From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy

Finding Purpose in Recovery with Cliff McDonald

In this episode of the Addict II Athlete Podcast Coach Blu talks to Cliff McDonald. Cliff's story is a recovery "origin + engine" narrative: he connects the early, hard-won decision to get sober with the ongoing, daily work that keeps him there. The episode frames recovery not as a finish line, but as a lifestyle built through connection, practical support systems, and meaningful contribution to other people. Cliff describes recovery as something he had to build, not something that simply "happened" after a final decision. He shares the personal turning points that brought him from isolation and chaos to stability, then he broadens the focus to what sustained progress actually requires. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Recovery and Movement 02:52 Cliff's Journey to Recovery 06:08 The Importance of Accessible Care 08:59 The Impact of Alcoholism on Families 12:02 Finding Purpose in Recovery 15:05 The Role of Service in Recovery 17:53 The Struggles of Relapse and Recovery 23:32 Cliff's Struggles with Addiction 29:10 Moments of Clarity and Turning Points 37:11 The Power of Vulnerability and Surrender 44:59 The Hero's Journey in Recovery 51:02 Embracing Multiple Pathways to Recovery Resources Recovery.com - https://recovery.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffmcdonald/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cliffmcdonald/] Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 [https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0] Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete [https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete] Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org [https://www.AddictToAthlete.org]

Playing Through Imperfection with Patrick Overholt

In this heartfelt conversation, Coach Blu Robinson welcomes back returning guest Patrick Overholt to reflect on his journey through addiction, recovery, and the life-changing power of community and purpose. Patrick shares personal stories of healing, the role humility has played in his growth, and how golf, fellowship, and connection continue to support his recovery. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage 02:51 The Journey of Recovery: Struggles and Triumphs 06:07 The Role of Family in Recovery 09:02 Facing Challenges: The Importance of Community 12:11 Lessons Learned: The Path to Sobriety 15:05 The Impact of Addiction on Parenting 17:53 Finding Hope and Purpose 21:06 The Ripple Effect of Recovery 23:59 Navigating Relationships in Recovery 27:12 Honoring Those Lost: A Personal Reflection 34:23 Facing Loss and Grief 39:05 Understanding Addiction's Impact 44:54 The Power of Community in Recovery 48:36 Expanding Inclusivity in Recovery Programs 51:58 The Unseen Struggles of Addiction 54:43 The Recipe for Recovery and Growth Resources Addict to Athlete Website - https://addicttoathlete.org Good Time Golf - https://goodtimegolf.org/ Recipe Golf Apparel and Storytelling - https://recipegolf.com/ [https://recipegolf.com/]

From Drug Czar to Advocate: Richard Baum's Insights on Addiction and Policy

This week, Coach Blu speaks to Richard Baum, a former acting drug czar and Georgetown professor, draws on decades of experience in drug policy to offer a thoughtful look at the opioid crisis and broader addiction challenges. In this episode, he discusses how addiction is not just a personal issue, but a public health problem that affects families, communities, and government systems. He explains that effective responses require more than punishment or short-term fixes. Instead, they need a balanced approach that includes prevention, treatment, recovery support, and smart policy. Baum highlights the importance of evidence-based strategies, such as expanding access to treatment, supporting harm reduction efforts, and making sure people struggling with addiction can get help without unnecessary barriers. He also emphasizes that lasting progress depends on cooperation between communities, healthcare providers, and government leaders. By working together, they can create systems that reduce overdose deaths, improve recovery outcomes, and address the root causes of substance use disorders. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:58 Richard Baum's Background and Experience 04:45 The Impact of the Opioid Crisis 09:30 Lessons from Personal Stories 12:00 The Role of Policy in Addressing the Crisis 16:04 Medication-Assisted Treatment in Prisons 20:41 Shifts in Law Enforcement's Approach 26:45 Regulation of Treatment Centers 29:07 The Need for Regulation and Expert Oversight 30:07 Underinvestment in the Opioid Crisis Response 34:18 The Importance of Prevention and Education 39:37 Innovations in Drug Policy and Treatment 46:37 Richard Baum's Book and Resources for Change Guest links LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/richardjbaum Twitter - https://twitter.com/richardjbaum Resources Inside America's Opiate Crisis (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CXYZ1234 Richard Baum's Website - https://richardjbaum.com Office of National Drug Control Policy - https://odcp.gov Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go, and click the link below https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 [https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0] Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete [https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete] Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org [https://www.AddictToAthlete.org] It's time! Skool is in session! Welcome to Addict II Athletes new on line mental health and addiction program! You will find: https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 [https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0]

The Hungry Warrior with JD Tremblay

This week Coach Blu speaks with JD Tremblay as he shares his inspiring journey from overcoming behavioral addictions to completing the ultra-deca challenge, emphasizing the power of mindset, faith, and structured systems in transforming lives. This episode explores mental resilience, overcoming failure, and building a life of purpose beyond addiction. 00:00Introduction to the Addict to Athlete Podcast 01:27JD Tremblay: A Journey of Transformation 02:44The Role of Athleticism in Coping Mechanisms 04:49The Epic DECA Challenge Explained 07:38Mental Fortitude in Endurance Events 10:29Overcoming Addiction: The Journey to Freedom 13:21The Importance of Starting vs. Finishing 21:37Choosing Faith Over Fear 23:44The RISE Framework for Recovery 27:19Engaging in Healthy Challenges 28:10The Power of Identity and Faith 29:41The Journey of Writing a Book 32:31Overcoming Mental Struggles 36:27Reflecting on Failures and Achievements 39:36Creating Structure for Change 42:28The Common Path to Success 49:40Transforming Pain into Purpose Resources Hungry Warrior Academy: https://hungrywarrioracademy.com JD Tremblay's Social Media (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, LinkedIn) - https://hungrywarrioracademy.com Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 [https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0] Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete [https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete] Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org [https://www.AddictToAthlete.org]

Your Mind Is Lying to You

In this powerful episode of the Addict II Athlete podcast, Coach Blu takes a deep dive into anxiety, what it is, what it isn't, and why so many of us misunderstand it. Drawing from real-life experience and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles, he breaks down how anxiety shows up in the mind and body, and how it can quietly pull you into overwhelming spirals if left unchecked. Coach Blu walks listeners through practical tools to recognize anxious thought patterns in real time and challenges the distorted thinking that fuels them. He introduces grounding techniques rooted in CBT that help you pause, reset, and regain control when your thoughts start racing. More importantly, he reframes anxiety not as a personal flaw, but as a signal something to be understood rather than feared. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to better manage stress and overwhelm, this episode offers straightforward, actionable strategies to help you stay present, centered, and mentally strong. Tune in to learn how to stop the spiral, take back your thoughts, and move forward with clarity. Join Coach Blu and Team Addict II Athlete and begin your recovery with a tram behind you! Our online addiction and mental health program provides live group sessions with Coach Blu, our weekly Home Base, recovery meeting, therapeutic assignments, and educational information at a fraction of what a therapeutic treatment program would require. Take You Mark, Get Set, Let's Go and click the link below. https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0 [https://www.skool.com/addict-ii-athlete-5988/about?ref=9090e81114674311874340c02b1095d0] Please join Addict to Athlete's Patreon support page and help us turn the mess of addiction into the message of sobriety! https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete [https://www.patreon.com/addicttoathlete] Please visit our website for more information on Team Addict to Athlete and Addiction Recovery Podcasts. https://www.AddictToAthlete.org [https://www.AddictToAthlete.org]