In episode 170 of the Talk4 Podcast, Louis Skupien sits down with Dr Tony Dice — former firefighter, paramedic, U.S. Navy SEAL, addict in recovery, therapist, and author of After the Trident: A Navy SEAL’s Battle with Secrets, Addiction and Shame.
Tony’s story is as extreme as it gets. From chasing chaos as a first responder and SEAL, to becoming physically and spiritually broken by alcohol and crystal meth, he reached a point where he couldn’t even pick up his own son from daycare. That moment — and the spiral that followed — pushed him to call a treatment centre, sell his car to pay for rehab, and go all-in on recovery.
In this raw and honest conversation, Tony shares:
• How his thrill-seeking, rule-bending nature fuelled both excellence and self-destruction
• The moment he realised addiction was going to destroy not just him, but his son’s future
• Why “willpower” works against you in addiction
• How 12-step recovery actually works beneath the surface (and why it sticks)
• His Holistic Change Model for lasting transformation
• Why our “nation’s heroes” often suffer in silence — and how Bishop & Dice Defense is changing that
• The power of “swim buddies” / battle buddies and why no one can do life alone
Whether you’re military, a first responder, high performer, or someone quietly struggling with addiction or burnout, this episode offers hope, perspective, and a clear path to meaningful change.
🎧 Listen now to hear how Dr Tony Dice turned the worst moments of his life into a mission to pull others out of the fire.
