Addiction Uncovered

Hurrdat ONE
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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! 

  1. 4d ago

    How Sobriety Helped Andy Smith Find a New Purpose | Addiction Uncovered

    What happens when addiction takes over your life before you've even had a chance to figure out who you are? For Andy Smith, the journey began at just six years old. On this deeply emotional episode of Addiction Uncovered, Jill Nastase sits down with Andy to discuss a decades-long struggle with addiction, shame, mental health, and the search for something that could finally make the pain stop. Andy opens up about growing up around family challenges, discovering alcohol and drugs at an early age, and spending years trying to escape feelings he didn't know how to process. His addiction eventually led to repeated legal troubles, multiple attempts at treatment, and moments when he struggled to see a way forward. But this isn't just a story about how far addiction can take someone. It's a story about finding your way back. Andy shares how shame and isolation shaped his life, why he struggled to trust himself and others, and how recovery required him to confront some of the most painful parts of his past. He also discusses the role faith, support, accountability, and small steps played in helping him build a different future. His message is especially powerful for anyone who has ever felt defined by their worst decisions: you don't have to be perfect to change, and you don't have to do it alone. And then there's an unexpected chapter in Andy's journey: Brilliant Baklava! From the darkest parts of his addiction to the life he's building today, Andy's story is a reminder that recovery can open doors to new dreams, meaningful connections, and opportunities to give back. Andy doesn't claim to have everything figured out. He describes recovery as an ongoing process—one that requires daily effort, honesty, and a willingness to keep growing. Your past may be part of your story, but it doesn't have to be the end of it. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, we hope this conversation reminds you that help is possible, change can happen, and you don't have to face the journey alone. 💙 Subscribe to Addiction Uncovered for more honest conversations about addiction, recovery, mental health, and hope. REFERENCES Brilliant Baklava — Specialty baklava and Andy's entrepreneurial venture:https://brilliantbaklava.com/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BrilliantBaklavaOmaha Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/brilliantbaklavaomaha 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 – Andy Smith's Journey: From Addiction to Recovery 02:12 – Family, Divorce & Early Exposure to Addiction 06:25 – Addiction, Mental Health & Losing His Identity 11:52 – Breaking the Cycle of Shame 13:48 – When Addiction Turns Against You 16:36 – Why Fear Alone Couldn't Keep Him Sober 18:09 – Finding Faith, Acceptance & a Different Kind of Love 22:40 – Learning to Connect With People Again 24:36 – The Unexpected Gifts of Sobriety 28:30 – The Hope That Comes From a New Perspective #AddictionUncovered #AddictionRecovery #Sobriety #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealth

  2. Oct 14

    Nothing Feels Like Love & Safety Like Dopamine | Trisha Anderson

    What happens when your brain mistakes a behavior for love, safety, or survival? Trisha Anderson joins Jill Nastase on Addiction Uncovered for an incredibly honest conversation about addiction, attachment, trauma, and the lifelong process of learning how to feel safe within yourself. Trisha shares how addiction was present in her family long before she understood what addiction was, and how growing up around inconsistent attachment and emotional dysregulation shaped the way she learned to cope. She explains how children don't just listen to what adults tell them—they watch what adults do. That becomes especially important when Trisha explains the powerful relationship between dopamine and unmet emotional needs. “Nothing feels like love and safety like dopamine.” The conversation explores why substances—and other dopamine-seeking behaviors—can temporarily make someone feel connected, confident, accepted, or comfortable in their own body. Jill and Trisha talk about recovery as a process of learning new ways to regulate, connect, and care for yourself. They discuss different recovery pathways, why people shouldn't judge someone else's route to sobriety, and why support and compassion can be more powerful than criticism. Instead, she asks us to see the human being underneath the behavior—and to recognize that accountability and compassion can exist at the same time. But it's also about attachment, trauma, love, safety, self-worth, and learning how to become your own cheerleader. And it ends with one beautifully simple message: Love yourself. Love each other. Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Trisha Anderson – Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker & Mental Health Practitioner References Hope Collaborative - https://hope-omaha.com/ Debra Wesselmann - https://www.debrawesselmann.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!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Meet Trisha: When Addiction Starts Before We Realize It 00:02:04 – How Childhood Teaches Us to Cope 00:10:10 – Why Dopamine Can Feel Like Love & Safety 00:14:37 – There Is No One “Right” Way to Recover 00:17:31 – The First 90 Days Can Change Everything 00:23:26 – One Day at a Time: Start With Today 00:26:06 – How to Protect Yourself in Early Recovery 00:29:09 – Addiction Doesn't Make You a Bad Person 00:33:31 – Healing Trauma Through EMDR & AFTT-A 00:36:49 – Love Yourself & Love Each Other #AddictionUncovered #TraumaRecovery #AddictionAwareness #Sobriety #MentalHealth

  3. Sep 30

    From Addiction to the Air Force: Ryan Desch’s Journey to Sobriety & Purpose

    In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Ryan Desch, a trauma-informed mental health counselor, Air Force veteran, and person in long-term recovery. Ryan shares how his addiction escalated quickly in college, leading him to drop out and enter rehab at just 21 years old. What followed was a life-changing journey — from early sobriety to a 10-year career in the U.S. Air Force, and now into the world of mental health counseling. This episode explores identity, discipline, trauma, and what it truly means to rebuild your life from the ground up. If you’ve ever wondered what life can look like after addiction — this is it. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Ryan Desch – Mental Health Counselor & Air Force Veteran Penn State University – https://www.psu.edu EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – https://www.emdr.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!  Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Intro 00:00:51 – From “I’d Never Use” to Full-Blown Addiction 00:09:15 – Why Our Brain Craves Comfort & Predictability 00:15:40 – Staying Sober in the Military Environment 00:25:12 – From Air Force to Mental Health Counseling 00:30:34 – Advice for Anyone Struggling with Addiction

  4. Sep 23 ·  Bonus

    It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: A Live Conversation About Addiction & Recovery | LIVE

    What happens when four people with very different recovery journeys sit down in front of a packed room and simply talk? That’s exactly what happened in this special live episode of Addiction Uncovered. Host Jill Nastase brings together Matt Dwyer, Buom Dobuol, Paul Weishapl, and Dr. Nikki Zabik for an honest conversation about addiction, recovery, mental health, and the realities of living sober. The panel tackles the assumptions people make about addiction, why you don't have to “lose everything” before asking for help, and the ways sobriety can bring back something many people don't expect: joy. They also talk about rebuilding relationships, finding sober hobbies, creating supportive communities, and what family members can do when someone they love is struggling. Most importantly, the message is simple: It’s okay to not be okay. You are not alone. And asking for help is a sign of strength. Recorded live in downtown Omaha, this special Addiction Uncovered conversation brings together lived experience, science, harm reduction, and community to remind us that recovery is possible — and life in sobriety can be incredibly rewarding. References: Nebraska Harm Reduction Program — Official Website UNMC — Official Website ROSS Leaders — Official Website 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 – Welcome to the First Live Addiction Uncovered 00:02:41 – What Do People Get Wrong About Addiction? 00:05:41 – You Don’t Have to Lose Everything 00:07:12 – The Unexpected Joys of Sobriety 00:11:43 – Finding Fun Without Alcohol or Drugs 00:14:18 – Does Alcohol Really Help Anxiety? 00:20:46 – Finding Community & Creating Safe Spaces 00:23:06 – It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

  5. Sep 16

    A 10-Year-Old’s Perspective on Addiction with Holly & Malachi Porter

    In one of the most powerful episodes of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Holly Porter and her 10-year-old son Malachi to explore how addiction impacts not just individuals — but families. Holly shares her journey from early substance use to becoming a counselor and business owner, now over 10 years sober. But what makes this episode truly unique is hearing from Malachi — a child growing up in recovery, navigating life with a sober mom and a father who is currently incarcerated due to addiction. Malachi offers wisdom far beyond his years, speaking openly about loss, resilience, faith, and what it means to grow up surrounded by both addiction and recovery. This episode is a must-listen for parents, families, and anyone who wants to understand the real impact of addiction across generations. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Holly Porter – Founder, Main Street Counseling Malachi Porter – Guest Main Street Counseling – https://www.mainstreetcounseling.com Alcoholics Anonymous – https://www.aa.org Contact: mainstreetcounseling@outlook.com Social: @mainstreetcounseling 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 00:01:24 – From Experimenting to Addiction (Holly’s Story Begins) 00:05:50 – What a 10-Year-Old Learns from Addiction 00:13:35 – Growing Up with an Incarcerated Parent 00:17:58 – Turning Pain into Purpose (Helping Others Recover) 00:21:32 – Advice for Families Facing Addiction

  6. Sep 2

    What Does “Sober Curious” Actually Mean? | Casey Davidson Explains

    The term “sober curious” is everywhere right now — but what does it actually mean? In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Casey Davidson breaks down the concept and explains how people can start questioning their relationship with alcohol without labeling themselves or hitting a breaking point. She joins Jill Nastase to share her journey from daily drinking to sobriety, the “moderation trap” many people get stuck in, and why taking a longer break from alcohol can change everything. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Casey Davidson – Sobriety Coach & Host, Hello Someday Podcast Hello Someday Podcast – https://hellosomedaycoaching.com/podcast Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-hello-someday-podcast-for-sober-curious-women/id1508913688 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 00:01:06 – The Sober Journey 00:07:28 – Being Sober Curious 00:15:45 – Happiness Through Sobriety 00:20:43 – Helpful Resources 00:25:54 – Casey’s Current Pursuits 00:30:43 – Advice & Wrap-up

  7. Aug 19

    How Sobriety Helped Buom Dobuol Rebuild His Life & Serve Others

    What happens when someone stops numbing the pain and starts facing it head-on? In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Buom Dobuol opens up about the real cost of addiction, the mental health struggles he hid from others, and the turning point that led him toward sobriety. He talks with Jill Nastase about answered prayers, giving himself grace, and building healthier routines through faith, community, movement, and service. Buom’s story is especially powerful because it shows that addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect — and that recovery can become a platform for helping others heal too. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Buom Dobuol – Community Engagement Director, Ross Leaders Ross Leaders – https://www.rossleaders.org Heartland Work Solutions – https://www.heartlandworksolutions.com Sober Approach – https://www.soberapproach.com New Me Run Club – https://www.instagram.com/newmerunclub/ 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 00:00:50 - The Start of Addiction 00:06:28 - Answered Prayers 00:08:20 - Excellent Sudanese Programs & Other Programs 00:12:37 - Tips on How to Stay Sober 00:16:09 - Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction 00:18:34 - Wrap-up

  8. Aug 17

    The Science of Addiction: What Alcohol Really Does to Your Brain | Dr. Nikki Zabik

    Why is addiction so difficult to overcome? In this special bonus episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase welcomes Dr. Nikki Zabik, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), to explore the neuroscience behind addiction, alcohol, anxiety, and recovery. Drawing from both her groundbreaking research and her own sobriety journey, Dr. Zabik explains why addiction isn't simply about willpower—it's about how alcohol changes the brain's stress and reward systems over time. Together, Jill and Dr. Zabik discuss why people continue drinking even when they know the risks, the difference between "browning out" and blacking out, how alcohol rewires anxiety pathways, and why movement, creativity, and connection play such an important role in long-term recovery. Whether you're in recovery, love someone struggling with addiction, or simply want to understand the science behind substance use, this conversation offers practical insight and genuine hope. References: Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase Dr. Nikki Zabik – Research Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) Email:nzabik@unmc.edu Bluesky: @neurozabik.bsky.social Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)https://www.aa.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 00:01:06 – Why We Keep Using Drugs (The Brain Explained) 00:04:58 – Dr. Nikki's Personal Sobriety Journey 00:09:42 – Browning Out vs. Blacking Out 00:14:56 – Why Knowing the Risks Isn't Enough 00:19:18 – The Science Behind Alcohol & Anxiety 00:25:01 – Three Healthy Ways to Rewire Your Brain 00:29:34 – Recovery Is About Intention, Not Perfection 00:32:08 – Advice for Anyone Struggling with Addiction

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2 Ratings

About

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! 

Information

  • Creator
    Hurrdat ONE
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Hurrdat Media