DANG! The Todd Bridges Podcast

Speaking of Christmas: The Grinch, BB Gun Wars & Red One - Ep. 52

Coal for Christmas? A Darth Vader haircut? And Santa’s true identity? This Christmas Eve, Todd and Bettijo debate holiday chaos, family traditions, and why believing in Santa might just save Christmas—whether you’re naughty, nice, or getting charcoal. SUMMARY It’s the DANG! Christmas episode, and Todd and Bettijo kick things off exactly how you’d expect: roasting each other’s hair, debating whether “DANG!” works as a holiday greeting, and diving headfirst into what really makes the holiday season the holiday season. From when Christmas decorations should go up to why Todd thinks kids might deserve coal, nothing is off-limits. The conversation winds through favorite (and least favorite) holidays, faith, and the meaning behind Christmas and Easter. Todd proudly claims his Grinch status while still loving family time, and Bettijo shares how traditions—like intentional gift-giving and Santa letters—keep the magic alive. Along the way, they swap childhood memories, blended-family realities, and hilarious debates about Santa’s race, belief, and bargaining power. Things take a nostalgic (and slightly unhinged) turn with stories of Nerf gun battles, BB gun mishaps, and holiday chaos past—before circling back to what matters most: togetherness. Whether it’s kids believing just a little longer, families navigating whose turn it is, or simply showing up, Todd and Bettijo remind us that Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree—it’s about who’s around it. They wrap things up with a festive ToddFlix recommendation (Red One), more coal jokes, and a heartfelt reminder to enjoy your family while you have them. Funny, honest, and perfectly imperfect, this episode is a Christmas Eve listen made for eggnog, laughter, and embracing the beautiful mess of the holidays. HIGHLIGHTS * Darth Vader vs. Eraser Hair: Todd and Bettijo roast each other’s morning hair—and somehow Star Wars and office supplies both lose. (00:38)  * When Christmas Actually Starts: Bettijo declares the Macy’s Parade the official permission slip for Christmas music. Todd strongly disagrees. (01:55) * Certified Grinch Energy: Todd’s favorite holiday is…not Christmas. (04:10) * Coal > Presents?: Todd explains why naughty kids should really get coal—and why he’s totally serious. Maybe.  (05:59) * The Gift Math Madness: Bettijo’s bucket system for “fair” Christmas gifting. (09:51) * Santa Believers (Ages 18+): How Bettijo keeps her grown kids believing in Santa—for strategic reasons. (13:43) * Santa, According to Todd: Why Santa was Black in his house—and still might be. (14:42) * BB Guns & Bad Ideas: Holiday nostalgia takes a dangerous turn. (16:26) * ToddFlix – Red One: The Rock, Krampus, and the slap heard ’round Christmas. (22:05) LISTEN TO LEARN * Why the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is the legal loophole for decorating early. * How to turn Christmas shopping into a sneaky math lesson (that kids don’t hate). * How to keep Christmas “fair” without losing your mind. Whether you're decorating your tree in November or waiting until the last second like a holiday rebel, this episode is the gift that keeps on giving. Stop being a Grinch—hit play and join the family! Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom -------------------- © 2025 Loop 101 Media DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Shame vs. Guilt: Which One is Secretly Sabotaging Your Growth? - Ep. 51

Is your inner voice saying, “I did something bad”… or “I am bad”? That subtle difference might be the key to your emotional growth—or the reason you feel stuck. SUMMARY Todd and Bettijo Bridges strip things down to a powerful, honest, just-the-two-of-us conversation about Shame vs. Guilt—and why confusing the two can quietly sabotage your self-worth, parenting, recovery, and mental health. Sprinkled with their signature humor, the heart of the conversation centers on a crucial distinction: * Guilt highlights a behavior that needs repair. * Shame attacks personal identity, which fuels the addiction cycle and a desire to hide rather than grow. They discuss how shame often drives the addiction cycle, why “mom guilt” is more accurately described as “mom shame,” and how shaming language—especially in parenting—can damage a child’s developing sense of self. Bettijo reframes guilt as a signal for growth, not punishment, while Todd shares personal insights into how shame thrives in secrecy. The conversation also explores the intersection of faith, prayer, and meditation, specifically highlighting the danger of outsourcing personal discernment to technology. Todd and Bettijo discuss a sobering case where an AI reportedly assisted a 16-year-old with suicide [https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/family-teenager-died-suicide-alleges-openais-chatgpt-blame-rcna226147], illustrating the devastating risks when digital algorithms are used to replace genuine human connection or spiritual intuition. HIGHLIGHTS * Identifying the "voice of truth" versus the voice that attacks your self-worth. (2:08) * Todd and Bettijo define the core differences between shame vs. guilt. (03:15) * Why the addiction cycle is often fueled by a repetitive shame loop. (06:55) * The danger of "the look" and using shaming language in parenting. (08:10) * Boundaries and expectations: Why moving the goalposts confuses children. (10:37) * How do you know the difference between shaming and healthy discipline? (11:07) * Debunking the "mom guilt" hashtag and reclaiming your personal time. (16:20) * Practical steps to take when a "shame storm" hits your mental health. (20:30) * The danger of AI replacing spiritual intuition and human connection. (22:30) * ToddFlix: Sheriff Country. (28:32) LISTEN TO LEARN * How to tell when guilt is helping you grow—and when it’s time to let it go. * Why shaming language sticks to a child’s identity long after the moment has passed. * Why “mom guilt” is misnamed—and how to stop carrying shame that isn’t yours. Stop letting shame drive the bus while guilt sits in the back seat throwing snacks. Hit Play to start your emotional tune-up today! Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom -------------------- © 2025 Loop 101 Media DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Using Data to Predict Relapse & Improve Rehab with Trac9 - Ep. 50

Getting sober has long relied on hope, promises, and big claims — but rarely on measurable progress. In this milestone 50th episode of DANG!, Todd and Bettijo talk with Dr. Jared Dempsey and Kevin Jones, co-creators of Trac9 Informatics, about what happens when recovery is measured with science instead of slogans. SUMMARY For decades, addiction treatment has been a kind of Wild West: different centers using different questionnaires (or none at all), progress measured by gut instinct alone, and no reliable way to compare outcomes or understand what actually helps people stay sober. Today we welcome Dr. Jared Dempsey and Kevin Jones of Trac9 Informatics [https://trac9.com/], two leaders working to bring scientific measurement into a field that has historically operated without it. As the saying goes (the one Bettijo was grasping for): “What gets measured gets managed.” And in recovery, measurement has often been missing. Dempsey and Jones explain how their standardized weekly assessments look at key psychological factors—like depression, anxiety, stress, and more—that actually predict long-term sobriety. With millions of data points collected across treatment settings, they’ve uncovered patterns that can reveal when someone is struggling, when relapse risk may be rising, or when a therapist might need to dig deeper. The discussion also turns to the wider treatment landscape: the push toward value-based care, where centers are rewarded for meaningful outcomes rather than simply filling beds; the need for greater transparency around what “success” in treatment actually means; and the persistent stigma that still keeps many families from seeking help sooner. HIGHLIGHTS * Introducing Dr. Jared Dempsey and Kevin Jones of Trac9 Informatics and their work in addiction treatment. (0:56) * The nine key variables in their standardized weekly assessment battery, including spirituality and stress. (1:46) * How the lack of measurement in treatment made the industry the "Wild West." (3:18) * Explaining how Trac9 uses a computer learning system and customized algorithms to predict relapse risk for each treatment center. (6:59) * Discussing their new feature that estimates the likelihood of relapse for an entire year post-discharge. (10:30) * The concept of the "therapeutic co-pilot" and how the recovery data gives patients power over their substance use disorder. (13:02) * How the fentanyl crisis is escalating the life or death danger of addiction (16:30) * The actual death toll of addiction – killing more people each year than car crashes and many types of cancer (17:18) * The importance of transitioning to value-based care where facilities are incentivized to achieve successful outcomes. (24:59) * ToddFlix - Resident Alien (32:20) LISTEN TO LEARN * How weekly, science-based assessments are bringing order to the “Wild West” of rehab and redefining what real progress looks like. * The psychological markers that actually predict lasting sobriety. * How data can flag rising relapse risk before it becomes a crisis — giving therapists a true “co-pilot” in care. * What families should look for (and avoid) when choosing a rehab facility. Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom -------------------- © 2025 Loop 101 Media DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Life Lessons From Happy Gilmore 2 - Ep. 49

Todd and Bettijo tee off on Happy Gilmore 2 [https://share.google/SqJ34ZKfCnCTGdaTF]—the laughs, the chaos, and the shockingly accurate rehab fraud subplot. They unpack why Google fails people seeking addiction treatment and how that problem inspired their work on MyBestRehab.org [https://mybestrehab.org/]. SUMMARY Todd and Bettijo Bridges kick things off with a nostalgic trip back to 1996—the year of the original Happy Gilmore [https://share.google/IeIrZCJmrDwTaiDBj], the Macarena, and Dolly the cloned sheep—before launching into a full review of the long-awaited sequel. They highlight the film’s best callbacks, from the return of Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) to the legendary Bob Barker fight scene, as well as unexpected cameos from Travis Kelce, John Daly, and Haley Joel Osment. The duo breaks down the new storyline: Happy is broke, battling alcoholism, and scrambling to save both his family and the sport of golf from a ridiculous, over-the-top modernization. The conversation shifts as Todd and Bettijo examine a darker thread in the comedy—Ben Stiller’s role as a corrupt rehab operator. What seems like slapstick parody is, unfortunately, a real and widespread problem. Bettijo opens up about how often families encounter unethical or predatory treatment centers, turning a desperate search for help into a minefield. Todd shares stories of aggressive marketing tactics, patient brokering, and fraudulent billing schemes that exploit vulnerable people. These issues are precisely why Todd and Bettijo launched My Best Rehab [https://mybestrehab.org/]—a nonprofit building a vetted, data-driven system to help people find ethical, effective addiction treatment. Their goal: to bring transparency to an industry that too often hides behind flashy ads and misleading promises. HIGHLIGHTS * Todd and Bettijo Bridges reminisce about 1996, the original Happy Gilmore, and what was trending that year. (01:04) * Discussion of the iconic fight scene between Happy and Bob Barker, including the fact that Barker did his own stunts. (03:24) * Reviewing the plot of Happy Gilmore 2: Happy is broke again, struggling with alcoholism, and facing new family and golf-related challenges. (04:10) * Praising the excellent cast and surprise cameos, including Travis Kelce, Haley Joel Osment, John Daly, and the return of Shooter McGavin. (05:06) * Exploring the connection between Ben Stiller’s fraudulent rehab character and the real-life problem of rehab fraud. (11:29) * Todd and Bettijo explain how aggressive marketing and patient brokering make finding quality addiction treatment dangerous and difficult. (13:34) * Introducing their nonprofit, My Best Rehab, and their goal to build an algorithm that helps people find ethical, effective treatment centers. (18:40) LISTEN TO LEARN * Our biggest takeaways from Happy Gilmore 2 and the surprising life lessons hidden in the sequel. * Why fraud and exploitation in the addiction industry have become disturbingly common. * How addiction deaths in the U.S. equate to a plane crash every single day. * Why Google is NOT the best way to find a good rehab center. Hit play and join Todd and Bettijo for all the hilarious moments and surprisingly serious insights from Happy Gilmore 2—it goes far deeper than you’d expect from a golf comedy sequel. Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom -------------------- © 2025 Loop 101 Media DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Self-Care vs. Selfishness: Help Drawing the Line - Ep. 48

Is the line “Nobody will care about you more than you care about yourself” actually true—or is it low-key toxic? Todd Bridges and Bettijo crack this one open in a real-life, couples-therapy-style convo about self-care vs. selfishness, how they set (and screw up) boundaries with their kids, and one tiny “mosquito” comment from Todd that sent Bettijo OVER. THE. EDGE. SUMMARY This week, Todd and Bettijo Bridges tackle a heavy-hitting statement Bettijo recently heard: “Nobody will care about you more than you care about yourself.” Bettijo shares that she wasn’t raised to believe this—her upbringing centered on service, sacrifice, and avoiding the dreaded label of being selfish or self-centered. Todd, on the other hand, thinks it’s absolutely true and argues that you have to take care of yourself first—emotionally, mentally, and physically—before you can pour into anyone else. From there, the conversation dives into the tricky balance between prioritizing yourself and being perceived as selfish. Todd shares how he decides whether a request is a genuine need or just someone being lazy, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability. They also explore how this idea shifts when you’re parenting young kids versus adult children, and why setting boundaries in relationships is key to earning respect and appreciation. Todd wraps up the episode with his “Todd Flix” recommendation: the Netflix show Lucifer, which he’s currently re-watching with Bettijo, who’s never seen it. HIGHLIGHTS  * Todd and Bettijo unpack the controversial idea she heard on Emme Grede’s Aspire podcast [https://www.emmagrede.me/]: “Nobody will care about you more than you care about yourself.” (1:34) * Bettijo shares how her upbringing blurred the line between self-care and selfishness. (2:04) * Todd explains why filling your own bucket is non-negotiable if you want anything left to give. (4:07) * A mosquito-in-the-house moment hilariously reveals Todd’s approach to protecting his peace. (4:12) * Todd defines the difference between being selfish and simply taking care of himself. (10:15) * They break down how boundaries promote personal accountability. (14:50) * Todd’s “Todd Flix” pick of the week: the Netflix series Lucifer [https://www.google.com/search?sa=X&sca_esv=cfc019d70576c3e0&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS999US999&biw=1331&bih=823&sxsrf=AE3TifPP9a3xlWCZk8u5mpXXZmqPak1wmQ:1763513612820&q=lucifer+tv+series&si=AMgyJEv7tEnSuHK86ujePeop1bMcAwX9LXXXW1HKjUp0ZbPjZl-SVmrwxlr-JRj5DlBZwfr1Oyfj2co29ymqw4kwV7Bi6DUXL49TpD9U1emxrvhsnTFA1rY%3D&ved=2ahUKEwiYo8uTgP2QAxVKj-4BHRNRLF0QyNoBKAB6BAgoEAA&ictx=1]. (19:05) * Bettijo challenges Todd to go on Dancing with the Stars—and they debate their wildly different music tastes. (22:54) LISTEN TO LEARN * Self-care vs. selfishness: where’s the line? * How to set boundaries when you’re a lifelong people-pleaser. * Why your emotional and mental health have to come first. * Todd’s take on  parenting adult kids with firm boundaries. Don't wait for permission to put yourself first—you can't pour from an empty cup! Stop being a mosquito magnet and start setting boundaries right now by hitting Play! Follow on Instagram:  Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom -------------------- © 2025 Loop 101 Media DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne For more information contact info@loop101media.com