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What if you did everything 'right' - good family, college degree, steady job - yet still found yourself spiraling into addiction? This week, Zach Dawson and guest co-host Ciara Bolling sit down with Matt Heskett as he shares his gripping journey from a seemingly normal upbringing to the depths of opioid and heroin addiction. Matt’s story is a raw look at how quickly things can unravel, the lies we tell ourselves, and the courage it takes to finally ask for help. In this episode, Matt opens up about the first prescription that changed everything, the dangerous rationalizations that let his addiction grow, and the pain of losing trust with family and lifelong friends. You'll hear about the interventions that nearly broke him, the small moments of grace from unexpected places -including a pivotal encounter with law enforcement - and how hitting bottom finally led him to lasting recovery. Zach and Ciara dig deep into the emotional and mental struggles behind substance use, why quick detoxes don't work, and the importance of real community support. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, whether you think you 'fit the mold' or not, this conversation is for you. Matt’s story proves that recovery is possible no matter where you start. Reach out to us or someone you trust if you need help. You’re not alone, and there’s a way out. https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

What does addiction look like from a mother’s perspective? In this deeply personal and emotional episode, Zach sits down with his own mom, Melaine Dawson, to have an unfiltered, eye-opening conversation about his journey through addiction - from his earliest struggles with self-esteem to brushes with the law, and how it all impacted their family dynamic. For the first time, they confront hard truths, share untold stories, and reflect on the pain, confusion, and moments of hope along the way. Together, Zach and Melaine retrace the early warning signs, the heartbreak of discovering substance use, and the desperate attempts to trust and support a loved one in the grip of addiction. They talk candidly about enabling, denial, and the constant push-pull between hope and fear. Melaine opens up about the helplessness and prayers of a parent watching her child spiral, while Zach shares the internal battles and the lengths he went to hide his addiction. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves someone struggling with addiction, or for those seeking to understand the far-reaching impact substance use can have on families. If you or someone you care about needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out - support is available, and you are not alone. https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

What happens when the grip of addiction is stronger than even a mother’s love? In this episode, Hannah Till joins the Bare Knuckle Recovery team to share her raw and unfiltered story - from a seemingly ordinary childhood in Fort Wayne, to the spiral of substance use, abusive relationships, and the powerful, lingering shame that followed her through pregnancy and early motherhood.  Hannah opens up about the moments that shaped her journey, the traumas she tried to numb, and the turning points that forced her to finally confront the truth about herself and her addiction. Listen in as Hannah details the first time painkillers gave her the sense of belonging she always craved, how quickly recreational use turned into dependence, the devastating impact of being abruptly cut off from prescriptions, and the dangerous transition to street drugs during the opioid epidemic.  She shares the heartbreak of using throughout her pregnancy, the judgment she felt from others - and herself - and the desperate attempts to seek help when shame felt insurmountable.  Hannah’s story is a testament to how addiction distorts self-worth, complicates relationships, and how the journey to recovery is rarely straightforward. If you’re struggling with addiction, especially as a parent or someone carrying the weight of guilt and trauma, Hannah’s vulnerability will resonate deeply.  This episode is for anyone who feels alone in their fight, for families trying to understand, and for anyone ready to break the cycle. Remember, you’re not alone and it’s never too late to ask for help. Reach out to Bare Knuckle Recovery for resources. Hope and healing are possible. https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

This episode of the Bare Knuckle Recovery Podcast features a powerful conversation with Brenda Gerber Vincent, the Chief Growth Officer at Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.  Brenda joins Tommy Streeter and Nate Moellering to pull back the curtain on what it means to lead a high-stakes professional career while maintaining long-term recovery. "It’s my struggles, not my successes, that have made me who I am." - Brenda Gerber-Vincent  What happens when a high-achieving professional, a board chair, and a mother realizes that her "stealth" dependency on alcohol is no longer manageable? In Episode 38, Brenda Gerber-Vincent shares her journey from the "golden age" of Allen County economic development to the quiet descent into chaos that nearly cost her everything. Brenda discusses the "evolution of sharing" her story and why she eventually traded the safety of a mask for the freedom of the truth. From her defining moment sitting shoulder-to-shoulder with her mother to her competitive drive to "win" at recovery, this episode is a masterclass in discipline, humility, and the power of second chances. In this episode, we discuss: The Myth of the Mask: Why successful professionals are often the best at hiding their struggles and the fear of "losing it all"."No More Stories": The pivotal moment Brenda decided to be honest with her children and her community.Treatment over Termination: Why businesses need a healthy workforce to thrive and how to support employees through recovery.MODIS (Miracles on the Other Side): The mentoring group Brenda founded to support professional women in their own recovery journeys.The Discipline of Recovery: How the same skills that keep Brenda sober for 18 years make her a better leader in the business world.And much more! You can watch this episode on YouTube by searching for Bare Knuckle Recovery or find all of our episodes on bareknucklerecovery.com Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

In this meaningful episode, Zach Dawson and Bob Springer sit down with Becky Savage, a nurse, mother, and the founder of the 525 Foundation. Becky shares the heart-wrenching story of a single night in 2015 that changed her family forever: the loss of her two eldest sons, Nick and Jack, to accidental drug overdoses during graduation party season. Becky describes the harrowing morning she discovered her sons and the "out of body experience" of performing CPR on her own child while paramedics responded to a second 911 call from the same house.  We discuss the hidden dangers of prescription drug misuse, the "gap in knowledge" that still exists today, and how Becky and her husband moved forward by focusing on their two younger sons while turning their grief into a mission of advocacy. We also dive deep into the origins of the 525 Foundation - named after Nick and Jack’s hockey numbers - and how a simple idea from her then 11-year-old son grew into a nationally recognized nonprofit. Becky explains the foundation’s "Wise Up" program, which provides parents and educators with the facts and conversation starters needed to bridge the communication gap with youth.  Join us for an essential conversation on prevention, education, and the life-saving power of simply starting a dialogue. 🎧 By the way, you can listen to this episode, or any past episode, on your preferred podcast platform.  👀 Or, you can watch the episodes on our website or by searching Bare Knuckle Recovery on YouTube. ----- 📝 Key Topics Covered in this episode: The "Normal" Sunday Morning: Becky walks through the surreal experience of losing two sons in one night and the "prophecy" of watching them sleep. The Danger of the Unknown: Exploring how a lack of conversation about prescription drug misuse led to a fatal mistake. The Birth of 525: How a handful of memorial bracelets became the "seed money" for a foundation dedicated to prevention. "God Winks": The incredible story of how the foundation received its official 501c3 status on May 25th (5/25). Practical Prevention: Refusal skills, "exit plans," and why parents should treat leftover medication like a "loaded gun" on the counter. --- 🔗 To learn more about the 525 Foundation, visit: https://www.525foundation.org/ 👊 To watch and/or listen to past episodes of the Bare Knuckle Recovery podcast, or to reach out to our team, visit: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

In this episode of the Bare Knuckle Recovery Podcast, Zach Dawson and Bob Springer kick Nate and Tommy out of the studio to take over the mics to speak directly to the two groups of people who reach out to them the most: moms and significant others. Zach and Bob dive deep into the wreckage caused by active addiction, sharing vulnerable stories about the manipulation, lies, and fear they inflicted on the women who loved them most. They discuss the long, difficult road to rebuilding trust, emphasizing that sobriety is just the beginning... true recovery requires a complete change in behavior and integrity. Later in the episode, the conversation shifts to the realities of working in the recovery field. The hosts open up about the toll the job takes on their families, the necessity of accountability among teammates, and how they navigate the fine line between helping others and being present for their own homes. In this episode, we cover: The addict vs. the partner: How relationships survive the chaos and the transition into a healthy, sober dynamic.Rebuilding trust: Why "just trusting" an addict doesn't work and why it takes years of consistent action to repair the damage.The mother-son bond: Bob shares a touching story about taking his mother to breakfast with his own money and the redemption of being present for her when she passed away.The "monster" of addiction: Understanding how drugs change a person's personality and why they lash out at the people they love most.Accountability on the front lines: A raw look at how the BKR team supports each other, including a story about finding a stash of drugs on a job and relying on teammates to do the right thing.Whether you are a mother, father, a spouse, or someone in recovery trying to make amends, this episode offers a message of hope: don't give up, because people can and do change. Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

💚🎗 Join Tommy Streeter and Nate Moellering for this powerful episode as they sit down with special guests Zach Dawson from the Bare Knuckle Recovery team and Allendale Treatment, along with Jarred White, founder of FW22, to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month and PTSD Awareness Month (recorded in June). 👀 Note: If you'd prefer to watch this episode, you can find it on YouTube by searching for Bare Knuckle Recovery. The group delves into the stark reality of mental health struggles, particularly the skyrocketing suicide rates, especially among men and veterans. They explore how modern life contributes to the problem, discussing the isolating effects of social media and "artificial connectivity," which often replaces genuine human connection; a key to overcoming addiction, depression, and anxiety. A core part of the discussion centers on the nature of PTSD, with Jarred sharing his perspective that it's often rooted in what someone tried to do to you rather than what one has done. They also explore the complex relationship between substance abuse and mental health, noting that one can mask the other, making it difficult to properly diagnose and treat. The episode then shifts to focus on the solution, emphasizing the critical need for action and commitment, not just talk, to achieve lasting recovery and mental wellness. They stress that treatment is not "one size fits all" and encourage listeners to find their support system and take proactive steps like exercise, prioritizing sleep, and journaling. Zach shares his personal journey, underscoring the importance of asking for help and actively working to rebuild relationships. 👊 The team closes with a strong message of unwavering support: they promise to fight tirelessly for anyone reaching out, regardless of circumstance, with a commitment to meet people where they're at, but not leave them there. Reach out to the BKR team here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Reach out to Jarred and FW22 here: https://www.fw22.org/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

In another powerful episode of the Bare Knuckle Recovery Podcast, hosts Tommy Streeter and Nate Moellering welcome special guest Warren Gumpel, a leading voice and educator on ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Warren shares his deeply personal journey, including his struggle with depression, anxiety, and substance use issues which eventually led him to a life-saving discovery: ketamine treatment. Ten years ago, after a couple of treatments, his depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts were gone. Inside the Conversation The Power of Neuroplasticity: Warren breaks down a critical concept: ketamine is not a "silver bullet". Instead, it acts as a powerful catalyst and provides a window of heightened neuroplasticity —the brain's ability to build new thought patterns and neurons —allowing a person to implement the necessary behavioral changes in their daily life.Dissociation and Trauma: The discussion dives into the dissociative aspect of ketamine, explaining how it temporarily shuts off the brain's "default mode network" (the inner ego and narrative). This process allows an individual to gain a critical distance from traumatic memories, enabling them to re-examine and recontextualize them without the overwhelming physiological "fight or flight" response; an effect that works synergistically with therapies like EMDR.Best Practices and Safety: The conversation covers the difference between outpatient and inpatient care with inpatient facilities like Allendale Treatment offering the optimal environment for building durable habits away from triggers. Warren stresses the importance of a multidisciplinary screening approach and cautions against recreational use, emphasizing that these medicines must be used as part of a therapeutic process with medical supervision.The Psychedelic Horizon: Warren gives an exciting look at the future of mental health treatment, touching on the efficacy of MDMA for PTSD (especially for veterans) and psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression.A Story of Redemption: Hear the incredible story behind the documentary "Lamar Odom Reborn", where Warren helped the NBA star through his own ketamine and Ibogaine treatments following a near-fatal overdose. This moving example showcases the incredible hope and transformation possible for those struggling with trauma and addiction.Don't miss this crucial conversation about innovation, hope, and the critical work being done to change the landscape of mental health and addiction recovery. Discover more episodes and watch the video version of this episode on YouTube or at www.bareknucklerecovery.com Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

Episode 33 of the Bare Knuckle Recovery Podcast is one of our most powerful and practical yet. Hosts Tommy Streeter and Nate Moellering are joined again by Mike Sedjo for a raw, unfiltered conversation about relapse, recovery, and what it really takes to build a sustainable sober life. Too often, relapse is seen as the end of the road—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we dive into: → Why relapse is not the end of recovery → How to get back up after setbacks without losing progress → The guilt and shame of relapse—and how to break free from it → The role of self-care in avoiding burnout and staying balanced → Learning to replace “all-or-nothing” thinking with healthy temperance → The importance of new hobbies, joy, and community in sobriety → How families can support loved ones in recovery without destroying themselves in the process This episode is packed with hard truths, lived experience, and encouragement for anyone walking the recovery road—whether it’s your own journey or someone you love. 👉 Relapse doesn’t define you. Self-care isn’t selfish. And recovery is about more than just putting down the substance—it’s about rebuilding a life worth living. 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on recovery, hope, and second chances. 📱 Follow Bare Knuckle Recovery for daily content and updates: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bareknucklerecovery Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bareknucklerecovery Website: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

In this powerful two-part episode of the Bare Knuckle Recovery podcast, co-founders Tommy Streeter and Nate Moellering sit down with Scott Valentic and Bob Springer to share their incredible journeys.  Scott, with a background in the military and as a narcotics detective, and Bob, who experienced life through incarceration and addiction, highlight their vastly different pasts that have surprisingly led them to work together towards the same mission: recovery. Join them as they discuss: Their individual experiences and how their unique paths shaped who they are today.The initial apprehension and eventual mutual respect and understanding that developed between a former cop and a former convict.The importance of confronting personal struggles, embracing vulnerability, and the power of human connection in the recovery process.How their past challenges now serve as a foundation to help others find their path and live their best lives, emphasizing that "change is possible."This episode is a testament to finding common ground in humanity, overcoming adversity, and the transformative power of choosing a path of recovery and service. Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

Is addiction tearing your family apart? In Episode 31 of Bare Knuckle Recovery, Tommy Streeter, Nate Moellering, and guests Bob Springer and Emma Rosebrock confront the agonizing challenges of loving someone through active addiction. This powerful two-part discussion unpacks the painful realities of lying and manipulation, revealing the science behind how addiction hijacks the brain and can change the person you love. Join the BKR team as they share raw personal experiences and offer crucial insights on: Setting Life-Saving Boundaries: Why they're essential, how to establish them with loved ones in active addiction, and understanding the manipulation tactics often faced.The Hijacked Brain: A clear explanation of the dopamine effect, the brain's pain-pleasure balance, tolerance, and how addiction rewires survival instincts, leading to behaviors that are not the "real" person.The "Should They Come Home?" Dilemma: A frank discussion about the complexities and potential pitfalls of allowing a loved one back into the family home after treatment or incarceration.Accountability Over Enabling: The critical importance of natural consequences, the family's role (and what it isn't), and why outsourcing support to professionals and recovery communities is vital.Debunking "Rock Bottom" & "Readiness": Challenging common myths and emphasizing that recovery is about action, even when it's uncomfortable or initially forced.Hope Through Shared Experience: Honest stories of past struggles, the pain caused and experienced, and the transformative journey of recovery for both individuals and their families.If you're grappling with a loved one's addiction, feeling lost in a cycle of deceit, or struggling to maintain healthy boundaries, this episode offers profound understanding, practical advice, and a strong message of hope.  Tune in for a brutally honest conversation that could change how you navigate addiction in your family. https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

Scott Valentic joined the Army in 2002 and served time in Iraq. Following active duty, Scott became a police officer, and then ultimately a detective within the drug taskforce. On this episode of the Bare Knuckle Recovery Podcast, Scott shares his perspective on the trauma of working in those environments, how he turned to alcohol to numb that emotional pain, his denial about having a problem with alcohol, and then ultimately how he came to be sitting here today as an employee of Allendale Treatment and member of Bare Knuckle Recovery with 3.5 years of sobriety. Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

Anton Talamantes, MMA Coach & Personal Trainer in the Fort Wayne area, sits down with Nate & Tommy to talk about the parallels between exercise and sobriety. Specifically, as a black belt in wrestling / MMA / grappling, Anton talks about the powers of mixed martial arts, especially in sobriety, and the wide range of spiritual, mental and physical benefits. https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

Jarred White, Marine Combat Veteran and Founder of FW22, is back on the show and he's talking in circles. - Jarred talks about being shaped like a circle and making positive life changes - He talks about the importance of the people you surround yourself with and keep in your circle - He shares how these relationships have come full-circle with Nate's involvement in FW22 and the partnerships between Bare Knuckle, FW22 and Allendale Treatment. - And Jarred talks about why we can't just circle November 11 on the calendar to celebrate and support our Veterans. It's estimated that 22 Veterans take their own lives every day due to unresolved mental health ailments. Jarred's non-profit organization, FW22, is organized to facilitate community involvement in the support and assistance of Veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) while simultaneously educating on suicide prevention and mental illness. Learn more about FW22 here: https://www.fw22.org/ And learn more about Bare Knuckle Recovery here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ #mentalhealthawareness #veteransmatter #substanceabuseawareness  Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/

You know how we often talk about the impacts that addiction can have on family members? Tommy's Aunt Michelle is here to talk about his time in active addiction, and she brought receipts. Watch here or on YouTube, or search your favorite Podcast platform for Bare Knuckle Recovery https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/ Watch this episode and all past episodes here: https://www.bareknucklerecovery.com/