I used to smoke crack, shoot heroin and coke. Landed me in psycwards, 12 rehabs and 4 years in prison. Today I'm 3 1/2 years clean, work at a rehab, and in college to be a drug and alcohol counselor. My college is also starting a COD team this fall 🙌🙌. I hope Nick stays clean dude, he's on a slippery slope. The alcohol isn't gonna fill the void bud. I used to always feel like shit, that's why I used drugs and alcohol, to feel better. I started eating healthy and working out, once I started to feeling better, the desire to use drugs went away. A little mindfulness and meditation goes a long way too

the way NiaC stanced up on the couch was fucking hilarious I about cried when he did that. he has def done this before.

This podcast helped me realize I’m not alone more than anything I’ve ever done or seen before❤️❤️❤️

I really needed to hear something like this, especially from you guys. Love you both, keep reaching for the stars!

I love it when Nic and Davis just sit and chop it up - these dudes are obviously close and they keep it real. Thanks, guys.

Beyond thankful you guys are so open with your mental health. Lost my dad almost 7 months ago and hearing how you two deal with your mental struggles genuinely helps me so much. Thank you guys 💚

I love this podcast, I could listen to you two all day! It definitely helps to hear that even people in your situations have the same trouble with depression, anxiety and addiction I do or many other people do. Thanks guys for being open about it all

The movie Hitch was talking about is Boondock Saints. Really worth a watch

I love these vibes. Makes me want to just sit down and have some proper conversations, myself! Much love, lads 🤙

Man, it's been a wild ride watching optic over the years. So much has happened.

I love your guys podcast, really helps me realize everybody goes through the same problems no matter what position you are in life.

Bro what ever y’all do just keep doing the flycast man I relate with nick so much and hitch sound like such a humble dude either way i fw the energy its what you feel

MANIAC we all go through ups and downs. The human nick is the one that helps us realize we are not always up but also that we are not always down. These superficial guys that make it seem easy, like they have it all figured out isn't what the world needs. We need more people letting us know that life isn't always pretty and when its dark there is light at the end of the tunnel. You're a great example of that. Own your brilliance while owning your imperfections!

As a nursing student seeing people addicted to alcohol and going through withdraws is so sad. It’s one of the most heartbreaking and common things I’ve seen

Thank you for this episode, made me realize I'm not the only one feeling this way. Keep pushing fellas!!

Nick you are an inspiration mate!! How you have turned the darkness into light could literally be made into movie 👏🏽 congrats and thanks for opening up.

I had some sciatica problems when I was in college, came and went prolly from really long days sitting at a desk/computer and standing around. There was a week where it was debilitating constant pain, and the only thing that eventually helped set it right was stretching. Constant stretches for back, hamstrings, glutes, hip flexor, nerve flossing whatever. Just continuous and it subsided over some days, but I could hardly even sleep initially.

It’s amazing how relatable people talking about addiction can be, and how reassuring it is that you can recover from it

Just when I was bored at work with nothing left to watch, the boys come in clutch!

Got in a car crash my freshman year of HS and dela with back pain every single day since! Some days are worse than others but yeah that pain shooting down the legs is the worst of it, goes to the point where my legs are completely numb! Best cure I’ve found is working lot of reps small weigh to try and strengthen the lower back! Also staying super hydrated helps

Love you both. I have trouble finding momentum and getting out of that mindset too, but just hearing other people I look up to saying what I feel and having the same exact thought process helps. #brickbybrick right? Keep pushing. You both have way more people that look up to you than you realize. Thank you for being real. ❤

I had the same type of back pain from lifting weights. @Maniac, If the pain is going down your leg it is not a muscular issue and probably a herniated disc. Specially think this is the case because you said you can’t squat or run without more pain. Get an MRI and you will be able to tell. If it is a disc issue, Time won’t heal this issue, you need to try physical therapy. I tried to just rest without physical therapy and the pain increasingly got worse until I needed a surgery. I then herniated another disc after surgery and did physical therapy immediately and it fixed the issue. Some people are more prone to this type of injury than others, I’m only 24

Lmfao Hitch learning ancient black girl secrets 🤣 The head pat!

Hi Nick, I’ve dealt with the same sciatic nerve issues and mine lasted about 3-4 months. What worked for me was going to the chiropractor and getting deep tissue massages consistently. I’m a nurse so I’m always on my feet and it just recently came back because I fell off of my therapy routines. So my advice would be to take care of it and continue to supplement your body even when it’s gone, because it will come back if you don’t. Good luck brother 💙

Respect to nick because is so easy to just fall back to old bad habits but he hasn’t but since he’s been “drinking” so much people assume he’s in a bad place but it’s not…..everyone is human and have different situations. But as long as he realizes what he’s doing and keeps working on himself to be better is what matters. Keep on grindin nick✊🏻

bro 3-4 days during my addy days would have me hearing my door and seeing shadows underneath it. so glad to be outta that life now.

Such a good podcast one of the best so far.

so glad i watched this one not listening mowing the lawn. i was crying at the beginning maniac trying is hottub streamer pose lmao

sciatica is no joke, my brother had to use a cane for a while. You will get stronger Nick dont you worry it wont disable you. he even had a few episodes and would fall and not get up but you will get through it homie! stay strong Nick and fuck those pills im proud of you homie.

Man I love the flycast and nice to hear from you guys

Played rugby for 10 years, had a whole load of lower back issues. Best thing for it is getting a foam roller on it, rolling out your lower back, glutes and hamstrings. Also hanging from a pull up bar to decompress your back. Lastly yoga/good stretches

Yo niac i have sciatica from previous injury of herniated discs. Best tools I can give ya are get a tens unit for home, do lower back stretches constantly! thorough the day if possible, do everything you can to strengthen your core. That relieves your back muscles, chiropractor adjustments are huge, and don't deadlift unless you are like needing to for something. just do alternatives. If you get really bad they can give you tordal shots but that's a temp fix. the thing that sucks about back issues is once they start you gotta nurse them forever. much love

Had a big procedure on my lung a few years back, got put on a morphine pump for a few days.. I feel you 100% hitch, that craving after I left there was insane for a while 😅

Hey Nick, hopefully you or someone from Optic sees this see this. Re your back, stay away from chiropractors. It may feel good for instant relief but long term it'll fuck you up. See a decent Sports Physio, most back pain is caused by muscle tightness or imbalances. An MRI will help to see the state of the discs etc but muscle maintenance is key. Stay as active as possible, stretch, especially your lower body. I know the pain bro, I've got herniated discs but I'm still training weight and playing semi-pro basketball. It's all about maintenance!

Y’all are fr the best

Nick should know as well as anyone that if you’re an addict you’re told not to drink or ANYTHING… people always say “oh this isn’t a problem” but as an addict . ANYTHING is a problem!

Nick one of my favourite content creators love that this pod is being consistent now keep it up!!

Nick go to a Physical Therapist that does SI Joint adjustments. I've had the same kind of back pain from squatting and lifting and that adjustment will fix it.

I had lower back pain middle school into freshmen year and when I was playing soccer, I moved my leg too fast and then the pain shot all the way down into my knee, esp my hamstrings. Nothing helps besides ice and I would go to the chiropractor but it didn't really go away. honestly just takes time and fixing my posture helped

You guys are really helping me go through life rn

So glad you guys are keeping up w episodes this time lmao, good shit as always boys

Killed it like usual, we all love the consistent flycast uploads.

I had sciatica for a while and I did a lot of lower back stretching which seemed to help. But a lot of laying down and sitting down all day will not really help sciatica but a lot of stretching and physical activity helped me a lot. I know the pain so hope it gets better soon!!

Nick I had severe sciatica in high school senior year lasted 2 years with severe pain I think I messed it up in soccer and I couldn’t even stop a soccer ball no Matter the speed my lower back would jolt and I would just walk and the pain would randomly start at my leg then go to my back (vise~Versa) no matter what position you lay or sit the pain never goes away it’s annoying as hell but STAY UP Nick stretch every morning lower back stretches you got this 🤘

my sciatica started the summer before my senior year during a basketball tournament. i played soccer, basketball, and track and it slowly got worse and worse. i went from dunking and going to play in college to being in bed 20 hours of the day within 5 months because i was in so much pain. i had to take ibuprofen constantly and couldnt sleep through the night. so definitely get an MRI bc you dont want to let it get to that point. i had to get surgery but my pain is basically gone compared to where i was.

YESSS love the flycast every single week!

i have a herniated disc in my low back and have sciatic nerve pain almost 24/7. I wouldn't wish that pain on my worst enemies

These guys are the best they're so real and relatable 🙌

I was commenting while video was going, very sorry fellas....great flycast thank you! Both of you stay safe n keep killen it 💚💚🧱🧱🧱

Thanks for giving me something to look forward too I love your guys podcast

Fly cast has become my favorite podcast from optic.. it’s just raw and real. Tip it for sure

Great podcast!

YO NICK! about your sciatic pain if you sit in a chair put your ankle on top your knee like guys sit normally with there legs crossed. And then lean forward/down putting your hands to the floor you should be able to feel it. Went to a chiropractor after having sciatic pain from basketball

Niac, I have a severe case of sciatica where I’ve actually had paramedics out to see me because the pain I couldn’t move at all. I since have been to different sports therapists and they said hanging a couple times a day for a couple minutes at a time and it has slowly helped the pain. If it does get serious, I’d maybe go get sports massages as the discs in your lower back do move with working out a lot. Hopefully it helps!

Nick I’ve had the same back problems for the last 15 months and you need the mri so you can get an epidural. Also pt is very important and I recently found these foot supports from the good feet store and they changed everything

Yoga, jefferson curls, and reverse hyper extensions will heal your back! I messed up my back bad at work and doing these 3 things not only healed it but strengthened it. Movement is the key to healing

the sciatica thing usually from what i noticed from my previous experiences were from having old school wallets in either pocket for long periods of time and like sitting on them and causing an imbalance. And what i started doing was placing my thinner newer style wallets in my front pocket. Also probably from your gaming and sitting for long periods. go see a chiropractor.

I have sciatica too 😭😭 and its the worsee!! ive had it since January. Mine was caused because of romanian deadlifts. Hope you get better niac

I had similar pain. Def get that MRI. I had a herniated disc. Tried PT, Chiro, massage and acupuncture. I ended up needing back surgery (microdiscectomy), hopefully you don't need it. It sucks.

I'm really happy your explaining more on the topic Nick. I just really think this conversation should be with someone who can really relate to your struggle so they can call u out on some of the bs your convincing yourself of. I think that would help way more. But im really glad for ur recovery and i wish u nothing but the best. This shit is all out of love and relating to your story. People care bout u bro! Stay strong

these podcasts are 🔥 makes my days at work less boring

I worked with a spine specialist for a while Niac. The issue you are describing sounds like you probably have a nerve being irritated or contacted in the lumbar spine. I have read what others are saying and in terms of conservative treatment, formal physical therapy to strengthen the core is usually helpful. If your pain is still there, then an MRI of the lumbar spine can help identify if a nerve is being irritated or contacted. Once they know the root of the issue, there are different steroid injections that could be considered to help with the pain going down the leg. You could also consider surgery depending on what they find on imaging. The back pain is likely coming from some muscular imbalance (strain vs sprain) or some arthritis. There are injections that can also help with that pain if it worsens. Hope this helps. Love this podcast!

I love this podcast please keep talking and saying what’s on your mind

I've been sober from smoking weed for about 2 weeks since I've been trying to get a new job. I've seen a lot of people struggle with serious drug addictions and I'm honestly happy that weed was my vice of all things. I've been hella proud of Nick ever since he came back. Conquering addiction is a seriously hard thing and it should never go unappreciated. I'm happy he's got good people around him. If anything drinking is just something that's a part of his environment. Just gotta lead by example sometimes.

Try to get that checked out asap! Happened to my mom and she didn’t get it check out eventually ended up in bed unable to move. I want to say the nerve got inflamed/swollen they had to snip a part of her spine to release pressure. Now she’s good but not 100% still has small pain going down to her calf but hope your situation isn’t as bad or serious

I relate so heavy to Nick, proud of you dude we don’t need drugs! And I feel you on the booze is not the same type thing

love NiaC bro. dude is so fucking honest, seeing u do well is always great to see.

I deal wit this everyday nick, sciatic nerve pain, I have 4 herniated discs in my back and 2 are impinging the nerve going down my left leg, I have perm. Nerve damage in my left leg also from being hit by a car....try acupuncture n massages, trust.(I also just had cervical spine fusion(neck surgery bc 2 discs crushed n pinched my spinal cord, so now I have a titanium cage in my neck)

As someone who has delt with sciatica since 2009 I hate to tell you it is something that never really goes away. You have days were you think it is gone but you still have to be careful. One thing that help me was to get a lacrosse ball put it on the wall and roll my back and legs with it

I have lower back problems including sciatica in the past. Physiotherapy really helped me

@22:00 I get the same thing Nick… shit blow. I sit all day which is my issue. I find just getting walks in once a day helps.

50:00 y’all are on point with this

im truly glad maniac is doin better much love

Just based on what I experience, having a few drinks throughout the day opens me up. My finance job requires me to talk to strangers all day and I have anxiety when it comes to that. Now that I have been doing this job for four years, the drinks almost become a part of what I do. It becomes a habit slowly and it contributed to my Senior position in my company. Now I feel that it is needed in my day to day in order to be my “company self” if that makes sense? Sorry for rambling boys but I thought this could help your frame of mind of how someone becomes an alcoholic. Keep up the good work! This shit helps me so much

Flycast is without a doubt my favourite podcast ever

Let home boy have fun. You can hear the way he talks about these nights it isn’t a alcoholic relapse problem. He has fun occasionally, while drinking, with friends. He popped addy alone to be sane, he drinks with his friends, while everyone around him gets drunk.

Ciática pain is crazy. As a ,Ed student I highly recommend an MRI to check if your spine is ok and there’s no nerve being pinched or disk problems

I don't usually like to talk about my mental health cuz it feels cringe and alot of people dont understand but I feel like 1:00:50 Is a lot like what i got going on but I've been dealing with it for like the past 5 years (maybe longer but wasnt aware of it) some months i can feel like conquer anything and have a set consistent schedule to go towards success. but it be mostly depression for me. Im starting to think i may need to go for counseling and also I may have some kind of disorder. But yeah MaNiaC just keep being honest with yourself and try not to dwell on it because that can become a habit too. If its persistent then that would be the time to consult someone that specializes in mental health. Hope all goes well for you brother!

KEEP THE PODCAST COMING BOUYS!

1:46 PAUSE BRAH LMFAOOO

My inversion table helped with my sciatica A TON. Maybe try it if you get the okay from the doc. 👍🏼

This made me feel like I’m not alone…thank you

That was awesome to hear maniac address the drinking. He’s definitely truthful and transparent. I completely agree with everything about pills being way more addictive than alcohol

Nick and his yoga kicking in there showing us his shirt D:

Nick you have to do everything to get your back good you will become more depressed if you end up like me who’s been in constant pain from disk problems and sciatica and I have used a walking stick since I was 19 a year after my injury and now I can’t work, I’ve lost my purpose and become so depressed from it and now I don’t really have friend and don’t really leave the house it’s super fucked and I feel like I’ve been stuck in the blendy for the last decade. I hope you get better Nick Great episode lads❤️

Last time I tweaked my back at work so bad I was literally bed ridden for 2 weeks. Couldn't even sit up or get out of bed man it was so painful. I literally had to roll on my stomach and inch my way out of bed knees on the floor first to even get up. It was terrible

I have sciatica. its pretty bad but doing back stretches helps it out a lot

the nerves originating at your sacrum extend down to your leg and sense pain there, that is why it hurts all the way down your leg

Sciatica is horrendous, I couldn’t walk for almost a week, had to get taken to the hospital and put on medication to help.

The movie hitch talked about is called The Boondock Saints

Yo maniac why you kneeling like that on the couch bro, arched back widened knees and all 😂

As someone who has someone very close to them that is an alcoholic: they don't get hangovers anymore. You just build a tolerance and need the liquid to take your mind off any problems you would normally have to deal with

the low income housing in chicago that they built was called Cabrini Green if you're interested in checking it out

So was the BtH merch available? Didn't see a link and thought you said it was available on Monday.

The two 🐐’s

That shirt is dopeeee

I fractured my lower spine and I had to deal with sciatic nerve shit for a long time. Back pain is the worst

I use to drink a 5th of jack every night then it was ill just pop the Norco to take the hangover away then it just gets to a point were you don't get hangovers

hitch, you know who Nick needs, lead him to the way, the truth, and the life.

Didn't even notice the fan lol