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Ever wonder why two people can experience the exact same event but walk away with completely different emotions?
In this fascinating episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the science of optimism and reveal how our attention shapes our reality. They explain that optimism isn't about ignoring negative experiences or forcing positivity – it's about training our brain to process both positive and negative information in a balanced way.
Through practical examples and evidence-based strategies, they show listeners how to break free from negative thought spirals and develop genuine optimistic thinking. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or just want to build more resilience, this episode offers simple yet powerful tools to help you unlock your inner optimist and transform how you experience life's challenges.
Download: Unlocking Your Inner Optimist Worksheet
Key Topics
Timestamps
[00:01:27] The power of perspective: Same event, different experiences
[00:03:42] The science behind attention and optimism
[00:05:19] Why this isn't toxic positivity
[00:09:30] Introduction to practical strategies
[00:09:54] The two-chair technique explained
[00:11:28] The daily spotlight exercise
[00:13:02] The reframe challenge technique
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In this episode of The Addicted Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with author, veteran, and off-grid farmer Robert "Bob" Stark. Bob shares his powerful journey of overcoming an 18-year battle with substance abuse, transitioning back to civilian life after parachuting into Iraq during the initial invasion, and deconstructing the rigid constraints of hyper-masculinity.
Bob opens up about how he used writing to process unaddressed childhood and combat traumas, moving from anger and blame to deep internal healing. Today, Bob celebrates 11 years of clean and sober living on a 40-acre off-grid farm in the Kenai Peninsula of Alaska, where he is learning to balance strength with the gentleness his family deserves. Tune in to hear an inspiring conversation about resilience, the power of putting pen to paper, and the continuous journey of transformation.
Key Takeaways & Highlights
Robert Stark (Bob) is an Army veteran who served four and a half years in the military, including a deployment as a paratrooper during the invasion of Iraq. He is the author of two deeply personal books, War Flower and Just Like a Soldier, which chronicle his experiences with trauma, military life, and long-term recovery. Bob has been clean and sober for 11 years and lives off-grid in Alaska with his wife, Savannah, and their four children, where they run their family farm, Secret Garden Alaska.
Resources & Links Mentioned
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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.
In this episode, Duane Osterlind talks with Nawal Roy, the visionary behind Holmusk, the world’s largest clinical data platform for mental health. After a successful career in finance, Nawal pivoted to healthcare, driven by the realization that mental health is one of the most complex, yet least quantified, areas of medicine.
They dive deep into how Holmusk has spent 11 years building a "scientific-grade" database of over 42 million patients, shifting mental health care away from "hunches and poetry" toward precision and evidence-based science.
Key Discussion Points
"Mental health is currently closer to poetry than science... we need to bring the level of rigor found in pediatric oncology to the mental health community." — Nawal Roy
"You can't improve what you don't measure. If we have data, we can actually make real, significant change to people's lives." — Duane Osterlind
Big Takeaways
Resources Mentioned
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.
Download: Shame Sabotaging Your Recovery Worksheet
Have you ever noticed that after a slip in recovery, your thoughts immediately jump to "I'm worthless" or "I'm never going to get better"? These aren't just random negative thoughts – they're part of a powerful emotion that might be secretly sabotaging your recovery journey. In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the crucial difference between guilt and shame in addiction recovery. Through evidence-based research and practical experience, they reveal why many people mistakenly identify their shame as guilt, and how this misunderstanding can keep them trapped in the addiction cycle. The hosts share three powerful, scientifically-backed tools that listeners can start using immediately to build shame resilience and strengthen their recovery journey. Whether you're in recovery yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers essential insights into breaking free from the destructive grip of shame while building a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
KEY TOPICS
TIMESTAMPS
[00:01:20] Introduction to shame's impact on recovery
[00:02:31] Research findings on shame vs. guilt in addiction
[00:04:00] How toxic shame creates a negative cycle
[00:08:14] First tool: The Language Shift technique
[00:09:40] Second tool: The Shame Interrupt method
[00:11:00] Third tool: The Connection Practice
[00:13:40] Community resources and next steps
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This episode features a deep dive into the complex neurobiology of betrayal with Dr. Stan Tatkin, the developer of PACT (A Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy). Hosted by Duane Osterlind, the conversation explores why betrayal feels like an existential threat, the role of shame in stalling recovery, and the "hard pills" that must be swallowed for true relationship restoration.
The Anatomy of Betrayal
Betrayal is often misunderstood as simply a sexual or financial act. Dr. Tatkin defines it more deeply as the violation of the free flow of vital information.
The Neurobiology of Discovery
The brain of a betrayed partner enters a state of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD).
The "Distancing" Betrayer
Dr. Tatkin notes that a large majority of "secret keepers" fall into the avoidant/distancing attachment group.
The Role of Shame vs. Guilt
Shame is often the greatest hurdle to healing.
Key Takeaways for Healing
Resources Mentioned
"Attachment biology tells us on an existential level: I can't quit you, it feels like death. But I can't live with you either. This is the 'dark side' of attachment that keeps us in relationships even when we shouldn't be—unless we stand on principle." > — Dr. Stan Tatkin
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.
Download: From Self-Blame to Self-Compassion Recovery Worksheet.
Are you your own worst enemy in recovery? This episode tackles the hidden barrier that keeps many people stuck in addiction - a harsh inner critic. Hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore how self-blame can sabotage recovery efforts and share research-backed strategies for developing self-compassion. Drawing from Dr. Kristen Neff's groundbreaking research, they explain why being kind to yourself isn't just "feel-good talk" but a powerful tool for lasting change. The hosts break down practical steps to transform your inner dialogue and explain why self-compassion actually leads to better accountability than harsh self-criticism. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers actionable tools to break free from shame and build lasting resilience.
Key Topics
Key Timestamps
[00:01:23] Why we're kinder to others than ourselves
[00:03:35] Understanding the trap of self-blame
[00:05:02] Introduction to Dr. Kristen Neff's research
[00:07:34] Self-compassion vs. making excuses
[00:08:23] Practical steps for developing self-compassion
[00:11:36] The importance of common humanity
[00:14:31] Different timelines for change
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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
2. Redefining Trauma
3. The Kaleidoscope Model: The Arc of Healing
4. The "Sherpa" and Family Healing
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
Links to Guests Below:
LinkedIn/Noel Rihm
LinkedIn/Bill Brady
Kaleidoscope Ventures
Smashed: Sober (with a Twist)
Contact The Addicted Mind:
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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.
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
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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.
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
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.
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 Mind Map for Healing
Guest Resources
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.
From the publisher's feed
"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…
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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