Best Josh Solem Podcasts (2025)

1
85. Steps 4 and 5 With Scott 55:10

1d ago55:10

55:10

Josh welcomes Scott, our resident AA/NA expert, back to discuss steps 4 and 5. In Step 4, members are asked to make a fearless and moral inventory. Scott helps explain what it means to be fearless, what a moral inventory may look like, and why sponsors are particularly important in this step. In step 5, members are asked to "Admit to God, to oursel…

1
84. Routes of Drug Use 52:31

2M ago52:31

52:31

There are many ways licitly (legally) and illicitly (illegally) medications (drugs) are used and abused. In this episode, we will review the various ways one can take and use medications and drugs as well as the differences between them from the physiological standpoint. In other words, why do the effects happen faster when used one way vs using an…

1
83. AA Sponsorship with Scott 55:19

2M ago55:19

55:19

Scott joins Josh for this episode to continue the discussion about AA and the 12 Steps. An important part of the AA program is support, not just at meetings but also with those who have gone through the process, know the program, and have sustained recovery. Sponsors are a very important part of recovery for many people, and Scott, who has been a s…

1
82: AA- The Overview 58:47

3M ago58:47

58:47

Although we discussed the history of AA back in episode 67, this episode will give an overview of each of the 12 steps. We will have a discussion on how we each view each step and how the 12 steps can be applied to not only those in recovery or seeking recovery, but also for all people, as a guidebook of sorts for how we all should live our lives. …

1
81. Harm Reduction with Alicia House 52:47

4M ago52:47

52:47

We are joined today by Alicia House, Executive Director of Steve Rummler Hope Network, an organization focused on overdose prevention, education and advocacy. From naloxone access points to distribution of fentanyl test strips to naloxone trainings to the creation of Steve's Law in Minnesota (in short, this law provides immunity to those who call 9…

1
80. Scott- From Music to AA 1:07:18

5M ago1:07:18

1:07:18

We are excited for Conroy Scott to join us on this episode. Scott experimented with many substances when he was younger, a natural fit as a very talented musician, this love he eventually gave up in order to find and maintain sobriety. That was just the first choice he made in his story that saved his life. He had to emotionally let go of many thin…

1
79. Wellbriety with Kateri Coyhis 1:12:14

6M ago1:12:14

1:12:14

We are honored to be joined in this episode by Kateri Coyhis, the director of Wellbriety. Wellbriety, and its overarching White Bison, focuses on 'going beyond being just sober--- it is whole-person wellness" focused on inclusion and universal human teachings. Wellbriety focuses on integration of the Native American culture (or through inclusivity …

1
78. Benzodiazepines 101- Part 1 56:54

6M ago56:54

56:54

Benzodiazepines ('benzos'), part of the sedative hypnotic class of drugs, are widely prescribed medications. They are, however, also a widely desired drug of abuse. Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin (generic names respectively: alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam) are the most commonly desired benzos, with xanax leading the pack due to it…

1
77. MOUD- Buprenorphine (Suboxone-Subutex-Sublocade) 101 1:03:59

6M ago1:03:59

1:03:59

On the last MOUD episode, we discussed Methadone (a full agonist opioid treatment for OUD) and Naltrexone (an antagonist treatment for OUD). In this episode, we will discuss Buprenorphine, which is a partial agonist opioid treatment for OUD. Buprenorphine, the sublingual name brands of Suboxone and Subutex and the injectable name brand of Sublocade…

1
76. Treatment (Drug) Courts 58:27

7M ago58:27

58:27

Treatment Court, also and formerly known as Drug Court, is a well-researched method for preventing recidivism (the revolving door of persons in and out of correctional institutions). Today we are joined by Aleesha Ward, the Treatment Court Coordinator for St. Louis County, MN. She will describe who can, and should, be involved in a treatment court,…

1
75. Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD)- Methadone and Naltrexone 101 39:40

7M ago39:40

39:40

After many requests, we are going to start diving into the different medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We will start with the basic 101 level overview of these medications, whereas future episodes will be much more detailed and nuanced. In this episode, methadone and naltrexone will be discussed. We will discuss how and why they work as M…

1
74. The History of Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) 1:06:29

8M ago1:06:29

1:06:29

Medication assisted treatment (MAT) has been a concept in medicine and society for around 300 years despite its seemingly recent debut with the rise of the opioid epidemic. This episode will kick off the next series we will embark on, MAT and MOUD (medications for opioid use disorder). We will discuss when the concept of MAT first originated and ho…

1
73. Methamphetamine 101- Part 5- Psychosis and Long-Term Effects 56:38

9M ago56:38

56:38

We will conclude our meth series with a fairly common, albeit not talked about enough, topic- Meth Psychosis. This psychosis encompasses many of the same symptoms as schizophrenia- hallucinations/delusions/paranoia/etc., and many of the risk factors do overlap. We will review these risk factors, as well as others, and discuss how patients present a…

1
72. Methamphetamine 101- Part 4- The Little Known Facts 55:46

10M ago55:46

55:46

WARNING- This episode may be TRIGGERING! This episode will educate all listeners on all things using meth. We will review common slang/street names for meth as well as for getting high on meth. This then evolves into the various routes for use of meth and explains [most/all of] the terminology associated. For questions, comments, episode recommenda…

1
71. Methamphetamine 101- Part 3- The Effects, The Legal, and Stigma 45:53

10M ago45:53

45:53

In this episode, we will bring you a variety of methamphetamine facts [and opinions!] We will start with some of the ways people who use (or have used) meth are judged and stigmatized against, then transition into some of the short- and long-term effects of the drug. Next, we will review Desoxyn, legal meth, and how and why it may be prescribed and…

1
70. Methamphetamine 101- Part 2- The History 40:56

10M ago40:56

40:56

On part 2 of our meth series, we go way back to the beginning, from 1887 when Romanian chemist, Lazar Edeleanu, developed the 'first meth' (phenylisopropylamine) to the "new meth" P2P (phenyl-e-propranone). We will discuss how and why the first meth was produced, then explain how the rural clandestine meth labs operated and produced the 'old meth',…

1
69. Methamphetamine 101- Part 1 36:49

10M ago36:49

36:49

Many people have assumptions about a person who uses meth, what meth is, and what it does to the body. In this new series, Methamphetamine 101, we will dive deeper into these, and other topics, surrounding this very stigmatized substance. In Part 1, we'll overview the "meth look" and the whys behind it (and debunk some un or part truths) as well as…

1
68. Were They Loved- Suicide, Mental Health and SUD- with Pam Lanhart (Thrive!) 59:25

11M ago59:25

59:25

The golf world was shaken when recent PGA tour winner, Greyson Murray, ended his own life on May 24, 2024. To honor him and his family and their amazing words honoring the love Greyson had, in this episode we will discuss how to love a loved one in the midst of their disease of addiction or who is struggling with severe mental illness. Pam Lanhart,…

1
67. AA and the 12 Steps 44:31

12M ago44:31

44:31

"The Parable of an Alcoholic Who Was Stuck in a Hole and Could Not Find His Way Out" is the inspiration for this episode. We will first discuss the 'whys' of Alcoholics Anonymous in relationship to this parable and then we will give an overview of each of the 12 steps. These steps, and this program, have stood the test of time and have helped count…

1
66. Alcohol 101- Part 4 Chronic Effects of Alcohol Use 34:53

12M ago34:53

34:53

Our final installment on Alcohol 101- the chronic effects of alcohol use. We will discuss the most frequent negative impacts that alcohol has on the body's organ systems from the most thought about, liver, to the less understood, cancers. Alcohol can negatively impact every system in the body impacting not only the length of life but also the quali…

1
65. Alcohol Part 3- Adolescents 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

Alcohol Awareness Month Part 3! A significant number of adolescents use alcohol (15.1% in the last month in a survey of 12-20 year olds), 3 times the number who used tobacco products (5%) and 1.3X the number who used cannabis (11.8%). Youth tend to partake in binge drinking at higher rates, leading to significant acute health complications, acciden…

1
64. Alcohol 101- Part 2- How Much? 39:00

1y ago39:00

39:00

Part 2 of Alcohol during Alcohol Awareness Month! In this episode we will further discuss the 'how much' concept. When is drinking considered 'at risk' vs 'acceptable'? (Disclaimer- no amount of any kind of alcohol is considered 'safe'). We will also discuss what is actually considered one drink. Finally, we will dive deeper into the effects of alc…

1
63. Alcohol 101. Part 1 33:58

1y ago33:58

33:58

April is alcohol awareness month! This episode will begin our multi-episode series of Alcohol 101, with what defines 'drinking too much'. We will discuss the data in terms of how many people are affected by alcohol use disorder and how much it financially impacts all of our country. Finally, we will talk about how one would know if they are at risk…

1
62. Interview with Ben- Josh's Son 1:11:42

1y ago1:11:42

1:11:42

You do NOT want to miss this episode! Every parent who suffers from the disease of addiction has guilt and shame surrounding their kids, but what do kids think? We have the absolute HONOR of having Josh's oldest son, Ben, on today. The episode will start with Josh describing his parenting before his use started, while he was using (and the 2 years …

1
61. Gambling Addiction- Risk Factors, Treatment, Ramifications, Hope 1:05:53

1y ago1:05:53

1:05:53

Ted Hartwell, Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, returns to discuss more details surrounding, and about, gambling addiction. We will cover some risk factors that differ from substance use disorders, the progression of this disease, different treatments, as well as the often not discussed or heard about ramifications. Indi…

1
60. Addiction and Trauma 1:03:44

1y ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Tom Gonzalez, an expert in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), joins us as we discuss trauma and the relationship with addiction. Persons with the disease of addiction often find substance to be a way to cope with "the emotional pain from a trauma that was likely done to me." He discusses how the medical model of addiction misses a huge component …

1
59. Opioid Overdoses 1:00:12

1y ago1:00:12

1:00:12

As we now enter the 4th wave of the opioid epidemic, what does the data actually show? And, even more importantly, why does it keep happening? We will discuss how things have evolved over the last 10+ years and explain why deaths keep happening. Also, what does an overdose even look like and what are the reasons overdoses result in deaths. This dat…

1
58. Pastor John McKinzie- Hope Fellowship- Forgiveness, Love and Addiction 1:09:32

1y ago1:09:32

1:09:32

Pastor John McKinzie, the lead pastor for Hope Fellowship Church in Frisco/McKinney/Prosper, Texas (just outside of Dallas), joins us today to discuss forgiveness, love and addiction. This man single-handedly helped Josh in his recovery journey and continues to inspire so many with grace and acceptance and love, often leading with, "I'm sorry that …

1
57. Gambling Addiction with Ted Hartwell 1:00:47

1y ago1:00:47

1:00:47

Officially the only behavioral addiction, gambling is far more common than what is seen and known. We are joined today by Ted Hartwell, the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling. On this episode, Ted will share his personal story with gambling addiction and, throughout, highlight the risk factors for gambling addiction. We wi…

1
56. Pastor Rich, Part 2- What a Mess! 1:17:07

1y ago1:17:07

1:17:07

Pastor Rich Scherber, the 'God-father' of Mn Adult and Teen Challenge, returns for Part 2! We left off last week with Pastor Rich and his family just returning from South Africa where they had served for 5 years and fully planned on returning, but it seems that God had other plans! A quick meeting at a church, an offer that everyone would and shoul…

1
55. Pastor Rich Scherber- From Drugs to Ministry 1:14:00

1y ago1:14:00

1:14:00

Pastor Rich Scherber grew up in MN and was, as he calls it, a 'troubled kid.' Getting straight Ds and Fs, he was fonder of parties and drugs until one day, in his early 20s, he went to a favorite place to sell and party and was met by Christians who just wanted to love him. There was just something about that day that changed him forever! After bur…

1
54. AA- The History and The Desire to Not Have Another 1:01:07

1y ago1:01:07

1:01:07

What is AA and how did it come to be such a universally accepted practice in finding recovery? Started in 1935 by a salesman/stockbroker and a doctor, AA (Alcoholics Anonymous- now broadly includes all substances and branches which we will discuss) can be found around the world with well over 2 million members who meet anonymously with one common g…

1
53. Brian Part 4- Thriving in Recovery and Lakes Area Restorative Justice 1:16:14

1+ y ago1:16:14

1:16:14

"There is no growth in the comfort zone and no comfort in the growth zone." We start this episode with Brian getting his "bad and good" news and then have the honor to hear how his recovery journey continues. From finding humility to listening to where he was called to be, Brian has not only 'survived' the disease of addiction, but he has thrived i…

1
52. Thrive Part 2! How Can Families Get the Support They Need 1:14:28

1+ y ago1:14:28

1:14:28

Pam, the mother of Jake, a victim of the opioid and drug epidemic, returns to dive deeper into her Family Peer Support Services non-profit, Thrive Family Recovery Resources. She discusses how, when she was caring for Jake, she received many messages on how she should "handle him" and "cope". However, Pam didn't agree with detaching, she didn't beli…

1
51. Grieving Your Addiction In Recovery 1:05:56

1+ y ago1:05:56

1:05:56

The 5 Stages of Grief, ie the Kubler-Ross Grief Cycle, is well known and often applied for the death of a loved one or a similar life event, but here we will challenge our listeners to see how it, too, applies to addiction and recovery. When we can apply the same stages of grief to recovery from a substance use disorder, we can gain more empathy an…

1
50. Brian Part 3- The Road to Recovery 1:05:39

1+ y ago1:05:39

1:05:39

After hitting rock bottom when his kids were taken from his and his wife's arms by CPS and he was arrested, Brian realized he had to make a change. "I didn't know how to receive or handle what was going on in my life" he recalled. The next steps he states: "My wife got offered drug court... I got offered a prison sentence." However, he was able to …

1
49. Thrive! How Loved Ones Should Act and Support 1:12:09

1+ y ago1:12:09

1:12:09

Pam, the head of the non-profit Thrive! Family Recovery Resources, is a mother who, like so many others, had a child who suffered from a substance use disorder. Jake, unfortunately, inherited the strong addiction genes that ran through generations and, despite a 'stable, loving, close-knit, out-doorsy' family, still developed the disease, he did no…

1
48. Second Chances 55:03

1+ y ago55:03

55:03

Second chances, technically we get one every day- it's called tomorrow, but why are second chances important? Who deserves a second (or third or fourth) chance, and who gets to decide if they do? Maybe the better question is why do we make bad choices in the first place, because we all do? We will discuss bad choices as a general concept and how on…

1
47. Cross-Addiction 54:51

1+ y ago54:51

54:51

Cross-Addiction or addiction transfer or addiction interaction disorder is sometimes confused with dual substance use disorder or a person who has multiple active substance use disorders. But what, then, is cross-addiction? Is a person in recovery from a substance use disorder more likely to, when in recovery, develop an alternative substance, or b…

1
46. Dr. Polley- SUD and Navigating the Holidays 45:58

1+ y ago45:58

45:58

Dr Sara Polley joins us as we discuss the holiday season and how it can both positively and negatively impact the family of those suffering from the disease of addiction as well as the person themselves. The holidays should be a time of connection and togetherness, but when substance use disorder is part of the family, as it is for so many, it can …

1
45. Rocky- Rock 'n Roll to Prison Re-entry 1:03:47

1+ y ago1:03:47

1:03:47

Let us introduce Rocky! Rocky's story begins with a critical life choice- hockey or rock 'n roll... What transpired from that one choice is unlike any other, as most stories are; however, Rocky's story literally took him around the world, gaining incomparable life experiences making him an invaluable asset to humans who find themselves incarcerated…

1
44. Eddie- Being Less Than to Shame to Love 1:00:42

1+ y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Meet Eddie. This is far more than Eddie's story. This episode will challenge the way you think about trauma and love and healing and codependency and shame and the pain associated with all of it. "Does my brain know it, does my heart know it and do they know it together." Eddie also is the chair of the MN Harm Reduction Collaborative that is led by…

1
43. Brian's Story Part 2- The IV Cocktail of Wild Turkey Meth and Opioids 1:04:47

1+ y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

Brian returns. When we ended, Brian had found his recovery from alcohol, cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamines, only to be introduced to prescription opioids after a fluke accident at work. In this episode, many many things happen to bring Brian to his "I discovered a whole lot of new lows". At one point from 2009-2014 Brian thought, "I thought th…

1
42. Negative Core Beliefs and Reframing 57:01

1+ y ago57:01

57:01

Negative core beliefs have the ability to keep a person with a substance use disorder(s) in the trap of addiction. Not just self-esteem or confidence, core beliefs are one's inherent and internal self-believed truths. When a person with a SUD carries with them a negative core belief, they often find themselves externalizing their recovery, a slippe…

1
41. Pain, Chronic Pain and the Fine Line with Addiction 1:11:51

1+ y ago1:11:51

1:11:51

Pain is a universal experience. However, as this opioid epidemic has shown, there is a fine line between treating chronic non-cancer pain and the concern for the development of opioid use disorder. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed guidelines in 2016, and have since revised them, to help guide prescribers in their pursuit to care for …

1
40. Brian's Story- From Pedestal to Promises to How Did I Get Here 1:01:24

1+ y ago1:01:24

1:01:24

Meet Brian. Describing his biggest risk factors as poverty and abuse he also states that his personality is one that wants to take care of people and that he got his self-worth from people valuing him. He describes how this turned into a short-lived promise with a friend to never use drugs. This promise quickly became a multi-drug sales business un…

1
39. Dr. Polley- Student Athletes and Substance Use 1:04:28

1+ y ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Student athletes are often under a lot of pressure to perform, to win, to be the best. Some of their pressures may come from parents, peers, internally and/or coaches; however, coaches can play an important role in mentoring and supporting their athletes. Coaches often spend more time with their athletes than parents and many are seen as role model…

1
38. Stigma Artist- William Stoehr- 'Victims, Witnesses, Survivors' 1:16:09

1+ y ago1:16:09

1:16:09

Having been a witness of his sister's substance use disorders, William Stoehr, an artist, began his mission to start the conversations and to end stigma. He paints only faces stating, "I try to create an environment where you don't just see a pair of eyes but you engage with those eyes." His art exhibition is called "Victims, Witnesses, and Survivo…

1
37. Triggers and Adulting and the Whys 50:53

1+ y ago50:53

50:53

What happens when a patient in recovery is 'triggered?' This is a very important topic and should be understood by a person in or wanting to achieve recovery but also for those who have contact, or love, someone in this situation. We will discuss what actually 'happens' when someone is met with a 'cue' that results in a trigger, even if a craving d…

1
36. Xylazine 59:50

1+ y ago59:50

59:50

Xylazine- Initially thought to be a 'contaminant' in the fentanyl supply, xylazine is now being intentionally added into (cut into) the fentanyl supply, amongst other substances it's being cut into as well. It is said to 'give fentanyl legs', lengthening, in a synergistic manner, the effects of fentanyl. Since it is not an opioid, it does not respo…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Josh Solem Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen