The Addicted Mind Podcast

The more we learn about the addicted mind, the more we uncover the deep connections between trauma, mental health disorders, and addiction. Today, we’re taking this exploration personal, guided by the experiences of Janet Whitney—a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist, a mother, and a woman who has walked a challenging path alongside her daughter.
Meet Janet Whitney!
Janet Whitney is a Licensed Family and Marriage Therapist, but her journey extends far beyond her professional title. As a devoted mother, she has stood by her daughter, Hannah, through an unimaginably difficult battle with anorexia and eating disorders—a fight that has spanned years and tested the limits of resilience, love, and perseverance.
No parent ever wants to watch their child endure a life-threatening illness, especially one as complex and elusive as an eating disorder. Yet, Janet’s unwavering support for Hannah has not only shaped their relationship but also transformed her professional approach to therapy and recovery.
From Theory to Personal Insight
Recovery from eating disorders and addiction share striking similarities—so much so that Janet has woven her own life experiences into her therapeutic practice. Today, we move beyond theory and dive into the raw, unfiltered reality of healing.
The insights Janet brings to the table are profound, born from years of navigating the highs and lows of her daughter’s recovery. Her story is a testament to the power of love, patience, and the courage to challenge conventional narratives around mental health.
Key Topics Explored
The Intersection of Eating Disorders and Addiction: How these struggles intertwine and what it means for recovery.
Hannah’s Story: A mother’s account of the struggles, setbacks, and small victories in her daughter’s battle with an eating disorder.
Changing the Narrative: Breaking down stigma and misconceptions surrounding eating disorders.
The Long Road to Recovery: Understanding the time, effort, and emotional toll required to overcome such a complex disease.
Trauma’s Role in Addiction: How past experiences shape the path to healing.
The Conscientious Dissenter Study: A deep dive into the physical and psychological effects of starvation on the body.
Self-Care for Caregivers: Navigating your own anxiety while creating a safe space for loved ones.
The Path to Hannah’s Recovery: The critical factors that played a role in her journey toward healing.
A Call to Parents: The importance of tough love in saving a child’s life—when and how to step in with strength and compassion.

Final Thought:
Janet’s story is a reminder that recovery is not linear, but with the right support, resilience, and love, healing is possible. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone touched by addiction, trauma, or the journey of supporting a loved one through their darkest days.

Resources:
https://www.janetwhitneymft.com/

Want to explore more? Let’s dive deeper into the science of addiction, the role of trauma, or share your own story. Reach out and join the conversation!

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.

In this episode, host Duane Osterlind sits down with David Sichel —entrepreneur, founder of Blue Shirt Media, and creator of Sober Transport. David shares his personal journey through addiction, multiple relapses, and long-term recovery, alongside how those experiences led him to innovate within the treatment ecosystem. The conversation explores how AI voice agents and text-based re-engagement tools can support overworked admission departments, capture lost leads, and ensure vulnerable individuals get immediate help during critical moments of sanity.

Key Discussion Highlights
1. David Sichel's Recovery Story
Early Sobriety & Relapse: David first got clean at age 16 and maintained 17 years of continuous sobriety before relapsing after convincing himself he could smoke marijuana. After getting clean a second time for five years, he experienced a similar relapse.
Achieving Long-Term Recovery: David entered treatment for a third time over 12.5 years ago (February 17). He emphasizes the importance of staying humble, attending meetings, and engaging in service work rather than relying on past accomplishments.
Navigating Mental & Physical Health: David discusses his gastric bypass surgery (losing 145 lbs), surviving a severe bout of depression at 10 years sober through medication and a strong support network, and recent heart surgery (pacemaker placement).
Giving Back: David hosts a long-standing home group celebrating 12 years and carries recovery meetings into local prisons weekly.
2. The Evolution of "Sober Transport"
Identifying the Need: While driving Uber in early recovery, David noticed high individuals taking rides to rehab facilities, sparking the idea for a safe, empathetic transit option.
Building the Business: David became a certified recovery specialist and interventionist, launching a personalized transport service accompanied by his dog to build rapport with clients. He safely escorted individuals across the country into care until operations paused during COVID-19.
3. Modernizing Treatment Admissions with AI Voice Solutions
The After-Hours Problem: Unanswered calls or automated voicemails at 2 AM leave vulnerable people without immediate support, often resulting in lost opportunities for care.
Empathetic AI Intake: David developed an AI intake assistant tailored specifically for treatment centers to answer calls 24/7.
Key Features & Workflows:
Fully transparent: Discloses to callers that it is an AI assistant.
Knowledge Base: Trained on specific treatment center websites and standard intake questions.
Live Transfers: Conducts immediate 24/7 transfers for qualified, urgent leads if requested by the facility.
CRM Integration: Captures intake data, creates CRM lead records, and sends immediate text follow-ups to the caller.
HIPAA Compliant: Fully adheres to healthcare privacy laws and signs Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).
4. Re-Engaging Inactive Leads via Automated Text Messaging
The "Inactive File" Problem: Facilities spend upwards of $200 per call through digital advertising, yet many leads go cold after 2–3 follow-up attempts.
Meeting People Where They Are: Most individuals under 50 prefer text messages over phone calls from unknown numbers.
Automated Text Campaigns: Using AI text automation, treatment centers reach out to inactive leads, alumni, or past inquiries with supportive check-ins ("Hey, just checking in to see how you're doing").
Performance: David's text re-engagement case studies demonstrate up to a 22% response rate, qualifying leads before handing them directly back to live admissions representatives via click-to-call.
Key Quotes
"When you're sitting in the dark and ready for help, a voicemail is dead. We need to meet people where they are, when they're at that moment of sanity."
— David Sichel
"If you have a chance to do any recovery service work... do it. We need you, because that's where our people are, and we have to meet them where they're at."
— David Sichel
Guest Advice for Anyone Struggling
If you or a loved one are in a dark place and struggling with addiction:
Reach out immediately. Call anyone—a priest, a treatment center, a helpline, or a friend in recovery.
There is no shame or judgment waiting for you; the recovery community wants to help you get well.
Connect & Resources
Website: BlueShirtMedia.com (Explore AI demos, case studies, and scheduling options)
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: The 4 Essential Boundaries Worksheet

Are you constantly saying "yes" to everyone else's needs while your recovery takes a backseat? In this eye-opening episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, host Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind dive deep into the four fundamental types of boundaries that can revolutionize your recovery journey. Many people struggle with feeling selfish about setting boundaries, but as this episode reveals, boundaries aren't just about saying "no" – they're about creating a protective space where your healing can flourish.

The hosts break down each type of boundary – physical, emotional, intellectual, and time – providing practical examples and real-world applications. They explore how these boundaries work together to create a strong foundation for long-term recovery success. Whether you're dealing with maintaining sobriety, protecting your personal space, or managing relationships, this episode offers clear, actionable insights for setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.

The discussion includes practical tips for implementing these boundaries in daily life, along with strategies for overcoming the guilt that often accompanies boundary-setting. The hosts also share how joining a supportive community can help strengthen your boundary-setting skills and enhance your recovery journey.

Key Topics
Understanding the difference between physical, emotional, intellectual, and time boundaries
Why setting boundaries isn't selfish and actually helps relationships flourish
How to protect your recovery space without feeling guilty
The importance of community support in maintaining boundaries
Practical steps for implementing boundaries in daily life

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

In this powerful episode of The Addictive Mind, host Duane Osterlind sits down with Christian Struthers to discuss his incredible journey from an ego-driven lifestyle of addiction to surviving a catastrophic, near-fatal car accident. Christian shares how a simple shift in perspective saved his mental health, how a German Shepherd named Millie helped him heal, and how he turned his trauma into a mission to give back.

Key Takeaways From This Episode
The Illusion of "Superman": From the outside, Christian had it all—athletic talent, college baseball scholarships, and a supportive family. However, a lack of consequences fueled a massive ego, leading him down a dark path of alcohol, party scenes, and using prescription pills (like Xanax and painkillers) to regulate his extreme lifestyle.
The Crash That Changed Everything: On August 3, 2016, Christian was the passenger in a vehicle traveling 130 mph that flipped end-over-end for a football field and a half. The driver tragically did not survive. Christian suffered catastrophic injuries, including a broken neck, two strokes, a punctured lung, and a shattered pelvis. He survived by a thread, stopping his internal bleeding on the very last available bag of his rare O-negative blood type.
The "I Get To" Mindset: Facing the reality of being bedridden and told he might never walk again, Christian fell into deep depression. A profound piece of wisdom from a hospital nurse flipped a switch for him: "Christian, you don't have to do this. You get to do this." This shift from obligation to gratitude changed the trajectory of his recovery.
Millie and the Genesis of Dog Dash 3K: Promised a dog by his parents if he survived the coma, Christian bonded with a German Shepherd named Millie. She became his ultimate motivation to heal. To honor her unconditional love, he started Dog Dash 3K, a community event that now donates 100% of its profits to animal shelters.
Recovery is a Work in Progress: Christian opens up about the painful loss of Millie to heart disease years later, which triggered a brief relapse into drinking. He shares a vulnerable, vital reminder that sobriety and healing are never linear, and that addiction is often a coping mechanism for underlying pain.
Memorable Quotes
"My ego—they called me Superman... it started with ego, went to bad choices with no consequences, and then it went to addiction." — Christian Struthers
"A nurse looked at me and she said, 'Christian, you don't have to do this. You get to do this.' That right there switched for me... That's what changed my life." — Christian Struthers
"Addiction isn't necessarily the problem... it's our answer to the problem. There's an underlying pain." — Christian Struthers
"You're one good decision away from completely changing your life. And you get to make that good decision today, right now." — Christian Struthers
Resources & Links Mentioned
Connect with Christian Struthers:
Websites: christianstruthers.com | dogdash3k.com
Social Media (Dog Dash 3K): Facebook, Instagram, YouTube
Social Media (Personal/Vlog): Christian Struthers Real Life Rambles (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube)

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: Self-Disclosure in Recovery Worksheet
Ever feel like you're carrying a secret that's too heavy to share? In this powerful episode of The Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind explore why sharing our authentic stories is crucial for lasting recovery. They dive into how keeping parts of ourselves hidden can actually deepen our isolation, while taking careful steps to share with trusted others can create profound healing. Drawing from the wisdom of pioneering psychotherapist Carl Rogers, they discuss how genuine connection and unconditional acceptance can transform recovery from a lonely journey into a shared path of growth. The hosts offer practical strategies for breaking down the walls of shame and secrecy, while emphasizing the importance of choosing safe people and spaces for self-disclosure. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode provides valuable insights into building the authentic connections that make lasting change possible.

Key Topics:
Understanding the relationship between isolation and addiction
The role of unconditional positive regard in healing
How to identify safe people for self-disclosure
Practical steps for sharing your story
The importance of starting small with vulnerability
Using journaling to explore sharing readiness
Creating a self-disclosure plan

Timestamps
[00:01:04] Introduction to self-disclosure and authentic connection
[00:02:00] The impact of keeping secrets in recovery
[00:04:08] Carl Rogers' insights on understanding and acceptance
[00:08:35] Practical steps for building vulnerability
[00:11:55] Understanding your comfort level with sharing
[00:13:21] Journaling prompts for self-reflection
[00:14:30] The power of community in recovery

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