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/