Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman: dopamine, addiction and why we always want more

Aaron Abbott: gambling, brain hacks and breaking free from the cycle

Gambling isn’t just about luck, it’s about how the brain gets hooked. Aaron Abbott, founder of Against the Odds, knows this first-hand and now takes his story into schools, colleges and pro sport academies across the UK, showing young people how to spot the traps before it’s too late. In this episode, Aaron joins Daniel to unpack the science of gambling harm, from dopamine loops and near-miss effects to the everyday triggers of payday, matchday and late-night scrolling. He also shares the tools that help people step back from the edge, the ripple effects on families, and how to build a stronger identity when pressure spikes. If you’re worried about your gambling, concerned for someone close to you, or working with young people, Aaron’s message is a timely and practical guide to breaking free. Follow Aaron and Against the Odds on socials @againsttheodds.uk Join the Recoverlution at ⁠recoverlution.com⁠ [https://www.recoverlution.com/] Presented by Daniel Fincham. Recoverlution is an original podcast from ⁠Pretzel Productions⁠.

Dr. Robb Kelly: rock bottom, rewiring and getting Robert Downey Jr. sober

Dr. Robb Kelly has lived addiction from both sides, losing his family, his home, and almost his life to alcoholism, and then transforming that rock bottom into a life dedicated to helping others. Known worldwide as “The Addiction Doctor,” Robb even helped Robert Downey Jr. achieve sobriety, and now guides thousands of people across the globe using neuroscience, coaching, and hard truths. This week, Robb joins Daniel for a raw and powerful conversation about breaking cycles of trauma, and why telling yourself the truth is the first step toward lasting change. He shares how the brain that drove you to the edge can be rewired, and why recovery is possible at every stage of the journey. Whether you’re just starting out or years into sobriety, Robb’s story is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rise again. Get Robb’s memoir Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking at all good booksellers and follow him on socials @robbkellyrecoverygroup Join the Recoverlution at ⁠recoverlution.com⁠ [https://www.recoverlution.com/] Presented by Daniel Fincham. Recoverlution is an original podcast from ⁠Pretzel Productions⁠.

Angela Kirwin: trauma, punishment and our broken prison system

Angela Kirwin has spent years working inside the UK prison system, supporting people who most of society has written off. A qualified social worker and the author of Criminal: How Our Prisons Are Failing Us All, Angela has seen first-hand how addiction, trauma and poverty shape lives — and how punishment without care only deepens the cycle. This week, Angela joins Daniel for a powerful and challenging conversation about what truly drives offending, why rehabilitation is so rare, and what’s possible when we offer support instead of judgement. She shares the lessons she’s learned from those society forgets, the vital role of compassion in recovery, and why real change is always possible, no matter your past. Whether you’ve been directly impacted by the system, know someone who has, or care about what happens beyond recovery, Angela’s story will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about crime and punishment. Get Angela’s book Criminal at all good booksellers and follow her on socials @angelakirwinuk Join the Recoverlution at ⁠⁠recoverlution.com⁠⁠ [https://www.recoverlution.com/] Presented by Daniel Fincham. Recoverlution is an original podcast from ⁠⁠Pretzel Productions⁠⁠.

Lucy Spraggan: alcohol, ADHD and turning pain into purpose

Lucy Spraggan knows what it takes to turn suffering into strength, having recently celebrated six years sober. Many know Lucy from her breakthrough on The X Factor, her career as a chart-topping musician, her Sunday Times bestselling memoir Process, or her appearance on Celebrity SAS. But behind the spotlight, alcohol was ruining everything. This week, Lucy joins Daniel for an open and moving conversation about her journey, from the highs of fame to the depths of rock bottom, and how embracing sobriety reshaped her life. She shares how creativity became a tool for healing, why connection matters so deeply, and what it really means to start again. Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol or years into your own recovery, Lucy’s story is a reminder that hope is real, change is possible, and none of us have to do it alone. Stream Other Sides Of The Moon here: https://lucyspragganmusic.ffm.to/other-sides-of-the-moon [https://lucyspragganmusic.ffm.to/other-sides-of-the-moon] Get Lucy’s memoir Process at all good booksellers and follow her on socials @lspraggan Join the Recoverlution at ⁠⁠recoverlution.com⁠⁠ [https://www.recoverlution.com/] Presented by Daniel Fincham. Recoverlution is an original podcast from ⁠Pretzel Productions⁠ [https://www.pretzelproductions.co.uk/].

Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman: dopamine, addiction and why we always want more

Why is saying “no” so impossible for someone struggling with addiction? And why is addiction "perfectly logical" to an addict? In our very first episode, we welcome the legendary Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman, bestselling author of The Molecule of More, to uncover the neuroscience behind addiction, the vital role that dopamine plays and why it’s never simply a matter of choice. It's impossible to understand addiction without understanding dopamine, and this life-changing conversation will transform how you see your mind, your past, and your recovery journey. From why willpower alone isn’t enough, to how to rewire your brain and rediscover joy in life’s small moments, this chat will give you the most essential tool of all: self-compassion. Dr. Daniel Z. Lieberman, MD [https://www.danielzlieberman.com/]'s books: The Molecule of More Spellbound: Modern Science, Ancient Magic, and the Hidden Potential of the Unconscious Mind Join the Recoverlution at ⁠recoverlution.com⁠ [https://www.recoverlution.com/] Presented by Daniel Fincham. Recoverlution is an original podcast from Pretzel Productions [https://www.pretzelproductions.co.uk/].