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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When Judd found himself alone on his garage floor, consumed by addiction and despair, he made a desperate phone call. Adam Greenspan answered. What followed wasn’t a dramatic intervention or scripted moment—it was one friend doing the next right thing, over and over again. Adam stayed on the phone, calmed Judd through a personal crisis, and helped orchestrate a cross-country plan to safely get him into rehab, despite being under constant surveillance.

This fourth episode of our addiction series captures the essence of human connection, the power of showing up, and the courage to act without knowing exactly what to do. Together Judd and Adam reflect on the warning signs of addiction, the pain of high-functioning denial, and the importance of breaking free from toxic relationships. This is not just a story about addiction and recovery. It’s about how any of us—regardless of experience—can be the person who answers the call and shows up when someone needs us most.

5 Lessons from the Episode:

Stay calm: In moments of crisis, composure can lead to clear action and potentially save a life.

Answer the call: Simply picking up the phone and being present may be the turning point for someone in pain.

Act decisively: You don’t need all the answers—research, respond, and take the next right step.

Support without judgment: Offering help without blame builds trust and provides safety.

Remember your lowest point: Keeping a reminder of how far you’ve come can prevent relapse and inspire growth.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Crisis Call: The Moment Everything Changed
03:10 The Garage Floor and the Call for Help
06:50 Choosing a Rehab: Insurance, Location, and Urgency
09:22 Warning Signs and the Reality of High-Functioning Addiction
12:54 The Jail Call and Adam's Calm Under Pressure
16:46 The Great Escape Plan
21:53 Withdrawal and the Power of Remembering Pain
25:05 Calm is a Superpower
29:14 Huntington Beach Hiccup and Final Check-In
33:05 Family Dynamics and Childhood Trauma
35:49 Losing Connection with His Children
38:37 How to Take the Call That Saves a Life
40:28 What Makes Someone Great: Adam’s Relentless Drive

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