In this episode, Duane speaks with Early Brunner, the founder of Recovery Demystified. Early shares their powerful journey of navigating addiction as a queer, neurodivergent (autistic) person growing up in a small town. They discuss why traditional recovery models like AA can feel alienating for marginalized groups and how science-based "Quit Lit," neuroscience, and self-compassion provided the path to lasting sobriety.

Key Topics & Chapters

• [00:03] Introduction to Early Brunner Early introduces their background: growing up undiagnosed autistic in 90s Wisconsin, dealing with profound social rejection, and discovering substances at age 10 as a way to find social connection.
• [04:30] The 13-Year Struggle Early discusses the "vicious cycle" of trying to quit using willpower alone. They share the shame of failed attempts and the realization that the substances that once provided relief were now the primary source of their crippling anxiety.
• [14:05] The Turning Point: Beyond Willpower The shift began when Early found science-based resources like This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. Understanding the neuroscience of addiction helped them realize they weren't "broken" or "powerless," but rather dealing with a brain-based challenge that could be repaired.
• [23:34] The Birth of Recovery Demystified After working as an EMT and seeing the failures of the traditional medical system, Early felt called to create a space specifically for those with "complex identities"—queer and neurodivergent folks who face significantly higher rates of addiction due to systemic trauma.
• [33:44] Neurodivergence and Addiction A deep dive into why ADHD and Autistic individuals are more prone to substance use, focusing on lower baseline dopamine levels, sensory overload, and the "mashing of the dopamine button" to cope with a world not built for them.
• [36:10] Destigmatizing the Story Early explains the importance of looking at the "whole person," including their childhood (ACEs score), rather than just their worst moments in active addiction.

Quotes

"Willpower is like a muscle, and muscles get tired over time... I think you need an ounce of willpower and about 25 pounds of everything else." — Early Brunner

"One size fits all is not real. It’s not real for baseball caps, and it’s not real for recovery plans." — Early Brunner

"The first step was asking: 'What would someone who loves themself do?'" — Early Brunner

Resources Mentioned

• Book: This Naked Mind by Annie Grace
• Podcast: Recovery Elevator
• Concept: ACEs Score (Adverse Childhood Experiences)

Connect with Early Brunner

• Website: recoverydemystified.com
• Podcast: Recovery Demystified
• Social Media: @recoverydemystified (Instagram/Substack)
• Email: [email protected]

NovusMindfulLife.com

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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In this powerful episode, Duane sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty to discuss his hard-hitting documentary, Shuffle. The film pulls back the curtain on the "Florida Shuffle"—a predatory cycle in the billion-dollar addiction treatment industry where vulnerable individuals are "brokered" between facilities for insurance payouts.

Benjamin shares his own journey of recovery and explains how his personal experience allowed him to gain unprecedented access to a community often silenced or exploited. This conversation explores the dark intersection of greed and healthcare, the resilience of the human spirit, and why the current treatment system desperately needs transparency.

Key Discussion Points

• Benjamin’s Recovery Journey: How a moment of clarity at age 41 led Benjamin from "professional alcoholism" to a transformative experience in treatment.
• The Origins of Shuffle: A chance conversation in an AA meeting revealed a disturbing trend: recovery call centers becoming a primary source of employment for those in early sobriety.
• What is the "Florida Shuffle"? Benjamin explains how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unintentionally created a loophole where "patient brokers" poach insured individuals, profiting from their relapses.
• The Statistic that Shocks: There are currently more private substance abuse treatment centers in the U.S. than there are McDonald's restaurants.
• Witnessing the Cycle: The emotional weight of filming Corey and Nicole—two individuals caught in the cycle of being "bought and sold" by treatment facilities.
• The "Driveway Recordings": Why Benjamin chose to use raw, iPhone voice memos for the film's narration to maintain emotional authenticity.
• Maintaining Hope: Despite the systemic corruption, the film highlights the incredible resilience of those in recovery and the fact that healing is still possible.

Notable Quotes

"Stopping a substance is the entry card for admission. That’s not the whole thing. There’s a lot of work to do, and none of us know that until we find it out in our own way." — Benjamin Flaherty

"We’ve now made relapse profitable. We’ve incentivized the struggle by providing substandard care because an insurance card is like a blank check." — Benjamin Flaherty

"I approached my time with Corey not as a filmmaker first, but as a person in recovery. I had to witness it to make it impossible to ignore." — Benjamin Flaherty

Resources Mentioned

• The Documentary: Shuffle (also referred to as Stop the Shuffle)
• Website: stoptheshuffle.com — Find theater locations, tickets, and upcoming streaming info.
• Social Media: Follow the movement on Instagram @StopTheShuffle.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

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Download: OVERCOMING BLACK OR WHITE THINKING WORKSHEET

Welcome to the Addicted Mind podcast! Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I'm either a success or a complete failure"? This episode is for you.

In this episode, we dive deep into the pervasive issue of black-and-white thinking, also known as dichotomous thinking and its impact on addiction recovery. Join Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind as they explore how this rigid mindset can create emotional instability and hinder progress. Drawing on principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), they discuss practical steps to move from extreme thinking to a more balanced, nuanced approach. You'll learn mindfulness techniques, how to challenge your thoughts, and the importance of embracing the gray areas in life. By the end of this episode, you'll have valuable tools to help you think more dialectically and support your journey to recovery. Plus, don't miss the downloadable worksheet in the show notes to further your practice!

Key Topics

• Understanding black-and-white thinking and its impact on recovery
• Introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Practical steps to shift towards dialectical thinking
• Importance of mindfulness and self-compassion
• Challenging extreme thoughts and seeking clarification
• The role of language in shaping our perceptions

Timestamps

1. [00:00:00] Introduction and overview of black-and-white thinking
2. [00:02:15] The impact of black-and-white thinking on recovery and relationships
3. [00:06:15] Why our brains default to black-and-white thinking
4. [00:08:40] How to become a gray thinker: Practical steps
5. [00:10:58] Seeking clarification and the role of community support
6. [00:12:42] Reframing negative thoughts and focusing on positives
7. [00:14:11] Call to action: Download the worksheet and join the community

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Today, let’s journey through the realms of neuroscience, addiction research, and the promising future of treatment strategies for substance use disorders. On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Paul Kenny, a distinguished figure in neuroscience and addiction research. He unravels his research on signaling cascades in rodents’ brains, providing fascinating insights into addiction-like behaviors. 

The discussion turns engaging as Paul illuminates his groundbreaking work with certain treatments and their potential role in addressing cravings and motivation in substance use disorders is nothing short of fascinating. 

They also steer the conversation towards an area often overlooked, which is the relationship between drugs, addiction, and satiety. Paul dissects how potent drugs like cocaine and heroin trigger extreme pleasure and consequently, substance use disorders. He shares his insights into how the satisfaction derived from drug use and the ritualistic patterns of drug consumption could be altered to reduce dependence. 

This episode sheds light on the promising field of addiction research and the need to raise public awareness of the issue. This is a testament to the incredible work being done by Cure Addiction Now. By understanding the brain’s role in addiction, we can potentially change the way we approach substance use disorders and find innovative ways to help those struggling with addiction.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Groundbreaking research on addiction treatment
• Exploring medications to control cravings and motivation
• Drugs, addiction, and satiety relationship
• GLP-1 enhancers and their potential to treat drug addiction
• Exploring GLP-1 modulators for addiction treatment
• About Cure Addiction Now

Follow and Review:

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Supporting Resources:

Cure Addiction Now

https://cureaddictionnow.org/ 

NovusMindfulLife.com

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Duane Osterlind sits down with author Dana Bowman to discuss the often-overlooked intersection of long-term recovery and menopause. Dana opens up about her journey through "the second reckoning"—a period where hormonal shifts triggered intense anxiety, suicidal ideation, and the resurfacing of addictive behaviors like sugar addiction and "doom scrolling."

They explore the concept of process addictions, the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings, and how creativity can serve as a vital tool for navigating the "identity attack" that often accompanies aging. Dana’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't a destination, but a deepening process that requires grace, honesty, and a willingness to "boop the monster on the nose."

Key Discussion Points

• The "Invisible" Struggle of Menopause: Dana discusses how menopause is one of the least researched medical conditions, despite having over 70 potential symptoms. She highlights the specific danger for women in recovery: how hormonal anxiety can mimic the "dark days" of active addiction.
• Process Addictions in Recovery: When the biological substance (alcohol) is removed, other behaviors often rush in to fill the void. Dana shares her personal struggle with sugar addiction, binge eating, and digital escapism as ways to cope with menopausal distress.
• The Identity Attack: Aging and menopause can lead to "Invisible Woman Syndrome." Dana explains how surrendering to this new phase of life is similar to the initial surrender in early sobriety.
• The "Boop" Rule: A family strategy for facing fears. Instead of running from anxiety or shame, Dana teaches listeners to look the "clown" in the eye and "boop" it on the nose—acknowledging its presence without letting it take control.
• Medical Self-Advocacy: The importance of finding healthcare providers who understand the nuances of addiction and recovery when treating hormonal or mental health issues.

The Spectrum of Menopause Symptoms

Menopause is far more than just "hot flashes." It affects the physical, emotional, and cognitive systems, which can be particularly destabilizing for those maintaining long-term sobriety.

CategoryCommon Symptoms MentionedPhysicalJoint aches, insomnia, changes in hair/skin, exhaustion.EmotionalSevere anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal ideation.BehavioralReturn of "shame circles," hiding behaviors, sugar cravings.Memorable Quotes

"Alcoholism waited for me... and that’s how I felt about the menopause symptoms because they’re so sneaky. You feel like your whole body is betraying you."

"Recovery is all about acceptance and surrender. It’s hard when it’s your own identity to really say, 'Who am I anymore?'"

"There are times when my soul just needs to be wrapped in bubble wrap, and I just really need to hunker down into that. And it's okay. It’s rest."

Resources Mentioned

• Dana’s New Book: Humble Pie: Sober Menopause, Sugar Addiction, and The Sweetness of Recovery
• Dana’s Previous Books: Bottled and How to be Perfect Like Me2
• Website: DanaBowmanCreative.com
• Social Media: Follow Dana on TikTok and Instagram @theDanaBo

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.

Worksheet: Meeting Your Shadow

Have you ever done something and then wondered, "Who was that? That wasn't me"?

Maybe it was a relapse. A hurtful comment you didn't mean to say. Or that familiar feeling of sabotaging yourself right when things were finally going well. The uncomfortable truth? It was you—just a part of you that's been hiding in the shadows.

In this episode of The Addicted Mind, Duane and Eric Osterlind explore one of psychology's most powerful concepts: the shadow self. First named by psychiatrist Carl Jung, the shadow is the unconscious part of your personality where you've stuffed everything you think is unacceptable—your anger, jealousy, selfishness, and those desires you don't want anyone to see.

Here's the problem: what you repress grows in the dark.

The more you ignore these hidden parts of yourself, the stronger they become. And for those struggling with addiction, the shadow often becomes the invisible force that hijacks your recovery and drives you back into old patterns. It's exhausting trying to be "good" all the time while fighting a war inside yourself.

But here's the twist that might surprise you: your shadow isn't just the "bad" parts. It also contains buried treasures—your creativity, your passion, your drive. These gifts often get locked away because they seemed "too much" or not acceptable to the people around you.

The goal of shadow work isn't to destroy these parts of yourself. It's not about fixing something that's broken. As Duane and Eric discuss, drawing from Internal Family Systems therapy, there are no bad parts. Every part of you is trying to help in some way, even if that help has become distorted over time.

Instead, shadow work is about integration—bringing these hidden parts into the light so you can understand them and find healthy outlets for their energy. When you stop running from your shadow, something amazing happens: you free up all the energy you were using to keep that basement door locked. That energy becomes available for your recovery, your relationships, and your life.

In this episode, you'll learn two practical ways to start exploring your shadow safely. First, pay attention to what annoys you in other people. That strong reaction? It's often pointing to something you've disowned in yourself. Second, get curious about your negative traits instead of shaming them. That anger you hate? It might be protecting you. That laziness? It might be your body begging for rest.

The path to freedom isn't about becoming perfect. It's about becoming whole. A real person has a shadow—and meeting yours might be the most important step you take in your recovery.

Key Topics

• What is the shadow self? Carl Jung's concept of the unconscious parts of our personality we've denied, rejected, or repressed
• 
  
• Why whatever you repress grows in the dark—and how this fuels addiction and self-sabotage
• 
  
• The shadow isn't all bad—hidden within it are creativity, passion, and drive
• 
  
• Integration vs. fixing—why there are "no bad parts" and what that means for recovery
• 
  
• The projection exercise—how what annoys you in others reveals your own shadow
• 
  
• Getting curious instead of shaming—finding the positive intention behind negative traits
• 
  
• Wholeness over perfection—reclaiming the energy spent hiding from yourself
• 
  

Timestamps

• [00:01:00] – Introduction: Have you ever felt like there's another part of you living inside?
• 
  
• [00:03:00] – The pain point: Self-sabotage and the exhaustion of trying to be good all the time
• 
  
• [00:05:00] – Carl Jung's shadow concept explained: The bag we drag behind us
• 
  
• [00:06:00] – The twist: Your shadow contains hidden gifts, not just darkness
• 
  
• [00:08:00] – Integration vs. fixing: Why there are no bad parts
• 
  
• [00:09:00] – Action step #1: Exploring your projections—what annoys you in others
• 
  

[00:11:00] – Action step #2: Getting curious about your negative traits

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In this episode, Duane sits down with Dr. Frank Putnam, a pioneer in the study of childhood trauma with nearly 50 years of clinical and research experience. Dr. Putnam discusses his landmark 35-year longitudinal study—the Female Growth and Development Study—which tracked the biological and psychological impacts of sexual abuse on girls from childhood into adulthood. They explore the concept of "accelerated aging," the intergenerational transfer of trauma, and why early intervention is critical for breaking the cycle of violence.

Key Discussion Points

• The Evolution of Trauma Diagnosis: Dr. Putnam recounts the early days of his career (the 1970s) when PTSD didn't exist in the DSM. Veterans and trauma survivors were often misdiagnosed with schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder before a language for trauma was developed.
• The "Old Before Their Time" Phenomenon: A core finding of Dr. Putnam’s research is that extreme childhood adversity accelerates biological aging.
• Puberty: Abused girls in the study reached puberty approximately one year earlier than the control group.
• Epigenetics: DNA methylation studies show that traumatized individuals have a biological age that exceeds their chronological age.
• Immune System: Some young girls exhibited immune systems that appeared "older" than those of healthy adults.
• The Role of Cortisol: The stress hormone cortisol plays a dual role. While levels are high during the period of active trauma, they often crash later in life, leading to a "blunted" stress response that mediates many negative health outcomes.
• Intergenerational Trauma: * Dr. Putnam’s research suggests a roughly 30% transfer rate of abuse across generations.
• This is not just behavioral; animal studies suggest that trauma-induced epigenetic changes can be passed down biologically.
• Resilience and Recovery: What differentiates survivors who thrive?
• Positive Relationships: High-quality relationships with older, supportive female role models were the strongest predictors of resilience for the girls in the study.
• IQ and Social Skills: Higher cognitive ability and personalities that attract social support also serve as protective factors.

Treatment Success: Modern Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) has roughly a 70% success rate.

Resources

• Book: Old Before Their Time: A Scientific Life Investigating How Maltreatment Harms Children and the Adults They Become by Frank W. Putnam.
• Organizations:
• NCTSN: National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• TF-CBT: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• PCIT: Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (effective for younger children).
• Guest Website: frankputnam.com

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.

Download: INTRINSIC VS. EXTRINSIC GOALS

In this episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals and how they affect our well-being. Have you ever felt the high of achieving a big goal, only to have that happiness fade away? This episode explores why that happens and introduces the concept of the "hedonic treadmill." You'll learn how extrinsic goals, like money and status, give short-term happiness but don't last. In contrast, intrinsic goals, like personal growth and meaningful relationships, bring deeper and more lasting joy. Duane and Eric share practical tips on how to shift your focus to these intrinsic goals, cultivate gratitude, and build stronger, more fulfilling connections. They also discuss the importance of mindfulness, personal growth, and serving others in achieving true contentment. Tune in to discover how you can step off the hedonic treadmill and find real, sustainable happiness in your life.

Key Topics 

• The difference between extrinsic and intrinsic goals
• Understanding the hedonic treadmill
• How extrinsic goals lead to temporary happiness
• The importance of intrinsic goals for lasting fulfillment
• Practical tips to shift focus and cultivate intrinsic goals

Timestamp List

1. [00:01:06] Introduction to the topic: Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Goals
2. [00:03:08] Explanation of the hedonic treadmill
3. [00:04:20] The impact of extrinsic goals on happiness
4. [00:07:33] Defining and understanding intrinsic goals
5. [00:11:00] How to step off the hedonic treadmill
6. [00:16:04] Practical tips for cultivating intrinsic goals
7. [00:19:00] Summary and closing thoughts

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Worksheet: Healing Power of Connection

Ask people what the hardest part of addiction was, and they often won't say the drugs or the alcohol. They'll say the loneliness. Because addiction, at its core, is about isolation and shame. It's that crushing feeling of being in a crowded room and feeling completely invisible. It's the belief that if people really knew you—the real you with all your secrets and shame—they would run away.

But what if the medicine for that loneliness isn't just sobriety? What if the medicine is people?

In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind explore what they believe is the single most powerful predictor of long-term recovery success: connection. Not willpower. Not perfect meetings attendance. But belonging to a tribe, a community, a place where you're not alone.

Addiction demands secrecy. It thrives in the dark. Over time, you stop answering the phone, you stop going to events. You isolate to protect the addiction, but you end up trapping yourself with your own worst thoughts. And even in recovery, that instinct to hide can still linger. You might feel like a burden, or you might think, "I can do this on my own. I don't need help." But that's a dangerous lie. When shame says "I am bad" and isolation says "I am alone," relapse becomes almost inevitable.

The vicious cycle works like this: we isolate ourselves because we feel shame, and then that isolation breeds more shame. Breaking that cycle requires doing the one thing that feels most unnatural—reaching out. As journalist Johan Hari famously summarized from his research, "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety. The opposite of addiction is connection." But shame tells us we're not worthy of that connection, so we don't risk it.

The evidence is overwhelming. Whether it's AA, NA, SMART Recovery, or group therapy, the data shows that people who engage in supportive community have significantly better outcomes than those who try to go it alone. It's not just about having people around you—it's about shared experience. When you walk into a room and hear someone tell your story, there's a profound shift. The shame starts to evaporate because you realize: "I'm not the only one. I'm not crazy, bad, or sick. I'm not alone."

Group settings provide a buffer against stress. When we're with safe people, our nervous system can actually co-regulate. We feel safer physically and emotionally. The community provides accountability—someone to notice if you're struggling. It provides encouragement—someone to cheer when you win. And perhaps most importantly, we borrow their hope until we can rebuild our own. We lean on their energy when ours runs out.

But finding community can feel overwhelming, especially if you have social anxiety or fear of judgment. That's why Duane and Eric break it down into two simple, manageable steps you can take this week.

Step one: Identify just one potential connection point. This could be looking up an online meeting and putting it in your calendar. It could be texting one friend and saying, "Hey, can we grab coffee?" Or maybe it's looking for a sober hiking group or book club. Just find one place where healthy people are gathering that interests you.

Step two: Practice active listening in one conversation. Connection is a two-way street, but sometimes we're so anxious about what we're going to say that we forget to listen. This week, in just one conversation, put down your phone, look someone in the eye, and listen to understand—not to reply. Reflect back what you heard: "It sounds like you had a really tough day." This simple act builds instant intimacy and trust.

Remember, by participating in community, you aren't just getting help—you're giving it. Your presence helps someone else feel less alone, and that can be a powerful engine for your own self-worth and shame resilience.

You don't have to do this alone. Reach out, connect, and let the healing begin.

Key Topics

• The isolation trap of addiction: How addiction thrives in secrecy and loneliness, making connection the true antidote to recovery

• Shame as a barrier to connection: Understanding why shame tells us we're not worthy and keeps us from reaching out for help

• The opposite of addiction is connection: Johan Hari's powerful research showing community as the single most powerful predictor of recovery success

• Co-regulation in community: How being with safe people allows our nervous systems to calm down and feel safer physically and emotionally

• Two actionable steps for building connection: Identifying one connection point and practicing active listening this week

• From lone wolf to pack member: Moving from vulnerable isolation to being part of a supportive network that protects and sustains you

• The gift of giving back: How your presence in community helps others feel less alone and builds your own sense of purpose

Timestamps

[00:01:30] - The stark reality: The hardest part of addiction isn't the substances—it's the crushing loneliness

[00:03:00] - The vicious cycle: How shame and isolation feed each other and make relapse almost inevitable

[00:05:00] - Johan Hari's breakthrough insight: "The opposite of addiction is not sobriety—the opposite is connection"

[00:06:30] - The profound shift: What happens when you hear someone tell your story in a room full of people

[00:07:00] - Co-regulation explained: How safe people help calm our nervous system when we can't do it alone

[00:08:00] - Actionable Step #1: Identifying one potential connection point you can take this week

[00:10:00] - Actionable Step #2: Practicing active listening to build instant intimacy and trust

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In this deeply moving episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Burton Fischler, author of The Gift: Trauma to Triumph. Burton shares a harrowing personal journey marked by unimaginable loss—the murder of his wife, Barbara, at the hands of her son who struggled with severe mental illness and addiction.

Burton discusses how he navigated the dark abyss of PTSD and grief, eventually finding a path toward healing through writing, nature, and service. Now a substance addiction counselor, Burton explains the intersection of trauma and addiction and offers a message of profound hope for anyone feeling lost in the darkness.

Key Highlights

• A Tragic Turning Point: Burton recounts the heartbreaking events leading up to his wife’s death and the systemic failures that preceded the tragedy.
• The Weight of Trauma: Moving beyond "talk therapy" to understand how trauma lives in the body and the reality of living with PTSD.
• The Power of Writing: How documenting his journey for eight hours a day became a lifeline and a tool for self-discovery.
• Gratitude vs. Joy: The shift from waiting for joy to practicing gratitude as a foundational step toward recovery.
• Neuroplasticity and Choice: Understanding that while we cannot "think" our way into right action, we can act our way into right thinking by rewiring the brain through healthy habits.
• The Wisdom of Trauma: Why Burton chose to become a substance abuse counselor and how his own pain allows him to connect deeply with his clients.

During the conversation, Burton emphasizes the importance of replacing negative feedback loops with positive ones. This process leverages the brain's natural ability to change.

• Breaking Isolation: Moving from secrecy and shame to human connection.
• Nature and Awe: Finding symbols of resilience in the natural world (like a flower growing through concrete).
• Holistic Practice: Incorporating meditation, nutrition, and movement to support the "rewiring" of the mind.

Notable Quotes

"It is not joyfulness that makes us grateful. It's gratitude that makes us joyful." — Burton Fischler (referencing Brother David Steindl-Rast)

"If children after they fell did not get up and try again, we would have a world of people on their knees." — Burton Fischler

"There are two ways to look at life: one is that nothing is a miracle, and the other is that everything is." — Burton Fischler (referencing Albert Einstein)

Resources Mentioned

• Book: The Gift: Trauma to Triumph by Burton Fischler
• Poetry: T.S. Eliot
• References: Viktor Frankl (Man's Search for Meaning), Gabor Maté, and Bill Wilson (AA).

Connect with Burton Fischler

• Website: traumatotriumph.club
• Coaching: coachburton.com
• Social Media: Follow @BurtonFischler on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

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.

Duane Osterlind sits down with Doug Leech, founder of Ascension Recovery Services, to discuss the monumental challenge of expanding high-quality addiction treatment to "treatment deserts"—specifically rural areas and tribal lands. Doug shares his vulnerable personal journey from a high-achieving accountant struggling with opioid addiction and homelessness to becoming a visionary leader in behavioral health.

The conversation dives deep into the collaboration with the Pawnee Nation to build a sustainable, native-owned recovery center. Doug explains how he combined his expertise in accounting and neuroplasticity with ancient spiritual traditions and cultural healing to overcome the unique financial, political, and logistical hurdles of building on sovereign land.

Key Discussion Points

• Doug’s Personal Story: From working at a top accounting firm to living in a car due to opioid addiction, Doug discusses the powerful role of shame and the life-changing experience of finding recovery in Minnesota when his home state of West Virginia had no options.
• The Problem of Treatment Deserts: Why many communities (veterans, Medicaid recipients, and Native American tribes) are often left without any local access to life-saving care.
• The Pawnee Nation Project: The complexities of building on sovereign land, including financing without the ability to repossess property and navigating tribal government cycles.
• Workforce Development: The "10-year plan" to train tribal members—from peer recovery coaches to Master’s-level clinicians—to ensure the program is self-sustaining and native-operated.
• The Business of Recovery: How Doug uses his accounting background (and lessons from Sarbanes-Oxley) to build clinical programs that are not only effective but financially viable.
• The Power of Service: Why giving back through the 12th step is essential to maintaining long-term recovery.

Quotes from the Episode

"Addiction is the best-kept secret that everybody knows." — Doug Leech

"I'll die with this disease, not from it." — Doug Leech

Resources Mentioned

• Ascension Recovery Services: ascensionrs.com
• White Bison: A resource for Wellbriety and culturally based healing for indigenous peoples.
• The Addicted Mind Podcast: theaddictedmind.com

Doug Leech is in recovery and the founder of Ascension Recovery Services. Motivated by his own struggle to find care, he has dedicated his career to developing full-continuum recovery models for underserved populations, helping open dozens of centers across the United States.

Connect with Doug:

• LinkedIn: Doug Leech
• Website: ascensionrs.com

If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery Center

NovusMindfulLife.com

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