
I Always Wanted to be a Hero: A Conversation with Dr. Dice
From not all there: stories of sobriety and recovery by Chad Johnson
November 6, 2025 · 1h 2m · Season 2 · Episode 4
About this episode
Dr. Dice shares his journey from Navy SEAL to addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of storytelling and community support.
A Navy SEAL’s raw and redemptive journey through trauma, addiction,and recovery — and how storytelling became his way home. In this powerful and revealing conversation, Dr. Dice takes us on an unforgettable journey from a turbulent childhood in Northern California to the elite ranks of the Navy SEALs—and later, into the depths of addiction and the long climb back to recovery. With raw honesty and insight, he opens upabout the mental and emotional toll of SEAL training, the hidden battles that followed, and the turning point that led him to seek help. Dr. Dice shares how storytelling became a lifeline in his healing process, emphasizing the critical role of therapy and community support for veterans, first responders, and anyone confronting trauma. His story is a testament to resilience, vulnerability, and the courage it takes to face one’spast head-on. We also dive into his book, After the Trident , a candidexploration of addiction and recovery that offers hope, understanding, and practical wisdom for those struggling—as well as for the loved ones who stand beside them. Takeaways: The transition from military life to civilian life can be difficult, especially with addiction…
People in this episode
Host: Chad Johnson
Guest: Dr. Dice
Topics covered
- trauma
- addiction
- recovery
- storytelling
- veterans support
- mental health
Keywords
- Navy SEAL
- addiction
- recovery
- storytelling
- mental health
- veterans
- therapy
- community support
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Navy SEALs
Books & works: After the Trident
Places: Northern California
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