"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 gr...

"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 th...

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...

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 w...

The Douglas Method proposes a revolutionary approach to substance use disorder treatment that respects individual paths to recovery, challenging the outdated one-way Minnesota Model that has dominated for 75 years.• The traditional Minn...

What if the ability to handle life's toughest challenges isn't reserved for extraordinary people? Dr. D tackles this question head-on, dismantling the myth that mental toughness belongs exclusively to elite athletes or those we place on pedesta...

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, and how we respond makes all the difference. Drawing from my personal journey of transformation—from addiction and incarceration to stability and success—I explore the powerful concept of ...

What separates those who achieve their dreams from those who only talk about them? In this deeply personal episode, we explore the psychology of "the long game" and why staying committed when success seems painfully distant might be your most v...

Ever noticed how society celebrates raw talent while overlooking the quiet power of persistence? This fascinating exploration of grit reveals why showing up consistently matters more than natural ability in achieving long-term success.T...

Radical responsibility transformed my life from homelessness to success, and it could change yours too. After hitting rock bottom multiple times, couch-surfing and living on the streets, I discovered a powerful truth: accepting my reality witho...

The frustrating either/or mindset around careers limits our potential and restricts young people from finding their unique paths. Drawing from my journey through over twenty different jobs—from Subway sandwich artist to military infantryman to ...

There are multiple paths to get to, and, live a life in recovery.

From 2019 to today. 

The mid 2010's are good to me 

Transitions in life keep happening

I journey into my renewed life in recovery

A return to active addiction after ten years in recovery

We move to the country and I leave Fred Meyer

Life keeps improving

There is in fact light at the end of the tunnel!

We continue through the dark period of my life

My life takes a significant turn for the worst

My life takes more twists and turns

My son is born, my first marriage ends and the story continues

I enter into the life of marriage for the first time.