Find out in todays episode - let me know what you guys think! I can post comments now on Spotify so comment if you liked the episode! Amanda's episode of Dr. Phil Connect with Jeannine on TikTok Connect with Amanda on TikTok Connect with Jeannine on Instagram
Today's episode is all about Tweaker Madness...Garret McClendon has done multiple prison terms and spent years of his life manufacturing methamphetamine. Garet has now been sober for over eleven years and credits his success in recovery to his willingness to finally just try what was suggested by his counselors. Garret replaced transmissions in the middle of the night, saw tree people on the cameras in his makeshift meth labs and wore a blue Fedora hat when he was on a sick one. ;) This episode has all the hilarious tweaker capers and meth madness your heart could desire, plus a healthy dose of recovery and hope. Thank you for listening, please let me know what you think! Connect with Garret on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with the show on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok
Trigger Warning: SA I had such a great time chatting with my friend, Nikea. I met Nikea in Twelve Step and am honored to be able to share her story with you guys :) After childhood antics smoking weed and drinking, Nike was given the ultimatum - move out or join the Army. She chose the Army. Shipped off to South Korea after bootcamp, Nikea's life changed after a sexual assault that occurred the second weekend after her arrival. This assault led to a behavioral spiral of acting out and escalating partying. Eventually finding sobriety in 2023, Nikea is such an asset in our recovery community and in my life. Let me know what y'all think! Connect with Nikea on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok
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