The Addicted Mind Podcast

Latest Episodes:

TAM+ EP13 The Johari Window: How Self-Understanding Transforms Recovery and Relationships Apr 04, 2024

Show notes

In this exciting episode of Addicted Mind Plus, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the fascinating world of the Johari Window, a powerful tool for enhancing self-awareness and understanding in relationships. They explore how this simple yet profound model can illuminate the various aspects of ourselves—what we know, what we don't know, and what others see in us. From discussing how to navigate personal blind spots to the significance of revealing hidden strengths, this episode is packed with insights on improving communication, recovery, and personal growth. Whether you're on a quest for self-discovery or aiming to deepen your connections with others, this episode offers valuable strategies to expand your open area, embracing both the visible and hidden parts of your identity.

Download: The Johari Window Worksheet

Key Topics:

The basics and importance of the Johari Window in self-awareness.
Strategies for exploring and expanding the open area of the Johari Window.
The role of recovery communities in identifying and addressing blind spots.
The impact of self-awareness on personal growth and recovery.
How to safely navigate the hidden and unknown areas of ourselves.

Key Moments:

- [00:00:00] Introduction to the episode and significance of the Johari Window.
- [00:01:34] Explanation of how self-awareness affects decision-making and relationships.
- [00:02:46] The Johari Window as a tool for recovery and growth.
- [00:03:46] Detailed breakdown of each quadrant in the Johari Window.
- [00:07:29] Discussing the hidden area and its impact on personal and relational dynamics.
- [00:11:03] Exploration of the unknown quadrant and its mysteries.
- [00:14:06] Conclusion and resources for applying the Johari Window to one's life.

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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

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278: Revolutionizing Love and Connection in the Digital Era with Topaz Adizes Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Join us as Emmy award-winning writer and director Topaz Adizes unveils the art of creating deep, human connections through conversation. In this discussion, Duane sits down with Topaz who shares his journey with the documentary series {The And} – revealing how authentic dialogues between various pairs, from family members to romantic partners, can transform our understanding of communication.

By spotlighting the powerful effect of listening and the role of the listener, we're invited to explore how true connection can serve as an antidote to addiction, providing methods to cultivate meaningful relationships even in the face of past trauma. Listen in as we further discuss the changing landscape of human connections in our tech-driven era, contemplating whether the emotional experiences of love and connection have shifted with the rise of digital communication.

From documenting intimate conversations with couples to the implications of technology on relationships without physical proximity, this episode offers insights into using technology to strengthen bonds. Plus, we examine the importance of process over solutions in couples therapy, highlighting the significance of couples engaging directly with each other to foster a neurobiological need for connection. Tune in for an enlightening conversation with Topaz that could change how you approach communication and connection in your life.

In this episode, you will hear:

Deep human connection through conversation
The evolution of human connection
Couples therapy through connection practice

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. 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:

https://www.topazadizes.com/

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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TAM+ EP12: Stuck at a Crossroads? The Only Four Choices You Really Have Mar 28, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to an eye-opening episode that could change how you face life's big moments. Today, we're exploring the idea that when you hit a tough spot, you actually only have four choices. Sounds simple, right? But it's a game-changer. Imagine feeling stuck, like you're at a crossroads with no clear direction. It happens to all of us. We overthink, get overwhelmed, and just feel more and more stuck. But what if you could see your options clearly and make a choice that really fits? We dive into solving the problem, changing how you see the problem, accepting what's happening, or, yes, even choosing to stay stuck for a bit. These options can lighten the load of decision-making, giving you a clear path forward. It's not just about the tough times; it's about knowing you have the power to choose your next step. So, ready to see what those four choices are and how they can help you? Let's get into it!

Download the worksheet: THE FOUR CHOICES CHEAT SHEET: NAVIGATING LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Key Topics:

- The concept of having only four choices in problematic situations

- Strategies for effective decision-making and problem-solving

- The importance of changing perception and acceptance

- The role of self-compassion in choosing to stay miserable

- Practical tools and frameworks for applying these concepts in real life

List of Key Moments:

- [00:01:25] Introduction to the four choices concept

- [00:03:24] Discussion on decision paralysis and overcoming challenges

- [00:04:18] Deep dive into solving the problem

- [00:07:09] Changing our perception of the problem

- [00:09:06] The difficult choice of acceptance

- [00:11:09] Exploring the choice to stay miserable

- [00:13:57] Summarization and resources for listeners

Download the worksheet: THE FOUR CHOICES CHEAT SHEET: NAVIGATING LIFE'S CHALLENGES

Additional TAM+ episodes that support this episode.

Episode 6 : Unstuck Your Thoughts: 7 Cognitive Distortions Sabotaging Your Recovery

Episode 9: Embrace the Now: How Radically Accepting Reality Can Transform Your Life

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

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277: Healing from Addiction by Embracing the Inner Child with Lacy Bentley & Heather Cronemiller Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

Struggling with love and sex addiction can feel like an isolating battle, but this recent conversation with Lacy Bentley and Heather Cronemiller casts a ray of hope on this often-shadowed topic. Lacy, a relationship and recovery coach, and Heather, a seasoned therapist, join Duane to shed light on their personal journeys and their book, "Going Deeper for Women: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Love and Sex Addiction." Their stories are a testament to the power of understanding the inner child in forging a path to recovery. By intertwining their professional insights with the raw reality of their experiences, they offer listeners an intimate look at overcoming addictive behaviors in relationships.

Attachment wounds can create a labyrinth of confusion in our adult lives, often surfacing unexpectedly in the therapeutic setting as erotic transference. Lacy and Heather guide us through understanding attachment styles – secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized – and their influence on our relationships. This discussion navigates the delicate terrain of arousal, the misinterpretation of kindness, and the critical role of a therapist's boundaries. It's an exploration of the human craving for connection juxtaposed with the fear of intimacy, offering a compass for those seeking to understand the complicated dance of closeness and retreat.

In this episode, you will hear:

Exploring inner child impacts on addiction
Love and sex addiction gender differences
Understanding attachment in therapy
Understanding the Inner Child Model
Systemic disempowerment in gender and culture

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Supporting Resources:

Going Deeper for Women: How the Inner Child Impacts Your Love and Sex Addiction: https://www.amazon.com/Going-Deeper-Women-Impacts-Addiction/dp/B0CQB42TR1

NovusMindfulLife.com

Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP11: Beyond Recovery: Cultivating Curiosity for Emotional Wellness Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of "The Addicted Mind Plus," hosts Duane and Eric Osterlund dive into the power of a curious mindset in recovery and emotional stability. They explore how curiosity can shift our nervous system from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest, leading to less stress and more emotional resilience. The discussion covers the simple yet profound ways asking questions about ourselves and the world can open up new possibilities and foster a fulfilling life. By embracing curiosity, we can improve memory, creativity, and even our ability to age well, while developing the grit necessary for recovery. Whether you're struggling with recovery or seeking a more satisfying life, this episode offers actionable insights and encouragement to start asking more questions and embracing the unknown.

Get The Online Course: The Curiosity Blueprint for Addiction Recovery: How to Harness Your Curiosity and Achieve Emotional Stability in 5 Easy Steps

https://addictedmind.mysamcart.com/checkout/the-curiosity-blueprint?coupon=tam11

Key Topics:

- The role of curiosity in shifting the nervous system toward wellness

- How curiosity can lead to less stress and more emotional resilience

- The relationship between a curious mindset, grit, and successful recovery

- Overcoming myths and challenges in cultivating curiosity

- Practical steps to foster curiosity for improved mental health and recovery

Key Moments:

- [00:00] Introduction to the episode's focus on curiosity in recovery

- [02:04] Explanation of curiosity and its impact on the nervous system

- [04:24] The benefits of curiosity for emotional and mental wellness

- [07:37] The association between curiosity, grit, and recovery success

- [09:43] Overcoming challenges and embracing emotional vulnerability through curiosity

- [11:55] Debunking myths about curiosity and its importance

- [14:30] Closing thoughts and resources for further exploration

Get The Online Course: The Curiosity Blueprint for Addiction Recovery: How to Harness Your Curiosity and Achieve Emotional Stability in 5 Easy Steps

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple ‘+’ in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. 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

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276: Rebroadcast– If You Love Me: A Mother’s Journey Through Her Daughter’s Opioid Addiction with Maureen Cavanagh Mar 18, 2024

Show notes

Our guest on this episode of the Addicted Mind podcast is Maureen Cavanagh, author and founder of Magnolia New Beginnings. Maureen’s family had a long history of addiction, but since she was not personally prone to addiction, she thought that she knew the formula to help keep her kids away from addiction as well. However, her world was suddenly shaken when one of her daughters came to her to admit that she had been experimenting with heroin.

Even living in an upper middle-class neighborhood, opioids were not difficult for her daughter to find, and once she tried heroin for the first time, the road to sobriety and recovery proved to be steep. Just when Maureen thought her daughter had a handle on her addiction, it would rear its ugly head again and she would see just how much of a hold it had on her precious child, who was now an adult. Maureen did what she believed any good parent would do: she dropped everything and rushed to her daughter’s aid, providing her with whatever she needed and paying for her to get into a treatment center again.

She found out that her daughter had a “friend” who was providing her with the drugs, protecting her from her family when they came looking for her, and reviving her if and when she overdosed. Even with this barrier between them, Maureen knows of 13 times when her daughter was admitted to the hospital after an overdose and at least 40 separate stints at treatment centers before something finally clicked.

Maureen realized that she was on her own journey during this time which was intended to be separate from her daughter’s journey. The more Maureen tried to hold on and help her daughter get out of whatever situation she was in at the time, the farther away her daughter seemed to drift. However, when Maureen was able to let go and provide her daughter with some space, not jumping to her rescue but rather empowering her daughter to rescue herself, that was the moment when her daughter started getting better.

Somewhere after treatment center #40, the rehab took, and for the past 2 years her daughter has been sober with the help of her family, her therapist, her recovery coach, and her community. Maureen went against her instinct to keep family business private when she was approached by a publishing agent about sharing her story, and the hundreds of people who have messaged her since the book came out are proof that the world needed to hear the honest truth about what it is like to be the parent of an addict. In addition to her book, Maureen provides resources and support groups through her non-profit, Magnolia New Beginnings, which is impacting tens of thousands of people.

Connect with Maureen:

https://maureencavanagh.net/

http://www.magnolianewbeginnings.org/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MagnoliaAddictionSupport/

https://www.facebook.com/MagnoliaNewBeginnings

https://www.amazon.com/If-You-Love-Daughters-Addiction/dp/1250297346

Connect with The Addicted Mind:

http://theaddictedmind.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheAddictedMindPodcast/

Supporting Resources:

NovusMindfulLife.com

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TAM+ EP10: Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit Formation Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode dives into the essential topics of goal setting and habit formation, especially focusing on how they can help break the cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. Duane Osterlind and Eric Osterlind guide us through understanding the critical role of setting realistic goals and forming positive habits to steer our lives in the direction we desire. They highlight the importance of reflection in goal setting, using SMART goals as a tool for clarity and action. Moreover, they discuss the difference between goals and habits and how they interplay to create lasting change. By sharing personal experiences and practical advice, the hosts emphasize the power of small steps and the learning opportunities in setbacks. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to transform their life and achieve their dreams.

Free Download: Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit Formation Worksheet

Key Topics:

The importance of goal setting and habit formation in overcoming addiction and improving mental health.
Reflection and the role of SMART goals in making goals clear and achievable.
The difference between goals (where you want to go) and habits (the automatic behaviors that get you there).
Strategies for setting effective goals and forming positive habits.
Embracing setbacks as opportunities for growth and the power of sharing goals with supportive communities.

Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction to goal setting and habit formation.

[00:02:00] The connection between lack of direction and the cycle of addiction.

[00:04:07] Discussion on the power of habits and their automatic nature.

[00:07:00] Explaining SMART goals and their benefits.

[00:09:34] Distinguishing between goals and habits.

[00:14:09] The significance of setbacks and learning from failures.

[00:17:43] Summary and closing thoughts.

Free Download: Stop Feeling Stuck: The Power of Goals and Habit Formation Worksheet

Follow and Review:

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

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275: Healing Through Writing and Recovery with Kelly Wallace Mar 11, 2024

Show notes

The echoes of a troubled past can often linger long into our future, but for Kelly Wallace, they became the stepping stones toward a life of resilience and healing. As she recounts the harrowing experiences of childhood sexual abuse and the complex aftermath of addiction, we are reminded of the power of human spirit.

Kelly's story unfolds, revealing the injustices she faced, not only from her abuser but also from the very systems designed to protect her. Yet, this is not just a story of despair; it is a narrative woven with the threads of recovery and the written word, highlighting the indomitable will to overcome.

Navigating through the tempest of emotions and coping mechanisms, Kelly's journey took her from the silence of Oregon to a new life on the opposite coast, where humor became her disguise. Her struggles with alcohol, eating disorders, and smoking are shared with raw honesty, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of dealing with trauma. A family intervention and the embrace of sobriety since 2001 mark the milestones of her path to empowerment. Kelly's commitment to journaling and the arts emerge as beacons of hope, illustrating the profound effects of creative outlets in the process of healing. Hear her story today.

In this episode, you will hear:

Surviving sexual abuse and addiction
Overcoming trauma through writing and recovery
Healing through writing trauma stories
Support and gratitude for addicted mind

Follow and Review:

Supporting Resources:

www.kellywallace.org

NovusMindfulLife.com

Episode Credits

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TAM+ EP9: Embrace the Now: How Radically Accepting Reality Can Transform Your Life Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

In this eye-opening episode of TAM+, hosts Duane and Eric Osterlind dive into the transformative concept of radical acceptance. They explore how embracing reality as it is—without avoidance or escape—can break the vicious cycle of addiction, anxiety, and depression. The discussion begins with an introduction to the concept's roots in Buddhist teachings and its development into a key component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy by Marsha Linehan. The hosts share personal anecdotes and practical advice, highlighting the difference between acceptance and approval, and offer strategies for practicing radical acceptance in daily life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience, proving that acceptance is not about giving up but about empowering oneself to effect meaningful change.

Free Download: The Power of Radical Acceptance Worksheet

Key Topics:

The origins and importance of radical acceptance in overcoming negative thought patterns and behaviors.
The distinction between accepting reality and approving of it.
Practical tips and radical acceptance statements to integrate into daily life.
The role of mindfulness and meditation in fostering acceptance.
How to begin practicing radical acceptance and its benefits in mental health and well-being.

Timestamps:

[00:00] Introduction to Radical Acceptance and its Role in Overcoming Addiction
[03:12] Exploring the Meaning and Practice of Radical Acceptance
[04:53] The Origins of Radical Acceptance and its Therapeutic Impact
[07:00] The Difference Between Acceptance and Approval
[10:27] Emotional Barriers to Radical Acceptance and How to Overcome Them
[14:32] Situations Where Radical Acceptance is Not Appropriate
[17:28] The Proven Benefits of Radical Acceptance and How to Start Practicing

Free Download: The Power of Radical Acceptance Worksheet

Follow and Review:

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

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

274: Ketamine's Role in Carving New Pathways to Hope with Derek DuChesne and Dr. Zaid Fadul Mar 05, 2024

Show notes

Struggling with mental health can feel like a solitary battle, but there's profound strength in shared experiences. In this episode, Duane speaks with Derek DuChesne and Dr. Zaid Fadul of Better U, a company that provides safe, affordable, clinically-guided at-home ketamine treatments for anxiety and depression.

Walk through Derek's raw and poignant narrative, from grappling with identity loss and suicidal thoughts to finding a renewed sense of purpose – highlighting that even from the depths of despair, a path to resurgence awaits with the right support and resources. As we navigate the therapeutic landscape, we uncover the profound impact that ketamine therapy has on reframing mental health battles.

This conversation also traverses the landscapes of neuroplasticity, emphasizing how combining ketamine therapy with consistent exercise can carve new paths in our brain, leading to healthier mental patterns and ultimately personal transformation.

Mental wellness isn't a destination, but a journey of integrating wellness practices into our daily lives. Discover how ketamine therapy can be a catalyst for adopting these healthier routines, and how Better U can provide the support that goes beyond mere words – reminding us all that the spark of life, no matter how dim, can always be rekindled.

In this episode, you will hear: