The Addict’s Advocate Podcast

In this episode, Dusty Dean and Baelie discuss the multifaceted journey of sobriety, emphasizing the importance of fitness, community support, and mental health.   Baelie shares her personal story of addiction and recovery, highlighting the challenges of triggers, the role of therapy, and the impact of shame versus guilt.   They explore the nature of addiction as a disease and the common mistakes...

In this episode of The Addict's Advocate, host Dusty Dean engages with Ashley Elizabeth, a sobriety coach and advocate for psychedelic healing. They discuss their personal journeys with addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of individualized approaches to sobriety. Ashley shares her experiences with ADHD, substance abuse, and the transformative role of psychedelics in her healing pro...

In this episode, Dusty Dean and Marci Hopkins explore the complexities of addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of community, medical support, and personal growth. They share their personal experiences with sobriety, the challenges faced during the first 30 days, and the significance of understanding triggers and coping mechanisms. The conversation highlights the role of family dynam...

In this enlightening conversation, Dusty Dean and Ian Fee delve into the multifaceted journey of sobriety, sharing personal stories of addiction, the importance of community, self-care, and the transformative power of gratitude. They discuss the challenges of recovery, the significance of forgiveness, and the impact of generational patterns of addiction. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of...

In this heartfelt episode of "The Addicts Advocate," host Dusty Dean welcomes guest Tom Kaminsky (TikTok's La_Tommy_K) to share his inspiring journey of sobriety. From the depths of addiction to the triumphs of recovery, Tom opens up about his personal struggles, the pivotal moments that led to change, and the ongoing challenges of maintaining sobriety. Together, they explore the power of communit...

In this episode, Dusty Dean hosts Mary and Astara from Miracle Messages⁩  an organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness. They discuss the complexities of homelessness, the importance of relational health and support, and the various programs offered by Miracle Messages, including #reunification services and community outreach. Personal stories highlight the impact o...

In this heartfelt episode, host Dusty Dean welcomes back Caleb Seitz to discuss his journey through addiction, relapse, and recovery. Caleb shares candid insights into his struggles, the turning points in his sobriety, and the lessons learned along the way. Together, they explore the importance of self-care, the power of community, and the daily commitment to staying sober. Key Points: Caleb's exp...

In this episode, Dusty Dean speaks with Micah and Michelle Sawyer about their journey through grief after losing their son to a fentanyl overdose. They discuss the impact of addiction on families, the importance of empathy and community support, and the founding of their nonprofit, Micah's Hugs, which aims to help others facing similar struggles. The conversation highlights the need for understand...

In this conversation, Dusty Dean and Jeff discuss their journeys in sobriety, celebrating milestones, navigating triggers, and the importance of spiritual growth. They explore the impact of relationships on recovery, the challenges of complacency, and the role of dopamine in addiction. The discussion emphasizes the need for self-care and personal growth while maintaining a supportive community.  ...

In this episode, Dusty Dean and Jonathan Schwartz discuss the profound impact of childhood trauma on addiction, the nature of addiction as both a disease and a choice, and the importance of finding purpose in recovery. They explore the significance of forgiveness, emotional presence, and setting healthy boundaries in rebuilding relationships. The conversation emphasizes the need for ongoing commit...

Dusty Dean interviews Dana Hargus, who shares her extensive experience in biofeedback therapy and its benefits on ADD, anxiety, depression, addiction, and more. Dana discusses her journey from being a public-school teacher to establishing a biofeedback center in Oklahoma, focusing on the importance of calming the nervous system as a form of treatment for learning disabilities, anxiety, ADD, and ad...

In this episode, Dusty Dean and Jamie Tall discuss the complexities of addiction and recovery, exploring personal stories, the impact of generational trauma, and the importance of building healthy relationships. Jamie shares her journey through addiction, struggling with prostitution and unknowingly being trafficked, the spiritual battles she faced, and how she found purpose in helping others. The...

In this episode, Dusty Dean interviews Brian Teigen, a recovering heroin addict who shares his powerful journey through addiction, recovery, and finding faith. Brian discusses the struggles he faced, including the chaos of addiction, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the importance of community and service in recovery. He emphasizes the lessons learned through suffering and the sign...

In this episode of The Addicts Advocate, host Dusty Dean speaks with Sarah about her journey through addiction, the challenges she faced, and her path to recovery.   They discuss the importance of community support, the impact of trauma on addiction, and the significance of emotional regulation in recovery. Sarah shares her experiences in treatment, the struggles of navigating relationships post-r...

In this episode of The Addicts Advocate, host Dusty Dean speaks with Nicole, a peer recovery specialist who shares her powerful journey through addiction and recovery. Nicole discusses her struggles with substance use, the impact on her family, and the importance of support systems in rebuilding her life. The conversation delves into the complexities of addiction, the challenges of recovery, and t...

In this episode of The Addict's Advocate, host Dusty Dean speaks with Alisha from Silicon Valley Recovery about her personal journey through addiction and recovery. Alisha shares her experiences with prescription medication addiction, the impact of her mother's illness, and the importance of support systems in recovery. They discuss the significance of daily routines, the 12-step program, and rela...

In this episode, Dusty Dean interviews Ian about his journey through addiction and recovery. Ian shares his experiences with substance use, the turning point that led him to seek help, and the importance of support from loved ones. He discusses the challenges of recovery, including facing triggers and the need for connection with others. Ian emphasizes that recovery is not just about stopping subs...

In this podcast episode, Dusty Dean and Ashley Ryan discuss the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery, exploring the impact of medication, the role of marijuana (if any), and the challenges faced during the recovery process. They delve into the dynamics of relationships in recovery, the importance of coping strategies during the holidays, and the significance of guilt and shame in t...

In this episode, Dusty Dean interviews George de Jesus, who shares his powerful journey through addiction, trauma, and recovery. George discusses his early life, the onset of his addiction, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help. He emphasizes the importance of support, the role of family in addiction, and the transformative power of gratitude in recovery. The conversation highlights th...

In this conversation, Dusty Dean interviews @recoveryjon (Insta and Tiktok) who shares his journey of addiction and recovery. Jonn discusses his early life, the trauma that led to his addiction, and the struggles he faced during his sobriety. He emphasizes the importance of community support, finding purpose in helping others, and the impact of grief on his recovery. Jonn also talks about his book...

In this episode of The Addict's Advocate, host Dusty Dean speaks with Jeff, known as @SoberAFJeff on TikTok, about his journey to sobriety. Jeff shares his experiences with addiction, the impact of grief on his mental health, and the turning point that led him to seek help. They discuss the challenges of the first 90 days of sobriety, the importance of understanding triggers and cravings, and the...

In this conversation, Dusty Dean and Robert discuss the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the personal journey of sobriety. Robert shares his experiences with relapse, the challenges of maintaining sobriety, and the importance of support systems. They explore the nature of addiction as a disease, the tools that aid in recovery, and the significance of understanding and compassion when deali...

Katie shares her journey of addiction and recovery, starting with her early experiences with drinking and how it escalated after the birth of her son. She opens up about her traumatic birth experience and the postpartum mental health issues she faced. Katie discusses how she used alcohol as a coping mechanism for her anxiety and stress, and how it affected her relationships and overall well-being....

Kevin, a veteran, shares his journey of addiction and recovery. He joined the military in 2001 and started drinking heavily after a divorce. His alcoholism escalated during his time in the military, leading to jail time and a loss of his security clearance. In 2010, he recognized his addiction and sought help but struggled to find a program that worked for him. He ultimately quit drinking two and...

Sam shares his personal journey of addiction and recovery, highlighting the role of family dynamics and his struggle with self-acceptance as a queer individual. He emphasizes the importance of love and support from family and the recovery community in maintaining sobriety. Sam also discusses the challenges of managing triggers and the need for ongoing mental health care. He dispels the myth that o...