his week’s episode features the powerful story of a woman who endured the darkest depths of heroin and crack addiction—homelessness, sex work, selling drugs, arrests, and violent assaults. After years of chaos, she found her turning point and got sober in 2018. Her journey didn’t stop there. Against all odds, she built a new life as a devoted mother, wife, and homeowner. Today, she works in the treatment field, dedicating her life to helping others heal through trauma therapy. She also shares how an unexpected arrest on her one-year sober anniversary sparked a deeper sense of spirituality that continues to guide her path. This is a raw and inspiring conversation about resilience, redemption, and the power of recovery.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Welcome back to another episode of Chasing Heroine! Y'all will love RJ Elizarraz, owner of Oak Forest Recover in Agoura Hills and host of the "Against All Odd's" podcast with Rachel Slocum and Hunter Sheppard. I may have related more to RJ's story than any other guest. The details of our lives are completely different, but his feelings about not needing traditional recovery because of being so incredibly special :) is exactly how I felt as well. After finding himself strung out on heroin over and over again, RJ finally found lasting recovery through connection with other men in a truly accidental sober living. Let me know your favorite part of RJ's story! chasingheroine@gmail.com Connect with RJ on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on Instagram Connect with Jeannine on TikTok
Straton’s story is one of grit, chaos, and ultimate redemption. After dropping out of high school in North Carolina, he headed west to Oregon in search of opportunity, finding himself in the marijuana industry. But what started as chasing a lifestyle spiraled into a devastating heroin addiction. At his lowest, Straton chose to live in a tent on the sidewalk - steps away from the dope dealers - despite still owning a house of his own.Today, sober since 2021, Straton has rebuilt his life from the ground up. He’s thriving as a successful car salesman, grounded in the principles of a twelve-step program, and living proof that recovery is possible no matter how far down the scale you’ve gone.In this episode, Straton shares his raw journey through addiction, the mindset that kept him trapped, and the tools he uses daily to stay connected, accountable, and free.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
In part two of Harold’s story, we pick up in 1998 as he enters sobriety after decades of drinking and crack addiction. His journey through early recovery is anything but simple - Harold finds himself selling crack while sober, and later endures a bizarre tragedy that changes his life forever. Along the way, he receives an incredible gift from a fellow twelve stepper that reshapes the course of his recovery. Harold’s honesty, wisdom, and depth of experience continue to shine as he shares the lessons that have carried him through more than two decades of sobriety.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
In this first part of a two-part conversation, we sit down with Harold, a beloved figure in the local recovery community who has been sober since 1998. Harold shares the powerful story of how decades of drinking and crack addiction derailed his promising football career and countless other athletic opportunities, and how the devastation of addiction ultimately brought him to the rooms of recovery. With over two decades of sobriety, Harold has become a walking encyclopedia of Twelve Step wisdom and recovery principles, offering insight, honesty, and hope to everyone he meets. This episode dives into his early life, his struggles, and the path that led him to embrace recovery and begin a journey of transformation.Our episode today ends just before Harold gets sober in 1998.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Eric’s journey begins in a small town in Ohio, where he was raised in a strict, religious fundamentalist household. The shift from being homeschooled to suddenly navigating public high school was jarring, and Eric turned to drinking and smoking weed as a way to cope. What started as a teenage escape grew into a cycle of destructive relationships and escalating substance use - Percocets, then heroin.Over the years, Eric’s addiction drove him into schemes to hustle money, from petty hustles to full-blown counterfeiting operations. His criminal activity eventually caught the attention of federal authorities, leading to ten felony charges and even a visit from the Secret Service.But Eric’s story didn’t end there. Clean since 2014, he has become a beacon of hope - showing that it’s possible to find deep spirituality without traditional faith. Today, he owns Sacred Journey Recovery, a men’s treatment center in Vista, California, dedicated to an experiential approach to healing with a strong focus on trauma therapy.In this episode, Eric opens up about the chaos and consequences of his addiction, the unraveling of his life under the weight of heroin and crime, and—most importantly—the path he found to rebuild everything. His story is raw, unfiltered, and a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the hole, recovery and redemption are possible.Check out Sacred Journey RecoveryDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
From the depths of Skid Row to the heights of entrepreneurial success, Khalil Rafati’s story is one of the most jaw-dropping transformations you’ll ever hear. Once a homeless heroin addict, Khalil hit rock bottom before rebuilding his life piece by piece. In this episode, he opens up about the brutal reality of addiction, the turning point that sparked his recovery, and how he went on to create SunLife Organics—a superfood empire with wildly popular health bowls and smoothie shops that have become cultural staples.Khalil doesn’t sugarcoat his past, and he doesn’t pretend his success was easy. He shares how self-reliance, recovery, and an unwavering belief in possibility allowed him to build a life beyond his wildest imagination. Whether you’re struggling to find hope, or simply looking for inspiration to start over, Khalil’s journey proves that no matter how far you’ve fallen, a comeback is always possible.Connect with Khalil on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
This week, we sit down with ESPN reporter and former Rutgers gymnast Lauren Sisler, whose story is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring. In 2003, Lauren lost both of her parents within hours of each other to fatal fentanyl overdoses—a devastating truth she was too ashamed to share at the time. For years, she told friends and teammates that her parents had died of heart failure and respiratory issues, hiding from the stigma of addiction. It wasn’t until seven years later that Lauren began to face the truth, and a full decade before she opened their toxicology reports.In this powerful conversation, Lauren shares how she found the courage to peel back the layers of shame and grief and embrace what she now calls the “Shatterproof Mindset.” She opens up about the path to forgiveness, the resilience born from tragedy, and how learning to fall in love with her own story has allowed her to honor her parents’ memory while helping others find healing in theirs.If you’ve ever struggled with grief, shame, or the fear of telling your truth, this episode will show you that even the most shattered stories can become unbreakable.Connect with Lauren on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookWorkout with me on PatreonConnect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: I am so excited for you all to meet another one of my #SGGC girlfriends, Britt! Britt absolutely blew me away with her poise, eloquence and knowledge around recovery and her journey into autism awareness. I love her and I know you will too!This week, we sit down with my friend and fellow Sober Girl Group Chat member, Britt Bernard, to hear her powerful story of transformation. Raised in Philadelphia by a police officer father, Britt’s early experimentation with cough medicine spiraled into years of heavy drinking and party drugs—she even managed to get herself banned from the Eagles’ stadium, “The Linc.” With her dad’s badge often shielding her from consequences, the chaos continued until an abusive relationship became the breaking point that pushed Britt to make a change.Sober since 2018, Britt has built a beautiful life alongside her sober partner, Dan, raising their son, Billy. When Billy was diagnosed with autism, Britt leaned into advocacy with the same openness she brings to her recovery—using her voice and her platform to share vulnerable truths, offer advice, and break down stigma for other moms walking a similar path.Britt’s story is one of grit, resilience, and love, and this episode is a reminder that recovery doesn’t just change our lives—it can ripple out and change the lives of everyone around us.Connect with Britt on InstagramJoin the Facebook Private Sober Girl Group ChatDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookWorkout with me and get access to private content on PatreonConnect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.com
In this raw and unforgettable episode, we sit down with Renzo, a man whose story takes us from the halls of an Ecuadorian naval academy to the darkest corners of addiction — and finally, to redemption and love. Sent away as a teen in hopes of “straightening out,” he returned with more of taste for alcohol than ever. By 21, he was smoking meth. A move to the East Coast meant a fresh start… until heroin took over. His desperation ran so deep he once faked appendicitis — and had a perfectly healthy organ removed — just to score pain meds.After countless relapses, he finally got sober in his forties. The same day we recorded this episode, Renzo proposed to his girlfriend and they are now engaged — a full-circle moment for someone who never thought love or freedom was possible. Now, he works in treatment and shares his story to prove that no matter how far gone you feel, it’s never too late to come back.This one’s wild, honest, and packed with hope. You don’t want to miss it.Can't wait to hear what you guys think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
At just 24 years old, Ashley’s life changed in an instant. After years of struggling with meth addiction and surviving the brutal realities of sex work at just 17l, a tragic accident left her a quadriplegic. But rather than giving up, Ashley found the strength to do the unimaginable—she got sober. In this raw and deeply inspiring conversation, Ashley shares how she rebuilt her life from rock bottom, found freedom in sobriety, and now lives independently with a heart full of gratitude—even for the accident that changed everything. This is a story of unimaginable pain, unshakable courage, and the kind of healing that can only come from within.Can't wait to hear what you guys think about this episode!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
With over 5 million followers across platforms, content creator and entrepreneur Gabbie Egan built an empire sharing her unfiltered life online—from motherhood and marriage to bold opinions and viral moments. But behind the scenes, alcohol and marijuana were slowly pulling her away from the version of herself she knew she could be.In this raw and inspiring conversation, Gabbie shares how a single Alcoholics Anonymous meeting in September 2024 sparked a life-changing shift. We talk about what finally clicked for her, what sobriety looks like as a public figure and young mom, and how her clarity in recovery is fueling her success more than ever—including running a thriving t-shirt business and managing an Airbnb.This is a story about evolution, empowerment, and why getting sober doesn't mean losing your edge—it means finally stepping into your power.
Note from Jeannine:I am so honored to introduce you guys to Steve Ellis, the sober living house manager that saved my life. Many of my stories are about Steve and the wisdom he shared with me in the darkest days of my active addiction and early sobriety. His insight and way of speaking to me was instrumental in my success in sobriety. Please let me know what you think!Episode Description:In this powerful episode, I sit down with Steve Ellis, a man whose story of survival, relapse, redemption, and resilience will stay with you long after you listen. Steve grew up bouncing between Chicago, Alabama, and San Diego. Initially able to escape a choatic home life through sports, most notably as a standout basketball star, a career ending injury in high school left him discouraged about his future, and by the age of 21, he was addicted to crack and living on the streets of downtown San Diego. He spent over a decade homeless, cycling in and out of prison, until he got sober at 32.For the next 12 years, Steve defied the odds: he became a successful business owner and a beacon of hope in his community. But addiction crept back in. A relapse that led to a years long fentanyl addiction cost him everything — his home, his business, his freedom. He ended up right back where he started: on the streets.Today, Steve is two years sober and deeply committed to living in truth, humility, and service. His journey is a raw and honest reflection on the realities of addiction, the painful cost of relapse, and the profound beauty of getting back up again. Wise, grounded, and full of insight, Steve has inspired thousands — and his story will inspire you too.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: I am so honored to bring you an encore run of my episode with Rachel, recorded in April 2024. Since this interview, Rachel and I have become great friends, traveling to NYC and LA together. I admire and adore her, and I know you will too - enjoy!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.Connect with Rachel on TikTokConnect with Rachel on InstagramConnect with me on TikTokConnect with the me on Instagram
Note from Jeannine: hey, y'all! I was so excited to interview Alexis! I was of course interested in interviewing her as a a participant in The Bling Ring, but as I learned more about her I became even more intrigued about her range of knowledge and experience in therapy and recovery. I learned so much from her, and I know you will, too!Episode description:In this powerful episode, we sit down with Alexis Neiers — former reality TV star and convicted participant in the infamous Bling Ring burglaries — for an unflinching conversation about addiction, incarceration, and radical transformation. After serving jail time twice and struggling publicly with substance use, Alexis found sobriety and purpose. Today, she’s a recovery professional, spiritual seeker, and advocate for healing.We dive deep into her journey through shame and sensational headlines into profound healing — from working with Internal Family Systems and somatic therapy to navigating a divorce in sobriety. This episode is raw, inspiring, and a testament to what’s possible when we choose recovery, integrity, and inner work.I can't wait to hear what you guys think about the episode!Connect with Alexis on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
**trigger warning: suicideNote from Jeannine: this is going to be one of y'alls favorite episodes of all time. I was blown away by Carrie's vulnerability and resilience. She also shared one of the most profound meditation and prayer practices that I have ever heard - I started it this week, actually. Please let me know your thoughts! On New Year’s Eve, Carrie's life shattered with the sound of a gunshot—her husband took his own life in the next room. What followed could’ve destroyed her, but instead, it became the moment she chose to live. In this raw and powerful episode, she shares how that night marked the beginning of her sobriety—and how she rebuilt her life from the wreckage.This is a story of unimaginable loss, but also of resilience, radical honesty, and spiritual awakening. We talk about her daily prayer and meditation practice, finding love again in sobriety, and the deep healing that’s taken place in her relationship with her mother.If you've ever wondered whether it's possible to come back from the darkest night of your life, this episode is your answer.DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine: So, this is a pretty big one for me. In 2020, while my studio was closed, I started manically listening to various podcasts every day looking for motivation and insight. One morning while sitting on the floor of our strength room, I heard the story of The Coffee Bean, as told through Clemson coach, Dabo Sweeney. The origins of that story begin in a jail cell in Texas - with today's guest. Interviewing him and telling him the impact his story had on me was a very cool experience and a reminder to me that my Higher Power is always working in my life...even when I can't see it. Special thank you to Dave from Dopey for connecting me with Damon. Enjoy!Episode description:Today Jeannine interviews Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice. Damon is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker and 3 x Wall Street Journal bestselling author. His bestselling business book, The Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change, was listed by Forbes’ in the “Top Twenty Books You Need to Read to Crush 2020.”His autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, vividly tells how he transformed the pot of boiling water that is a Texas maximum-security prison into a pot of coffee.At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury. He turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress, was a national fundraiser on a U.S. Presidential campaign and eventually trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit.After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. His story of redemption, grit and determination continues to inspire audiences today.Damon shares his story of how his first use of meth escalated into homelessness in 18 months, including all manner of tweaker hijinks, including a mail man hustle and stealing a car from the Texas Rangers police impound. We talk recovery, resentments, rebuilding after incarceration and never letting dreams die. Let me know what y'all think!Connect with Damon on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Note from Jeannine:I had a great time chatting with Patrick. I found him to be incredibly insightful, vulnerable and honest. He is someone is consistently doing work to try to become the best version of himself, and I think we can always learn from people who are willing to take accountability, and share their solutions. Enjoy!Episode description:Patrick Holbert is a stand-up comedian whose special, "Qualification,: is out now! Patrick grew up in rural New York and didn't start drinking until college. College drinking escalated - and ended - pretty quickly. Patrick got sober at twenty-seven and has embarked on a journey of twelve step sobriety and fellowship that introduced him to his wife, as well as his solution for his problems in sobriety.Please let me know what you think!Connect with Patrick on InstagramDM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Y'all are gonna love Deana as much as I did.Deana was adopted into a family in Calabasas and thrown into the entertainment industry as a child. Enduring childhood abuse by her adoptive mother led to teen rebellion and drug use. Addicted to crack cocaine by eighteen years old, Deana spent the next thirty years of life addicted, homeless and lost.Deana finally got sober in 2020 and is thriving in her life. She shares her story with humor and vulnerability. I was so inspired by her story, and I know you will be too!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!
Jimmy's using career began and ended early. Starting with weed and massive amounts of cough syrup eventually progressed to cocaine and meth. Jimmy's meth use descended into homeless and countless stints in jail - quickly. Locked up on nine warrants - plus a new charge of breaking and entering into his family home - Jimmy went to jail on July 20th, 2013 for the last time. He has now been sober since that date as well. Jimmy is not a twelve step person and I really enjoyed learning about the recovery program and process he put together for himself.Can wait to hear what you think!DM me on InstagramMessage me on FacebookListen AD FREE, watch bonus content & workout with me on Patreon Connect with me on TikTokEmail me chasingheroine@gmail.comSee you next week!