We're Out of Time

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• Army Veteran Toni Lavery: Resilience, Vision Loss & Service 02.06.2026 1sa 7dk

  On this episode of We’re Out of Time, US Army veteran Toni Lavery joins host Richard Taite to discuss her journey through military service, motherhood, and a life-changing health challenge. After serving for over two decades, Tony shares how she is navigating her identity transition and leading the first all-women commemorative jump into Normandy for the 82nd anniversary of D-Day. In this episode, Tony highlights the importance of advocating for one’s own health while managing vision loss and explains how the Fox Force Foundation is building a vital community for women veterans to find mentorship through shared resilience. The conversation also covers strategies for managing stress, prioritizing family wellness, and maintaining a strong partnership while both spouses serve.
• Dr. Drew Ramsey: Why Mental Health Starts with Brain Health 26.05.2026 42dk

  In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, we sit down with Dr. Drew Ramsey — psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and leading voice in nutritional psychiatry — to unpack what’s really happening to our brains in the modern world.From the connection between food and mental health to the growing mental health crisis impacting millions, Dr. Ramsey explains why brain health is the foundation of emotional wellness. Together, we explore how nutrition, environment, relationships, biology, and lifestyle all shape the way we think, feel, and heal.This conversation goes beyond traditional discussions about mental illness and recovery, offering practical insight into building “mental fitness” before things fall apart. Dr. Ramsey shares why the modern brain faces challenges unlike ever before — and what science says we can do to protect it.If you’ve ever wondered how stress, diet, isolation, and everyday habits impact your mental well-being, this episode is packed with eye-opening perspective and actionable takeaways.
• Dr. Bruce Perry: How Childhood Trauma Shapes Your Entire Life 19.05.2026 1sa 19dk

  In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Bruce Perry for a powerful conversation about childhood trauma, addiction, healing, and the lifelong impact of early experiences. Dr. Perry, co-author of “What Happened to You?” with Oprah Winfrey and “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog,” shares how the brain develops in childhood and why our earliest relationships shape the way we think, react, connect, and cope as adults.Together, Richard and Dr. Perry explore how trauma alters the developing brain, why addiction is often rooted in unresolved pain, and how healing begins with safety, regulation, and human connection. They discuss the growing “relational poverty” in today’s world, the effects of social media and disconnection, and why routines, movement, community, and meaningful relationships are essential for emotional well-being.Throughout the episode, Richard opens up about his own experiences working in addiction treatment and reflects on the emotional toll of helping people heal. The conversation is raw, insightful, and deeply human, offering a new perspective on trauma, recovery, parenting, mental health, and resilience.
• Pressure Is A Privilege: Dr. Mark Aoyagi On Mental Strength, 'Flow' & Why Elite Performers Struggle 12.05.2026 53dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with sports and performance psychologist Dr. Mark Aoyagi to explore what truly separates elite performers from everyone else. From Olympic athletes to professional sports teams, Dr. Aoyagi has spent years helping high performers build confidence, resilience, and mental strength under pressure.Together, they break down the psychology behind flow state, choking under pressure, fear of failure, confidence vs arrogance, and the mindset shifts that help people perform at their highest level. They also dive into the surprising overlap between elite athletes and addiction, explaining why perfectionism, anxiety, and obsession can drive both peak performance and self-destruction.This conversation goes beyond sports — it’s about identity, purpose, pressure, and what happens when your self-worth becomes tied to performance.
• Sonia Kahlon: From High-Functioning Drinking to Sobriety 05.05.2026 58dk

  On this episode of We’re Out of Time, Sonia Kahlon — co-host of Sisters in Sobriety — shares her journey from high-achieving orthodontist to living alcohol-free.What started as “normal” drinking in a high-pressure, hustle-driven lifestyle slowly turned into nightly dependence. Sonia opens up about the moment everything shifted — including her first day without alcohol in over a decade — and what it actually takes to stay sober.The conversation dives into the stigma professionals face around addiction, why AA isn’t the only path to recovery, and how drinking culture is deeply normalized — especially for women. Sonia also shares the shocking story of discovering her husband’s affair and how sobriety forced her to face it without numbing out.This episode explores the rise of “sober curious” culture, the hidden cost of coping through alcohol, and what it really takes to become the person you were meant to be.
• Sharukh Pithawalla on the Dark Side of Viral Fame 23.04.2026 19dk

  In this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with creator and DJ Shahrukh Pithawalla to pull back the curtain on the modern creator economy. They dive deep into why chasing viral fame is often a trap and how building a slow, authentic community is the only way to survive online.
• Jheri South: ADHD, RSD & Emotional Dysregulation in Relationships, Parenting & Addiction 14.04.2026 1sa 11dk

  On this episode of We’re Out of Time, host Richard Taite is joined by ADHD coach and advocate Jheri South to break down how ADHD shows up far beyond attention and focus. Jheri explains how emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD), and impulsivity shape everyday life, relationships, parenting, and even addiction risk.The conversation begins with RSD, or rejection sensitive dysphoria, which affects an estimated 99% of people with ADHD. Jheri explains how perceived rejection can trigger intense emotional spirals that feel physically and emotionally overwhelming, often leading to conflict in romantic relationships, work environments, and family dynamics.Richard and Jheri explore how ADHDers can misinterpret neutral situations as personal rejection, leading to impulsive reactions, shame, and difficulty regulating emotions. Jheri emphasizes that ADHD is less about attention and more about emotional regulation, identity, and belief systems.They discuss practical tools, including identifying triggers, learning to pause before reacting, and recognizing “episodes” of emotional dysregulation. Jheri also shares five key drivers that engage the ADHD brain: interest, urgency, challenge/competition, novelty, and rivalry.The conversation expands into relationships, where communication differences, especially between ADHD and autism, can lead to misunderstandings and shutdown cycles. Jheri explains how shifting from blame to understanding communication styles can transform relationships.They also address ADHD and addiction risk, noting that individuals with ADHD are 3–4x more likely to struggle with substance use due to dopamine-seeking behavior when untreated.In parenting, Jheri shares how separating connection time from correction, avoiding escalation during emotional episodes, and building emotional safety can dramatically improve outcomes for children with ADHD and RSD.Ultimately, Jheri reframes ADHD not as a deficit, but as a neurodivergent wiring that, when understood and regulated, can become a powerful strength in life, relationships, and success.
• Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky: Why You Don’t Feel Loved (Even When You Are) 07.04.2026 50dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with world-renowned happiness expert Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky to break down the biggest myths about happiness—and why so many people feel unloved, even when they are.Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals the science behind what actually creates lasting happiness, why money can make you happy (but only to a point), and the surprising reason connection—not success—is what truly fulfills us.They dive deep into the psychology of love: why most people struggle to feel it, how your conversations shape your relationships, and the simple mindset shifts that can create immediate change. From radical curiosity to vulnerability, this episode is a masterclass in how to build deeper, more meaningful connections.If you’ve ever felt unseen, disconnected, or like something is missing—this conversation will change the way you think about love, happiness, and the people in your life.
• From Marine to Actor: Maurice P. Kerry on PTSD, Betrayal & Starting Over 03.04.2026 44dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with actor and decorated Marine veteran Maurice P. Kerry for a raw and deeply personal conversation about survival, identity, and transformation after war.Maurice opens up about the harsh realities of combat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and the mindset that kept him alive—“complacency kills.” But the battle didn’t end overseas. From being cheated on while serving his country to returning home and facing homelessness, Maurice shares the unseen struggles many veterans endure when transitioning back to civilian life.He speaks candidly about PTSD, not as a weakness, but as something he’s learned to harness, and reflects on how the Marine Corps ultimately saved him from a very different path. Now, as an actor on CBS’ Beyond The Gates, Maurice is using his platform to tell stories that matter and bring respect back to those who serve.This episode also dives into his personal life—being born from an affair, feeling unwanted, and raising his child as a single father for 16 years—all while navigating purpose, discipline, and growth. Maurice’s story is one of resilience, accountability, and redefining what it means to survive—and truly live.
• Why Your Emotional Wounds Are Slowly Destroying You — Dr. Guy Winch on Rejection, Loneliness & Healing 24.03.2026 52dk

  On this episode of We're Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Guy Winch to explore why emotional pain is one of the most overlooked — and dangerous — forces in human life.Dr. Winch breaks down the science of emotional first aid, explaining why we treat physical injuries with urgency but leave emotional wounds to fester until they quietly destroy our confidence, our relationships, and our health. He reveals why burnout is now killing hundreds of thousands of people a year, why loneliness is far more psychologically damaging than most people realize, and why the brain responds to heartbreak in ways that are strikingly similar to heroin withdrawal.Richard gets personal in this one — sharing his own experience with rejection and love addiction — and Dr. Winch walks him through exactly what's happening psychologically and what to do about it. The two also dig into why so many people unknowingly turn to addictive behaviors to cope with emotional pain they've never properly addressed, and why failure — if left unexamined — can quietly redirect the entire course of someone's life.This episode is packed with practical, immediately usable tools anyone can apply today — from a daily gratitude practice that actually works to understanding the difference between waiting out heartbreak and actively healing from it. Dr. Winch doesn't just explain what's wrong. He tells you what to do about it.
• Margaret Cho Gets Real on Addiction, Sobriety & the Dark Side of Comedy 17.03.2026 36dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, Richard Taite sits down with legendary comedian, actor, and activist Margaret Cho for a raw and unfiltered conversation about addiction, relapse, and survival.Margaret opens up about her decades-long journey with substance abuse, including relapsing after seven years of sobriety and the dangerous mindset that can come with addiction. She speaks candidly about the realities of drug use, the dark humor that often surrounds it, and why so many comedians struggle with substance abuse behind the scenes.The two also explore the connection between comedy and neurodivergence, the loneliness of life on the road, and how the industry can unintentionally fuel addictive behaviors. Margaret shares her perspective on modern culture, navigating outrage in comedy, and how she continues to push boundaries while staying authentic to herself.They also dive into emerging conversations around GLP-1 medications and their potential role in impulse control, as well as Margaret’s personal experience using them to manage binge eating disorder.In the end, Margaret reflects on what she’s most proud of today—and it’s not the fame or success. It’s the fact that she’s still here. Margaret Cho’s story is a powerful reminder that survival itself can be the greatest accomplishment.
• The First COVID Patient in Burbank: Gregg Garfield’s Fight to Survive 10.03.2026 35dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with COVID survivor Gregg Garfield to share one of the most extraordinary survival stories from the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.Gregg recounts the moment everything changed while on a ski trip in the Italian Alps—when a warning call from his girlfriend first mentioned a mysterious virus spreading through Europe. Within days, flu-like symptoms spread through the group, and soon after returning to Los Angeles, Gregg tested positive. At the time, hospitals were unprepared for the virus, and he became the first COVID patient admitted to Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Burbank.Doctors told Gregg he had only a 1% chance of survival. After being placed into a medically induced coma and spending 31 days on a ventilator, he endured a cascade of life-threatening complications including sepsis, collapsed lungs, blood clots, and organ failure. Gregg flatlined multiple times and says doctors still cannot explain why he survived.When he finally woke up, the battle was far from over. Gregg had lost most of his fingers and several toes due to the life-saving treatments that kept blood flowing to his vital organs. He had to relearn how to walk, eat, and rebuild muscle after losing over 50 pounds during his hospitalization.Through the darkest moments, Gregg credits the strength of his “village”—friends, family, and his partner AJ—for giving him the motivation to fight through recovery. With the support of hundreds of loved ones rallying around him, Gregg set small, achievable goals that eventually led to an incredible milestone: getting back on skis the very same year he nearly died.Today, Gregg channels his second chance at life into purpose-driven work through Gregg’s Village and ChipIn, initiatives dedicated to supporting nonprofits and building community through giving.This powerful conversation explores resilience, mindset, gratitude, and the life-changing realization that the people around you can make all the difference when the unthinkable happens.
• Dr. Daniel Hai on Healing Beyond Labels: Connection Over Diagnosis 03.03.2026 41dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Daniel Hai joins host Richard Taite for a powerful, unfiltered conversation on trauma, addiction, neuroplasticity, and what real healing actually requires.Dr. Hai, founder of the Neuro Assessment Center, breaks down neurocognitive therapy in practical terms—how he blends neuroscience, attachment theory, mindfulness, and real-world exposure therapy to create measurable cognitive and behavioral change. From meeting clients in classrooms and nightclubs to helping autistic adults integrate socially, he explains what exposure and response prevention (ERP) truly looks like outside the therapy office.They challenge controversial topics head-on: Is functional medicine overhyped? Are therapists neglecting their own unresolved trauma? What is “premorbid intelligence,” and can clinicians accurately measure someone’s capacity before addiction or trauma altered their trajectory? The discussion dives into executive functioning, obsessive thought loops, and the neurological patterns that keep people stuck.The episode turns personal when Richard shares his belief in transcendence—describing a moment in Italy where he had a glass of wine without reigniting addictive behavior, arguing that some individuals can move beyond constant internal struggle. Dr. Hai offers a clinical counterpoint, emphasizing maintenance, routine, and the reality that for many, recovery is an active, ongoing process. Together, they explore the gray space between “recovered” and “in recovery,” questioning whether the traditional disease model tells the full story.They also unpack neurodiversity, over-diagnosing, and whether society’s fixation on labels may hinder functional growth. Dr. Hai shares the powerful story of an 11-year-old nonverbal child who defied every clinical expectation—an experience that shaped his lifelong commitment to seeing beyond diagnoses and treating the whole person.The conversation expands into spirituality versus science, intuition, higher power, AI in mental health, ketamine and psychedelics, and why therapeutic alliance—not trendy modalities—remains the strongest predictor of long-term transformation.
• From Rock Bottom to 10 Years Sober: Marci Hopkins’ Powerful Recovery Story 24.02.2026 1sa 1dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Marci Hopkins, host of Wake Up With Marci and author of Chaos to Clarity. With 10 years of sobriety, Marci shares the defining moments that shaped her recovery journey—from childhood sexual abuse and generational alcoholism to the DUI that became her wake-up call on October 3, 2015.Marci opens up about coping with trauma through alcohol, confronting her stepfather years later, and mourning the mother she wished she had. She reflects on losing her mother to addiction, the complicated grief that followed, and the realization that recovery meant rebuilding her life from the ground up. “Once everything fell to the ground, I had to start rebuilding.”The conversation explores surrender in 12-step recovery, rewiring the brain through daily habits, and why recovery is not about willpower—but transformation. Marci explains how forgiveness, self-love, and spiritual connection became the foundation for lasting sobriety, and how motherhood ultimately fueled her decision to change. From “popping the tape” to avoid relapse to learning how to laugh sober, she shares practical tools for thriving after addiction.Richard and Marci also discuss breaking the stigma around substance use disorder, the dangers of fentanyl-laced street drugs, and the urgent need for parents to act when a child is using. They highlight resources like Shatterproof, founded by Gary Mendell after losing his son, and the importance of education, in-network treatment options, and family involvement in recovery.Marci shares insight from her new book, Wake Up, You’re Not Broken: What to Expect in the First 30 Days of Sobriety, offering guidance on cravings, triggers, shame, and the science behind early recovery. This episode is a powerful conversation about trauma, faith, forgiveness, parenting through addiction, and transcending chaos to build a beautiful, purpose-driven life.
• A Rabbi’s Rock Bottom: Addiction, Faith, and Rebuilding After Losing Everything 17.02.2026 46dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with rabbi, entrepreneur, and recovery coach Asher Gottesman for a raw, deeply human conversation about addiction, faith, accountability, and connection.Asher opens up about experiencing profound separation anxiety and loneliness at just five years old, growing up as the rabbi’s son, and feeling different from his peers. He shares how resentment toward faith and fear-based religion shaped his early relationship with God, eventually contributing to eating disorders, substance use, and a lifelong sense of unworthiness. Asher candidly recounts waiting two years to end his life so a life insurance policy would pay out, followed by the collapse of his multi-million-dollar business and filing for bankruptcy.From there, the episode explores his first real experience of unconditional love, sobriety, and community through recovery, including the moment he felt truly seen and accepted for the first time. Asher explains how keeping suicide “in his back pocket” paradoxically gave him the courage to rebuild, and how accountability, faith, and human connection became central to his healing.He reflects on Judaism as a framework for responsibility rather than fear, challenging performative spirituality and emphasizing kindness, humility, and lived amends. Asher also discusses the tension of being a “wounded healer,” balancing vulnerability with leadership, and offers compassionate advice for people in their 20s: you don’t need to do anything to be worthy of love.The conversation closes with insights on relapse, mentoring others, why social media is not real connection, and how true healing happens in community. Asher also shares how his work through Transcend Recovery and his podcast Showing Up With Asher G centers on helping people feel seen, heard, and unconditionally valued.
• How to Rewire Your Life: Erica Spiegelman on Recovery, Mindset & Habits 10.02.2026 26dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with bestselling author, counselor, and recovery expert Erica Spiegelman for a powerful conversation on addiction recovery, mindset, and personal transformation. Erica, co-founder of New Spirit Recovery and creator of the Rewired Method, has helped transform thousands of lives through her counseling work and online programs, including an initiative that has reached over 11,000 incarcerated learners nationwide.The conversation begins with Erica breaking down The 8 R’s of Recovery, the core framework behind her new book The Rewired Method, and how neuroplasticity allows people to change their lives by changing their thoughts and routines. She explains why reframing is essential in recovery—shifting from self-judgment and failure narratives to growth, learning, and opportunity.Erica then explores how healthy habits and routines play a critical role in overcoming addiction, emphasizing repetition, self-care, and movement as tools for rebuilding identity and self-worth. From there, the discussion dives into the damaging impact of unhealthy narratives, often shaped by parents, childhood experiences, and comparison, and why constantly measuring ourselves against others is a “recipe for feeling sh*tty.”As the episode continues, Erica highlights the importance of self-love, compassion, and positive self-talk, reminding listeners that lasting recovery requires becoming your own best friend. She explains how affirmations and refocusing attention help reclaim personal power, reinforcing the idea that where we put our focus is where we give our energy.The episode closes with a deep reflection on reinvention, purpose, and why long-term sobriety is impossible without replacing addiction with something of equal or greater value. Erica also addresses gaps in the current treatment system and shares how the Rewired Method is expanding access through online education, prisons, and professional training programs.
• Dr. Wendy Walsh: The Science of Love, Sex & Modern Relationships 03.02.2026 47dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Dr. Wendy Walsh—renowned relationship expert, psychology professor, author, and host of The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show. Known as one of the most trusted voices on the science of love and human behavior, Dr. Walsh breaks down why relationships aren’t about luck, but skill—and how biology, psychology, and culture shape who we love and why.Dr. Walsh explains why love is often about familiarity rather than happiness, unpacking attachment patterns that lead people to repeat the same relationship mistakes. She dives into the modern mating marketplace, exploring the oversupply of successful women, the decline of ambitious men, and how the high-supply sexual economy has reshaped dating, commitment, and desire.The conversation tackles the effects of chronic pornography use, testosterone, aggression, empathy, and why relationship satisfaction does not equal frequency of sex. Drawing from evolutionary psychology, Dr. Walsh explains how anthropologists measure monogamy, why men unconsciously seek fertility cues, and how testosterone influences behavior and bonding.She shares practical insights on boundaries—why they’re about consequences, not control—and breaks down why the “price of sex” is at an all-time low. Dr. Walsh also addresses OnlyFans, long-term relationship goals, and why short-term sexual strategies often conflict with building lasting partnerships.The episode continues with candid reflections on power, female mating strategies, her early connection to Lauren Sánchez, and the unintended consequences of the Me Too movement. Dr. Walsh closes with research-backed advice on the three daily practices couples need for healthy, loving relationships, followed by a rapid-fire Love Lab lightning round covering chemistry, compatibility, honesty, and modern dating myths.
• Relapse After 19 Years: Mike Bayer on What Recovery Taught Him 27.01.2026 36dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Mike Bayer for an unfiltered conversation about addiction, long-term sobriety, relapse, and redemption. Mike opens up about growing up in Orange County, excelling in high school basketball, and how early struggles with mental health led to substance use. After heading to New York to play basketball at Fordham University, his partying escalated and ultimately landed him in treatment at just 22 years old.Richard shares how his own sobriety journey led him to open a treatment center, setting the stage for Mike to walk through his path to recovery and purpose. Mike details his rise in the recovery space, including becoming a New York Times bestselling author with the help of Dr. Phil, who later mentored him for four years and helped launch his media career.The conversation takes a powerful turn as Mike reveals relapsing after 19 years of sobriety due to a medication prescribed by a doctor—an experience that deeply reshaped his understanding of recovery. He reflects on what relapse after long-term sobriety taught him, the emotional toll it took, and why humility and honesty remain essential to sustained recovery.The episode closes with raw discussions on freedom, identity, and compassion, including Mike’s belief that he is no better than anyone else and his decision to help an assistant who is now serving four years in prison—highlighting the complexities of service, boundaries, and humanity in the recovery world.
• The Future of Addiction Treatment Starts Here: GLP-1s Explained With Dr. Ken Spielvogel 20.01.2026 44dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Dr. Ken Spielvogel, Senior Medical Officer at Carrera Treatment Wellness & Spa, to explore one of the most talked-about breakthroughs in addiction medicine: GLP-1 medications. Originally developed for diabetes and weight loss, emerging research now suggests GLP-1s may significantly reduce cravings, compulsive behavior, and relapse risk in people struggling with substance use disorders.Dr. Spielvogel explains how GLP-1 medications are being used in addiction treatment, including why injectable options outperform oral medications when it comes to compliance and effectiveness. The conversation breaks down how GLP-1s impact dopamine signaling in the brain, why they can decrease urges to use drugs or alcohol, and how their effects differ in individuals with substance use disorders. Richard and Dr. Spielvogel also discuss nicotine replacement therapy, brain fog, and the broader public health reality that over 50% of Americans are obese.As the episode continues, Richard Taite makes a bold statement, calling GLP-1s “the best drug I’ve ever seen for the treatment of drug addiction and alcoholism.” Dr. Spielvogel expands on why the medication may be a game-changer, outlines the four leading causes of death these drugs may help reduce, and addresses side effects associated with rapid weight loss. The discussion emphasizes that medication alone is not enough without self-work, exercise, and lifestyle change. The episode concludes with a look at falling prices, expanded access, and the future of GLP-1s as preventative medicine.
• From NFL to TV Stardom: Akbar Gbajabiamila on Identity, Addiction & Resilience 13.01.2026 51dk

  On this episode of We’re Out Of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with former NFL player turned Emmy-nominated television host Akbar Gbajabiamila for an honest, deeply personal conversation about identity, resilience, and reinvention after professional sports. Best known as the longtime host of American Ninja Warrior and former co-host of CBS’ The Talk, Akbar opens up about the moments that shaped his life on and off the field.Akbar reflects on traveling to Nigeria and witnessing his father reunite with his mother after 32 years apart, an experience that allowed him to see his father as a child for the first time. He shares how watching his Nigerian immigrant parents build businesses from nothing instilled discipline, grit, and resilience at an early age. The conversation moves into Akbar’s journey to the NFL, the pressure of becoming a professional athlete, and the identity crisis that followed when his football career ended.He speaks candidly about financial struggles after leaving the NFL, including working two years for free, earning under $30,000 a year, moving back into his childhood home with his wife and kids, and watching his savings dwindle to his last $40,000. Akbar explains how betting on himself eventually led to a breakthrough in broadcasting, landing roles at the NFL Network and American Ninja Warrior.The episode also dives into injuries, brain health, and the hidden dangers of painkillers, as Akbar shares his experience unknowingly developing a Vicodin dependency after football. He discusses overcoming that habit, confronting sugar addiction, and rethinking how everyday substances impact mental and physical health. Akbar also shares the inspiration behind launching his new podcast One54 Africa, dedicated to telling stories from across the African diaspora, and reflects on the pride and purpose behind hitting the American Ninja Warrior buzzer himself.