#29 Nadine Machkovech: Author of 'Enough Already,' Co-Founder of Rise Together, TEDx speaker, storyteller

Nadine Machkovech helps communities talk about the things that actually save lives.​​​​​​​​​Too often, people walk around with good intentions but no place to process the real stuff — burnout, shame, identity loss, survival mode, disconnection. My work cuts through performance and inspiration to help people feel lighter, think more clearly, and live more whole lives. Her approach blends lived experience rooted in long-term recovery, evidence-based prevention frameworks, honest storytelling that creates connection, practical tools people can use after they walk out of the room.In this episode Nadine and Kelley discuss how to have conversations with young people around drugs and alcohol, sobriety and recovery as a young person, the multitude of resources available today for support, the importance of community, the launch of her new book as a first time author, being a step-mom, (and losing her 17 year old step-son) and mom to their 2 year old son, Aidyn. She shares immense gratitude for her life in recovery and her family’s recent relocation from Wisconsin to Florida. Nadine and her partner Anthony Alvarado, podcast guest #4 Co-Founded Rise Together, innovative programs that spark conversations, foster leadership, and provide life-saving resources:that builds connection, reduces stigma, and lifts youth voices through peer-led storytelling — so young people feel supported long before crisis. They help young people feel seen, supported, and connected — so they ask for help, support one another, and grow. They also recently launched Salt + Soil, the experiential expression of their work — a grounding space for restoration, reflection, and honest presence. These gatherings invite people to step out of survival mode and into connection with their body, their voice, and the people around them. Each experience is shaped with intention, simplicity, and care. It’s about remembering what’s already true.Watch Nadine’s TEDx talk: The Secret to Being EnoughPurchase her new book, Enough Already: A Journey from Hiding to Healing This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kelleykitley.substack.com