On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Dr. Katie Held, Chief Clinical Officer, and John Lieberman, CEO of Visions Teen Treatment Center, to expose the harsh realities adolescents face in today’s drug crisis. Drawing from frontline experience treating teens with substance use disorders, they break down what parents, educators, and clinicians urgently need to understand.

The conversation begins with a sobering look at how adolescents are unknowingly using fentanyl, often without realizing it’s present in the substances they consume. Dr. Held and Lieberman explain what they’re seeing inside teen treatment centers and why fentanyl exposure has become increasingly common. They then explore how high-potency THC and cannabis extracts are triggering psychosis in teens, particularly among young brains that are still developing.

Toxicology data reveals the scope of the problem, with 10–15% of teen admissions testing positive for fentanyl, a number that continues to climb. The discussion moves into the dangers of street vape cartridges and counterfeit products, highlighting how teens casually pick up unknown carts with potentially lethal consequences.Beyond substances, the episode confronts human trafficking risks tied to drug access, including real cases where teens normalize dangerous situations just to obtain drugs. The emotional weight deepens with stories of parents receiving hospital calls after overdoses—one father worrying about school while his son fights for his life, and another asking, “Can help get here fast enough to save my son?”

Dr. Held and Lieberman address parental responsibility, denial, and fear, unpacking common misconceptions teens and families have about drugs. They examine the post-COVID and social media impact on adolescent mental health, emphasizing the urgent need for resilience-building. The episode also explores what it’s like to seek treatment for your own child while running a treatment center, the critical role of family support, and the key differences between treating adolescents versus adults.

The conversation closes with a powerful reflection on why they choose to work with adolescents—because early intervention can change the trajectory of an entire life.

World-renowned interventionist Candy Finnigan joins host Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time for a deeply emotional and unfiltered conversation about addiction, recovery, accountability, and compassion. A pioneer in the intervention space and one of the first three women interventionists, Candy reflects on her 32-year career helping families confront substance use disorder—while also sharing her own lived experience with alcoholism.

Candy opens up about hiding alcohol, being confronted by her mother-in-law, and facing the threat of losing her children, a pivotal moment that led her into sobriety. From there, she shares powerful stories from her time on the television series Intervention, including a man reuniting with his sons after 22 years, meeting an estranged family member and an unknown child, and witnessing the devastating clarity that can come—even amid cognitive decline—when someone realizes the harm addiction has caused their family.

The episode explores memory loss during periods of severe alcoholism and homelessness, the tragic arc of a former lightweight boxing champion who became unhoused, and the long-term impact of trauma, brain injury, and substance abuse. One story highlights the moment a man, despite cognitive delay, instantly understood what he had done to his loved ones—an example of how awareness and remorse can still surface in unexpected ways.

Richard Taite then shares one of his most painful experiences as an interventionist: a woman he believes he failed. He recounts running out of time, walking away knowing she would die, and carrying that grief years later. The moment underscores the emotional weight interventionists bear and the reality that outcomes are never guaranteed.

Throughout the episode, Candy reinforces a core truth of the work: intervention is not about control or rescue, but about offering people a chance to choose recovery. As she says, “Our life work is helping people who suffer, get better.”

On this week’s episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with former NFL running back Montee Ball, whose journey from childhood Broncos fan to 2nd-round draft pick for the Denver Broncos reads like a dream—until it didn’t. Montee shares the surreal moment he was drafted, including the text he received from Peyton Manning, and how playing alongside legends like Manning and Tom Brady was both inspiring and overwhelming.

At the height of his career—during his best year on the field—Montee was living his worst year off of it. He opens up about addiction, the pressure to perform, and the moments he declined calls from NFL teams to keep drinking and partying. He reflects on losing everything and the painful realization that his addiction had begun to push away the people who cared about him most.

Montee revisits the expectations he set for himself—believing he’d “run off into the sunset with a gold jacket”—and the spiritual shift that redirected his path toward helping others. Richard highlights Montee’s rare athletic ability with the unforgettable line: “You’re the most impressive athlete I’ve ever met. EVER.”

Now nine years into recovery, Montee says it’s been “better than any touchdown I’ve ever scored.” He talks about choosing sobriety, why making it to ten years becomes a life-changing milestone, and reflects on his NCAA all-time touchdown record. Today, he lives by a core belief: when you show up with the heart of a servant, committed to lifting others out of addiction, there’s no limit to the impact you can make.

The episode dives into letting go of the past, the transformative moment Montee learned he was going to be a father after being released from jail, and the profound truth he discovered: you don’t know real love until you have a child. With purpose, humility, and renewed clarity, Montee shares why his mission is far from over: “I’m ready to continue helping more people. I’m not done yet, Richard.”

On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite is joined by Dr. Ben Shapiro and Dr. Brett Shurman, two leading addiction psychiatrists and co-owners of three psychiatric clinics specializing in substance use, mood disorders, and innovative mental health treatments. Together, they break down the realities of modern psychiatric care and the science behind addiction.

The doctors begin by exploring why TMS has become one of their favorite and most effective tools in psychiatric treatment. They then dive into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining the true “reasons” people use substances and how these brain-based mechanisms shape dependency. The conversation shifts to the Fentanyl crisis, exposing what the public isn’t hearing and revealing how fentanyl contamination is impacting clinics behind the scenes. They warn that if someone is buying anything off the street—or unverified online sources—the risk is now higher than ever.

Richard, Dr. Shapiro, and Dr. Shurman discusses why psychiatric illness and addiction must be treated in tandem rather than separately. They explain how childhood trauma, early mood issues, and developmental challenges often lay the groundwork for addiction later in life. The doctors also clarify how clinicians differentiate Bipolar Disorder from Borderline Personality Disorder, and why chronic mood problems starting at a young age shape attachment, personality structure, and long-term psychiatric health.

The conversation covers the importance of a strong therapist–patient relationship and the dangers of misdiagnosis—especially when patients are given antidepressants or stimulants instead of proper addiction treatment. They offer essential guidance for families of loved ones battling addiction and compare classic psychotherapy to newer, emerging solutions. Finally, they break down how psychedelics, ketamine, and MDMA are being used in clinical settings—and why many first-time adult users report “seeing God.”

On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down for the first time with one of his own clients, Shane Neal—a Marine Corps veteran who has been sober for 18 months. Shane served 8 years in the Marines, leaving as a sergeant after a medical discharge due to a back injury. In this powerful conversation, he opens up about his journey through addiction, recovery, mental health treatment, and finding purpose after the military.
Shane shares how treatment completely transformed his life and credits Richard for guiding him through the process. He talks about entering treatment initially for alcohol use, and how that opened the door for him to begin mental health treatment, breaking the cycle that had held him back for years. Shane also reveals how a DUI arrest became a turning point—one that led him to inspire change among his fellow inmates by sharing his own story and encouraging them to seek help.
The episode also explores the 250th birthday of the Marine Corps, including its unexpected origins in a bar, and how Marine tradition continues to shape identity long after service ends. Shane closes with heartfelt advice for anyone struggling with substances, speaking directly to those who feel lost, stuck, or unsure if recovery is possible.

On this episode of the We’re Out Of Time podcast, host Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist, bestselling author, and brain health pioneer Dr. Daniel Amen. Known for transforming the conversation around mental health through his groundbreaking SPECT imaging work, Dr. Amen has helped millions understand one core truth: when you change your brain, you change your life.

Dr. Amen begins by sharing how his fascination with the brain started in medical school, noticing how psychiatry rarely looked at the organ it was treating. He highlights the alarming reality that many mental health struggles are deeply connected to underlying brain issues—yet the brain is often ignored. He explains why antidepressants, while helpful for some, can actually harm others, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment instead of one-size-fits-all solutions.

He then dives into the modern crisis affecting today’s youth, warning that “we are thrilling our children to death with screens” and reinforcing how brain health and mental health are inseparable. Referencing his bestselling book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, Dr. Amen stresses the importance of lifestyle choices—avoiding junk food, alcohol, marijuana, and drugs—to protect and optimize brain function.

Dr. Amen also shares one of his most practical tools: recognizing that it’s not your thoughts that create suffering, but the thoughts you attach yourself to. He discusses how giving his brain a name helps him separate from unhelpful or irrational thinking. The conversation expands into what happens in the brain when someone breaks free from addiction, and what the brain looks like in a state of total peace. He also outlines the dangers of environmental toxins like aspartame, citing studies on how these substances affect brain function.

In closing, Dr. Amen reiterates his foundational message: you are not stuck with the brain you have. With the right tools, awareness, and habits, you can change your brain—and in turn, transform your entire life.

Today, host Richard Taite sits down with Kevin Schmiegel, founder of ZeroMils, a groundbreaking organization dedicated to supporting veterans and bridging the gap between military and civilian life. Coming from a family of service—both his father and mother were called to serve—Kevin’s commitment to the country runs deep. A retired Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel who served 20 years and deployed to over 50 countries across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, Kevin’s experience in leadership and resilience shaped his mission long before ZeroMils came to life.
After leaving the Marines, Kevin transitioned into a high-level role at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, where the demands of corporate life eventually led to burnout and depression—a struggle familiar to many veterans navigating life after service. Through that difficult chapter, Kevin rediscovered his purpose and found a new mission: helping his brothers and sisters in uniform successfully transition back into civilian life.
Kevin co-founded ZeroMils alongside a fellow Marine brother, with a mission to redefine the veteran narrative. Rather than seeing veterans as “broken,” he believes they embody discipline, leadership, and purpose—qualities that make them exceptional citizens and employees. Through his work, Kevin is helping shift the stigma surrounding veterans while connecting them to jobs, housing, and community resources.
With decades of experience in both military and civilian leadership, Kevin has partnered with numerous nonprofits to successfully place dozens of veterans into the workforce. His life’s work is dedicated to bridging the civilian-military divide and ensuring those who served have the tools, recognition, and opportunities they deserve.
In this inspiring conversation, Kevin Schmiegel opens up about his journey from military service to personal struggle to renewed purpose. Through ZeroMils, he’s proving that veterans aren’t defined by their hardships—they’re defined by their resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serve. His story is a reminder that while the uniform may come off, the mission to create impact never ends.

Marine veteran David West joins Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time to share his powerful story of resilience, redemption, and service. Raised in a household where survival meant bringing money home—by any means necessary—David found discipline and direction in the Marines, rising to Sergeant in just three years. But after leaving the service just 15 days before 9/11, he faced a new kind of battle: homelessness, shame, and the struggle to find purpose in civilian life.

He opens up about the stigma veterans face when re-enlisting—how society views them as unable to “hack it” outside—and the hard truth of returning home to instability. Living out of his car, keeping clothes in his trunk to hide his homelessness, and facing exploitation in construction jobs, David’s journey reveals the harsh reality many veterans endure after service.

Today, David works as a Veteran Service Officer, dedicating his life to helping other veterans get the benefits, respect, and hope they deserve. His story is a testament to leadership, perseverance, and the healing power of giving back. As he shares, it’s not enough to hand the homeless money—they need connection, compassion, and guidance to rebuild their lives.

This episode is a moving exploration of what it truly means to serve, struggle, and stand back up—both for oneself and for others.

Three-time Emmy Award–winning actor and mental health advocate Maurice Benard joins host Richard Taite on We’re Out of Time for an open and emotional conversation about resilience, recovery, and living with bipolar disorder. Known for his three-decade run on General Hospital, Maurice reveals that during his first three weeks on set, he suffered a manic episode and nervous breakdown that left his wife terrified. After calling his psychiatrist, it was confirmed that Maurice was in crisis—an experience that taught him the importance of staying on his medication. He’s now been consistent for 32 years without another breakdown.
Diagnosed at just 22, Maurice spent two months in a mental institution—where he even escaped before returning home. He discusses the misconceptions around mental illness, and how his upbringing made managing his disorder even harder. Maurice opens up about his support system—his parents, wife, and son—who helped him through his darkest, even suicidal, moments.
He then shares how his YouTube series “State of Mind” began as Instagram Lives and evolved into a platform for hope and healing. The most impactful guests, he says, weren’t celebrities but people with powerful survival stories—a cop whose g*n jammed during a suicide attempt and a girl who lost her arm in a tragic accident. Maurice closes by reflecting on his legacy: being the first man to publicly share his bipolar diagnosis and using his story to inspire others to keep going.
Maurice’s story is one of resilience, healing, and mental health awareness. By openly sharing his experiences living with bipolar disorder, he breaks the stigma surrounding mental illness and shows that vulnerability is a form of strength. His journey—from surviving manic episodes and breakdowns to becoming an advocate for others through his show State of Mind—is a testament to the power of consistency, self-awareness, and love. Maurice reminds us that no matter how dark life gets, recovery is possible, and speaking up can save lives.

In this episode of We’re Out Of  Time, host Richard Taite welcomes 24-year-old fashion creator and street interviewer Jared Muros. Raised in Los Angeles, Jared turned his love for style and visual storytelling into a rising creative career — from modeling gigs for brands like Balenciaga and casting for major brands like Adidas and Nike, to building a social-media voice that centers streetwear, culture and curiosity. 

Together, Richard and Jared unpack how exploring different paths—watching YouTube tutorials, interviewing strangers on the sidewalk, chasing style influences—led to finding his own unique lane. With insights on self-expression, hustling smart and using fashion as a medium for connection, this episode offers inspiration for anyone looking to turn creative instincts into something real. Tune in for a conversation about reinvention, the path to finding your purpose, and how staying true to your voice can open unexpected doors.