About this episode

Andrew Adams shares his transformative journey from addiction to becoming a dedicated stepdad.

What if the most qualified stepdad in the room is the one who almost didn't make it out alive? Andrew Adams didn't plan on becoming a parent. He didn't plan 12 years of opiate addiction, multiple overdoses, or a near-fatal car accident on a highway at 75 miles per hour. But today, Andrew is stepfather to three kids, engaged to the man he loves, and one of the most grounded human beings I've had the privilege of sitting across from. Key Takeaways: Why the sudden loss of structure at age 11 became the catalyst for Andrew's years-long addiction spiral How a neurodivergent brain chasing relief through drugs becomes a 12-year trap. Why "neutrality" is not indifference and how it became Andrew's superpower as a stepdad The danger of entering parenthood to "fix" something in yourself and the resentment it breeds How eight-plus years of deep personal work across 12-step programs, yoga, and spiritual practice transformed Andrew into the partner and father figure he is today Why Andrew never tries to discipline Dylan's kids and what he does instead The two-lane framework Andrew uses with children (and coaching clients alike): vision or fear, pick a direction How to let your relationship…

People in this episode

Host: Tony Cooper

Guest: Andrew Adams

Topics covered

• stepdad
• addiction
• parenting
• personal growth
• family dynamics

Keywords

• stepdad
• addiction
• parenting advice
• personal transformation
• family relationships

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• Ep 27: Put on Your Mask First — Nick DeMarinis on Being the Dad You Want to Be · June 30, 2026 · 53 min
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