The Addicted Mind Podcast

Duane Osterlind, LMFT

"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it. We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover. Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it. Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.

  1. 22 HR AGO

    Episode 380: You’re Not Broken: Moving Beyond “Treatment Resistance” with Noel Rihm and Bill Brady

    In this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane Osterlind talks with Noel Rihm and Bill Brady, founders of Kaleidoscope. Both Noel and Bill spent decades as high-functioning professionals—Noel in healthcare leadership and Bill as a high-powered Wall Street lawyer—while battling severe, life-threatening alcoholism. After years of being labeled "treatment resistant" by traditional rehabs, they discovered that the problem wasn't their lack of willpower; it was that the root cause—unprocessed trauma—had never been addressed. They discuss how EMDR, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and a "bespoke" approach to healing allowed them to move from "white-knuckling" sobriety to living as "unburdened souls." Guests: Noel Rihm A veteran of the healthcare industry for over 25 years, Noel struggled with alcoholism for three decades. Despite cumulative years in residential treatment and AA, she found true liberation through EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which resolved the trauma symptoms that had driven her addiction for 30 years in just six sessions. Bill Brady Bill spent 25 years in Wall Street finance and private equity. To the outside world, he was "killing it," but internally, he was consuming up to two liters of vodka a day. After traditional treatments failed and hope was gone, Bill found a "miracle" through psychedelic therapy, which allowed him to forgive himself and reconnect with his life. Key Discussion Points 1. The Myth of the "Treatment Resistant" Addict The Problem: Traditional rehab often treats the habit without addressing the pain driving it.The Reality: If treatment isn't working, it is often a failure of the protocol, not the patient. 2. Redefining Trauma The Definition: Trauma is not what happened to you; it is how your nervous system responds to what happened.The "Paper Cut" Effect: Small, recurring "little T" traumas—like a dismissive remark in childhood—can create a false narrative of unworthiness that persists for decades. 3. The Kaleidoscope Model: The Arc of Healing Stabilization: Getting the body and mind regulated.Preparation: Gentle, trauma-informed work to prepare the soul for a shift.The Shift: Utilizing tools like EMDR, psychedelic therapy, or somatic processing to "unhook" from the trauma.Integration: The most critical phase—having a "Sherpa" (permanent coach) to help apply insights to daily life. 4. The "Sherpa" and Family Healing The Sherpa Model: Unlike traditional rehab where the relationship ends at discharge, Kaleidoscope provides a permanent guide to help navigate the "scavenger hunt" of resources in the local community.Healing the System: In the final week of treatment, spouses and significant others are invited to undergo their own healing, ensuring the addict doesn't return to a toxic or unhealed home environment.Memorable Quotes "From the outside, it looked like I was killing it. From the inside, it looked like I was killing myself." — Bill Brady "Unprocessed trauma is like a keg of dynamite waiting to go off. I knew how to address my trauma: Two liters of vodka reliably would get me into a blackout." — Noel Rihm "It’s not about not drinking. It’s about not wanting to." — Bill Brady Resources Mentioned Kaleidoscope:Innovation Lab: Kaleidoscope’s research-driven facility in Cabo, focused on clinical rigor and tracking healing outcomes.Key Therapies: EMDR, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and Somatic Processing. Links to Guests Below: LinkedIn/Noel Rihm LinkedIn/Bill Brady Kaleidoscope Ventures Smashed: Sober (with a Twist) Contact The Addicted Mind: Website: theaddictedmind.com Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    38 min
  2. 13 APR

    Episode 379: Explore the Amazing Work of Virginia Satir with Teresa Mclellan

    Welcome back to The Addicted Mind Podcast. This week, we are diving deep into the transformative work of therapy pioneer Virginia Satir. Joining us is Teresa McClellan, a seasoned expert with 18 years of experience across the therapeutic spectrum—working with couples, families, and groups of all kinds. Teresa is currently doing groundbreaking work by applying Satir’s methods within a men’s prison, witnessing firsthand how these "growth-oriented" practices can revolutionize addiction recovery. A Visionary Ahead of Her Time Virginia Satir’s approach was revolutionary, prioritizing human connection long before modern neuroscience caught up to prove why it works. While traditional models often focus on the "pathology" of a person (what’s wrong with them), Satir’s model focuses on growth and the untapped potential within every individual. In this episode, we explore how Satir’s emphasis on the "experiential"—feeling emotions within the body and using imagery—creates a bridge for those in recovery to finally reconnect with their true selves. Episode Highlights The Growth Model vs. Pathology: Why shifting the focus from "the problem" to "the person" changes the recovery trajectory.The Experiential Shift: How the Satir Method moves therapy from a mental exercise to a felt, physical experience.Somatic Recovery: Understanding how emotions are stored in the body and how to fill those "gaps" in the healing process.Satir in the Modern Age: How her decades-old practices align perfectly with our current understanding of brain science and psychology.Recovery Behind Bars: Teresa shares the amazing results of using imagery and experience to help incarcerated men rediscover their humanity. Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    24 min
  3. TAM+ EP 106 The Courage to Be Seen: How Vulnerability Transforms Recovery

    9 APR

    TAM+ EP 106 The Courage to Be Seen: How Vulnerability Transforms Recovery

    Download: Vulnerability Transforms Recovery Worksheet. 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 building authentic connections, backed by insights from Dr. Brené Brown's groundbreaking research on shame and vulnerability. Whether you're struggling with addiction, trauma, or mental health challenges, this episode offers a roadmap for transforming vulnerability from a perceived weakness into a powerful tool for recovery and personal growth. Download:  Vulnerability Transforms Recovery Worksheet. Key Topics The connection between vulnerability and authentic healingWhy we resist being vulnerable and its impact on recoveryResearch evidence supporting vulnerability in recoveryThe myth of "fixing yourself" before seeking helpFive practical steps to practice healthy vulnerabilityFinding safe spaces and people for sharingManaging intimacy backlash and self-compassion Timestamps [00:01:16] Understanding masks and hiding in recovery [00:03:45] The role of shame in avoiding vulnerability [00:07:09] Research insights on vulnerability as strength  [00:11:42] Five practical steps to develop vulnerability [00:13:43] The importance of self-compassion [00:15:18] Managing intimacy backlash [00:16:31] Resources and community support See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 min
  4. 6 APR

    Episode 378: Decoding the Smoke: The Hidden Psychology of Smoking and Addictive Personalities with Dr. Judy Rosenberg

    In this episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Dr. Judy Rosenberg, founder of the Psychological Healing Center, to dive deep into the psychology of smoking addiction. Dr. Rosenberg shares her journey from the early days of aversion therapy at the Schick Center to developing her transformative "Mind Map" for healing. They move beyond the surface-level habit of nicotine to explore the "hole in the soul"—the childhood wounds and narcissistic injuries that often drive us to "fill" ourselves with substances rather than finding true "fulfillment." Key Highlights & Themes The Failure of Aversion Therapy: Why "shocking" people out of a habit often leads to high relapse rates if the underlying psychological cause isn't addressed.The "Hole in the Soul": Identifying the childhood wounds—physical, sexual, verbal abuse, neglect, or narcissistic injury—that create a void we try to fill with cigarettes.Filling vs. Fulfilling: A powerful distinction between using a substance to temporarily plug a hole (the "vampire effect") versus generating internal light and generative health.The Narcissistic Cigarette: How we assign value to an object that drains our health, money, and power, much like a toxic relationship.The Three Smoking Personalities: * The Comfort Smoker: Seeking the attunement and nurturing missed in early childhood.The Control Smoker: Using the cigarette to manage a chaotic or unpredictable environment.The Performance Smoker: Using nicotine to "show up," create, or please others, often rooted in narcissistic wounds.Destination Disgust: How to use the emotion of disgust as a protective mechanism to "unhook" from the addiction and view the substance as the poison it truly is.The Oxygen Trick: Recognizing that the "relief" of a cigarette often comes from the deep breath of the inhale, which the cigarette then "hijacks" and takes credit for. The Mind Map for Healing Identify childhood wounds and the "cracked lens" of perception.Decode the "poison" of negative core beliefs (e.g., "I don't matter").Recode the psyche into a state of health, power, and self-causality.Guest Resources Website: Psychological Healing CenterBooks: * Kick It: Stop Smoking and Be the Cause of Better Outcomes for Your LifeBe the Cause: Healing Human DisconnectYouTube: Dr. Judy WTF (What the Freud) – Over 500 episodes on healing from narcissistic abuse and addiction.Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    33 min
  5. TAM+ EP 105 5 Crucial Mindset Shifts for Addiction Recovery

    26 MAR

    TAM+ EP 105 5 Crucial Mindset Shifts for Addiction Recovery

    Download: 5 Crucial Mindset Shifts for Addiction Recovery Worksheet. 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 recovery lies in how we think about ourselves, our addiction, and our future. It's not just about following rules; it's about embracing a whole new way of seeing the world. Throughout the episode, Duane and Eric break down five crucial mindset shifts that can transform your recovery journey. They explain how simple changes in thinking can open up a world of possibilities and help you build the skills and support network you need to thrive. One of the most powerful ideas they discuss is the shift from seeing relapse as a failure to viewing it as a learning opportunity. This change in perspective can help reduce shame and build resilience, making it easier to bounce back and stay on track. The hosts also dive into the importance of recognizing that recovery is a journey, not a destination. This shift can help listeners stay present and focused on their growth, rather than getting discouraged by setbacks. By the end of the episode, listeners will have a toolbox of mental strategies to help them navigate the ups and downs of recovery. Whether you're just starting out or have been on this path for a while, this episode offers fresh insights and practical tips to help you rewrite your recovery story. Key Topics The importance of mindset in addiction recoveryMoving from "I am my addiction" to "I am a person in recovery"Viewing recovery as a journey rather than a destinationShifting from relying on willpower to building skills and supportReframing relapse as a learning opportunityRecognizing personal power and choices in recoveryPracticing self-compassion throughout the recovery process Timestamp • [00:01:20] Introduction to the five crucial mindset shifts • [00:03:00] Discussing the first mindset shift: "I am a person in recovery" • [00:04:57] Exploring the second shift: "Recovery is a journey" • [00:07:00] Examining the third shift: "I need skills and support" • [00:09:52] Delving into the fourth shift: "Relapse is a learning opportunity" • [00:12:32] Discussing the final shift: "I have choices" • [00:15:30] Concluding thoughts and advice on implementing mindset shifts See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    17 min
  6. 23 MAR

    Episode 377: The Best Part of Prison: How Jesse Crosson Found Freedom Behind Bars

    This is a powerful episode featuring Jesse Crosson, author of The Best Part of Prison and founder of the Second Chancer Foundation. Jesse shares his incredible journey from being an 18-year-old sentenced to 32 years in prison to becoming a leading voice in restorative justice and cultural change. Whether you are struggling with a physical "prison" or an emotional one, Jesse’s insights on vulnerability, routine, and radical acceptance offer a roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their life from the darkness. 🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss: The "Ping-Pong Ball" Existence At 18, Jesse was "running from something he couldn't name," using substances and chaos to numb a deep-seated feeling of unworthiness. He describes the "insanity" of reacting to his environment rather than living with intention—a pattern that led to a robbery, a shooting, and a decades-long sentence. The Reckoning: Sitting with the Silence Jesse explains how being arrested was a "blessing" because it forced him to stop running. Locked in a cell with nothing but a blank wall, he had no choice but to sit with the fears he had spent his life avoiding. He discovered that when you finally make space for the pain, it loses its power to consume you. Redefining Guilt and Accountability A pivotal moment in Jesse’s journey came from a prison psychologist who taught him that guilt is a signal, not a life sentence. * The Lesson: Guilt is a flashing sign that something needs to change. Once you change the behavior and step into accountability, you are not meant to carry the weight of that guilt forever. The Power of "Second Chances" Jesse shares the story of helping a fellow incarcerated man—a "giant" everyone feared—earn his GED. This act of service provided a sense of meaning that no worldly success could match. This eventually led to the founding of the Second Chancer Foundation, which uses storytelling to change the culture surrounding incarceration and reentry. The "Prison" of the Mind During a mentor session at South by Southwest (SXSW), Jesse realized that Fortune 500 CEOs and incarcerated individuals often struggle with the same "imposter syndrome" and feelings of being "not enough." He argues that we are all seeking freedom from some form of internal confinement. ✨ Key Takeaways: Accountability is the First Step to Freedom: Radical acceptance of "what is" (rather than what "should be") is the only way to move in a new direction.Routine as a Tool for Sanity: Transformation began for Jesse with the simple, controllable task of cleaning his cell. Small wins build the foundation for big changes.Vulnerability is Power: Sharing your "why" and your struggles doesn't take your power away—it connects you to others and opens doors that logic and "professionalism" cannot.Service is Redemption: We find our own healing by helping the person we used to be. 💬 Notable Quotes: "I was running from something and I didn't know what it was... I'd run to relationships, drugs, alcohol—anything to numb that pain." "Accountability is the first step to freedom. Radical acceptance of what is right now gives us the freedom to make different decisions." "Your wiring may explain you, but it doesn’t excuse you." "We are all incarcerated in some way, whether we have bars around us or handcuffs on our wrists. We’re all seeking freedom, but we don't always know how." 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Book: The Best Part of Prison: The Power of Second Chances and Reclaiming Life Out of DarknessFoundation: The Second Chancer FoundationConnect with Jesse: Follow @JesseCrosson on social media or visit JesseCrosson.com. Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    36 min
  7. 16 MAR

    Episode 376: The Disconnected Leader - Powerful at Work, Powerless at Home: Why Business Logic Fails in Intimacy with Mitchell Osmond

    In this episode, Duane Osterlind sits down with Mitchell Osmond, founder of Dad Nation, to discuss the unique challenges faced by career-driven men. Mitchell shares his powerful personal journey from the brink of divorce, $100,000 in debt, and substance struggle to a life of health and purpose. The conversation explores why the very skills that make men successful in the boardroom often sabotage them in the living room, and how to bridge the gap between professional power and personal connection. Key Highlights The Paradox of the "Successful" Man Many men feel respected and competent at work but powerless and disconnected at home. Mitchell explains that the tools of business—logic, efficiency, and detachment—don't translate to intimate relationships. The Struggle: Feeling like a "powerful leader" from 9-to-5 and a "robot" or "stranger" from 5-to-9.The Sabotage: Using workplace attributes to solve emotional problems, which often leads to further isolation.The Two Turning Points: A Fight and a Funeral Mitchell reflects on the "brutal, painful journey" that led to his transformation: The Fight: A massive argument with his wife that made him realize he was on the verge of losing everything.The Funeral: While singing at a funeral, Mitchell heard a question that changed his life: "Are you living a life worthy of imitation?" He realized his current legacy was one of alcoholism and debt, and he chose to put a "stake in the ground."The Three Pillars of Transformation Mitchell breaks down the process of change into three distinct phases: Information: Gaining the knowledge (though he warns we are "starving for wisdom" despite an abundance of data).Implementation: Taking action on that knowledge.Transformation: The result of consistent implementation, usually found within community and accountability.Understanding "Normative Male Alexithymia" The duo discusses the concept of Alexithymia—the lack of words for emotions. The "Lone Wolf" Trap: Society often teaches men to "stuff it down," leading to a lack of emotional intelligence.The Solution: Practicing emotional communication as a skill, using tools like the "Rise Conversation Ladder" or even simple emoji charts to identify feelings.The "Middle Way" of Masculinity Mitchell rejects the extremes of "hyper-masculinity" (toxic/aggressive) and "passive-masculinity" (pushover). "I’d rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war." He advocates for being courageous yet compassionate—strong enough to protect the family, but meek enough to sit and listen to a daughter’s feelings. Notable Quotes "You are the most qualified to help the person you used to be." — Mitchell Osmond (referencing Ed Mylett)"Time is the only currency that we spend without knowing the remaining balance.""Your wiring may explain you, but it doesn’t excuse you."Resources & Links Dad Nation Website: dadnationco.comSocial Media: Follow Mitchell on Instagram (Search: Dad Nation)The Addicted Mind: theaddictedmind.comTool Mentioned: The Hoffman Institute’s Feelings List.Follow and Review: We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center NovusMindfulLife.com We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    40 min
  8. TAM+ EP 104 Unlocking Emotions: How to Identify and Regulate Your Feelings in Recovery

    13 MAR

    TAM+ EP 104 Unlocking Emotions: How to Identify and Regulate Your Feelings in Recovery

    Download: Identify And Regulate Worksheet 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 with overwhelming or confusing feelings. Learning to identify emotions is a key step in breaking free from destructive cycles. The hosts introduce a practical tool: asking yourself specific questions to figure out which emotion you're experiencing. They walk through examples for emotions like fear, envy, anger, shame, and guilt. By answering these targeted questions, listeners can better understand their emotional state. Duane and Eric stress that accurately identifying emotions is crucial for "checking the facts" – a method discussed in a previous episode. Once you know what you're feeling, you can examine if your emotional response fits the situation. This allows you to "adjust the volume" of your emotions – either dialing them up or down as needed. The hosts share real-life examples of how this process has helped people. In one case, a client realized they were feeling shame rather than guilt, leading to a breakthrough in their healing journey. Listeners are encouraged to practice this skill and to join a live "deep dive" session for more in-depth learning. The hosts also offer a downloadable worksheet to help listeners work through identifying different emotions on their own. Download: Identify And Regulate Worksheet Key Topics The importance of identifying specific emotions in recoveryUsing targeted questions to pinpoint emotionsExamples of questions for fear, envy, anger, shame, and guiltHow emotion identification connects to "checking the facts"Real-life impacts of accurately naming emotionsResources for further learning and practice Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction and importance of emotion identification 2:43 - Connection to previous "Check the Facts" episode 5:43 - Exploring fear as an emotion 7:10 - Discussing envy and its complexities 8:05 - Examining anger and its various triggers 10:13 - Distinguishing between shame and guilt 13:43 - Closing thoughts and resources for listeners See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    14 min

About

"The Addicted Mind Podcast" offers hope, understanding, and guidance for those dealing with addiction, with real stories and research to inspire and show the journey to recovery is worth it. We're here to do more than just talk about addiction. We want to show you how to heal and recover. Our talks with experts and people who have beaten addiction give you important insights into how addiction affects the mind and how recovery can happen in many ways. Whether we're looking at new treatment ideas or sharing stories that inspire, "The Addicted Mind Podcast" is all about understanding the complex world of addiction recovery and showing that recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is dealing with the challenges of addiction, let "The Addicted Mind Podcast" be your friend and guide. We aim to give you the knowledge you need, share stories that inspire you, and show you that the journey to recovery is worth it. Subscribe now to be part of a community focused on learning, healing, and changing for the better. Your journey to a healthier mind and life begins right here.

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