What happens when someone stops numbing the pain and starts facing it head-on?

In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Buom Dobuol opens up about the real cost of addiction, the mental health struggles he hid from others, and the turning point that led him toward sobriety. He talks with Jill Nastase about answered prayers, giving himself grace, and building healthier routines through faith, community, movement, and service.

Buom’s story is especially powerful because it shows that addiction doesn’t always look the way people expect — and that recovery can become a platform for helping others heal too.

References:

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

Why is addiction so difficult to overcome?

In this special bonus episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase welcomes Dr. Nikki Zabik, Research Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), to explore the neuroscience behind addiction, alcohol, anxiety, and recovery.

Drawing from both her groundbreaking research and her own sobriety journey, Dr. Zabik explains why addiction isn't simply about willpower—it's about how alcohol changes the brain's stress and reward systems over time.

Together, Jill and Dr. Zabik discuss why people continue drinking even when they know the risks, the difference between "browning out" and blacking out, how alcohol rewires anxiety pathways, and why movement, creativity, and connection play such an important role in long-term recovery.

Whether you're in recovery, love someone struggling with addiction, or simply want to understand the science behind substance use, this conversation offers practical insight and genuine hope.

References:

Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase

Dr. Nikki Zabik – Research Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

Email:
[email protected]

Bluesky:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
https://www.aa.org

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

00:01:06 – Why We Keep Using Drugs (The Brain Explained)

00:04:58 – Dr. Nikki's Personal Sobriety Journey

00:09:42 – Browning Out vs. Blacking Out

00:14:56 – Why Knowing the Risks Isn't Enough

00:19:18 – The Science Behind Alcohol & Anxiety

00:25:01 – Three Healthy Ways to Rewire Your Brain

00:29:34 – Recovery Is About Intention, Not Perfection

00:32:08 – Advice for Anyone Struggling with Addiction

Recovery isn't just about putting down the bottle—it's about becoming the person the people you love deserve.

In this special bonus episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Matt Dwyer, who shares his powerful journey from growing up in an alcoholic family to finding lasting sobriety after decades of struggle.

Matt opens up about beginning to drink at just 11 years old, chasing success while secretly battling addiction, and finally reaching the point where he realized alcohol was keeping him from being the father he wanted to be.

Today, Matt says the greatest gift sobriety has given him isn't career success or personal achievements—it's the opportunity to wake up every day and be fully present for his children.

This conversation is an honest reminder that recovery doesn't just change one life—it changes entire families.

References:

Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase

Matt Dwyer – Recovery Advocate

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
https://www.aa.org

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

00:01:06 – Growing Up in an Alcoholic Family

00:03:22 – Why Alcohol Felt Like the Answer

00:06:07 – Two Treatments... But Still Not Ready

00:09:47 – Chasing Success While Hiding Addiction

00:14:48 – Becoming the Father My Kids Deserved

00:18:12 – The Hardest Part of Early Sobriety

00:20:35 – Why Connection Beats Addiction

00:24:41 – Breaking the Family Cycle

00:27:20 – Matt's Advice for Anyone Struggling

In the Season 4 premiere of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Jake Shaddy, founder of Different Approach Omaha, a transitional housing program helping individuals rebuild their lives after incarceration and addiction.

Jake’s story began with alcohol use at just 13 years old, eventually leading to juvenile incarceration and later prison as an adult. But while incarcerated, he began envisioning a new future — one where he could help others leaving prison avoid the same mistakes he made.

Today, Jake has built a growing network of sober living homes in Omaha that provide structure, mentorship, employment support, and individualized recovery plans for men and women rebuilding their lives.

This episode explores addiction, second chances, and why Jake believes recovery should never be “one size fits all.”

References:

Different Approach Omaha – https://differentapproachomaha.org

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

In the Season 3 finale of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Austin Lewandowski, who celebrates one year alcohol-free while sharing the powerful story that led him there.

After losing his best friend to suicide just before graduating high school, Austin struggled to process the grief. Over time, alcohol, cocaine, and gambling became ways to numb the pain and escape overwhelming thoughts. Eventually, the cycle of addiction pushed him into isolation and debt before he made the life-changing decision to get sober.

Now one year into recovery, Austin is rebuilding his life, reconnecting with family, and pursuing a calling to help others struggling with mental health and addiction.

This conversation closes Season 3 with a powerful message: healing is possible, and recovery can lead

References:

Addiction Uncovered – Hosted by Jill Nastase

SMART Recovery – https://smartrecovery.org

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

For years, alcohol controlled Lindsey Kirk’s life.

Addiction led her through trauma, homelessness, hospitalizations, and losing contact with her children. But through treatment, support, and relentless determination, Lindsey found a way to rebuild her life.

In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Lindsey joins Jill Nastase to talk about the moment she finally hit rock bottom, the challenges of early sobriety, and what it truly means to rediscover who you are after addiction.

References:

Contact Lindsey:

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

In this powerful episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Mallory Becker, who shares her deeply personal story of addiction, loss, and recovery.

Mallory’s struggles with alcohol began in high school but escalated after the tragic loss of her brother in 2014. Grieving and searching for relief, she turned to alcohol to numb the pain. After multiple treatment attempts, something finally changed in 2020 when she decided to pursue sobriety for herself.

Today, Mallory is a case manager helping individuals struggling with addiction and mental health, using her lived experience to guide others toward recovery.

This episode is an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and the power of choosing healing.

References:

Connect with Mallory:

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

In this inspiring episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with Jason Feregrino, who shares how addiction slowly became part of his identity — and how faith, honesty, and self-reflection helped him break free.

Jason opens up about chasing the party lifestyle, realizing he no longer recognized himself, and making the decision to step away from alcohol and substances. After committing to sobriety in 2023, his life began to change in powerful ways — from building stronger relationships to launching a growing entrepreneurial business.

Now nearly three years sober, Jason shares how gratitude, faith, and daily choices continue to shape his recovery journey.

This episode is a reminder that no matter how far you think you've fallen, it’s never too late to start over.

References:

Connect with Jason:

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

In this deeply personal episode of Addiction Uncovered, host Jill Nastase sits down with her cousin Joseph (Giuseppe) Nastase, who has been sober since April 21, 2007.

Joe shares the raw truth about his early struggles with addiction, mental health challenges, and the years when life felt completely out of control. From self-destructive behavior and homelessness to finding hope through Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, Joe reflects on the mentors, family members, and recovery community that helped him rebuild his life.

Now 18 years clean, Joe lives a life he once believed was impossible — grounded in gratitude, self-discipline, and the daily choice to stay sober.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, one day at a time.

References:

Alcoholics Anonymous – https://www.aa.org

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

Could nutrient deficiencies and nervous system dysregulation be fueling addiction?

In this episode of Addiction Uncovered, Malerie Scheffler joins Jill Nastase to explain how blood sugar instability, gut health, dopamine production, and chronic stress impact addictive behaviors.

Malerie opens up about her own recovery journey and how learning to regulate her body changed everything. Now she works with individuals and nonprofits to teach breathwork, nervous system regulation, and functional healing.

This conversation will change the way you think about addiction.

References:

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