I became the heroine of my own story.

Jeannine’s Story

In my late teens and early twenties, a series of events in my life led me to fall into a deep, deep sadness. I was paralyzed with grief - it hurt to breathe, I was in so much emotional turmoil and anguish.

I had once been a star student and a young leader in my community. I was an award-winning debater and proud academic scholar - headed to an elite university in Washington, D.C. A few things happened in my personal life and I lost it. I mean, I really lost it. I gave up completely on every dream I had ever had.

I did not yet have the tools to process my emotions, so I started looking outside of myself for solutions. Eventually, I found drugs and alcohol. Initially, drinking and doing drugs really worked. They stopped the pain, they stopped the sadness. That became my solution for nearly fifteen years. Over time, though, the drugs got harder and the consequences more severe. I ended up homeless and strung out on heroin for the last several years of my active addiction.

Anyone who has ever been physically addicted to an opiate knows - once it’s on, it’s on. My entire life became about chasing heroin. I chased heroin into horrible neighborhoods, into dangerous situations, into jail, into hospitals. I was well on my way to chasing heroin into death.

Then something miraculous happened.

I chased heroin into recovery.

Through the process of recovery, which for me involves twelve-step meetings, sponsorship, service, and physical exercise, I haven’t just found myself again. I have found a much better version of myself. I found an evolution of myself that I don’t believe I would have ever become without my addiction. I am kinder, stronger, and smarter. Recovery gave me a spiritual life that involves principles of service that I know I would have never made a priority. That girl in high school, who had so much promise, doesn’t have anything on the woman I became - as a direct result of my addiction.

Through this podcast, I hope to guide other addicts on a journey not just out of active addiction, but towards peace with - and possibly even gratitude for - the choices and paths they have taken.

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WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Jeannine is the cutest

I love this podcast. I love Jeanine’s energy, her sense of humor, and the compassionate way she interacts with her guests. All of the guests are such resilient and interesting people, and there are some really beautiful and uplifting stories. I would recommend this to anyone looking to get some education, if you want to laugh, or if you just want to have a big cry. 10/10.
"This is the podcast to listen to in early recovery."

I’m 4 months in recovery. This podcast has really helped keep my recovery in the forefront. The guests in the show have built my esteem and taught me how to view who I am in recovery in a positive light. Learning about recovery and the journey of other has given me so much more control over my addiction. Very empowering.
"Weekly dose of hope"

I found this podcast for the saddest of reasons. About a week after my son Jasper told me he’d been using heroin he died from a dose of fentanyl—taken mistakenly, most likely. He was three days away from his 19th birthday. Soon after that I happened to see a news doc on the fentanyl epidemic on the other side of the country from us, in San Diego. It included Nate. I followed Nate on IG and that’s how I found this podcast. I deeply appreciate the work Jeannine and Nate are doing. Even though my sweet son is gone before he even had a chance for a recovery, somehow, hearing other people’s recovery stories is healing for me. I am cheering all of you on, wherever you are in your journey. I’ve learned a whole lot about heroin, addiction, and what my son was up against, and I understand things much better. Thank you for everything you both do. Hang in there especially to Nate
"This podcast is everything - insightful, inspiring and entertaining!"

Chasing Heroine is a reminder that recovery is always possible, no matter how challenging your circumstances. There is so much wisdom infused in every episode, and Jeannine is so fun and approachable, you feel like you’re in conversation with a good friend. Thank you for everything you’ve given to the recovery community!!
"This podcast gets me through it"

So happy I found this podcast. It’s been so instrumental in helping me work through and maintain my food addiction/binge eating disorder. Jeanine and Nate are fantastic hosts for interviews. Love the discussion so much. It makes me feel so much less alone.
"Longtime Listener- First Time Rater!"

It’s like listening to friends talk. Find myself saying “MmmHmm” aloud often, nodding my head, laughing, with my AirPods in. 🤦‍♀️ Tried to listen to a few other “similar” podcasts, but no one else seems to have this primo blend of humor, motivation, seriousness, real actionable ‘advice’ and tidbits, and just plain telling it like it is(like it really is!). Grateful for Jeannine, Nate, Kim, and all the guests.