Chasing Heroine: Addiction Recovery Podcast

We have an amazing new episode today! 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 ;)

Today I got to speak with Sebi Guillont, a friend of mine from my Twelve Step home group. Sebi got sober very young, he had ONE legal drink before getting sober, and he's now been sober to this day. I personally adore Sebi, I loved chatting with him - even though he's a Vols fan! - and I think you guys will enjoy our conversation too :)

Today we speak with Dylan Wilson aka King Lazy Eye. An up and coming musician and accidental content creator, Dylan is a self taught guitar player and master story teller/songwriter. Raised primarily by his grandparents, Dylan did well in school but turmoil in his family dynamics bled into his behavior in classes. Dylan started using at a young age, and ultimately meth became his drug of choice, leading to legal troubles and the loss of custody of his son. Clean from meth and other substances now for over 18 months, Dylan talks about growing up in small town Tennessee, learning to play the guitar by learning Weezer and Blink-182 songs, troubles with the law, finding the right formula for his current band and coming to terms with what surrendering looks like for him.

Today we have the pleasure of chatting with Rachel Slocum, aka @rachelelizabethxo on social media. The incredibly popular social media influencer and content creator shares about growing up in NY, getting into opiates, becoming a mother, using crack and heroin while maintaining a job as a dental hygienist and ultimately finding recovery in the last place she expected it...Austin, Texas. After getting sober in 2018, Rachel started a TikTok account during the pandemic and her popularity on TikTok exploded virtually overnight. Now a well known influencer and content creator, Rachel uses her unique comedic style to inspire and entertain other single moms and women in recovery.

After going to rehab 21 times with no success, Julia Barker was strung out on meth and heroin, working in sex work, living in a trap house - absolutely alone and terrified. After a particularly traumatic event, she turned to another addict in their community and the two began a relationship in addiction - that has lasted to this day. Now both in recovery and the parents to a beautiful daughter, Julia and Ryan have completely rebuilt their lives together in sobriety.

**TRIGGER WARNING references of abuse, violence and physical assault

Today I speak with Brandon Michael. Brandon was raised in an environment of extreme volatility, witnessing and enduring physical abuse between and from a variety of parental figures in his life. Incarcerated for two years by the age of twenty, while on parole after his first term, Brandon was involved in a violent altercation that resulted in a seven year prison term. After his second term, Brandon's heroin addiction began. Through use of methadone, he has been clean from heroin since 2014 and from methadone since 2017.

If you’re an opiate addict you’ve been there. If you’re not an opiate addict, you’ve been somewhere you never thought you’d come back from…right? We all have those gnarly stories that are so embarrassing we just can’t imagine sharing them. Luckily for you, you don’t have to cause Jeannine and Nate do!! Listen in as the two hosts share times they were almost murdered by their own poo.

We do recover!

Do you have an NDPE? DM us or email chasingheroine@gmail.com and we'll share it on the show! Anonymously if requested of course :)

Wrestling mall cops, hiding bikes in the bushes, whacked out on librium in jail, these are the elements in today's episode. Today Jeannine shares her last arrest in 2013 for strongarm robbery. Jeannine and Kim also discuss the 4 stages of contemplation and the importance of having a purpose in life for successful recovery.

Today I interview Abbey Fickley, a popular Instagram, TikTok and YouTube influencer. Sober now since 2018, Abbey walks us through her early life under the shadow of her incredibly bright siblings, how she became pregnant at a young age and how she got strung out on heroin by her early 20s. Ultimately losing custody of her daughter, Abbey found herself also facing felony charges pressed by her father and finally found sobriety in 2018.

Today I interview Sam Marks. I met Sam at a Twelve Step meeting and in just a ten minute share knew he had a great and unique story and a powerful message of recovery. Sent to boarding school for the duration of high school, Sam moved through four different institutions, experiencing trauma and abuse at two of them. After boarding school, Sam moved around the east coast a bit, ultimately ending up in New Jersey, and finds meth and heroin at a young age. At one point sober for ten months, Sam relapsed with alcohol, and before continuing to meth and heroin was able to find the power of community and friendship that he found in Twelve Step to stop himself at drinking. Sober now for six months, I had a wonderful time chatting with Sam and I'm sure you will enjoy our conversation.

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.

**TRIGGER WARNING

**todays episode references child abuse, please take care while listening.

Today is part two of Jeannine's interview with Matthew Hahn. Matt was a career criminal whose meth addiction and history of residential burglaries earned him three strikes by the age of 18. At 25, Matt was fresh off of parole, and back in his addiction. Returning to his old methods to support his lifestyle, Matt broke into a house and stole a safe - a choice that would change his life forever. What he discovered in that safe would pose a dilemma of choosing to turn in evidence of a crime - when to do so would cost him his freedom for the rest of his life.

Part Two picks up where Part One left off, in 2005 after Matt found evidence of a heinous crime inside a safe that he had stolen from a home. Matt ultimately returns to prison and begins leaning into Buddhism as a vital part of his recovery.

Today Jeannine interviews Kat Sorenson, aka @socalkattt, CEO and founder of Dual Diagnosis Detox/Rehab Laguna Shores Recovery. After over a decade of alcoholic drinking and cocaine abuse, Kat has been sober since 2015. Kat talks about not just alcoholic sobriety but emotional sobriety and her early rocky start in twelve step that included marrying another newcomer after two weeks of sobriety!

Today on the show Jeannine interviews Sara Clark, aka SaraBoo72 on IG and TikTok. Sara spent several years strung out on heroin and ultimately turned it all around and even became an attorney. Now married and a homeowner with a bonus daughter that she absolutely lives for, Sara is living the life of her dreams.

Claire Bays story is a true "Chasing Heroine" story in that her darkest moment directly led to the best version of herself.

Claire was filmed in a compromising situation which was then posted on social media - the video spread throughout her hometown and beyond, quickly gaining thousands and thousands of views. Claire used what is many people's worst nightmare and allowed it to fuel her into sobriety, entrepreneurship, leadership and speaking.

Claire also discusses in detail specific tools to manage disordered eating.

Today is Part Two of our interview with NodPod member, Joey Rakisits. Joey's story is SO inspiring - he did the rounds of alllll the things dope fiend, modifying cars, getting involved in criminal activity, staying in motel rooms, basically running amok in all the ways we addicts can run amok - and now he's CLEAN! Multiple prison terms, county time, again - ALLL the things. Today we pick up Joey's story with a near fatal overdose and his ultimate journey to get to a suboxone clinic with two therapists that changed his life. Clean now since September 20, 2021, we hope you enjoy Joey's episode at much as we did!

Today Jeannine speaks with Moira Kucaba. Moira is an alcoholic, addict, bulimic, and college dropout turned self-made millionaire and expert in helping people find their extraordinary.
For the last 25 years, Moira has obsessively studied ancient teachings, current day thought leaders, and everything in between. Her signature VPM method combines manifestation techniques rooted in neuroscience with actionable goals. She takes the woo out of manifesting and combines ancient tools with neuroscience backed strategies. 
As a struggling addict turned 7 figure CEO, she is here to show you how to turn your failures into success. Through the power of vision, manifestation, and a solid dose of accountability, she accomplished more in 365 days than she had in her entire life & she became the #1 coach in a billion dollar company. Today, she teaches people how to 10X their lives and transform their minds through her courses, speaking engagements, and coaching business.

Today our guest is Narcan Nate himself! Nate recently struggled through several months of a deep depression, concerning those who care about him, including Jeannine. Not sure if Nate would be able to make it through this period without relapsing - or worse - Jeannine was surprised, relieved and impressed to watch him continuously fight for his mental health and recovery. Nate nurtured his life and mental health through medication, fitness and sunshine, reconnecting with his sponsor and make some career changes that are better suited to a life of peace and serenity. Nate shares with the #nodpod the steps he took to find his way again, hopefully providing a blueprint for anyone else in recovery struggling through a mental health crisis.

Today Jeannine and Nate interview Merrit Hartblay. After success as a college track athlete, Merrit started drinking and using in the 70s and even got to spend some time at the legendary Studio 54 with some of the notorious celebrities and socialites of the time. Sober now since 2008, Merrit restarted his career as a substance abuse counselor in 2011, and is a Chemical Dependency Counselor/Case Manager for Seafield Outpatient in Manhasset, N.Y. Prior to joining Seafield, Hartblay worked as a full-time Addiction Counselor for the Addiction Center of Broome County in Binghamton. Concurrently, he attended Binghamton University and graduated with his Master of Social Work in December of 2016.

Today Jeannine interviews Arlina Allen, host of The One Day at a Time Podcast. Sober since 1994, Arlina hit rock bottom at age 25 and decided to stop the path she was headed down. Now married for 23 years with two teenage boys, Arlina has spent her sobriety diving into personal growth work and has developed a self-esteem course that focuses on learning to attract what you desire in the areas of "finance, romance and fitness." Arlina is also working on a book about navigating the Twelve Steps despite any conflicts with the Fellowship (aka the people that go to meetings), or the principles such as higher power, etc.

Today Jeannine and Nate interview Cody Kreutz. Cody is a recovery content creator and public speaker. After a suicide attempt in 2013 following years of alcohol and opiate abuse, Cody entered treatment ready to change his life. As an atheist, initially Cody found the concept of a "higher power" difficult to internalize. Early in recovery he found a way to navigate the Twelve Step program withOUT a higher power or spiritual connection. At six years sober, Cody found himself depressed and unfulfilled. Cody began seeking out people who seemed happy and content with their lives, and he actively chased what they had and did what they did. As a result he had a spiritual experience that completely changed his life and attitude. Cody shares his spiritual experiences with us today as well as his initial battle with drugs and alcohol.

**TRIGGER WARNING **

Today Jeannine and Narcan Nate speak with Jess, aka "one armd badass" on social media. Just as her handle implies, Jess lost her right arm as a result of the long term effects of Xylazine. Jess shares her story with complete candor in the hopes that she may help others who are either on the same path, or have met the same fate and feel ashamed or embarassed. Jess has an amazing outlook on life, has recently reunited with her family and is a popular recovery content creator on TikTok.

**graphic descriptions of skin infection from 40:00 to 40:45

Today Jeannine chats (and chats and chats!) with Erin Khar. Erin is an author known for her writing on addiction, recovery, mental health, relationships, parenting, infertility, self-care and occasionally her undying love for Beverly Hills, 90210. (They also discuss their 90210 astrological signs!)

Jeannine and Erin talk about Erin's childhood, early drug use, the escalation of drug use into young adulthood and ultimately how the birth of her son saved her life. Jeannine and Erin also discuss how intersectional addiction and chaotic, toxic relationships can be, as well as Erin's new book, "Strung Out, A Memoir of Overcoming Addiction"

Famous Tiktoker, social media influencer and sober advocate Brittany Jade joins the #nodpod fam today for an incredibly candid interview with Jeannine. Brittany Jade shot to tiktok stardom in 2020 and spent the early years of her sobriety navigating both her recovery as well as the perks and pitfalls of social media fame and recognition. Documenting her personal life and her sobriety journey for the public brought Brittany a lot of reward - and a lot of turmoil and controversy. Brittany speaks openly today with Jeannine about all of it - her marriage, her recovery, the infamous "snark" Reddit page, the end of her well known friendships and more.

TRIGGER WARNING**

Today Jeannine interviews Mary Beth O'Connor, retired federal judge, author and recovering addict. Mary Beth's book "From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph over Trauma and Addiction" chronicles the extreme abuse of her childhood, early drug use and ultimately is a guide book for anyone looking to find a recovery that is not centered around a Higher Power concept.

About Mary Beth:

For Mary Beth, childhood abuse and other traumas led to substance use disorder (addiction). 

Beginning with alcohol at age 12, she spent several years abusing various drugs. She found methamphetamine at 16 and started shooting up at 17. Mary Beth struggled with meth until she was 32 years old.

By incorporating ideas from multiple sources to build a secular (not 12-step or faith based) recovery plan that works for her, Mary Beth has been sober since 1994. She used similar techniques to address the trauma and related anxiety as well.

Mary Beth is a board member for LifeRing Secular Recovery and She Recovers Foundation.  She speaks on behalf of these organizations, about multiple paths to recovery, and about all topics related to substance use disorder and recovery. She also speaks about sexual abuse and rape, child abuse, domestic violence, ptsd, anxiety, and recovering from these as well.

Professionally, 6 years into recovery, Mary Beth attended Berkeley Law. She worked at a large firm in Silicon Valley, then litigated class actions for the federal government. In 2014, Mary Beth was appointed a federal Administrative Law Judge, a position from which she retired in 2020.

**depiction of sexual assault and physical and emotional childhood abuse throughout episode

Today Jeannine interviews Rachael B. Rachael grew up in a family where active addiction and a criminal lifestyle were the norm. Continuing the patterns of addiction she saw modeled in family members, as an adult, Rachael also continued living in the chaos and turmoil of a life in active addiction. Clean now since 2017, Rachael ended up alone - truly completely alone - in prison, indigent, no money on her books, no outside support, nothing. Forced to turn both inward by examining her life up to age 41, and turning outward to the women of Narcotics Anonymous for support, Rachael left prison in 2017 and began the process of changing her life. Rachael's story is a story of incredible resilience and grit and it was an honor to have her on the show. Her inspired and clear description of the "steps" of Twelve Step program work will enhance any listener's recovery journey.