I've Got A Problem

Comedian Tom Rhodes joins Forrest to talk addiction, drinking, mental health, creativity, and the long road from excess to clarity. They get into growing up around alcohol, the romanticized "drunk artist" myth, dangerous party years, loss, grief, and the moment Tom finally saw himself clearly and decided to change. It's raw, thoughtful, and funny — packed with real stories about alcohol, denial, creativity, regret, love, and learning how much more is possible when you stop numbing out. 🎧 If you've ever believed chaos was part of who you are, or wondered who you might be without it, this episode will hit deep and still make you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Tom Rhodes 01:22 – Growing Up Around Drinking 02:30 – Wanting to Be "Cool" Like Your Heroes 03:47 – Moving to Amsterdam to Slow Down 05:15 – Loss, Grief & Drinking to Numb 06:41 – The Night Everything Changed 08:20 – Seeing Yourself Clearly 11:22 – Regret, Shame & Sensitivity 13:03 – Cringing at Who You Used to Be 15:22 – Social Media & Modern 'Assholishness' 18:49 – Dangerous Party Years 21:44 – What Felt Normal But Wasn't 23:29 – Love as a Catalyst for Change 28:22 – The Lie That It Helps Creativity 41:22 – One Song That Describes Addiction 45:10 – Why Clarity Is Its Own Drug 51:50 – Advice for Anyone Still Struggling 🎙️ Find Tom Rhodes : 🔗 Website: https://www.tomrhodes.net 📸 Instagram: @_tomrhodes https://www.instagram.com/_tomrhodes/ 👉 TikTok : @tomrhodescomedy https://www.tiktok.com/@tomrhodescomedy ▶️ YouTube: @kingofhaha https://www.youtube.com/user/kingofhaha

Comedian and actor Cort McCown joins Forrest to talk addiction, drinking, mental health, and growing up in an environment where chaos felt normal. They get into starting young, family dynamics, fear, the myth of the "drunk artist," and how addiction slowly became a way of coping rather than a choice. It's raw, funny, and packed with real stories about alcohol, denial, isolation, creativity, relationships, and learning how to live comfortably in your own skin without numbing out. 🎧 If you grew up around addiction, normalized unhealthy behavior, or have ever wondered why chaos felt familiar — this episode hits close to home and still makes you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Cort McCown 01:13 – Growing Up Around Alcohol 03:07 – The "Geographic Fix" Myth 04:50 – Remembering 9/11 in Early Recovery 07:09 – Fear as a Driving Force 08:45 – Comedy, Bars & Being Around It 10:40 – Pain on the Inside vs the Outside 12:50 – Why Moderation Never Worked 15:11 – Dating & Not Drinking 18:45 – Responsibility Changes Everything 21:22 – The Drunk Artist Myth 23:39 – Starting Young & Losing Control 27:50 – Barely Getting Through School 30:01 – From Acting to Stand-Up 33:36 – Isolation and Addiction 41:03 – "I'll Worry About It Tomorrow" 46:36 – One Word for Addiction / One for Recovery 🎙️ Find Cort McCown: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cortmccown/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cortmccowncomedy

Forrest jumps on for a short solo episode to talk gambling, money, addiction, and the difference between what you want and what you actually need. Sparked by expensive dental work, he reflects on fantasy thinking, chasing jackpots, financial denial, and how addiction convinces you everything will be fixed "once this one thing works out." It's raw, funny, and honest — packed with real talk about gambling, money stress, aging, mental health, and learning to choose stability over ego. 🎧 If you've ever justified risky decisions, chased a financial fantasy, or struggled to tell the difference between wants and needs, this episode will hit close to home and still make you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Dental Bills 02:00 – Wants vs Needs 05:00 – Gambling Fantasy Thinking 09:30 – Closing Perspective

Comedian Chad Anderson joins Forrest to talk addiction, drinking, cocaine, mental health, and the slow creep of chaos becoming normal. They get into small-town drinking culture, disappearing for entire weekends, using "I'm young" as an excuse, and the moments that finally forced him to confront how bad things had gotten. It's raw, funny, and packed with real stories about alcohol, cocaine, denial, broken trust, homelessness, terrifying situations, and what it actually takes to rebuild a life after addiction. 🎧 If you've ever minimized your drinking, vanished on people who love you, or told yourself you're "fine" when you're clearly not — this episode hits hard and still makes you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Meet Chad Anderson 00:56 – "What's Your Problem?" 02:25 – Booze, Then Cocaine, Then Everything 03:49 – Eight Years Clean, Then Weed Comes Back 05:46 – First Time Getting High (Grade Seven) 07:09 – Small-Town Drinking Culture 08:45 – Why Alcohol Gets a Free Pass 09:49 – Being Young as an Excuse 11:58 – Fear of Losing Friends 13:59 – Early Recovery Oversharing 18:37 – Disappearing for Days Became Normal 20:22 – Losing the Relationship That Mattered 23:02 – Crack Apartment & Needle Reality Check 25:55 – Arm Through the Glass Door 42:09 – One Word for Addiction / One for Recovery 55:06 – Advice: get busy and do the work 🎙️ Find Chad Anderson : 🔗 Website: www.chadanderson.net 📸 Instagram: @Chadillmatic Facebook: Chad Anderson

Comedian J.F. Harris joins Forrest to talk addiction, alcohol, sobriety, mental health, and the Christmas Eve spiral that finally forced him to stop drinking. They get into drinking without an off-switch, idolizing the "drunk artist" myth, free hot dogs with every pitcher, and the moment he realized the life he was living wasn't the one he wanted. It's raw, hilarious, and packed with real stories about alcohol, denial, shame, family holidays, rebuilding self-worth, and learning how to show up for life without numbing out. 🎧 If you've ever told yourself "I'll stop tomorrow," romanticized drinking, or wondered if life actually gets better without it — this episode will hit hard and still make you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro & Reintroducing J.F. Harris 02:10 – "What's Your Problem?" 04:45 – Getting Sober on Christmas Day 07:30 – Drinking Without an Off Switch 10:45 – Free Hot Dogs With Every Pitcher 13:40 – The Hot Bus From Hell 16:20 – CVS Gift Cards & Rock Bottom 19:00 – Lying on the Basement Couch 21:45 – "This Is Not the Life I Want" 25:10 – Why Quitting "For a Bit" Never Works 28:30 – Becoming a Different Person 32:00 – Comedy, Status & Letting Go 36:10 – Food, Weight & Transferring Addictions 41:15 – What People Get Wrong About Addiction 46:30 – Pride, Purpose & Showing Up 52:10 – One Word for Addiction, One for Recovery 🎙️ Find J.F. Harris: 🔗 Website: https://www.jfharris.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejfharris/?hl=en ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-VSmTEtDHNZ1F9ytDTDx1A

Forrest closes out the year with a short solo episode reflecting on gratitude, the holidays, and what addiction can look like when it's left unchecked. He talks honestly about family damage, accountability, compassion, and the devastating consequences that addiction can have — regardless of money, fame, or resources. It's a raw, sincere message about staying vigilant, reaching out, helping others when you can, and remembering that recovery requires ownership, not excuses. 🎧 If the holidays bring up heavy feelings, guilt, fear, or concern about yourself or someone you love, this episode is a grounding reminder that you're not alone — and that action still matters. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Gratitude & Holiday Thanks 02:10 – When Addiction Turns Tragic 04:25 – Final Holiday Message

Dr. Suzette Glasner joins Forrest to break down the science of addiction — why some people get hooked and others don't, what actually happens in the brain during cravings, and how recovery rewires the circuits that chronic use destroys. They dig into genetics, trauma, dopamine, stress pathways, gambling triggers, access, professional athletes, and why the brain can heal more than most people think. It's raw, smart, and packed with real explanations about addiction, cravings, relapse risk, emotional regulation, and why time, behavior change, and biology all work together in recovery. 🎧 If you've ever wondered why you crave, slip, spiral, or struggle — this episode makes the science finally make sense. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:25 – Introducing Dr. Suzette Glasner? 04:30 – "What's Your Problem?" 06:35 – Why Scientists Need Better Platforms 07:55 – The Otani Gambling Scandal Pops Up 09:20 – What Actually Happens in the Brain During Addiction 12:30 – Dopamine, Memories & Chasing the First High 14:52 – Early Gambling & Childhood Reinforcement 17:20 – Social Aspect vs. Alone Behavior 19:05 – Is Addiction an Illness or a Choice? 22:40 – Genetics, Trauma & Why Some People Become Addicted 26:30 – Teen Brains, Risk Windows & Early Use 30:05 – Forrest's Childhood Stories (Pot Brownie Edition) 32:45 – Stress Pathways & Why They Increase Vulnerability 38:40 – What Craving Feels Like in the Brain 43:15 – Money, Cash & Gambling Triggers 47:20 – Can the Brain Heal After Addiction? 51:50 – Time, Neural Rewiring & Building New Pathways 55:20 – Dopamine vs. Serotonin (and Why Both Matter) 58:10 – Gambling in the NBA & Athlete Vulnerability 1:04:10 – Treating Gambling for High-Access Populations 1:08:05 – Legalized Sports Betting & Public Health Risks 1:13:10 – Recovery Outcomes & Why There's Real Hope 🎙️ Find Dr. Suzette Glasner: 🔗 Website: https://www.drglasner.com/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drglasner 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drglasner/ 👉 Book : Addiciton : What Everyone Needs To Know

Pulitzer Prize–winning journalist and comedian Gwen Filosa joins Forrest to talk alcoholism, cocaine, recovery, identity, and the messy, hilarious reality of rebuilding your life when your mind refuses to shut up. They dive into New Orleans drinking culture, addiction in Key West, obsessive thinking, dating disasters, internalized homophobia, and what it actually feels like to stay sober one stubborn day at a time. It's honest, funny, and packed with real stories about booze, coke, self-doubt, relapse thinking, bad decisions, better choices, and the relentless nature of addiction. 🎧 If you're queer, questioning, sober, struggling, or just someone with a brain that won't shut up, this episode will absolutely hit you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 04:23 – Meet Gwen Filosa 05:09 – "My Only Trigger Is Reality" 06:42 – Why Good Decisions Are Hard 08:31 – Drinking in Key West & New Orleans 10:59 – What Alcohol Really Did for Her 12:37 – Gambling vs Drinking Consequences 14:45 – Hitting Bottom in New Orleans 17:13 – Staying Sober in a Drinking Culture 19:19 – Relationships, Boundaries & Patterns 22:29 – Giving Yourself Credit 24:54 – Being Gay, Identity & Self-Acceptance 33:04 – Dating in Key West 43:29 – Lightning Questions Begin 46:40 – Dumbest Excuses We Tell Ourselves 56:11 – Advice for Anyone Struggling 🎙️ Find Gwen Filosa: 🔗 Substack: https://gwenfilosa.substack.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwenfilosamedia 👉 Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/keywestgwen/

Forrest jumps in for a quick episode to talk about turning 53, holiday overwhelm, and why this time of year brings out every addiction trigger imaginable — drinking, gambling, emotional eating, family pressure, and old habits that sneak back in when you're not paying attention. He breaks down why the holidays hit so hard, how to build an exit plan before things get messy, and why sugar might actually be the most dangerous drug in your house. It's short, honest, and surprisingly funny for an episode about spiraling at Thanksgiving. 🎧 If the holidays crank up your cravings, stress, or self-destruction meter, this one will make you feel seen (and a little less nuts). 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro 02:30 – Listener Call: Missed Messages 05:12 – Holiday Triggers: Drinking, Gambling & Overwhelm 08:10 – Thanksgiving Food Spiral & Sugar as a Drug 11:45 – Family Chaos, Pressure & Coping Strategies 14:30 – Dog Training, Anxiety & Removing Yourself 16:55 – Staying Steady Through the Holidays

Comedian Kristin Key joins Forrest to talk alcohol abuse, hidden struggles, recovery, mental health, and the moment she realized she couldn't joke her way out of it anymore. They get into "rock bottoms" that don't look dramatic from the outside, performing while impaired, concealing the truth from friends, and the strange mental gymnastics you do before finally admitting something isn't right. It's raw, funny, and full of real stories about denial, shame spirals, setbacks, and rebuilding a life that doesn't revolve around numbing out or pretending everything's fine. 🎧 If you're trying to cut back, reevaluate your relationship with substances, or just understand how hard honesty can be, this episode hits hard and still makes you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Kristin Key 03:38 Struggles with Alcoholism 05:20 Transitioning to Sobriety 10:40 The Impact of Sobriety on Comedy 15:01 Finding Authenticity in Performance 18:31 Navigating Relationships in Sobriety 22:15 Emotional Rock Bottom and Recovery 32:14 The Journey to Sobriety and Acceptance 33:32 Navigating Relationships and Recovery 35:06 The Impact of COVID-19 on Lives 37:09 Reflections on Addiction and Recovery 45:33 Advice and Insights for Those Struggling 49:05 Introduction and Mental Health Awareness 49:33 Outro 🎙️ Find Kristin Key: 🔗 Website: https://kristinkey.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thekristinkey/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/kristinkeycomedy 👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@kristinkeycomedy 🎧 Podcast: Kristin Knows Blank

Comedian Hannah Veldhoen joins Forrest to talk addiction, drinking, cocaine, recovery, mental health, and the brutally honest moment that pushed her into sobriety. They get into drinking culture, doing drugs to "feel cool," quitting for real, and why honesty is the only thing that actually works. It's raw, funny, and packed with real stories about alcohol, cocaine, relapse, AA, and rebuilding your life without numbing out. 🎧 If you're sober, sober-curious, or stuck in the cycle, this episode hits hard and still makes you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Hannah Veldhoen 04:27 Exploring Mental Health and Comedy 07:32 Addiction: A Personal Journey 13:24 The Allure and Reality of Cocaine 18:44 Romanticizing Addiction and Recovery 22:52 The Deceptive Nature of Alcohol and Wine 24:51 The Sparkling Merlot Obsession 26:30 Drinking Culture in Europe 27:54 Life in Different Cities 29:02 The Party Scene in Australia and Vegas 34:49 Turning Point: The Decision to Quit 38:11 The Journey to Sobriety 41:39 Rebuilding Trust After Addiction 42:52 Encouragement and Support in Recovery 48:19 The Role of Honesty in Recovery 49:08 Music and Addiction: A Personal Connection 54:31 Romanticizing Addiction: The Artist's Struggle 58:18 Confronting the Worst Addictions 01:07:53 Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction 01:11:08 Introduction and Acknowledgments 01:11:29 Mental Health Awareness and Resources 01:11:33 Outro 🎙️ Find Hannah Veldhoen: 🔗 Website: https://www.hannahveldhoen.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahveldhoen ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hannahveldhoen 🎧 Podcast: Menty Breaky

This week, Forrest is joined by comedian Justin Foster to dive into the world of relationships and addiction — from how soon to tell someone you're in recovery, to the mental gymnastics of dating while sober. It's a raw, honest, and funny look at the intersection of love, sobriety, and self-awareness — packed with real stories, humor, and insights from two comedians who have seen it all. 🎧 If you've ever wondered how addiction impacts relationships, or just want to laugh through some uncomfortable truths, this episode's for you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations about addiction, recovery, and mental health — all told through the lens of comedy and real life. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:59 Revisiting Past Experiences and Growth 08:21 Navigating Relationships and Addiction 15:59 Understanding the Addict Brain in Relationships 22:28 Working in Recovery: Bartending and Sobriety 24:55 Navigating Sobriety in Social Settings 25:56 The Journey of Sobriety: Reflections and Milestones 28:46 Letting Go: The Freedom of Rebuilding Life 31:54 Building a Life Beyond Addiction 32:52 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Humor 41:20 Understanding the Depth of Addiction 46:13 Hope and Recovery: A New Perspective 49:16 Helping Others: The Joy of Recovery 52:05 Final Thoughts: Seeking Help and Community 53:37 Acknowledgments 54:07 Mental Health Resources and Support 🎙️ Find Justin Foster: 🔗 Website: https://justincomic.weebly.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejustinfoster/ ▶️ YouTube: @thejustinfoster 🎧 Podcast: Foster The Podcast

Forrest breaks down the wild world of sports gambling — from NBA prop-bet scandals to Chauncey Billups' alleged mob-run poker games — through the lens of someone who lived it. As a former gambling addict, he explains why these scandals make sense, how betting apps are wrecking people, and why celebrities pushing sportsbooks is doing real damage. It's fast, honest, and funny: addiction, prop bets, betting apps, money issues, chasing losses, and the dark side of gambling culture — all in one solo episode. 🎧 If gambling, sports betting, or addiction has touched your life, this episode hits hard. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, mental health, recovery, and real-life chaos. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 04:06 Upcoming Shows and Events 05:57 Gambling in the News 21:13 The Impact of Celebrity Endorsements in Gambling 24:26 The Influence of Celebrity Endorsements in Gambling 30:55 The Unregulated Nature of Online Gambling 36:59 Personal Reflections on Money and Gambling Addiction 46:45 Outro

Comedian Mike Glazer joins Forrest for one of the wildest and most honest episodes yet — from smoking weed with Snoop Dogg to selling opium in Missouri, piercing himself during a blackout, and somehow ending up trying out for Team USA roller hockey. Now over 100 days sober, Mike opens up about addiction, lying to yourself, weed culture, ego, losing his identity, ice cream binges, and what it's like to rebuild your life while still performing in comedy clubs that are basically bars with spotlights. They dig into drugs, alcohol, mushrooms, weed fame, strip-club sponsorships, weight struggles, trauma, and the strange path that led him from the rink to the stage. It's raw, funny, and full of insane true stories — all grounded in real recovery. 🎧 If you've battled addiction or love a "how is this even real?" life story, this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes about addiction, recovery, mental health, and the chaos of being human. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Dog Talk 04:34 Meet Mike Glazer: Comedian and Storyteller 06:04 Struggles with Addiction and Honesty 08:58 Navigating Sobriety and Comedy 12:04 Alaska: A Double-Edged Sword for Addicts 14:02 Gambling Addiction and Its Impact 16:51 Food Addiction and Body Image 19:52 The Ozempic Era and Celebrity Culture 22:54 Reflections on Addiction in Comedy 26:05 The Journey of Self-Discovery and Growth 38:11 The Roller Hockey Journey and Substance Use 43:03 From Partying to Olympic Dreams 44:39 Reflections on Sobriety and Regret 46:22 The Struggles of Recovery and Sugar Addiction 51:28 Culinary Adventures and Future Travels 54:57 Finding Identity in Recovery and Comedy 01:00:45 The Transition from Athlete to Comedian 01:03:33 Insights on Addiction and Recovery 🎙️ Find Mike Glazer: 👉 TikTok : Under The Denver Airport : https://www.tiktok.com/@underthedenverairport 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glazerboohoohoo ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Glazerboohoohoo 👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@glazerjokes

Comedian Brittany Lyseng joins Forrest to talk booze, denial, and trying to rebuild your life one small win at a time. From being the "fun face" people send shots to onstage, to the one drink that instantly reminded her why she quit, Brittany breaks down alcohol, shame, and figuring out recovery without a program. They get into bad advice ("just drink a little every night"), learning to take real compliments, and what it feels like to quietly fix your life without labels or perfection. 🎧 If you've been "fun on the outside, falling apart on the inside," or you've quit drinking and wondered who you even are now, you'll love this one. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes about addiction, recovery, mental health, and the chaos of being human. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Brittany Lyseng 06:48 Brittany's Journey to Sobriety 10:39 The Realization of a Problem 14:36 The Impact of Environment on Drinking 18:49 Facing Reality and Guilt 22:50 The Challenge of Sobriety 26:41 Family Dynamics and Sobriety 29:24 Cultural Attitudes Towards Drinking 33:23 The Blue Collar Drinking Culture 35:10 Life at the Construction Site 35:31 Dolphins and Their Healing Powers 37:29 The Hangover Cure: Diving Deep 38:39 The Drug Test Dilemma 40:40 Cocaine vs. Marijuana: The Drug Testing Paradox 41:50 The History of Alcohol in Aviation 43:59 Romanticizing Addiction 44:59 Therapeutic Storytelling in Recovery 48:03 Finding Your Own Path in Recovery 48:24 The Impact of Small Acknowledgments 49:52 The Role of Compliments in Recovery 51:06 Music and Addiction 53:41 Justifying Addiction 55:16 The Scourge of Fentanyl 57:33 The Wild World of PCP 59:18 Hope and Recovery 59:25 Proud Moments in Recovery 01:01:31 Worst Advice During Struggles 01:02:48 Encouragement for Those Struggling 01:04:12 Introduction and Mental Health Awareness 01:07:03 Global Crisis Hotlines Overview 01:07:10 Outro 🎙️ Find Brittany Lyseng: 🔗 Website: https://www.brittanylyseng.com/shows 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittanythecomedian 👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@brittanylyseng

Comedian Des Bishop joins Forrest to talk addiction, drinking, drugs, ego, recovery, and the emotional work that comes after you stop. They get into stopping young, growing up in a recovery household, blackouts, denial, trying to control the uncontrollable, and why he still considers himself an addict 30 years later. They also talk about identity, self-sabotage, trauma, emotional resilience, aging, grief, parenting, regret, and the weird psychological gymnastics comedians do to cope with real life when the jokes run out. 🎧 If you've ever tried to outrun your own brain — or wondered why change feels so damn hard — this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Dez Bishop 06:50 Cultural Differences in Comedy 09:55 Des Bishop's Journey with Addiction 12:51 The Complexity of Recovery 15:48 The Evolution of Recovery Language 18:51 Generational Perspectives on Resilience 21:56 Navigating the Comedy Industry 24:43 The Impact of Ego in Comedy 27:48 The Importance of Self-Forgetfulness 30:57 Grounding in the Face of Success 33:55 The Hidden Struggles of Gambling Addiction 38:26 Understanding Addiction and Its Impact 40:29 Personal Journeys: Early Experiences with Addiction 45:20 Family Influence and Recovery 51:04 The Role of Support Systems in Recovery 57:02 Reflections on Cancer and Life Decisions 01:05:30 Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction 01:15:15 Introduction and Guest Appreciation 01:15:15 Mental Health Resources and Support 01:17:05 Finding the Right Help 01:17:43 New Chapter59:25 Proud Moments in Recovery 01:01:31 Worst Advice During Struggles 01:02:48 Encouragement for Those Struggling 01:04:12 Introduction and Mental Health Awareness 01:07:03 Global Crisis Hotlines Overview 01:07:10 Outro 🎙️ Find Des Bishop: 🔗 Website: https://www.desbishop.net/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/desbishop 👉 TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@desbishop5

Business and psychology researcher Blaise Markovich joins Forrest to talk addiction, public policy, mental health, harm reduction, and the systems that fail people long before they "hit bottom." They get into bad policy, the war on drugs mindset, privatized rehab, insurance nightmares, decriminalization, GLP-1 medications, and why treatment access depends more on politics and profit than human need. They also dive into dopamine, gambling, gaming addiction, brain science, deep-brain stimulation, future tech, self-control, trauma, and how the human brain is being rewired by phones, apps, and modern life. It's a raw, thoughtful conversation about the forces shaping addiction today — and what real support could actually look like. 🎧 If you've ever battled addiction, loved someone who's struggling, or just wondered why the system feels impossible, this episode is for you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 11:19 The State of Mental Health and Addiction Policy 19:49 Decriminalization and Legalization of Drugs 30:53 Future Policy Changes for Addiction Support 36:06 The Struggle of Long-Term Thinking in Addiction 38:37 Exploring GLP-1 and Its Impact on Addiction 44:04 Deep Brain Stimulation: A New Frontier in Treatment 49:21 The Future of Addiction Treatment and Aftercare 56:56 Finding What Works: Personalizing Recovery 58:12 The Value of Life Experience in Giving Advice 59:26 Crisis Support and Resources 01:00:46 Outro

Comedian and writer Jake Marin joins Forrest to talk addiction, painkillers, weed, mushrooms, vaping, gambling, chronic pain, and the exhausting mental gymnastics of convincing yourself "this one doesn't count." They get into back injuries, pills in college, relapses, lying to yourself, shrinking your world, and the moment Jake finally realized he's just better when he's fully sober. They also talk about depression, isolation, pain management, fantasy football obsession, community, friendship, and why making your world bigger is the only way out of the cycle. It's raw, honest, funny, and painfully relatable — especially if you've ever tried to fix one problem by creating a brand new one. 🎧 If you've ever said "I don't have a problem… unless you count THIS," this episode is going to land. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Jake Marin 05:06 Jake's Journey with Addiction 07:08 Understanding Addiction and Sobriety 10:38 The Struggles of Addiction and Coping Mechanisms 14:42 The Impact of Relationships on Recovery 17:59 Food and Other Addictions 19:37 The Role of Gambling in Addiction 24:41 Reflections on Sports and Injuries 31:35 The Importance of Community in Recovery 34:12 Small Actions, Big Changes 36:42 Building Relationships and Support Networks 40:11 The Role of Community in Sobriety 43:28 Living Life to the Fullest 44:50 Gratitude and the Will to Live 49:19 Music and Addiction 52:37 Understanding Pain and Addiction 54:33 The Worst Addictions 55:08 Navigating Pain Management and Addiction 57:11 The Impact of Prescription Drugs on Families 59:05 The Struggle with Painkillers and Addiction 01:05:03 Living with Addiction: A Personal Journey 01:15:53 Advice and Insights on Overcoming Addiction 01:19:35 Introduction and Mental Health Awareness 01:20:01 Resources for Crisis Support 01:20:33 Outro I've Got A Problem is a humorous podcast about addiction — for addicts, families and friends of addicts, and anyone who enjoys honest, funny conversations about recovery. Hosted by comedian, writer, and addict Forrest Shaw, the show explores addiction and recovery with unfiltered honesty and humor. Laughter might not be the best medicine, but it's definitely better than electroshock therapy.

Psychotherapist Aaron Gilbert joins Forrest to talk addiction, therapy, mental health, self-acceptance, and the messy reality of why people relapse even when they know better. They get into negative thoughts, shame, the addict brain looking for quick fixes, the cultural pressure to stay distracted, and how phones, apps, and modern life are rewiring us to seek constant dopamine hits. They also dig into why people fear therapy, the "emptiness" so many addicts try to fill, imposter syndrome, purpose, clarity, and the difference between actually changing your life versus hoping for a magic solution. It's honest, thoughtful, funny, and packed with insights about how our brains work — and what actually helps us get unstuck. 🎧 If you've ever tried to outrun your own thoughts or kept hoping for the "easy fix," this episode is going to hit you right in the chest (in a good way). 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Aaron Gilbert and His Work 06:05 The Role of Therapy in Personal Growth 10:29 Building Trust in Therapy 14:31 Therapy vs. Medication in Addiction Treatment 18:51 Understanding the Roots of Addiction 24:35 Cultural Vulnerability to Addiction 31:33 The Common Thread of Emptiness in Addictions 34:52 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Inadequacy 37:09 Finding Purpose and Meaning in Life 39:33 Clarity and Self-Acceptance 41:26 Rationalizations in Addiction 44:55 The Cost of Therapy and Stigmas 54:21 Community vs. Self-Acceptance in Recovery 01:00:42 Crisis Support and Resources 01:03:07 Outro

Comedian Rocco Stowe joins Forrest for a raw, funny, and brutally honest conversation about sobriety, obsession, gambling, drugs, growing up in Philly, and how his brain can turn anything into a compulsion. They get into fighting, cocaine, casino spirals, panic attacks, health scares, weed-induced paranoia, and why Rocco's life only started to work once he stopped trying to "manage" the chaos and actually learned how to breathe. They also talk about insecurity, jealousy, career anxiety, self-esteem, bodybuilding, fatherhood, and how breathwork, meditation, and slowing his nervous system down became the only things that finally balanced that compulsive, all-or-nothing brain. It's fast, wild, emotional, and full of insane-but-true stories only Rocco could tell. 🎧 If you've ever tried to get your life under control — or realized you're the one creating half the problems — this episode hits hard and still makes you laugh. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Rocco Stowe 06:18 Childhood Struggles and Early Addictions 09:15 The Comedy Scene and Substance Use 12:13 Reflections on Gambling and Addiction 15:13 Understanding Addiction as a Disease 18:12 The Nature of Addiction in Society 22:36 The Dangers of Distracted Driving 25:20 Workaholism and Its Consequences 28:56 The Journey of Sobriety 30:26 Tools for Managing Mental Health 33:26 The Power of Meditation 39:54 The Intersection of Meditation and Recovery 44:58 The Importance of Listening 47:15 Power of Prayer and Support 49:20 Navigating Recovery and Emotional Release 52:24 Understanding Addiction and Its Excuses 54:04 Identifying Hidden Addictions 54:42 Describing Addiction and Recovery 55:24 Proud Moments in Recovery 58:13 Advice for Those Struggling with Addiction 01:00:19 Introduction and Light Banter 01:01:01 Mental Health Awareness and Resources 01:01:49 Outro 🎙️ Find Rocco Stowe: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roccocomedy/?hl=en