For this seventh and final installment in our addiction series, Rich Soza joins Judd for an unflinching conversation about addiction, redemption, and the role human connection plays in recovery. What begins as a lighthearted reflection on rehab antics quickly gives way to a vulnerable account of relapse, pain, and the moment Rich faked his own death to escape his emotional reality.

The episode explores how Rich and Judd's friendship was forged in the trenches of rehab—but the most powerful part of the story begins when Rich, in the depths of alcoholism and despair, calls Judd pretending he only has four weeks to live. Judd's unwavering presence—flying cross-country to take Rich to Disney World and arranging for his detox—becomes a literal life-saving moment. Rich later opens up about the psychological and emotional pain that brought him there, revealing how shame, loneliness, and fear can drive someone to such lengths. This is more than a story about addiction; it’s a message for anyone who’s ever felt like giving up. It’s about how connection, even at its most fragile, can be the thread that pulls someone back from the edge.

5 Lessons from the Episode

Authentic connection: Real relationships built on honesty and vulnerability can save lives.

Choose daily joy: Happiness isn’t automatic—it’s a conscious decision made each day.

Consistency matters: Small, repeated actions—like affirmations—can rebuild a shattered identity.

There’s always help: Even at your lowest, there are people willing to show up if you reach out.

Purpose heals: Helping others gives our pain meaning and becomes the foundation for lasting recovery.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 The Choice to Be Happy
01:28 First Meeting at Rehab
04:28 Bonding Over Sand and Salsa
07:55 The Ferrari in Rehab
11:31 Living Together Post-Rehab
13:33 Relapse and Reflection
18:13 Faking Death and the Cry for Help
25:16 Facing the Edge
29:10 The Disney World Intervention
36:33 Bacteria, Hospitals, and a Real Brush With Death
43:10 A Year of Silence and the Breaking Point
45:38 The Life-Saving Phone Call
50:04 The Connection Cure Begins
52:24 From Darkness to Daily Light
54:21 Sharing the Message Forward
56:36 Final Words for Those on the Edge

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Spirituality, sobriety, and self-discovery collide on episode six of our addiction series as Judd sits down with ministry leader Victoria Washington. During their moving conversation, Victoria opens up about her upbringing in a home shaped by diverse religious backgrounds—from routine church visits to the teachings of Marianne Williamson. Feeling unanchored, she embraced new age spirituality, seeking empowerment and control.

But beneath the surface, Victoria wrestled with deep dissatisfaction. Her turning point came through sobriety—starting with a supernatural prompting to fast from alcohol, followed by a powerful encounter with God's love that forever changed her. Judd, on the cusp of fatherhood, grapples with what spiritual legacy he wants to pass to his son. The honest exchange between Victoria and Judd examines questions about religious freedom versus guidance, the role of discipline in spiritual growth, and how divine order can bring peace and clarity.

5 Lessons from the Episode:

Free will matters: Choosing God isn’t forced upon us—it’s a daily, conscious act of love and trust

Sobriety is just the start: Recovery begins with letting go, but real peace comes through surrendering to God and His plan

Children need a direction: Leaving kids to find their own way without spiritual guidance can cause confusion—discipleship starts at home

Faith is lived, not imposed: Mirroring a relationship with God as a parent provides a template more powerful than instruction

God meets us personally: Transformation often comes when we ask honest questions and remain open to divine answers

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Choosing God’s Will Over Ours
02:00 Judd’s Early Religious Experiences
03:17 Is Faith Necessary for Sobriety?
05:16 Victoria’s Spiritual Upbringing
08:43 A Stroke Scare and Sobriety Wake-Up Call
12:04 Discovering Christ Through Fasting
13:08 Beyond Spiritual Awakening: A Revival
14:24 Faith as an Anchor in Parenting
16:22 Guiding Children Spiritually Without Force
19:39 Learning God’s Commandments as Protection
22:21 Mirroring Faith as a Parent
24:53 The Power of the Holy Spirit in Everyday Moments
27:57 Faith, Relationships, and Discipleship in Parenting
30:48 Discipling Through Daily Life
31:10 A Prayer for Trust and Guidance

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Stephen Van Hooser joins Judd for episode five of our addiction series—bringing a powerful, personal conversation that unpacks the true nature of addiction and the pathways to recovery. Drawing from his own experience as both a patient and a leader in substance abuse treatment, Stephen offers deep insights into how trauma, disconnection, and unmet mental health needs drive addictive behaviors.

During their conversation Stephen introduces listeners to the biopsychosocial and diathesis-stress models, explaining how addiction is not just a disease of choice or biology, but a symptom of deeper wounds. He also challenges the outdated one-size-fits-all treatment model, advocating instead for personalized approaches that recognize the role of connection—whether to people, purpose, nature, or self. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of addiction—this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical insights behind the often closed-off world of rehab.

5 Lessons from the Episode:

Connection heals: Recovery thrives when people rebuild relationships with others, themselves, and the world around them.

Trauma focus: Treating the root emotional wounds, especially trauma, is often more effective than only addressing symptoms.

Personalized care: Every recovery journey is different; successful treatment adapts to the individual’s life and needs.

Small steps matter: Setting and achieving daily, attainable goals can build the foundation for lasting change.

Support saves lives: Whether through family, 12-step groups, or alternative peer communities, consistent human connection is key.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Addiction is a symptom, not the problem
00:36 Judd’s breaking point and first call for help
04:00 Biopsychosocial model of treatment
06:09 The role of connection in recovery
08:35 Trauma as the root cause of addiction
11:05 Nature vs. nurture in addiction
14:54 Innovations in addiction treatment
17:41 Evolution of addiction and emerging types
18:15 Social media and behavioral addictions
20:24 Personalized treatment for modern addictions
21:54 Accessibility of treatment for underserved communities
24:38 Finding connection through peer support groups
26:12 Views on “California sober” and recovery diversity
28:33 Stephen’s 3 pillars of sustained recovery
31:05 Final reflections on connection

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