I Always Wanted to be a Hero: A Conversation with Dr. Dice

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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