Former advertising executive Pao Ortega once found herself trapped in a seemingly perfect life in New York City, at odds with the inner chaos of depression, anxiety, and burnout. During a pivotal moment of introspection, she made the courageous decision to face these challenges head-on. In our latest episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, we explore Pao's enlightening transformation journey, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and kindness. Through her story, we uncover the profound...

Ever felt like feedback in your recovery journey hits you like a punch to the gut? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into why criticism can feel so painful during recovery and share game-changing strategies to transform those tough moments into opportunities for growth. Drawing from cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology, they explain how our early life experiences shape our sensitivity to criticism and...

In this episode of the Addicted Mind Podcast, listeners are introduced to Arlina Allen, host of the One Day at a Time podcast, who shares her profound journey from addiction to recovery. At a pivotal moment during a Giants game in Oakland, Arlina recognized the unyielding grip of addiction and the cycle of shame it perpetuates. Drawing from her new book, "The 12-Step Guide for Skeptics: Clearing Up Common Misconceptions of a Path to Sobriety," Arlina offers insights into the intricate process...

Ever wonder why two people can experience the exact same event but walk away with completely different emotions?  In this fascinating episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the science of optimism and reveal how our attention shapes our reality. They explain that optimism isn't about ignoring negative experiences or forcing positivity – it's about training our brain to process both positive and negative information in a balanced way.  Through...

Renowned behavioral neuroscientist Judy Grisel joins us for an eye-opening conversation on addiction and recovery. Judy shares her compelling journey from grappling with substance abuse as a young teenager to becoming a leading expert in addiction neuroscience. Her book, "Never Enough: The Neuroscience and Experience of Addiction," seamlessly intertwines her personal experiences with scientific insights, offering a nuanced understanding of how addictive personalities can harbor hidden...

Have you ever noticed that after a slip in recovery, your thoughts immediately jump to "I'm worthless" or "I'm never going to get better"? These aren't just random negative thoughts – they're part of a powerful emotion that might be secretly sabotaging your recovery journey. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the crucial difference between guilt and shame in addiction recovery. Through evidence-based research and practical...

On today’s episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Karol Darsa about how to recognize trauma as well as some of the first steps you need to take to deal with trauma. Karol is the author of the book, The Trauma Map: Five Steps to Reconnect With Yourself. She dives deep into how trauma impacts us in our everyday life as well as what we can do to deal with our traumatic histories so we can heal and feel better. If you have struggled with some trauma in your past, hopefully you will get a lot of insights...

Are you your own worst enemy in recovery? This episode tackles the hidden barrier that keeps many people stuck in addiction - a harsh inner critic. Hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore how self-blame can sabotage recovery efforts and share research-backed strategies for developing self-compassion. Drawing from Dr. Kristen Neff's groundbreaking research, they explain why being kind to yourself isn't just "feel-good talk" but a powerful tool for lasting change. The hosts break down practical...

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, you are invited into the world of Rob Crowl and his mother, Katie Davis, as they delve into their experiences with addiction and recovery. Rob, an educator and writer, discusses his memoir "Please Don't Rescue Me," which chronicles his tumultuous upbringing in a household affected by addiction. Katie, who has celebrated 27 years of sobriety, shares her perspective on the transformative power of love and storytelling in overcoming intergenerational...

Ever wonder why showing your true self feels so terrifying, yet could be the very key to your healing? In this powerful episode, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore how embracing vulnerability, despite its discomfort, can become your greatest strength in recovery. Drawing from both research and real-world experience, they break down why many of us hide behind masks and how this actually hinders our healing journey. The hosts share practical strategies for safely opening up to others and...

Nicole Doering, once a model with a psychology background, found herself battling alcohol addiction later in life after personal upheavals. Her story begins with a sobering reflection on how unexpected life events, like a family health crisis and divorce, can lead to such challenges. Nicole's candidness about her 17-month sobriety journey is a testament to resilience and underscores the crucial role of evidence-based treatment. Nicole's atheism adds a unique dimension to her recovery...

Imagine feeling so alone that you can't even recognize yourself in the mirror. For many battling addiction, this isn't just imagination—it's their daily reality. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the powerful connection between shame, isolation, and addiction. They explore how these forces work together to keep people stuck in a cycle of pain and substance abuse. But there's hope! The hosts reveal that the simple act of...

Mark Rosman never imagined that his storytelling journey would include a chapter about his family's battle with addiction. Known for directing charming family favorites like "A Cinderella Story" and "Life Size," Mark opens up about the unexpected struggle with his daughter's substance use disorder. This episode offers a heartfelt exploration of the fears and revelations that came with facing addiction head-on. Mark candidly shares the initial denial and the painful yet healing journey through...

Ever felt like you're stuck in a never-ending battle with addiction? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of Addictive Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the game-changing world of mindset shifts in recovery. They reveal that beating addiction isn't just about willpower – it's about rewiring your brain. The duo kicks things off by exploring why so many of us fall back into old habits, even when we're trying our hardest to change. They argue that the key to lasting...

Join us as we welcome Chad Caruso, a remarkable skateboarder and YouTuber who not only conquered a Guinness World Record but also turned his life around by skating solo across America to raise addiction awareness. Chad shares his powerful story of overcoming painkiller addiction following a knee injury and the subsequent loss of his skateboarding identity. Learn how he transformed his struggles into strengths, channeling his obsessive tendencies into positive, value-driven pursuits. In our...

Ever feel like you're caring about all the wrong things? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the art of caring about the right things. They explore how aligning your thoughts, words, and actions can lead to true happiness and fulfillment. The hosts kick things off with a powerful quote from Mahatma Gandhi about finding harmony in life. They then dive into why so many of us, especially those struggling with addiction...

Hear strategies to break the cycle of addiction and transform family dynamics in our latest episode featuring Jeff Jones, a seasoned professional counselor and family recovery coach. Jeff opens up about his personal journey and how it fuels his mission to help families combat addiction, urging the importance of removing shame and advocating for early intervention. Learn actionable steps and gain practical insights on how families can become an integral part of their loved one's recovery...

Ever feel like your emotions are on a wild rollercoaster, swinging between overwhelming highs and numbing lows? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of The Addiction Mind Plus, hosts Eric and Duane Osterlind dive into a crucial concept for anyone in addiction recovery: the Window of Tolerance. The Window of Tolerance refers to the emotional sweet spot where you can handle life's challenges without being overwhelmed or shutting down. Outside of this window, you might feel intense anxiety...

What if the traumas of your past could be transformed into a beacon of hope for the future? Join us for an intimate conversation with Greg Schindler, a trailblazer in longevity and cellular medicine, as he shares his remarkable journey from a tumultuous childhood in Houston, Texas, to becoming a leader in his field. From facing the heartbreaking suicides of both his biological and adoptive fathers to overcoming addiction, Greg's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for...

Have you ever felt a whirlwind of emotions but couldn't pin down exactly what you were feeling? You're not alone. Many people, especially those on the road to recovery, struggle to identify their emotions. This episode of "The Addicted Mind" podcast dives into the crucial skill of recognizing and naming our feelings. Hosts Duane and Eric explore why pinpointing emotions is so important, especially for those battling addiction. They explain that many people used substances or behaviors to cope...

Unlock the secrets of transformation and discover how mindfulness can revolutionize your life. Join us as we chat with Pat Smith, a high-performance coach and corporate trainer for NeuroChangeSolutions, who shares his extraordinary journey from a decade-long addiction to personal redemption. Learn how Pat's initial pursuit of physical fitness blossomed into a comprehensive wellness approach that includes nutrition, sleep, and community, highlighting the incredible power of meditation and...

Ever felt like your emotions were driving you off a cliff? You're not alone. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into a powerful tool that could change the game for anyone in recovery or struggling with mental health: the "Check the Facts" technique from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Imagine being able to hit the pause button on those overwhelming feelings that seem to come out of nowhere. That's exactly what this episode teaches...

When Nick Padlo hit rock bottom, he never expected that a serene meditation garden would be the catalyst for a profound transformation. As a West Point graduate and Army combat veteran, Nick's journey through addiction and mental health struggles led him to discover the life-changing power of mindfulness and meditation. We explore the stark contrast between mindfulness and mindlessness and how focusing on meditation objects like breath, body, or emotions can sharpen both personal and...

Are you feeling drained, irritable, and on edge, even though you're doing everything right in your recovery? The missing piece of your puzzle might be as simple as getting a good night's sleep. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the often-overlooked importance of sleep in addiction recovery. Think sleep doesn't matter? Think again! The hosts reveal how poor sleep can sabotage your efforts, making you more likely to relapse. But...