Unfiltered: Dare to Level Up

UnfilteredDaretoLevelUp
  • 5.0 (3)
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 Welcome to Unfiltered: Dare to Level Up with Lynn Zielasko. We have real conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, mindset, relationships, business, and leadership, and what it truly takes to become your strongest self. We have real conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, mindset, relationships, business, and leadership, and what it truly takes to become your strongest self. It's more than a podcast. It's a movement for healing, growth, and purpose. We're bridging the gap, bringing together people in recovery, entrepreneurs, business leaders, advocates, and change-makers who believe awareness creates impact, challenging you to rise above limitations, think bigger, lead stronger, and level up, one decision at a time. No filters, no fluff, just real conversations that create real change.

  1. 6d ago

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 12: Connection Is the Opposite of Addiction: Caleb’s Recovery Story

    Connection Is the Opposite of Addiction: Caleb’s Recovery Story In the premiere episode of this special mini-series, host Lynn sits down for an intimate, deeply candid conversation with her husband, Caleb, to explore the raw realities of addiction, relapse, and the grueling journey toward a purposeful life. Caleb opens up about more than a decade of substance abuse—tracing its escalation from marijuana and alcohol to methamphetamine—and reflects on how profound isolation and a fierce desire for self-reliance ultimately kept him trapped. Through his unique lens, Caleb shares the turning points that redefined his journey, including the holistic programming and Wellbriety traditions that helped him truly engage in healing. He opens up about the reality of his recovery path: the 18 months spent in an Oxford House, the false sense of being "cured" after completing the 12 steps, and how a single drink following a job layoff sparked a painful year-and-a-half relapse filled with suicidal ideation. This episode is a powerful testament to the necessity of self-forgiveness, the ongoing work of addressing trauma, and the life-saving realization that true connection is the ultimate opposite of addiction.      For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  2. Oct 8

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 11: Surrender, Sobriety, and "Coffee with God"

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Heather to explore her deeply moving journey through addiction, a life-saving mental health crisis, and the beautiful reality of long-term recovery. In a beautiful twist of fate, Heather and our host discover they share the exact same sobriety date—January 13th—exactly one year apart. Together, they reflect on what it truly means to surrender, rebuild, and continuously show up for one another in the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous. Heather opens up about how alcohol took hold of her life early on, starting at just 10 years old as a way to cope with a difficult childhood. She takes us through her high school years marked by blackouts, the heavy-drinking culture of her time in the military, and the complex reality of how motherhood temporarily paused—but didn't cure—her addiction. After a major move from Washington to Texas stripped away her remaining structure, Heather found herself in the depths of a suicidal crisis. Thanks to a life-saving call to the Veterans Crisis Line, Heather began a journey of profound surrender. From spending two weeks in a VA psychiatric ward and 44 days in rehab to finding her home in AA, she shares how willingness and daily routines—like her morning "coffee with God"—keep her sober today. Tune in to hear an honest, raw, and ultimately hopeful conversation about: How childhood coping mechanisms can evolve into adult addictions. The unique challenges of military drinking culture and navigating motherhood. The turning point: reaching out for help and learning to follow directions. What "practicing recovery in all areas of life" actually looks like. The healing power of service, sponsorship, and allowing yourself to finally feel.    For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  3. Oct 1

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 10: Boundaries, Ethics, and Empathy: Redefining Support in Long-Term Recovery

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Kalei as she reflects on a major milestone: celebrating 13 years of recovery alongside her son’s 13th birthday. Kalei opens up about her journey from a turbulent youth—which included running away and experiencing homelessness on the streets of Seattle at just 12 years old—to finding her true calling in community advocacy. She shares how her relationship with recovery has evolved over more than a decade, transforming her from someone focused strictly on meetings into a dedicated mother, leader, and mentor who makes intentional space for family and service. As the development manager at the Everett Recovery Cafe, Kalei dives into the logistics and deep rewards of building sustainable support for those seeking help. She discusses the realities of managing everyday relapse triggers, why choices like non-alcoholic beer didn't feel safe for her path, and how she navigates the unique fears of parenting a teenager when her own adolescence was so chaotic. Through her work teaching the Recovery Coach Academy, Kalei highlights the vital role of boundaries, professionalism, and diverse lived experiences in creating safe spaces for healing. Looking forward, Kalei reveals her change to study social justice to support middle-school students during their most vulnerable years. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about the everyday victories of recovery—from watching members regain hope and obtain driver's licenses after major setbacks, to the profound impact of showing up for your community with empathy, boundaries, and a clear sense of purpose.    For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/   https://everettrecoverycafe.org/

  4. Sep 24

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 9: High on Life: Discovering Joy, Connection, and Community in Recovery

    In this episode of Unfiltered, guest Mike Wassemiller joins host Lynn for a deeply candid conversation about resilience, leadership, and the reality of addiction recovery. Mike shares his journey from navigating early fatherhood and racing motorcycles to managing a career at Boeing, explaining how his recovery tools shaped his management style. He later transitioned into coaching and human services, and he opens up about navigating burnout as well as a relapse after more than 15 years of sobriety. He details the intense shame and disconnection he felt, and the powerful moments of surrender, vulnerability, and faith that ultimately brought him back to a life of recovery. The episode also highlights the profound impact of peer support networks, community collaboration, and the simple joy of living "high on life" without substances. Mike discusses his current work as a program development manager and peer support director, using tools like community softball to teach participants that mistakes do not define their identity. Together, Mike and Lynn—who shares her own powerful story of rebuilding trust after a life-changing drunk-driving crash—emphasize that recovery agencies must work together rather than compete. They advocate for solution-focused leadership, housing, and wraparound services that collectively help people overcome barriers and truly come back to life.   For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  5. Sep 17

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 8: Sobriety, Leadership, and Finding Deeper Purpose

    What happens when you trade the chaos of active addiction for the clarity of recovery at age 45? You don't lose yourself—you finally find yourself. In this beautifully candid and unfiltered episode, host Lynn sits down with her close friend Kim for an intimate, deep-dive interview into the profound transformations that sobriety has brought to her life, leadership, and relationships. Together, Kim and Lynn look back at where their stories intersect—from their early days in a real estate office to the growth of Lynn’s mission-driven organization, Kennedy’s Place. Lynn opens up about the raw, practical realities of early recovery, what it really takes to transition out of homelessness or incarceration into sober living, and why leading people through their darkest moments feels infinitely more meaningful than managing everyday business fires. In this episode, we dive into: The Reality of Early Recovery: The critical importance of structure, from employment and meetings to establishing basic daily routines and legal requirements. Rebuilding Broken Trust: How sobriety lifted the brain fog and allowed Lynn to show up as a present, trusted mother, daughter, and grandmother. Sober Relationships vs. Chaos: Re-learning intimacy and dating without alcohol, and how her partner Caleb’s calm energy helps balance Lynn's intensity. The Strength in Vulnerability: Taking off the armor, learning to delegate to an incredible support team (including Jeremy and Shawndra), accepting help, and the power of a simple hug. Protecting Your Peace: Navigating holidays, travel, and celebrations sober—including Lynn’s personal strategy of creating an "escape plan" (and why she once left Easter early to protect her peace). Whether you are walking your own path of recovery, leading a team, or learning how to drop your emotional defenses and release old resentments, Lynn’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability doesn't make you weak—it makes you unstoppable.    For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  6. Sep 10

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 7: Showing Up and Suiting Up: Transforming Lived Experience into Policy Change

    In this powerful episode, hosts April and Lynn explore how the journey of recovery can transform deep shame, survival, and loss into a life of purpose, service, and systemic advocacy. April candidly shares her personal trajectory from a stable, "white-picket-fence" life to severe substance use, homelessness, and operating in constant crisis while living in a tent. Together, they dive into the raw emotional realities of early sobriety, discussing the physical toll of survival mode, the challenge of learning to feel vulnerability and joy again, and the deep healing that comes through peer support, community housing, and self-forgiveness. The conversation also highlights why recovery is never a one-size-fits-all journey. April outlines her unconventional path to wellness—including couples recovery housing, harm reduction, and medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD)—which eventually led her to vital peer support work at the Snohomish County Diversion Center. Ultimately, April and Lynn demonstrate how lived experience can fuel political advocacy, encouraging listeners to "show up, suit up," and use their own stories to shape policies and inspire systems change.    For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  7. Sep 3

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 6: Stuffing Envelopes to Saving Lives with Eric Velez

    In this episode of Unfiltered and Dare to Level Up, host Lynn sits down with E. V. to discuss his journey through a decade of heroin addiction, incarceration, and his path to over ten years of sustained recovery. Moving from Wisconsin to Washington for a fresh start, E. V. shares how he progressed from entry-level employment to working as a counselor, recovery technician, and drug court coordinator.   The conversation reframes recovery as the active pursuit of a self-directed life—focusing on personal milestones like education and homeownership rather than just abstinence. E. V. highlights the limits of one-size-fits-all programs, emphasizing that real healing requires examining a person's unique environment, relationships, and routines after treatment.   Finally, the episode dives into the systemic side of addiction support, detailing the critical need for coalition building among housing, transportation, and healthcare providers. E. V. and Lynn stress the importance of using plain language instead of confusing jargon to help overwhelmed families navigate services, reinforcing that resilience and community support are the true keys to long-term success.   For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

  8. Aug 27

    Lynn Zielasko Unfiltered — Episode 5: Building a True Foundation for Recovery with Laurie Hardie

    What does it actually take to rebuild a life after addiction, incarceration, or homelessness? In this episode, host Lynn, founder of Kennedy's Place, sits down with podcast coach Laurie Hardie to discuss why true recovery housing requires structure and accountability, not just a roof over someone's head. Drawing from her own sobriety journey and real estate background, Lynn breaks down why "housing first" models often fail without the proper tools, and how routines, phases, and clear boundaries help residents move from survival mode into long-term growth.  Lynn and Laurie dive deep into the messy, necessary work of learning how to live again—from mastering basic daily chores and rebuilding family trust to overcoming the health consequences of addiction. Together, they challenge the stigma surrounding recovery, explain the critical difference between enabling and empowering, and share how structured community support provides the foundation people need to truly help themselves.  What you will learn in this episode:  Structure vs. Independence: Why people coming out of addiction need strict routines and phases before they are ready for complete independence.  Enabling vs. Empowering: How to teach vital adulting skills and accountability rather than creating a cycle of dependency.  The Reality of Rebuilding: A look at the long process of healing family relationships, overcoming shame, and restoring broken trust.  Reducing Barriers to Growth: How level-two recovery housing helps residents navigate practical steps like securing IDs, medical care, and stable employment.  Notable Quotes:  "Clarity is power."  "If nothing changes, nothing changes."  "We want to help them help themselves."  Loved this episode? Please subscribe, rate the show, and leave a review to help us reach more listeners who need to hear these powerful stories of recovery!     For more information, visit:  https://kennedysplace.org/

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About

 Welcome to Unfiltered: Dare to Level Up with Lynn Zielasko. We have real conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, mindset, relationships, business, and leadership, and what it truly takes to become your strongest self. We have real conversations about addiction, recovery, trauma, mindset, relationships, business, and leadership, and what it truly takes to become your strongest self. It's more than a podcast. It's a movement for healing, growth, and purpose. We're bridging the gap, bringing together people in recovery, entrepreneurs, business leaders, advocates, and change-makers who believe awareness creates impact, challenging you to rise above limitations, think bigger, lead stronger, and level up, one decision at a time. No filters, no fluff, just real conversations that create real change.

Information

  • Creator
    UnfilteredDaretoLevelUp
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Unfiltered: Dare to Level Up