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!
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
23 Sept 2026
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
16 Sept 2026
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
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