Addict II Athlete Podcast

In this episode, Coach Blu interviews Dr. Nicole Labor, a board-certified addiction medicine physician, discussing her journey in addiction treatment, the stigma surrounding it, and the importance of combining medical and therapeutic approaches. They explore the complexities of addiction, the role of medication-assisted treatment, and the emerging trends in substance use, including the use of ketamine for mental health. The conversation explores the complexities of addiction treatment, the public perception of various substances, and the importance of honest discourse in recovery. It highlights the challenges faced by individuals in recovery and the need for a nuanced understanding of addiction and its treatment.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 00:54 Dr. Nicole Labor's Journey in Addiction Medicine
• 04:02 Understanding Addiction and Treatment Approaches
• 07:49 The Stigma Surrounding Addiction Medicine
• 11:57 The Role of Medication in Addiction Treatment
• 14:57 Shifts in Substance Use Patterns
• 17:53 Exploring Ketamine Treatments and Their Implications
• 24:02 The Efficacy of Treatments and Public Perception
• 26:54 The Reality of Medical Marijuana
• 27:51 Cannabis Potency and Mental Health Risks
• 33:06 The Journey of Addiction Recovery
• 38:26 The Power of Honesty in Recovery

Dr. Nicole Labor Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07ZV458QY?ingress=0&visitId=afa5ad3b-4011-4866-b428-28e4074feb13&ccs_id=276e6702-cc9d-429e-9bf7-f5d7e26a5a3d

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/theaddictsdoc

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. 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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

In this episode of the Addict II Athlete podcast, Coach Blu welcomes a returning guest, Donel Ward, who discusses what she's learned, the experiences she's had, and the healing process she's undergone, having identified significant love, compassion, and joy. She's found long-term recovery. Listen as they discuss a beautiful history, one that demonstrates how humility plays a strong role in accepting advice in any and all situations, from the people who truly cared enough to tell you the truth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and guest background

01:58 Donel’s early life and family addiction history

04:02 His initial treatment experience and the DEA raid

07:00 Realization of addiction and seeking help

10:12 Inner child work and uncovering past trauma

14:57 The mountain metaphor and climbing out of addiction

19:57 Art as a healing tool and self-belief

25:07 The importance of community and support systems

30:02 Relapse, setbacks, and resilience

34:56 Transforming pain into purpose and future goals

40:01 Reflections on healing, forgiveness, and growth

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. 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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

Blu Robinson, SUDC, CMHC: [email protected]

Celebrating the 500th episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast, Coach Blu sits down with a true pioneer in movement based recovery: Todd Crandall, founder of Racing for Recovery. Long before recovery communities such as Addict II Athlete were changing lives through fitness, connection, accountability, and purpose, Todd was proving that movement could become a powerful pathway out of addiction.

Todd shares his journey through trauma, addiction, and self-destruction and the turning points that led him to rebuild his life through endurance athletics, including Ironman competition. He explains how training gave him more than physical strength: it created discipline, identity, confidence, emotional regulation, and a reason to keep moving forward.

This conversation honors Todd’s legacy while exploring the shared philosophy behind Racing for Recovery and Addict II Athlete: "movement equals healing". It is an episode about turning pain into purpose, taking ownership of the next right step, and using the hardest chapters of life as training material for a stronger future.

Listen in for an honest, motivating conversation about recovery, resilience, endurance, and the power of becoming the person you once needed.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

03:05 Turning tragedy into a movement for healing

07:36 Spiritual inspiration and purpose in Todd's journey

11:10 The importance of vulnerability and sharing stories

12:39 Overcoming societal judgment and stigma

14:15 The team approach and community support in recovery

15:34 Athletic challenges as metaphors for life's obstacles

19:04 Todd's extensive Iron Man experience and lessons learned

22:13 The motivation to continue and avoid burnout

24:37 The concept of embracing the suck and resilience

28:30 Balancing personal recovery with family and community

33:13 The impact of helping others and giving back

35:35 Todd's journey as an author and storyteller

40:05 Creating resources for children and families

44:25 Healing childhood trauma through storytelling

48:48 Looking back and staying motivated to move forward

50:52 Supporting others and community involvement

52:35 Upcoming events and how to get involved

54:23 Closing thoughts and gratitude

58:59 Connecting with Todd Crandall and supporting Racing for Recovery

For more information about Racing For Recovery:

https://racingforrecovery.org/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/racing-for-recovery-podcast/id1693894844

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/share/19gxpSkt4K/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soberultraman?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&stkn=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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. 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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

In this episode of the Addict to Athlete Podcast, Coach Blu welcomes Candice Furubayashi, a woman in long-term recovery whose journey began nearly nine and a half years ago at Mountain Peak Recovery. Candice shares how sponsorship, completing the Twelve Steps, participating in recovery-centered activities, and surrounding herself with supportive people helped her maintain sobriety and build a new way of life.

Candice also discusses her transition from a demanding marketing career to yoga, Ayurvedic wellness, and substance use disorder counseling after experiencing burnout, stress, and physical symptoms. Now working at Watercourse Way Wellness, she and Coach Blu explore the importance of addressing core issues, staying connected to a recovery community, making time for play and wellness, and recognizing that lasting recovery cannot be maintained alone.

This episode is a powerful reminder that recovery is not only about stopping substance use. It is also about discovering balance, building meaningful connections, turning personal pain into purpose, and using lived experience to help others.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Candice's background

01:59 Candice's early recovery and community involvement

04:07 Transition from corporate marketing to holistic health

05:50 The importance of support systems and sponsors

08:06 The significance of balance and core issues in recovery

09:47 Candice's journey into Ayurveda and holistic practices

11:54 Handling stress and burnout in recovery

14:02 The rule of thirds and the impact of loss in addiction

16:11 The importance of purpose and sharing stories

18:02 Candice's current work and future goals

19:53 Self-discovery and continuous learning in recovery

21:55 The role of holistic health in addiction recovery

23:59 Imposter syndrome and personal growth

26:09 Balancing mind, body, and spirit through Ayurveda

28:11 The importance of self-awareness and reflection

29:58 Candice's advice for those on their recovery journey

For More Information https://watercoursewellness.org/

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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

In this week's episode, Coach Blu introduces the first four principles of the Addict to Athlete Personal Recovery Playbook. He explores the race-and-replace philosophy, what to do when you hit a figurative wall, and how to transform the mess of addiction into a meaningful message of recovery.

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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org

Need Additional Help, Coach Blu counselor and mental health therapist to schedule a appointment with Coach Blu go to [email protected]

Coach Blu dives into the complex and often problematic world of youth residential treatment programs, or the troubled teen industry in the United States, with a focus on Utah. He shares personal experiences, industry history, regulatory challenges, and the need for reform to better serve youth and families.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode
01:14 Coach Blu's Personal Connection to Treatment Programs
02:24 Focus on Youth Residential Treatment in the US
03:13 Historical Development of Youth Treatment Movement
04:09 Problems with Traditional Treatment Approaches
05:02 Industry Profitability and Oversight Issues
06:26 Exposing Shady Practices and Investigations
08:06 Case Study: Provo Canyon and Paris Hilton
09:33 Infiltrating Treatment Centers and Industry Flaws
11:00 Evolution of Youth Treatment Facilities
13:09 Growth in the 1980s and 1990s
14:35 Profit Motives and Public Funding
16:22 Fragmentation and Lack of Unified Standards
18:05 Historical Roots and State Involvement
19:57 Expansion and Industry Growth in the 80s and 90s
22:17 Private Industry and Marketing Strategies
24:12 Oversight, Accreditation, and Quality Control
27:04 Utah's Role as a Treatment Hub
33:28 Controversies in Wilderness and Outdoor Programs
36:43 Regulation and Oversight Improvements
38:09 Why Utah Became a Major Treatment Center
41:57 Children's Limited Contact and Therapeutic Impact
43:20 Behavioral Modification and Family Dynamics
50:24 Parenting Challenges and Systemic Issues
52:17 Long-term Effects and Adult Voices
54:40 The Need for Systemic Reform and Future Outlook
01:06:16 Upcoming Episodes and Call for Change

In this episode, Dr. Christy Bundakamara shares her profound insights on the residual effects of addiction, trauma, and grief, emphasizing the importance of mental strength and the power of rewriting internal dialogue to foster recovery and healing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest
02:23 Understanding the internal dialogue of those struggling with addiction
03:28 The impact of unresolved trauma and grief
04:08 Genetics, environment, and learned behaviors in addiction
05:37 The biology of reward and neural pathways
07:06 The challenge of making good choices amidst trauma
08:47 Movement as a tool for healing and trauma release
11:33 Separating grief from trauma for effective healing
14:07 Addressing guilt and shame in recovery
17:16 The importance of self-forgiveness and personal responsibility
20:00 The misconceptions about addiction and recovery
22:37 The mentally strong method: Think, Organize, Choose
25:17 The role of purpose and spiritual connection in healing
28:51 Personal stories of trauma, loss, and resilience
33:28 The power of rewriting personal narratives
36:54 Building momentum through positive choices
42:44 The importance of self-awareness and self-love
48:28 Understanding the roots of immediate gratification behaviors
52:14 The significance of movement and mental organization in healing
55:19 Closing thoughts and resources for recovery and healing

For more info and resources from Dr. Christy Bundakamara: https://mentallystrong.com/
Exclusive Offer for AIIA: athlete.mentallystrong.com

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 

This week, Coach Blu Robinson sits down with Jim Logan for a powerful Attitude Athlete conversation about transformation through adversity. Jim's journey, from hearing the words "you have cancer" to crossing the finish line as an Ironman, is a testament to what can happen when faith, perseverance, and purpose become stronger than fear. Listen as Jim shares the physical, emotional, and spiritual reality of confronting a cancer diagnosis. Rather than allowing that moment to define the limits of his life, he began rebuilding it, one decision, one workout, one act of faith, and one day at a time. His path to becoming an Ironman was never simply about endurance sports. Training became a vehicle for healing, discipline, gratitude, and rediscovering what his life could mean after survival. The miles represented more than fitness; they reflected a commitment to keep showing up, even when the road was difficult.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Journey
03:00 Facing Adversity and Finding Faith
06:01 The Power of Service and Community
08:59 Acceptance and the Importance of Perspective
12:01 Training and Preparation for Life's Challenges
15:06 The Ironman Experience and Personal Growth
20:38 Empowering Youth Through Swimming
21:08 Endurance and Overcoming Adversity
22:54 The Role of Support Systems
23:51 Humility and Personal Growth
24:19 The Journey of an Ironman
26:11 The Philosophy of Persistence
27:29 Writing as a Legacy
29:39 Transforming Pain into Strength
31:15 Conquering Doubt and Fear
33:33 Daily Renewal of Faith and Discipline
35:35 Inspiration from the Ironman Community
37:33 Living with Purpose and Meaning
38:24 Connecting Through Social Media and Charity

Jim's Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/stage42025/

Jim's Book "Just Keep Tri-Ing

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX3JNLF7?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback

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

In this episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast, Coach Blu interviews AIIA's Newest Coach, Jason Gonzalas, a dedicated AIIA recovery coach and member of the Addict to Athlete community. They discuss Jason's inspiring journey through addiction, recovery, and his commitment to helping others in Twila County and beyond.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Addict Athlete Podcast
01:30 Jason's Journey to Recovery
03:50 The Role of the Judicial System in Recovery
10:02 Building Relationships and Community Support
12:24 Finding Purpose in Pain
18:20 Embracing Emotions and Mental Health
24:21 The Power of Integrity and Accountability
26:10 Transformative Experiences in Volunteering
30:17 The Power of Teamwork and Community
33:00 Building a Supportive Environment in Recovery
36:39 Long-Term Commitment to Recovery
40:17 Creating Conditions for Courage and Support
43:10 The Journey of Recovery and Emotional Endurance
49:55 Integrating Art and Athletics in Recovery

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

Coach Blu is back with a new conversation on Addict to Athlete featuring Brad Waldon and his new business venture partner, Angela. In this episode, they break down what recovery actually looks like when life doesn't slow down: staying steady, making clean choices, and building momentum one day at a time.

Brad and Angela join Coach Blu to explore the overlap between recovery, real world responsibility, and progression especially when you're stepping into something new that scares you. They talk about entrepreneurship, how to collaborate without losing yourself, and how to keep your standards high when motivation is low. You'll also hear practical perspectives on food and recovery using nutrition, structure, and simple decisions to support the body while the mind catches up.

This episode isn't about pretending addiction never happened. It's about leaving it behind by choosing the next clean action—then repeating it until it becomes your identity. You'll walk away with a valuable resource for the "in-between" moments: the season where you're not fully healed yet, but you're done going backward.

What You'll Take Away
- A recovery mindset that turns fear into fuel for progression  
- How to build consistency when life feels unpredictable  
- Practical insights on food and structure as part of staying on track  
- Lessons on entrepreneurship from Brad, and partnership + momentum from Angela  
- A "valuable resource" approach for the gap between where you are and where you want to be  

Call to Action
Show up for yourself today. Choose one clean action, support your body with food that works for you, and keep moving toward the version of you that scares you in the best way.

The Gathering Table Info:

Email: [email protected]

Phone number: (385) 204-3013

https://www.facebook.com/share/1jC51NqgxC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/thegatheringtableutah?utm_source=qr

Links for Addict II Athlete social media:

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 visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts.

https://www.AddictToAthlete.org