Addict II Athlete Podcast

Blu Robinson CMHC, SUDC

The Addict II Athlete podcast is hosted by Coach Blu Robinson, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and substance abuse counselor who has worked in the field since 2001. He is a fantastic public speaker, coach, and therapist who works with many individuals, youth, couples, and families addressing issues like addiction, trauma, communication, parenting, and more. Blu hopes to provide listeners with the skills and game plans for anyone to turn their mess into their message of hope and a bright future. The AIIA podcast is here to inspire anyone. We share recovery stories, education, life tips, address teen and parenting issues, and more. Our topics address all walks of life but also addiction recovery with tips and fundamentals for those seeking recovery as well as the family and friends of someone who is. Addict II Athlete removes the negative stigma of addiction and mental health and creates a foundation of potential and support. Addict to Athlete is a nonprofit team of peers, friends, and family who have a desire to create a new way of life. By knowing an addict, having been affected by addiction, or being in recovery yourselves, Team Addict II Athlete is here to help. We have come together to help one another with the outcome from all angles of addiction using our Erase and Replace Philosophy. Erase negative behaviors by replacing the void left behind with health, service, support system, and recreation. We are here to carry the message of recovery and change the outlook of addiction. Our goal is to spread the message of recovery to the addict and family of the addict who still struggles with addiction and to show that we have discovered a more excellent way to live. Moving from Addict to Athlete, dismisses the old way of thinking that recovery must remain anonymous as you become an Agent of Sobriety and a Champion of recovery. Help us continue to create podcasts and YouTube videos by becoming a Patreon Supporter https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete

  1. 6d ago

    Finding Purpose in Recovery with Cliff McDonald

    In this episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast Coach Blu talks to Cliff McDonald. Cliff's story is a recovery "origin + engine" narrative: he connects the early, hard-won decision to get sober with the ongoing, daily work that keeps him there. The episode frames recovery not as a finish line, but as a lifestyle built through connection, practical support systems, and meaningful contribution to other people. Cliff describes recovery as something he had to build, not something that simply "happened" after a final decision. He shares the personal turning points that brought him from isolation and chaos to stability, then he broadens the focus to what sustained progress actually requires. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Movement 02:52 Cliff's Journey to Recovery 06:08 The Importance of Accessible Care 08:59 The Impact of Alcoholism on Families 12:02 Finding Purpose in Recovery 15:05 The Role of Service in Recovery 17:53 The Struggles of Relapse and Recovery 23:32 Cliff's Struggles with Addiction 29:10 Moments of Clarity and Turning Points 37:11 The Power of Vulnerability and Surrender 44:59 The Hero's Journey in Recovery 51:02 Embracing Multiple Pathways to Recovery Resources Recovery.com - https://recovery.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffmcdonald/ Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

    58 min
  2. Apr 22

    From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy

    This week, Coach Blu speaks to Richard Baum, a former acting drug czar and Georgetown professor, draws on decades of experience in drug policy to offer a thoughtful look at the opioid crisis and broader addiction challenges. In this episode, he discusses how addiction is not just a personal issue, but a public health problem that affects families, communities, and government systems. He explains that effective responses require more than punishment or short-term fixes. Instead, they need a balanced approach that includes prevention, treatment, recovery support, and smart policy. Baum highlights the importance of evidence-based strategies, such as expanding access to treatment, supporting harm reduction efforts, and making sure people struggling with addiction can get help without unnecessary barriers. He also emphasizes that lasting progress depends on cooperation between communities, healthcare providers, and government leaders. By working together, they can create systems that reduce overdose deaths, improve recovery outcomes, and address the root causes of substance use disorders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:58 Richard Baum's Background and Experience 04:45 The Impact of the Opioid Crisis 09:30 Lessons from Personal Stories 12:00 The Role of Policy in Addressing the Crisis 16:04 Medication-Assisted Treatment in Prisons 20:41 Shifts in Law Enforcement's Approach 26:45 Regulation of Treatment Centers 29:07 The Need for Regulation and Expert Oversight 30:07 Underinvestment in the Opioid Crisis Response 34:18 The Importance of Prevention and Education 39:37 Innovations in Drug Policy and Treatment 46:37 Richard Baum's Book and Resources for Change Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/richardjbaum Twitter - https://twitter.com/richardjbaum Resources Inside America's Opiate Crisis (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234 Richard Baum's Website - https://richardjbaum.com Office of National Drug Control Policy - https://odcp.gov Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go, and click the link below https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org   It's time! Skool is in session! Welcome to Addict II Athletes new on line mental health and addiction program! You will find:   https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0

    54 min
  3. Apr 2

    The Hungry Warrior with JD Tremblay

    This week Coach Blu speaks with JD Tremblay as he shares his inspiring journey from overcoming behavioral addictions to completing the ultra-deca challenge, emphasizing the power of mindset, faith, and structured systems in transforming lives. This episode explores mental resilience, overcoming failure, and building a life of purpose beyond addiction. 00:00Introduction to the Addict to Athlete Podcast 01:27JD Tremblay: A Journey of Transformation 02:44The Role of Athleticism in Coping Mechanisms 04:49The Epic DECA Challenge Explained 07:38Mental Fortitude in Endurance Events 10:29Overcoming Addiction: The Journey to Freedom 13:21The Importance of Starting vs. Finishing 21:37Choosing Faith Over Fear 23:44The RISE Framework for Recovery 27:19Engaging in Healthy Challenges 28:10The Power of Identity and Faith 29:41The Journey of Writing a Book 32:31Overcoming Mental Struggles 36:27Reflecting on Failures and Achievements 39:36Creating Structure for Change 42:28The Common Path to Success 49:40Transforming Pain into Purpose  Resources Hungry Warrior Academy: https://hungrywarrioracademy.com JD Tremblay's Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn) - https://hungrywarrioracademy.com Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

    55 min
  4. Mar 24

    Your Mind Is Lying to You

    In this powerful episode of the Addict II Athlete podcast, Coach Blu takes a deep dive into anxiety, what it is, what it isn't, and why so many of us misunderstand it. Drawing from real-life experience and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, he breaks down how anxiety shows up in the mind and body, and how it can quietly pull you into overwhelming spirals if left unchecked. Coach Blu walks listeners through practical tools to recognize anxious thought patterns in real time and challenges the distorted thinking that fuels them. He introduces grounding techniques rooted in CBT that help you pause, reset, and regain control when your thoughts start racing. More importantly, he reframes anxiety not as a personal flaw, but as a signal something to be understood rather than feared. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to better manage stress and overwhelm, this episode offers straightforward, actionable strategies to help you stay present, centered, and mentally strong. Tune in to learn how to stop the spiral, take back your thoughts, and move forward with clarity.   Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

    49 min
  5. Mar 17

    An Agent of Recovery: Wendell Wood

    In this weeks episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast Coach Blu speaks to Wendell Wood, host of the Agents of Rrecovery Podcast. Together, they navigate the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the importance of community support. Wendell is a passionate advocate for recovery, having transformed his struggles into a source of strength for himself and others. With a background in facilitating recovery groups and a personal journey that resonates deeply, Wendell brings invaluable perspectives to the conversation about addiction and healing. One of the prevailing themes in the podcast is the crucial role of community in recovery. Wendell emphasizes how surrounding oneself with supportive individuals can significantly impact one's journey. He shares that his involvement with the Addict to Athlete group helped him see that he wasn't alone in his struggles. This sense of belonging fostered a supportive environment where he could share his experiences and learn from others.   Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org It's time! Skool is in session! Welcome to Addict II Athletes new on line mental health and addiction program! You will find: https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0

    1 hr
  6. Feb 18

    Is It Addiction?

    This episode kicks off a powerful new season of the Addict to Athlete podcast as Coach Blu returns to the fundamentals of what addiction truly is. Drawing from personal experience and years of hands-on work, Coach Blu shares his own perspective on addiction and how it has shaped his approach to recovery. Episode Overview In this season-opening conversation, Coach Blu breaks down the foundational principles behind addiction and explains how practical, time-tested recovery tools can be applied in everyday life and long-term healing. - Defining addiction through real-world experience and lived understanding   - Coach Blu's personal perspective on recovery and growth   - Recovery tools learned over a lifetime and how they translate into action   - How these principles are implemented within the Team Addict to Athlete Recovery Program   This episode sets a clear and intentional tone for the season, offering listeners a grounded framework for understanding addiction and recovery. It reinforces the message that lasting change is built on strong foundations, consistent effort, and a willingness to apply what works. Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a team behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org It's time! Skool is in session! Welcome to Addict II Athletes new on line mental health and addiction program! You will find: - The AIIA Personal Recovery Playbook for your individual recovery goals. -The AIIA Couch to 5k training program - Coach Blu's Core Communication Modules. An in depth relapse prevention plan. - Direct access to Coach Blu's Office for weekly group/team support lead by Coach Blu -Access to one on one therapy/counseling/coaching sessions with Coach Blu himself. - Building your Home Team for relationships and family systems development, and much more.    Just Follow the Link and take you place, Skool is in session!

    55 min
4.8
out of 5
90 Ratings

About

The Addict II Athlete podcast is hosted by Coach Blu Robinson, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and substance abuse counselor who has worked in the field since 2001. He is a fantastic public speaker, coach, and therapist who works with many individuals, youth, couples, and families addressing issues like addiction, trauma, communication, parenting, and more. Blu hopes to provide listeners with the skills and game plans for anyone to turn their mess into their message of hope and a bright future. The AIIA podcast is here to inspire anyone. We share recovery stories, education, life tips, address teen and parenting issues, and more. Our topics address all walks of life but also addiction recovery with tips and fundamentals for those seeking recovery as well as the family and friends of someone who is. Addict II Athlete removes the negative stigma of addiction and mental health and creates a foundation of potential and support. Addict to Athlete is a nonprofit team of peers, friends, and family who have a desire to create a new way of life. By knowing an addict, having been affected by addiction, or being in recovery yourselves, Team Addict II Athlete is here to help. We have come together to help one another with the outcome from all angles of addiction using our Erase and Replace Philosophy. Erase negative behaviors by replacing the void left behind with health, service, support system, and recreation. We are here to carry the message of recovery and change the outlook of addiction. Our goal is to spread the message of recovery to the addict and family of the addict who still struggles with addiction and to show that we have discovered a more excellent way to live. Moving from Addict to Athlete, dismisses the old way of thinking that recovery must remain anonymous as you become an Agent of Sobriety and a Champion of recovery. Help us continue to create podcasts and YouTube videos by becoming a Patreon Supporter https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete