Dark and Enlightened

I am a few weeks overdue on this, but I am finally here: my season finale episode! I have my husband, Jordan, on today's episode and it's all over the place. A few life updates, some deep convo, and then some ranting. I hope you enjoyed this season and the amazing conversations I had. I will start recording again in the fall, but until then: stay in touch. All my contact info is in the Linktree below.  Please take care of yourselves in my absence. Please know you are so loved and appreciated by me.

If you have enjoyed listening, please give me the top rating on your podcast platform! And if you don't think I deserve a top rating, just pretend I never asked this of you and move on hahaha.

To learn more about me or my side quests outside of podcasting, check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

Support the show

Today, I am so excited to share my conversation with Nadine Machkovech, who recently published her FIRST book, Enough Already: A Journey From Hiding to Healing. We discuss the importance of storytelling and her work with the youth and teaching them to share their stories. Additionally, we talk about the millennial era of body shaming and peer pressure, grief, imposter syndrome, and so much more. I hope you enjoy our conversation!

To learn more about me or my side quests outside of podcasting, check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

***

Nadine Machkovech is a motivational storyteller, TEDx speaker, and author of Enough Already: A Journey From Hiding to Healing. In long-term recovery from opioid use disorder for more than a decade, Nadine has transformed personal pain into purpose—reaching over one million people with her message of self-worth, healing, connection, and courageous truth-telling.

As Executive Director and founding member of RISE TOGETHER, she has helped lead innovative, connection-centered prevention efforts that empower young people to use their voices for change. Her work has been recognized by Forbes, USA Today, FOX, the National Safety Council, and the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. RISE TOGETHER’s research, developed in partnership with Penn State College of Medicine, has been published and indexed through the National Library of Medicine.

Beyond the stage, Nadine facilitates experiences that help people reconnect with themselves, their stories, and one another. Whether speaking to students, professionals, recovery communities, or women navigating life’s challenges, her work is rooted in the belief that healing happens through connection—and that we have been enough all along.

Learn more at NadineSpeaks.com

What is RISE TOGETHER?
Founded in 2013, RISE TOGETHER is a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth mental health and preventing substance use through peer connection, storytelling, and trusted relationships. Since its founding, RISE has reached more than 500,000 young people through school programs, educator training, and community initiatives designed to help youth feel seen, heard, and supported.

Grounded in lived experience and evidence-backed prevention, RISE believes every young person has a story—and stories save lives.
To learn more, visit WEALLRISETOGETHER.ORG

Support the show

I am so excited for today's episode! I have a very candid conversation with my amazing friend, Abby Teixeira, about her journey through C-PTSD. We discuss about the frustrations of having the double whammy of C-PTSD and other neurodivergent diagnoses. It was such a rich and deep convo and I truly appreciate Abby trusting me with her story. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Disclaimer: There is discussion of childhood sexual abuse, but absolutely no details. Details should never be needed for a victim to "prove" their story. We all should believe victims and understand that the trauma will live with them forever, so asking them to re-live these experiences in detail can be extremely traumatic for them. 

To learn more about me or my side quests outside of podcasting, check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

***

Abigail Teixeira is a speaker, trauma recovery coach, leadership guide, writer, and mother of four with over a decade of experience guiding women through deep personal and professional transformation. Drawing from her lived experience as a cycle-breaker, CPTSD survivor, and former nurse, Abigail brings a trauma-informed, identity-shifting approach to coaching that integrates nervous system healing, ancestral wisdom, and feminine leadership. Her work centers BIPOC women and femmes who are reclaiming their voice, income, and power — and leading from a place of truth and wholeness. Through her signature community gatherings, coaching programs, and keynote talks, Abigail invites others into reclamation, liberation, and legacy.

https://www.healingandcptsd.com/abby
https://www.instagram.com/speak.the.truth.with.abby

Support the show

We have a totally different format for our show today because this interview is IRL and not at my house! My friend, Teresa Sands, joins me at The Venetian (in my hotel room) for this episode. We talk about everything: grief, harm reduction, sex work, Gerald the dolphin, spiritual experiences, community organizing, etc. This is truly an ADHD episode and we hop around from topic to topic pretty effortlessly, so hope you can keep up :) If you want to actually hang with us and watch our convo, you can watch the convo on my YouTube channel (and prior episodes as well)! Link is below in my Linktree.

To learn more about me or my side quests outside of podcasting, check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

***

Teresa Sands is a devoted advocate, educator, and leader dedicated to advancing
addiction recovery and promoting harm reduction initiatives. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Teresa deeply connects to her community and brings a unique perspective to her work. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services with a focus on addiction studies from Indiana Tech. She is pursuing her Master of Social Work at the University of Nevada, Reno. Additionally, she is a Certified Peer Recovery Support Specialist, blending professional expertise with lived experience to empower individuals affected by Substance Use Disorder (SUD) while keeping people who use drugs safe and ensuring they have a seat at the table.

As an Admissions Coordinator, she helps individuals and families overcome the
challenges of accessing treatment, guiding clients through the complexities of care, and providing them with the resources and support they need to start their recovery journey. With 18 years of experience in show business, Teresa also brings a unique empathy and understanding to her advocacy for sex workers and survivors of sex trafficking. Her background has fueled her passion for human rights and commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels respected and supported.

Teresa is a proud member of the Recovery Advocacy Project Nevada, where she actively advocates for policies that support all individuals, including people who use drugs. She is also the Nevada Chapter Lead for Young People in Recovery, where she collaborates with amazing community partners to organize harm-reduction workshops, conduct overdose prevention training, facilitate Narcan distribution events, and create pro-social and safe spaces for the LGBTQIA community. Through these efforts, she emphasizes the importance of educating communities about multiple pathways to recovery and ensuring equitable access to care for underserved populations.

Narcan At Night Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61583216950150

Recovery Advocacy Project:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587666720352

Young People In Recovery:
https://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/

Young People In Recovery Las Vegas:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/yprlasvegasnv

Virtue Recovery Center:
https://lasvegas.virtuerecoverycenter.com/

Support the show

DISCLAIMER: my biggest apologies for the unexplained feedback that will keep randomly coming up throughout the episode. Mark sounds fantastic, but my audio kept sounding like an echo or like another person's convo in the background and I could not edit it out completely. However, it was such a good convo and I want you to hear Mark's story, so try to ignore my shitty sound quality. I didn't hear it in my headphones while I was recording at all, so that's a fun thing to investigate.

ANYWAY, thank you for coming to hang out again with me for another episode despite my shit sound quality. I had such a great convo with my friend, Mark Jachym about all of the things. He talks about his life before harm reduction as a correctional officer, along with his journey through recovery and how that has evolved into the work that he does today. I hope you enjoy the convo!

***

Mark Jachym is a harm reduction coordinator, advocate, and speaker with both professional and lived experience in substance use, recovery, and criminal justice system involvement. He works on the front lines of low-barrier shelter and overdose prevention and reversal, where he focuses on meeting people where they are, without judgment, preconditions, or stigma.

Mark brings a direct, grounded perspective shaped by his own history with chaotic substance use, incarceration, and recovery. His work centers on practical harm reduction strategies, overdose prevention education, syringe access services, and overdose prevention center advocacy, and creating shelter spaces where the only requirement for entry is the need for shelter.

Mark challenges the traditional narratives around addiction, housing, and public safety. He advocates for policies that prioritize dignity, evidence-based interventions, and the voices of people most impacted by the overdose crisis. 

Support the show

Today, I have the amazing Ronny Morales on! We talk about everything from content creation to recovery to relationships to AI to self doubt and everything in between. I hope you enjoy listening to our time together and you enjoy it as much as I did.

***

Ronny Morales is basically Hannah Montana! By day, he’s in the corporate world leading global AI trainings, and by night, he’s building a platform through content, storytelling, and real conversations. His sobriety journey, beginning on 09/30/2019, became the foundation for everything he does today, pushing him to explore new paths in tech, creativity, and connection. He’s known for connecting with people through honesty, humor, and perspective, both in person and online. Find him everywhere @ronnymorales or at ronnymorales.com. 

Support the show

While I love all the convos I have with people, I REALLY love the ones where I am talking to a fellow eldest child/sibling because there is an unspoken solidarity between us eldest kids. Today, I have a convo with my friend, Tom Farley, about all the things. We explore the complexities of grief, loss, and the unique bond shared by siblings who have experienced the death of a brother. We discuss the challenges of navigating family dynamics, the journey towards true vulnerability and authenticity, and the role of humor throughout it all. I hope you enjoy it!

***

Tom Farley grew up in Madison, WI, and graduated from Georgetown University with a degree in Marketing. He began his career in banking and finance before running The Chris Farley Foundation (1999–2012), a nationally recognized nonprofit focused on substance abuse prevention. Through humor-based programs, he helped young people build communication skills and create supportive environments. In 2008, Tom co-authored The Chris Farley Show, a New York Times bestseller about his late brother, comedian Chris Farley. He has appeared on The Today Show, Good Morning America, and Larry King Live to discuss addiction and recovery. Now in recovery himself, Tom is a passionate advocate for mental health and addiction treatment. He works at Recovery.com as Community Outreach Director, connecting people with the resources they need to heal. As a speaker, he shares his journey to break stigma, inspire hope, and foster connection. Tom lives in Madison, WI.

Support the show

Today, I have my friend and AMAZING author, Caroline Beidler, on the show! We had a great convo about women in leadership, spirituality, handling criticism, and her new book, When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction. She wears so many hats and I admire her determination and dedication. I hope you enjoy the convo!

***

Caroline Beidler, MSW is an author, speaker, and the Managing Editor of Recovery.com, a company that combines independent research with expert guidance on addiction and mental health treatment. Our mission is to help everyone find the best path to recovery through the most comprehensive, helpful network of treatment providers worldwide. She is the author of three books, Downstairs Church, You Are Not Your Trauma, and When You Love Someone in Recovery: A Hopeful Guide for Understanding Addiction with Nelson Books, coming Spring 2026. Her own lived experience in addiction, mental health, and trauma recovery inspires her to help other others find recovery in all its varying forms. In four short years, she has built a global network of recovery supporters through her storytelling platform and accompanying newsletter, Circle of Chairs which reaches thousands weekly. She is a creative and visionary, founding an annual global event on International Women’s Day with different sponsoring organizations each year that brings in thousands of supporters, along with co-leading a global research initiative on family recovery with leaders around the world. Her writing is described as funny, gritty, relatable, and insightful. When she isn’t writing, speaking, or building community, Caroline lives in Eastern Tennessee with her husband and six-year-old twins where she enjoys hiking in the mountains and building up her community’s local recovery ministry.

Learn more about my books here.

***

To see all the other things I do, check out: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

Support the show

Join me for an AMAZING conversation with my friend, Robyn Hantelman. We talk about gambling and our experiences with it. Would you guess I was talking to a former poker star? Neither would I! We talk about the connection with dopamine and competition, along with other neurodivergent tendencies. Also, if you have not heard of MARA (Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous), she explains that and the difference with other recovery paths. I had the best time chatting with her and I hope you enjoy the convo with us!

***

More about my amazing, inspiring friend, Robyn Hantelman:

A specialist in the "gamble" of recovery, she has traded compulsive behaviors—from slot machines to doomscrolling—for a life of science-backed healing and radical non-judgment. Late-diagnosed with ADHD and C-PTSD, she navigates the complexities of grief and the pursuit of maximum dopamine through zip lining, EMDR, high-pigment eyeshadow, and a love for all things shiny.

With a graduate degree in Counseling and PRS credentials, she recently pivoted from a coveted leadership role to become the sole Peer Specialist within a metropolitan EMS system, prioritizing harm reduction and the dignity of living life safely. A devoted advocate, she finally met her hero, Jaclyn Brown, at Mobilize Recovery in 2023 after "fan-girling" from afar.

Based west of Richmond, VA, her world is centered on her husband of nine years, Peter, and her 10.5-year-old tiny twin flame, Sawyer. She’s still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up, but she’s finally betting on herself to win it all. 

***

To see all the other things I do, check out: https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

Support the show

I know I was gone a LOT longer than I said I would be and as someone with abandonment issues, it wasn't very cash money of me to leave y'all hanging. I apologize for my extended hiatus, but if you know anything about astrology, my Pisces ass is finally getting out of Saturn, so shit has been all over the place.

My sister, Alison, and I spend a couple hours yapping, catching y'all up on random stuff. Getting back into recording has been harder than I expected, but I have a few episodes already recorded after this, so you'll be getting episodes for at least a few months on this stretch :)

Hope you enjoy the yapping!

***

If you want to watch the video of the convo instead, check it out 👇https://youtu.be/upNZgb8pzz0?si=QivAyIMyEfEGvMBu

To see all the other things I do, check out:
https://linktr.ee/staygoldenjaclyn

Support the show