Addiction Uncovered

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase interviews Mallory Bowen, a former teen mom who battled addiction, probation, toxic relationships, and self-destruction — and now owns a successful intensive outpatient program in Utah dedicated to helping men reenter society after prison. Mallory shares how addiction began with abandonment wounds, how the “Jaywalker Story” from AA changed her mindset, and why she now leads with love when working with violent offenders and men rebuilding their lives. This episode is about redemption, surrender, and discovering purpose after chaos. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Mallory Bowen – Founder, Intensive Outpatient & Sober Living Program Utah Valley – https://www.utahvalley.com Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – https://www.aa.org Utah Department of Human Services – https://dsamh.utah.gov National Institute on Drug Abuse – https://www.drugabuse.gov This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:46 – The Start of Addiction 00:07:11 – The Addiction Timeline 00:10:17 – “The Jay-Walker Story” 00:17:52 – Hope Isn’t Hard 00:23:09 – Advice & Contact Information

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase interviews Cierra, who shares her deeply personal journey through grief, alcohol addiction, medical crises, and recovery. After losing her grandmother during the pandemic, Cierra turned to alcohol to cope — a decision that slowly spiraled into physical dependence, pancreatitis, seizures, withdrawal psychosis, and ultimately detox. What followed was a life-changing recovery journey, including residential treatment and rediscovering self-worth. This episode is raw, emotional, and filled with hope for anyone struggling with addiction or relapse. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:01 – The Start of Addiction 00:10:04 – Loss of Loved Ones & Withdrawal 00:22:11 – The Fateful Drive 00:27:03 – The Struggle of Change 00:29:46 – Advice

Addiction doesn’t just affect the person struggling — it reshapes entire families. In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, Maraleigh Lewandowski shares her experience as both a therapist and a mother navigating her son’s addiction. She opens up about fear, shame, broken trust, boundaries, and the isolation parents often feel when no one truly understands what they’re going through. A must-watch episode for parents, caregivers, and families affected by addiction. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Maraleigh Lewandowski – Therapist & Parent Advocate 📧 Contact: [email protected] This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠ or visit ⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:55 – The Start of Addiction 00:09:42 – Navigating Hard Feelings 00:11:59 – Setting Boundaries 00:18:20 – Advice for Parents 00:24:42 – “It’s Never Hopeless”

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase interviews George McGinness, a peer recovery coach and advocate whose life was shaped by addiction, trauma, and homelessness — and transformed by recovery. George shares how addiction began at a young age after a traumatic loss, the overdose that nearly took his life, and how recovery led him to become a voice for people experiencing homelessness. Now clean since August 3, 2021, George dedicates his life to harm reduction, Narcan distribution, and changing how society views addiction and homelessness. This episode challenges stigma and reminds us that compassion saves lives. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:43 – The Start of Addiction 00:06:56 – The Overdose 00:09:10 – Promoting Recovery 00:16:01 – Changing the View on the Homeless 00:23:16 – Advice & Contact Information

What does long-term recovery really look like? In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Roland Nielson shares how addiction shaped his childhood, escalated through adolescence, and followed him across the country — until fatherhood changed everything. Interviewed by Jill Nastase, Roland reflects on what finally made sobriety stick, how community support saved his life, and why recovery today is filled with gratitude, purpose, and joy. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:40 – The Start of Addiction 00:04:02 – Addiction Progression Through School 00:10:27 – Running Away to Florida 00:16:29 – Inspiration for Sobriety 00:22:42 – Finding a Support System 00:27:36 – The Joy of Recovery

In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Haley Ehlers to talk honestly about addiction, relapse, and the hard work of rebuilding self-worth. Haley opens up about where her addiction began, how trauma shaped her recovery journey, and why relapse didn’t mean failure — it became part of her healing. This conversation is raw, compassionate, and filled with hope for anyone who feels stuck or discouraged in recovery. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:45 – The Start of Addiction 00:07:20 – Finding Self Worth 00:12:44 – The Relapse 00:24:21 – Advocating Trauma Support 00:29:04 – Advice for Those Struggling

In a powerful twist for Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits on the other side of the mic as her best friend Collette Grimm interviews her about her personal journey through anxiety, motherhood, alcohol dependency, and finally—sobriety. This is Jill at her most honest, vulnerable, and inspiring. If you’re considering sobriety—or just curious about what it feels like—this episode is for you. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:13 – Jill’s Addiction Story 00:11:19 – Social Outings While Sober 00:13:50 – The First Year of Sobriety 00:22:53 – The Decision to Change

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Davin Cole, a retired law enforcement officer, to discuss addiction and recovery within the first responder community. Davin shares how a line-of-duty injury led to long-term opioid use, how PTSD quietly shaped his addiction, and why asking for help can feel impossible for those trained to protect others. This conversation sheds light on stigma, trauma exposure, and the cultural barriers that prevent first responders from seeking support — and what recovery can truly look like on the other side. If you or someone you love works in emergency services, this episode is essential listening. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Davin Cole – First Responder Advocate & Speaker National Institute on Drug Abuse – https://www.drugabuse.gov Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – https://www.samhsa.gov American Psychological Association – https://www.apa.org This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠ or visit ⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:55 – The Start of Davin’s Addiction 00:08:14 – Asking for Help as a First Responder 00:15:20 – PTSD & the Push to Sobriety 00:24:51 – Advice for Sober Living 00:28:23 – Current Community Work

What does healing look like when you begin from rock bottom? In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Paul Weishapl shares how addiction consumed most of his adult life — and how prison unexpectedly became the place where he found sobriety, mindfulness, purpose, and a sense of identity beyond his past. Today, Paul teaches harm reduction strategies and compassion-centered care for people who use drugs. His story is a rare and powerful look at hope inside and outside the prison system. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:41 – The Start of Addiction 00:12:15 – Creating Space to Heal 00:19:26 – The Light in Prison 00:25:42 – Meditation 00:33:56 – Current Community Work

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Marine Corps veteran Coby Bendig, who opens up about his early addiction, trauma from multiple deployments, and the years he spent battling alcohol and drug use. Coby shares his raw and emotional journey—from underage drinking and combat trauma to PTSD treatment, hallucinogenic-assisted breakthroughs, and a pivotal arrest that led him to the VA and, ultimately, recovery. Today, Coby uses his lived experience to support youth through prevention work and advocates for mental health and veteran-centered recovery. His honesty, humility, and hope make this an episode you won’t forget. Helpful Resources: Coalition Rx – coalitionrx.org Healing Forces – healingforces.org Omaha VA – www.va.gov/nebraska-western-iowa-health-care Narcotics Anonymous – na.org This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:47 – Addiction at an Early Age 00:08:33 – Addiction After the Service 00:15:55 – Healing Forces in Hawaii 00:24:59 – Fear as a Driving Factor 00:27:25 – Sobriety Today & Giving Back

In this heartfelt episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase talks with Heather Bird, a licensed therapist and social worker with over 30 years in the human services field. Heather opens up about her personal story — losing her father to alcoholism — and how that experience shaped her mission to help families heal from addiction. Through candid reflection and professional insight, Heather discusses managing emotions, court-ordered treatment, grief, and finding peace after loss. Her story reminds us that even in heartbreak, healing and hope are possible. 📧 Contact Heather: [email protected] This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:54 - Growing Up with Addiction in the Family 00:07:05 - Managing Emotions 00:10:30 - Court Ordered Treatment 00:15:23 - Remembering Loved Ones 00:23:45 - What to Know About Addiction & Recovery

After years of addiction, homelessness, and misdiagnosis, Tracey Curtis found recovery through faith, honesty, and the 12 steps. In this emotional episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase talks with Tracey about her road to 19 years of sobriety, rebuilding trust, and learning to live with purpose. Tracey’s journey from chaos to clarity is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible — but it takes honesty, community, and daily commitment. 📧 Contact Tracey: [email protected] This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:02:40 - Family History 00:09:41 - Struggles with Recovery 00:18:22 - Committing to the Program 00:25:59 - 19 Years Sober

After years of substance abuse, arrests, and self-destruction, Corey Allmendinger made a decision that changed everything. Now 12 years sober, he’s a licensed counselor, husband, father of eight daughters, and mentor to others in recovery. In this heartfelt conversation, host Jill Nastase and Corey explore the turning points that led to his transformation — from early substance use in junior high to finding spiritual peace and helping others heal through The Healing Path. A must-watch episode for anyone who believes in hope, faith, and new beginnings. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! ⏱️ Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:03 - Where did your Addiction Start? 00:05:19 - Early Recovery & Relationships 00:16:01 - The Strength to Recover 00:23:10 - Paying Recovery Forward 00:29:11 - Advice & Helpful Resources

After a ten-year battle with opioid addiction, Dave Ogden Jr. found his path to recovery — and a new mission to help others do the same. In this heartfelt conversation on Addiction Uncovered, Jill Nastase explores Dave’s experiences with withdrawal, relapse, Suboxone treatment, and what finally helped him turn his life around. Today, Dave works in counseling, helping others navigate recovery with compassion and honesty. His message: learn from your pain and find your purpose. References: UNMC – https://www.unmc.edu Omaha Addiction Resources -https://www.omahaaddictionresources.com This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! Chapters: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:01 – What Led to Addiction? 00:14:02 – The Wake-up Calls 00:26:38 – What’s Most Important for Your Recovery?

In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase speaks with Amy Holman, project manager at the Nebraska Pharmacists Association, who oversees programs on Narcan distribution and safe medication disposal. Amy shares her unique perspective as someone who loves a person struggling with substance use disorder, while also leading statewide overdose prevention efforts. She opens up about navigating boundaries, the painful reality of withdrawal, and why Narcan access can save lives. 📌 Resources: Stop Overdose Nebraska – https://stopodne.com/ Leftover Meds – https://www.nebraskameds.org/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:00:50 - Amy’s History 00:03:11 - Addiction Stories & Support 00:13:00 - Starting the Recovery Journey 00:15:36 - Withdrawal Symptoms 00:18:39 - Importance of Narcan 00:27:29 - Advice & Wrap-up

In this emotional episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Kayla Allmendinger, founder of The Healing Path, to share her incredible journey from addiction and loss to faith, sobriety, and building a recovery clinic that changes lives. Kayla opens up about her darkest days of meth addiction, the moment she turned everything over to a higher power, and the transformation that led her to become a licensed counselor and co-founder of The Healing Path. She now helps others find hope and freedom, proving that recovery is possible for anyone. 📧 Connect with Kayla: [email protected]🌐 Learn more: https://www.the-healing-path.org/ This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠⁠! Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:12 - Struggles with Addiction 00:09:21 - The Turning Point to Sobriety 00:17:42 - Advice 00:21:05 - What Does Life Look Like Now? 00:28:01 - “The Healing Path” 00:31:40 - Wrap-up

Jeremy’s addiction began when he was just 12 years old, leading to DUIs, drug use, and countless broken promises. Valerie stood by him until she couldn’t anymore—delivering the ultimatum that changed everything. In this Addiction Uncovered conversation, host Jill Nastase sits with Jeremy & Valerie Vargas to talk about recovery, faith, and the hard work of rebuilding trust in marriage. Their journey shows how love and commitment can overcome even the darkest chapters. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to ⁠Hurrdat ONE Website⁠ or visit ⁠Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel⁠!  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:35 - History of Addiction & Recovery 00:18:58 - How Do You Build Your Life Back Up? 00:29:57 - Advice to Couples

“Sobriety is my superpower.” That’s how Erin describes her transformation after years of drinking to escape pain. In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Jill Nastase talks with Erin about growing up with trauma, struggling with perfectionism, and the life-altering moments that led her to quit drinking for good. Through ayahuasca, therapy, and support from family, Erin discovered a deep resilience she never knew she had—and she’s sharing it here to inspire others. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!  Chapters: 00:00:00 - Intro & Teaser 00:00:50 - Welcome Erin! 00:04:48 - The Recovery Journey 00:16:00 - Psychodrama 00:19:14 - Hardest Part of Staying Sober 00:25:15 - Advice, Resources, & Wrap-up

I'm Jill, a Licensed mental health and addiction counselor, and a sober mom of 2 teens. With over 15 years of experience in behavioral health, I've listened to countless stories from those grappling with addiction and pursuing recovery. These stories inspired me to establish a space where people can share their experiences, bringing hope to those currently facing addiction. We’ll talk about what it's like being sober, how to access support, how to fight stigma, and ways to support loved ones in their struggle. This is a Hurrdat ONE Production. Hurrdat ONE is a podcast network and digital media production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat ONE Network by going to Hurrdat ONE Website or visit Hurrdat ONE YouTube Channel!