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What if your dreams aren't too big, but your habits just need to catch up? Dr. David Douglas challenges the false choice between having ambitious dreams and being realistic. Drawing from his remarkable journey from high school dropout and addiction to earning his doctorate and building a life of recovery, he shares a powerful framework for turning visions into reality.

Dreams serve as fuel, but without structure, they inevitably stall. The bridge between fantasy and reality isn't built through wishful thinking or luck—it's constructed through consistent daily actions, strategic planning, and unwavering patience. Dr. Douglas reveals how living in "24-hour pockets of time" allows us to make meaningful progress toward our goals while maintaining present-moment awareness.

The mechanics matter as much as the mindset. By breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable chunks, creating systems of healthy habits, embracing delayed gratification, and carefully cultivating your circle of influence, you create the foundation for extraordinary achievements. As Dr. Douglas puts it: "Big dreams require small, boring actions, repeated daily."

For those in recovery or facing significant life challenges, this message offers particular resonance. Rather than being defined by your past, learn what you need from it, then "close the door" and focus on building forward momentum. Every day represents an opportunity to take another step toward your vision, no matter how small.

This episode delivers practical wisdom for anyone who's ever dismissed a dream as "unrealistic." The invitation is clear: don't shrink your dream—expand your skill set. Identify the first three realistic steps you could take toward your boldest ambition, and start building the bridge between fantasy and reality one skill, one decision, one day at a time.

Have you dismissed an important dream as unrealistic? What if you flipped that perspective and started building toward it today? The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single, often boring, step.

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What happens when the dominant approach to addiction treatment hasn't fundamentally changed since the 1950s? Drawing from personal experience both as a patient and professional in the field, I take you behind the curtain of America's addiction treatment system to reveal why our current approaches often fail those who need help most.

The standard 28-day treatment model represents just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to effective recovery support. Research clearly shows that sustainable recovery typically requires approximately two years of consistent support—yet our systems are designed to provide intensive care for less than a month before essentially cutting people loose. This disconnect creates a revolving door where individuals cycle through treatment repeatedly, often blamed for failures that are built into the system itself.

Perhaps most troubling is how socioeconomic factors determine who receives timely help. Those with financial resources or quality insurance typically access treatment immediately, while those relying on public funding face weeks-long waits despite being in active crisis. This waiting period virtually guarantees continued substance use, potentially lost motivation, and deepening health concerns. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Model—a treatment approach developed during the rise of Alcoholics Anonymous—continues dominating the field despite being just one of many potential pathways to recovery. When individuals express that this approach doesn't resonate with them, they're often met with accusations that they "aren't ready" or "don't want recovery badly enough" rather than being offered alternatives better suited to their needs. The treatment world needs to embrace multiple pathways to recovery, truly individualized care, and extended support models that match what research tells us actually works. Until we fundamentally change our approach, we'll continue seeing the same disappointing outcomes that have characterized addiction treatment for decades.

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Ever notice how we celebrate the triumphant comeback moments but rarely acknowledge the silent struggles that made them possible? This raw, powerful exploration reveals the hidden truth behind every transformation story - the comeback is built in the dark.

When you're halfway through the marathon with no cheering crowd, when you're studying alone while others socialize, when you're maintaining sobriety one quiet day at a time - that's where the real work happens. We unpack why these invisible moments matter more than the spotlight ever will. Growth happens in silence before becoming undeniable to everyone else.

The frustration of feeling stuck while doing everything right isn't a sign you're failing - it's evidence you're in the crucial building phase. Those dark periods aren't punishment; they're preparation. Through personal stories of transformation from GED to doctorate and 18 years of recovery, we explore how ordinary consistency creates extraordinary results. You'll discover practical strategies to maintain momentum when motivation fades, including morning routines, positive affirmations, and reframing your perspective on the quiet work.

Whether you're rebuilding your life, pursuing education, or changing negative behaviors to positive ones, this message offers profound encouragement: You're not behind, you're being built. The comeback isn't loud at first - it starts in the dark, and that's precisely where your true power is born. Are you willing to embrace the silence required for transformation? Your future self is counting on it.

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Every transformational journey begins with a single moment of clarity. For Dr. D, that clarity came in the most unexpected way – lying on the floor of a Tacoma dope house as bullets riddled the walls above.

Growing up on the streets of Tacoma with a single mother raising four children wasn't easy. After dropping out of high school, accidentally joining the military, and years of substance abuse, Dr. D's life changed direction when his sister bailed him out of Pierce County Jail. Though it would take more time and a near-death experience to fully embrace recovery, that act of faith planted the seeds of transformation.

The heart of this episode centers on a December night in the mid-90s, when a simple decision to watch TV downstairs instead of using drugs upstairs saved Dr. D's life during a drive-by shooting. This powerful story illustrates how sometimes our darkest moments contain the possibility of redemption. Rather than drowning in shame about his past, Dr. D has learned to use these experiences as touchstones for growth while embracing his mantra: "All we've got is right now."

Dr. D shares profound wisdom about letting go of what no longer serves us. After doing necessary healing work, making amends where possible, and seeking professional help, he encourages listeners to leave the past in the past. His journey from addiction to helping others find their inner strength demonstrates that no matter where you've been, transformation is always possible when you focus on the present moment.

Connect with Dr. D through his social media channels to learn more about tapping into your inner power and creating meaningful change in your life. Your past doesn't define you – your courage to change does.

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"I didn't always get fatherhood right. In fact, for a time I wasn't even in the game, but I'm still here and that counts for something."

The journey through fatherhood rarely comes with clear directions, especially for those of us who grew up without strong paternal role models. In this raw, heartfelt Father's Day episode, I share my own winding path from determined young dad to absent addict to present, accountable father and grandfather.

When my son was born nearly 35 years ago, I promised myself I wouldn't repeat the inconsistent fathering I had experienced. Yet within six months, my marriage ended, and years later, I fell into a destructive period of addiction that pulled me away from my son's life. This episode explores that dark chapter and the turning point that came with recovery in 1996 – when I finally began showing up consistently, taking financial responsibility, and learning what it truly means to father from a place of authenticity rather than perfection.

For fathers who have stumbled, missed years, or damaged relationships, this conversation offers both challenge and hope. Your past mistakes don't have to define your future as a father. Whether your children are young or grown, it's never too late to begin the work of becoming the dad they deserve. The path forward isn't about being perfect – it's about being present, accountable, and willing to lead from your wounds rather than your pride.

Ready to transform your approach to fatherhood? Take that first step today, even if it feels awkward or uncertain. Your children don't need a superhero – they just need your steady hand and open heart. Subscribe now to join our community of parents committed to growth, healing, and showing up even when it's hard.

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"The scars I carry aren't shameful. They're someone else's survival guide." This powerful philosophy has guided my journey from high school dropout to university professor, from jail cells to a life of purpose and meaning. But why do I share these painful chapters so openly?

Authentic vulnerability creates bridges where isolation once stood. For those who've experienced trauma, addiction, incarceration, or profound failures, hearing another's story of transformation can ignite hope where darkness has prevailed. Throughout this episode, I explore the delicate balance between protective privacy and healing transparency, emphasizing the importance of personal healing before public revelation.

My own path toward sharing began in counseling sessions and small recovery groups, gradually expanding to blogs, speaking engagements, and eventually my book "Grit Over Shame." Each step brought trepidation but also liberation. The responses—private messages from people finding courage in my words—confirmed what I deeply believed: every time we tell our truth, we light matches in the darkness for others seeking their way forward.

For those considering sharing their own stories, I offer practical guidance: start with journaling, find trusted confidants, and recognize that meaningful revelation doesn't require a platform—sometimes telling one person your truth begins the healing process for both of you. Your unique experiences, particularly your journey through challenges toward healing, might be exactly the medicine someone else desperately needs.

Ready to explore how sharing your story might transform not only your healing journey but become a beacon for others? Listen now, and discover why the truth you're scared to tell might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Your voice matters more than you know.

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Setting boundaries and learning to say "no" is a crucial skill that enables personal growth and protects mental well-being. This transformative practice allows us to reclaim our time and energy while still maintaining healthy relationships with others.

• Saying "no" doesn't mean you're unhelpful or a bad person—it means you value your time and energy
• Using your calendar strategically helps prevent overcommitment
• "No" is a complete sentence—you don't need to explain your boundaries to others
• People who set healthy boundaries actually gain more respect from others
• The mindset shift from "I have to" to "I get to" transforms how we view necessary commitments
• Setting boundaries takes practice and gets easier over time
• You can say no with kindness and clarity without being rude
• Identify people in your life who model healthy boundaries and learn from them
• For those in recovery, boundary-setting is especially important for maintaining sobriety

Think about one small boundary you can set this week to protect your time and energy.

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Ever wondered what happens when a life-threatening moment forces you to see your reality through new eyes? That's exactly what happened one December night in the mid-90s when bullets ripped through a Tacoma dope house where I was staying. Had we been upstairs in our usual spot, I wouldn't be here to share this story with you today.

My journey from the streets of Tacoma to where I am now wasn't pretty. Dropping out of high school, accidentally ending up in the military, and struggling with addiction led me to some dark places. The turning point came when I woke up in Pierce County Jail and my sister bailed me out—seeing something in me I couldn't yet see in myself. From there, I began the long process of "peeling the onion" of my life through education, counseling, and honest self-reflection.

The shooting didn't instantly transform me. Recovery wasn't a lightning bolt but a gradual awakening that took time, effort, and support. What I've learned might be the most valuable lesson I can share: while acknowledging your past is important, living there is destructive. Do the healing work, make amends where possible, but leave behind what cannot be changed. Too many people, even those in active recovery, remain chained to their history—replaying mistakes and wallowing in shame instead of embracing the power of now.

This podcast is for anyone who feels stuck in their past, anyone wondering if transformation is possible, and anyone curious about what lies on the other side of addiction and trauma. My mission is to help you recognize the power within yourself to create meaningful change. Because at the end of the day, this moment—right now—is all we truly have. Connect with me through social media if anything I share resonates with you. I'm here to help in any way I can.

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