Episode 77, Part 3: Jeff Nabolsky at Putnamville Correctional Facility
- 19:20
- March 10, 2025
The Hard Road to Healing: Prison, Recovery, and Hope with Jeff from Putnamville
Jeff Nabolsky is a student in The Last Mile program at the Indiana Department of Correction and a dedicated advocate for recovery and personal transformation. Before his incarceration, Jeff struggled with addiction, which led him down a path of dealing methamphetamine and multiple felony charges. Now, after nearly four years behind bars, he has not only maintained sobriety but has also taken on the role of a mentor, serving as a teacher’s assistant for The Last Mile’s coding program. Through his commitment to recovery, education, and faith, Jeff is working toward early release while laying the foundation for a future built on purpose and service.
“Prison is stressful, but I refuse to let this environment define me. Every day, I wake up with a choice: I can let this place harden me, or I can use it as a training ground for the life I want to live when I walk out of here. I’ve learned to focus on growth, to be better than I was yesterday, and to surround myself with people who are also working toward something positive. I remind myself constantly that this is temporary, but the person I’m becoming in here—that’s permanent.”
In this interview, Jeff opens up about his battle with addiction, tracing its origins from high school experimentation to the destructive grip of methamphetamine use. He speaks candidly about hitting rock bottom, receiving a devastating prison sentence, and choosing to embrace change rather than succumb to despair. Jeff credits his sobriety to his faith and his dedication to recovery programs like NA, AA, and Celebrate Recovery. He also shares how The Last Mile has given him not just technical skills, but also the problem-solving mindset necessary to navigate challenges both in prison and beyond. Music has also played a pivotal role in his self-expression, and he even discusses his work as an independent artist under the name “Flow Motion,” where he uses rap as a tool for processing emotions and telling his story.
Episode Outline
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:02:00) Overcoming Addiction and the Power of Giving Back
(00:04:00) The Journey Into Addiction and Legal Consequences
(00:06:00) Facing a Long Sentence and Turning to Faith
(00:08:00) Committing to Sobriety and Recovery Programs
(00:10:00) Daily Realities of Prison Life and Managing Stress
(00:11:00) The Last Mile and Its Impact on Rehabilitation
(00:13:00) Developing Problem-Solving Skills Through Coding
(00:14:00) Building a Spiritual Toolbox for Resilience
(00:15:00) The Role of Music and Self-Expression in Healing
(00:16:00) Musical Inspirations and Creative Process
(00:17:00) Sharing a Freestyle Rap and Reflection on Growth
(00:18:00) Closing Thoughts on Transformation and Mentorship
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