Episode 353: Art Dielhenn's Journey: From TV Director to Author and Coach, Finding Humor and Healing in Recovery

Episode 353: Art Dielhenn's Journey: From TV Director to Author and Coach, Finding Humor and Healing in Recovery

Author: Duane Osterlind, LMFT September 29, 2025 Duration: 41:30
Art Dielhenn's journey from directing beloved TV classics like Sister Sister and Punky Brewster to becoming an author and career coach is nothing short of remarkable. Facing his own struggles with addiction, Art found recovery and shared his insights through two humorous and insightful books, "Get Out of Your Head, It's a Mess in There" and "Addiction is a Family Disease." Join Art as he discusses how the pandemic spurred his writing endeavors, weaving humor with heavy topics to make them more approachable. With artist Clemmy McWilliam-Le Busque's lively cartoons, Art's books illustrate the chaotic yet relatable inner workings of our minds, making recovery both accessible and entertaining. Art's personal stories add depth and authenticity to the conversation, especially as he navigates the profound grief of losing a child to addiction during the pandemic. He opens up about how he found comfort and creativity through writing, illustrating how humor and shared wisdom can coexist with sorrow to aid healing. By exploring internal reconciliation and the liberation found in truth, Art underscores the universal nature of recovery, emphasizing resilience and the relentless drive to rebuild after life's challenges.  In this episode, you will hear:Art Dielhenn's transformation from TV director to author and career coach, using humor to tackle recovery topics.The impact of the pandemic as a catalyst for Art's writing journey and creative expression.Art's personal experiences with grief and addiction, illustrating the healing power of humor and community.Exploration of the universal nature of recovery, focusing on resilience and rebuilding after adversity.Collaboration with artist Clemmy McWilliam-Le Busque to bring Art's vision to life through lively, humorous illustrations.The role of humor in recovery, making heavy topics more approachable and emphasizing the joy found in shared recovery experiences. Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: NovusMindfulLife.com https://www.theaddictedmind.com/community  Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. We want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmind Disclaimer See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosted by licensed therapist Duane Osterlind, The Addicted Mind Podcast moves beyond simple discussions to explore the complex realities of addiction and recovery. Each episode blends compassionate conversation with practical insight, creating a resource that feels both supportive and actionable. You’ll hear from a range of voices, including specialists in the field and individuals who have personally navigated the path to recovery, sharing their stories and the strategies that made a difference. These conversations delve into how addiction shapes thoughts and behaviors, while also highlighting the many forms healing can take. The aim is to provide genuine understanding and tangible guidance for anyone touched by addiction, whether personally or through a loved one. By focusing on real-world experiences and relevant research, this podcast builds a bridge from struggle to possibility, emphasizing that recovery, while challenging, is a journey filled with hope. Tune in for honest dialogue that respects the difficulty of the process while illuminating the steps forward.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 101

The Addicted Mind Podcast
Podcast Episodes
224: Parenting a Child with Addiction with Steve D. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:40
As a parent, how do you deal with a child who’s struggling with addiction? How can you fully support your kid at this most trying time of their lives? Today, Duane speaks with Steve D. about parenting a child with addict…
223: The Power of Hypnosis in Addiction Treatment with David Spiegel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:52
Using hypnosis on ourselves is more powerful than we think. But is it also effective in treating addiction? On today’s episode, Duane speaks with David Spiegel, Wilson Professor and Associate Chair of Psychiatry and Beha…
159: Feeling Your Feelings and Being Okay With It with Justin B. Long [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:26
On today’s episode, Duane talks with Justin B. Long about his journey through childhood trauma and how he tried to escape it through alcoholism. We discuss the traps of toxic masculinity, the idea that, as men, we can't…
158: The Science of Addiction with Gill Tietz [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:09
On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane speaks with Gill Tietz, a biochemist and the host of the Sober Powered Podcast. Gill shares her alcohol addiction journey, the connection between our brain chemistry…
157: Personality Isn’t Permanent with Benjamin Hardy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
On today’s episode of The Addicted Mind Podcast, Duane talks with author Benjamin Hardy about his personal experience with addiction and the chaos that comes along with it. Benjamin describes the process overcoming his o…