The debate between harm reduction and abstinence-only approaches continues to shape addiction treatment, but is it really an either/or proposition? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Terry Sellers shares his perspective: "Here's where I really disagree with harm reduction. I don't disagree with it for the most part, but when they remove abstinence as one of the possibilities of choices, they've removed patient autonomy. My job as a physician is to lay out all the possibilities and then we decide which one's going to work for you." Throughout our conversation, we explore how substance abuse exists on a spectrum, with various interventions appropriate at different points in recovery. While acknowledging the life-saving potential of harm reduction strategies, we also challenge the notion that abstinence shouldn't be presented as a viable option for those seeking recovery. As Dr. Sellers puts it, "You can't get hepatitis C from a needle if you're not using needles... you can't die of a fentanyl overdose if you don't use something with fentanyl in it." In many ways, abstinence represents the ultimate form of harm reduction. We also tackle the misconception that addiction treatment "doesn't work" by contextualizing success rates. When someone attempts recovery without treatment, success rates hover below 1%, while formal treatment increases this to 15-20% – comparable to management success rates for other chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Perhaps most importantly, we highlight the critical factor most overlooked in recovery: "Here's one of the magic things in treating people is spelled T-I-M-E. If you just go somewhere for 30 days, 45 days, even 60 days, and that's all you do... statistically, we know the longer you stay in treatment, the higher your success rate is going to be." Whether you're a treatment professional, someone in recovery, or a concerned loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into creating recovery pathways that honor individual choice while maximizing chances for long-term success. Join us as we navigate this complex conversation with compassion, experience, and a commitment to patient autonomy.

NBA legend Thurl "Big T" Bailey knows what it means to bounce back. In this inspiring episode, he opens up about being told he’d never make it in basketball—and how that rejection fueled his journey from junior high benchwarmer to first-round NBA draft pick.

Bailey shares the three life-changing questions he was asked at an Italian border crossing—questions that now guide his approach to purpose, recovery, and resilience:

- Where are you coming from?

- What is your purpose?

- What is your destination?

Through powerful stories of overcoming setbacks, supporting teammates through addiction, and finding meaning beyond the court, Bailey reveals the keys to lasting transformation: consistency, connection, and believing in yourself even when others don’t.

Whether you’re facing your own challenges, supporting someone in recovery, or searching for your “why,” this conversation offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement. Discover how to find your coach, rewrite your story, and build a life that matters—on and off the court.

Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with one of basketball’s most thoughtful voices.

Why do so many addiction treatment programs fail to produce lasting results? What keeps people caught in the revolving door of detox-residential-outpatient-relapse? Dr. Amy de la Garza believes she's found a critical missing piece in the recovery puzzle - and it starts with what's on your plate.

After 15 years treating addiction across the entire continuum of care, Dr. Amy noticed something troubling: even patients with substantial clean time weren't truly feeling well. Her journey into functional medicine revealed how the standard American diet - particularly in treatment settings - actively works against recovery by maintaining inflammation, disrupting sleep, and preventing the brain from healing properly. The solution? A radical wellbeing approach that treats addiction as what it truly is: a chronic disease requiring lifestyle medicine alongside traditional interventions.

Through her work at Odyssey House and now with her company Gnosis Health, Dr. Amy has witnessed remarkable transformations when incorporating nutrition, movement, and sleep optimization into addiction treatment protocols. Her 12-week intervention study showed significant improvements not just in biomarkers like hemoglobin A1C and inflammation levels, but more importantly, in how patients felt physically and mentally. The results challenge long-held assumptions about what treatment centers should provide and what recovery can feel like.

This eye-opening conversation with hosts Jared Miller and Jordan Burningham explores how our microbiome influences cravings, why sleep might be the most critical recovery factor, and how simple lifestyle modifications can dramatically improve treatment outcomes. Whether you're a treatment professional seeking better results or someone struggling to maintain recovery, this episode offers practical wisdom for breaking the treatment cycle and achieving genuine wellbeing.

Curious about your own wellness baseline? Take our 10-point assessment during the episode, then share your score on YouTube for a chance to receive a free supplement. Your path to radical wellbeing starts today.