Todd and Bettijo sit down with addiction expert Michelle Sandlin to rip the lid off the toxic loop between addiction and the legal system. She’s all about treatment over punishment—and Todd opens up about codependency and the messy, miraculous road to recovery.

SUMMARY

Addiction expert Michelle Sandlin joins Todd and Bettijo Bridges to expose the brutal crossroads between addiction and the legal system. In recovery since 2004, Michelle shares how her own experience drives her mission to help individuals and families navigate the courts with compassion and understanding. She breaks down why Substance Use Disorder is a brain disease—not a moral failure—and why treatment, not punishment, is the only path to real change.

Michelle walks through the process of getting clients into treatment before legal hearings and building recovery plans that support long-term sobriety. Todd reflects on his early struggles with addiction, his work with the Santa Monica court system, and the pivotal moment his mother turned to Al-Anon—a support program for families of those battling addiction—which helped her break their cycle of codependency and ultimately save his life.

They confront the painful reality of “loving your child to death,” explore the different levels of rehab care, and reveal why 90 days is the critical window for the brain to truly heal. The conversation wraps with a powerful look at the deeper roots of addiction—trauma, mental health, and the driving mission behind Todd and Bettijo’s new nonprofit, MyBestRehab.org, a resource designed to help families find ethical, life-saving treatment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Michelle Sandlin's journey from personal recovery in 2004 to becoming an expert in the legal system. (1:09)
• Todd shares his initial skepticism about long-term sobriety and his own 30+ year recovery milestone. (2:11)
• The vicious cycle of addiction and the legal system and the case for treatment over jail time. (3:28)
• Breaking down the different levels of care in rehab and the importance of a 90-day treatment stay. (9:37)
• Michelle outlines clear warning signs of addiction for families, from changes in appearance to isolation. (11:33)
• How family codependency and misplaced anger affect the addict's journey, and how Al-Anon saved Todd’s life. (13:20)
• The hosts and Michelle emphasize the importance of "playing the tape through" to maintain long-term sobriety. (18:34)
• ToddFlix: Tulsa King starring Sylvester Stallone. (32:09)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The crucial difference between punishment and treatment for Substance Use Disorder.
• Why 90 days of treatment is often necessary for lasting results.
• What the different levels of care (PHP, IOP, Sober Living) actually mean—and how they differ from what you see in the movies.
• Why underlying trauma and mental health issues must be addressed alongside addiction.
• How family codependency can prevent an addict from ever getting sober.

This episode is packed with the raw truth about addiction and recovery—don't wait for a legal crisis to listen. Knowledge is power, so Hit Play!

Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom

https://www.instagram.com/toddbridges

https://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom

--------------------

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Actor Louis Lombardi (The Sopranos, 24) gets real with Todd and Bettijo Bridges about trading a life of Bronx hustle for a Hollywood acting career, detailing how street smarts prepared him for mental rejection and why typecasting him as a mob guy is simply wrong.

SUMMARY

Todd and Bettijo Bridges sit down with actor, director, and storyteller Louis Lombardi (The Sopranos, 24, Natural Born Killers) for a raw and hilarious look at one of Hollywood’s most unconventional success stories.

Louis takes us deep into his Bronx beginnings—where addiction, hustle, and family ties to organized crime (yes, that French Connection) were part of the daily soundtrack. He opens up about the heartbreak and chaos that followed his father’s death and his grandfather’s imprisonment—two life-altering moments that, oddly enough, gave him the break he needed to rewrite his own story.

With zero patience for pretension, Louis shares how his “street degree” became his acting school, proving you can learn a lot more from the Bronx than from any drama conservatory. He talks about being perpetually typecast as a mobster, even though his résumé is stacked with roles as cops and FBI agents, and how his tough upbringing helped him shrug off Hollywood rejection like a pro.

You’ll hear the wild story behind his first film, Amongst Friends—the cross-country drive to a then-obscure Sundance Film Festival, and the accidental encounter with Oliver Stone that changed everything. And, in classic full-circle fashion, Louis (known on the streets as “Ducky,” by the way) shares how he’s now breaking generational cycles and running a thriving pizza truck business with his daughter.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Louis Lombardi addresses being typecast as a gangster versus his actual body of work. (2:53)
• The raw reality of growing up in the Bronx with family and friends involved in the French Connection drug ring. (6:57)
• How Louis used Backstage magazine and NYU student film sets as his free, unconventional acting school. (13:15)
• The profound realization that the streets prepared him for the mental rejection and toughness of Hollywood. (21:50)
• Louis recounts the "dang" moment when his friends got arrested, paving his way to the Sundance Film Festival. (33:23)
• How an accidental meeting with Oliver Stone led to his first union job in Natural Born Killers. (37:00)
• Discussing how his cooking skills—learned from the women in his life—have come full circle with his new pizza truck business. (49:44)
• The story of how his childhood nickname, "Ducky," stuck with him all the way to Hollywood. (54:42)
• Louis’s advice to aspiring actors to embrace modern technology and create their own content. (56:32)
• ToddFlix: Blacklist (1:03:40)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• How Louis earned his Bronx nickname “Ducky” — and the story behind it.
• How to turn a rough start into rocket fuel for whatever you’re chasing.
• Bronx mindset vs. Hollywood mindset (and how to thrive in both).
• How breaking the cycle of addiction and crime changes everything for the next generation.

If you’re ready for a masterclass in grit, destiny, and why rejection’s just part of the hustle, hit play now—and then hunt down Louis’s pizza truck for a slice of that Bronx-born hustle!

Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom

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© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Join Todd and Bettijo as transformational coach Siarra Decomi reveals how the parts of yourself you try to "fix" are the actual keys to your personal freedom, proving that your scary breakdown might actually be a breakthrough—all thanks to the incredible insight of rescued mustangs!

SUMMARY

This week, Todd and Bettijo sit down with transformational coach Siarra Decomi, founder of Wild Hooves Open Hearts, a non-profit dedicated to mustang rescue and equine-guided empowerment. Siarra helps people stop white-knuckling life by showing them how to come home to themselves. She dives into the profound idea that your toughest challenges might not mean you are "broken," but that you're in a "portal"—a season of change where your breakdown is a breakthrough moment, leading to growth and personal freedom.

The conversation explores the fascinating world of equine therapy, where horses act as a powerful mirror and reflection, sensing human energy and helping people get out of their overthinking minds and drop into their bodies to be present. Todd, a former horse owner himself, shares a funny, yet telling, story about his horse, Sailor, proving just how intuitively intelligent these animals are. Siarra shares the heartbreaking reality of the Bureau of Land Management's process for wild American mustangs and why she felt called to begin her rescue work.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Todd shares a hilarious story about his horse, Sailor, who knew exactly how to mess with him. (1:27)
• Siarra explains the challenges for wild American mustangs in the Bureau of Land Management's program. (2:30)
• Siarra describes how she went from a career in banking and finance to becoming a transformational coach. (5:10)
• The difference between "breaking" a horse and equine-guided empowerment. (6:38)
• How horses act as a reflection and mirror to show you what you need to see about yourself. (7:23)
• The concept of tapping into your "lead mare energy" to live from your sovereignty. (9:36)
• Siarra explains why you are not "broken," but are simply in a "portal" of change. (16:52)
• Drawing parallels between life principles and retro video games, with a lighthearted exchange on favorite classics. (18:12)
• Todd recounts the scary moment on the trapeze that caused him to quit the circus for good. (28:39)
• Siarra explains a different approach to "shadow work" that involves fully feeling and integrating difficult emotions. (32:57)
• The philosophy of Existential Kink and realizing you might enjoy the drama you're creating. (36:03)
• Bettijo ties the book The Obstacle is the Way into the discussion. (39:01)
• The power of staying neutral and not panicking, whether facing an emotional trigger or a rattlesnake bite. (43:51)
• ToddFlix: The Rookie (48:05)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Why your breakdown is a breakthrough in disguise.
• The simple secret to personal freedom: getting out of your head and dropping into your body.
• The transformative, healing power of equine therapy and rescued mustangs.

If you're tired of white-knuckling life and ready to ditch the constant cycle of overthinking, hit play now to learn how these wild mustangs can guide you to your very own breakthrough!

Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom

--------------------

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

How does someone go from teenage heartthrob to the brink of self-destruction—and back again? In this fan-favorite DANG! episode, Todd Bridges opens up about the choices that led him to prison, the twists that brought redemption, and the surprising humor he found along the way. Now remastered and combined into one seamless episode, this raw story is one you don’t want to miss.

SUMMARY

When this episode first aired, many of you said the sound quality didn’t do Todd’s powerful story justice. We’ve fixed that and merged Parts 1 and 2 into one seamless episode. While we’re away on a short vacation, we couldn’t think of a better encore than this listener favorite.

Todd Bridges opens up about the decisions, struggles, and life-altering moments that ultimately landed him in prison. From his tumultuous battle with addiction to finding himself in a transformative sober living program, Todd reflects on how his path was shaped by both poor choices and divine timing.

He recounts his early recovery days, including being placed in a unique living environment that taught him self-love and patience, and how those lessons set him on the road to rebuilding his life. Todd also shares poignant moments like experiencing the 1994 LA earthquake while in a sober living facility and grappling with the ripple effects of his addiction on his family.

Few people know that after entering recovery, Todd quickly dedicated himself to helping others achieve sobriety. This work brought him face-to-face with the harsh realities of the legal system, including making difficult decisions—like sending individuals back to jail when recovery efforts failed. These experiences taught Todd profound lessons about accountability, the justice system, and the complex path to lasting sobriety.

From the realities of prison food to the intricate group dynamics, Todd shares how he navigated life on the inside—fitting in, surviving, and even finding moments of connection. He breaks down the key differences between county jail and prison, offers a glimpse into the personalities of his fellow inmates, and reflects on a particularly chaotic stint in a psychiatric ward.

But it’s not all grit and hardship—Todd weaves in the moments that made him laugh, the friendships that surprised him, and the lessons that shaped his outlook on life.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The First Hit: Todd’s first encounter with the white powder that changed his life.
  Crossroads: Choosing between his old life and a fresh start.
  Court-Ordered Recovery: A judge’s unusual requirement—daily court appearances as rehab.
  Finding Self-Love: Rediscovering himself in a compassionate sober living home.
  Shaken but Grounded: The 1994 LA earthquake tested recovery and the power of community.
  From Survivor to Advocate: Opening sober living homes and working with courts, while witnessing the system’s failures.
  Lessons in Redemption: Hard truths about accountability and consequences.
  Prison Food Horror Stories: Wish sandwiches and other jailhouse “meals.”
  Psych Ward Shortcut: A bizarre twist lands Todd in a straightjacket.
  Welcome to Chino: Shackles, chaos, and a prison entrance like a movie.
  An Unlikely Guardian: A towering inmate claims Todd as his “brother.”
  Prison Politics: Race, respect, and survival rules.
  Trust No One: Why making friends in prison could cost you.

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/toddbridges

https://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Ever wonder why true cross-racial friendships are so rare? Todd and Bettijo get into it with Dr. Deborah L. Plummer, breaking down the myths we tell ourselves about race, why fear keeps us divided, and how to actually build friendships that go deeper than skin.

SUMMARY

Today on DANG!, we’re getting real about what it takes to build deep, authentic relationships across racial lines. Our guest is Dr. Deborah L. Plummer—a psychologist, educator, and bestselling author who has worked with Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, and faith communities, helping them build stronger diversity strategies and organizations. She also founded the master’s program in diversity management at Cleveland State and has spent decades guiding people through the complexities of race, identity, and connection.

Dr. Plummer explains how one simple question—“Why are all your friends white?”—sparked her lifelong work in diversity and inclusion, revealing just how rare cross-racial friendships are and why that matters. Todd and Bettijo share their own early run-ins with racism, showing how where you grow up can shape what you do—or don’t—understand about race. Together, they dig into the difference between personal prejudice and systemic barriers baked into our institutions. Dr. Plummer breaks down why fear fuels division, why saying “I don’t see color” doesn’t get us where we need to go, and how embracing your own racial identity actually makes cross-racial relationships stronger—not weaker.

This episode isn’t about finger-pointing; it’s about breaking down walls, moving past “us versus them,” and figuring out how we can start living as a bigger, bolder “we”—together.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Dr. Plummer shares how a friend's question about her white friends led her to research cross-racial relationships. (1:47)
• Todd recounts a discriminatory experience when trying to buy a house in Culver City and hearing the N-word for the first time. (5:42)
• Dr. Plummer shares her first experience being called a racial slur at Girls Scout camp. (6:55)
• Dr. Plummer explains that fear is a major driver of mistrust and limits human potential in cross-racial interactions. (9:46)
• The conversation delves into the concept of systemic racism. (12:20)
• Dr. Plummer discusses how fear is the root all around. (16:01)
• The episode explores the myth that individuals in interracial relationships might lose their identity, emphasizing the importance of racial identity development. (19:00)
• Todd reflects on the historical significance of seeing a Black president, Barack Obama, and the impact it had on his perspective. (24:50)
• Dr. Plummer introduces her nonprofit, "Getting to We," and its mission to transform "us and them" into "we" by fostering trust and empowering storytelling. (27:32)
• Dr. Plummer explains how everyone goes through a “Racial Socialization Process.” (43:23)
• ToddFlix: Chicago PD (55:55)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• Recognize societal and systemic barriers to cross-racial friendships.
• Understand how fear affects trust and connection.
• Learn strategies for building authentic, cross-racial relationships.

Understanding the barriers to true cross-racial connection is the first step. Ready to move beyond ‘diverse’ and see what ‘we’ can be? Hit play.

Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom

https://www.instagram.com/toddbridges

https://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom

--------------------

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Meet Joe Henderson—CEO and change-maker—who saw a broken system and said “DANG, someone’s got to fix this.” With only a $10,000 credit card and a fire in his gut, he built a sober living empire from the ground up.

SUMMARY

Joseph Henderson didn’t come to addiction treatment through his own recovery story—he came to it through a family legacy of service and one unforgettable moment that changed everything. After walking into a substandard treatment center and seeing patients forced to sleep in hallways, he knew the system was broken. Today, as founder and CEO of Sierra Health and Wellness and The Elijiah House Foundation, Joe has turned that spark into one of the leading behavioral health networks in California and Nevada.

Armed with nothing more than a $10,000 credit card and a mission, Joe opened a small sober living house that grew into a network dedicated to dignity and quality in care. In this conversation with Todd and Bettijo, Joe pulls back the curtain on the messy realities of the recovery industry—patient-brokering scandals, the stubborn stigma of addiction, and the hard truths about insurance companies that too often put profits before people. Joe also explains why the 2008 law that redefined addiction as a medical condition was both a blessing and a curse, opening doors for treatment while also unleashing fraud and inadequate reimbursement that still haunt the system.

But this isn’t just an exposé—it’s also a story of hope and humor. Joe shares how Sierra’s holistic model goes beyond substance use to address the mental and physical health issues at the root of addiction, while Todd adds levity with a hilarious, all-too-relatable story from his own early recovery. Together, they explore why “luxury rehab” shouldn’t be a privilege, but a standard of care available to everyone.

This episode is raw, urgent, and at times laugh-out-loud funny—a behind-the-scenes look at how one man is fighting to bring dignity, quality, and compassion back to addiction treatment. It’s the kind of story that’ll make you say… well, DANG!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Joe’s roots in service: how a family legacy with the Salvation Army shaped his calling. (1:23)
• The “spark” moment—patients sleeping on hallway floors—that lit the fire for change. (3:08)
• Joe shares that he is a "normie," but his family's struggles with polyuse addiction inspired his work. (5:44)
• Launching the Elijah House Foundation with nothing but a $10,000 credit card and a 10-bed men’s program. (8:24)
• Joe explains that Sierra Health & Wellness was built on the belief that ‘luxury rehab’ should be a standard of care, not an exclusive privilege. (19:35)
• The messy truth about the 2008 law, insurance companies, and how good intentions went sideways. (15:40)
• The rampant fraud that is festering in the addiction treatment industry. (19:55)
• Treating the whole person: why recovery means healing the mind, body, and addiction together. (23:19)
• A day in the life of a patient at Sierra Health and Wellness, from admissions to the nursing team, detailed in the movie short Joe produced Troy's Story. (27:00)
• Do they really tie people down in rehab? (31:20)
• If Joe had a magic wand, this is the one thing he’d fix in addiction care. (46:16)
• ToddFlix: Countdown (55:51)

This isn’t just a conversation about addiction—it’s about fighting for dignity, compassion, and real change in a broken system. Joe’s work is proof that better is possible. You’ll want to hear this one. Hit play!

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© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

What was it like growing up as a child star in the '70s and '80s? Join Todd Bridges and his childhood partner-in-crime, Patrick Labyorteaux, as they reveal the wild, hilarious, and downright unbelievable true stories from their days on the Universal lot—from trapping kids in a safe to getting pranked by Michael Landon!

SUMMARY

On this special episode of DANG!, Todd Bridges sits down with his longtime friend—and fellow former child star—Patrick Labyorteaux for an unfiltered, laugh-out-loud trip back to Hollywood in the ’70s and ’80s.

Patrick, best known as Andy from Little House on the Prairie and Bud from JAG, shares stories from his decades-long friendship with Todd, which started on the set of the 1977 film A Circle of Children. They take a walk down memory lane, sharing unfiltered stories from pranking Kyle Richards to that legendary moment when Jason Bateman ended up in a dumpster (yes, really), the stories in this episode are wild.

The duo spills on what it was like growing up on studio lots—balancing strict rules, on-set schooling, and the jaw-dropping differences between kid actor hours and adult actor grinds. Plus they dish about working with Hollywood legends, including prank-loving Michael Landon and a much tougher experience with Henry Fonda.

They don’t shy away from the real talk either: fame, dating, and what happens when the world remembers your face but forgets your work. Plus, how the child star experience of the past compares to today’s social-media-driven fame.

HIGHLIGHTS

• How Todd and Patrick first met. (1:15)
• Patrick and Todd recount pranking other kids and throwing Jason Bateman in a dumpster. (3:00)
• The vast differences between working hours as a child actor versus an adult actor. (6:18)
• A deeper look at the specialized professional schools child actors attended on or off set. (7:49)
• Patrick and Todd share stories about getting into trouble on set and why they were scared of their moms. (13:39)
• The duo discusses how being a child star skewed their view of real life and how fame affected dating. (16:25)
• Patrick shares how he got into acting. (29:18)
• ToddFlix: Havoc (44:25)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• What being a child star in the ’70s and ’80s was really like compared to now.
• The real deal on those Hollywood on-set schools.
• The unexpected perks—and pitfalls—of growing up on TV.

If you grew up watching these classic shows or just want the untold stories from Television’s golden era, this episode is a must-listen.

Follow on Instagram: Todd @toddbridges & Bettijo @pagingsupermom

https://www.instagram.com/toddbridges

https://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom

--------------------

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com

Todd and Bettijo are tackling their sugar cravings with neuroscientist and author Dr. Nicole Avena, who proves your cookie obsession isn’t just willpower gone wrong—it's a real addiction. Get ready to laugh and learn as they uncover the shocking truth behind why your brain can't stop at just one, or maybe 12, peanut butter cups!

SUMMARY

Todd and Bettijo are joined by Dr. Nicole Avena, a Princeton-trained neuroscientist who literally wrote the book on sugar addiction. A faculty member at both Princeton University and Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Dr. Avena has spent over 20 years proving that sugar is, in fact, an addictive substance that meets the same criteria as drugs linked to substance use disorder.

Her book Sugarless is a practical guide to kicking sugar without losing your mind, complete with a step-by-step plan and recipes to help you break free. In this conversation, she reveals the sneaky ways hidden sugars show up in everyday foods like frozen pizza and even bacon, and how the food industry relies on them to mask preservatives. The episode also dives into the artificial sweetener debate, exposing how they can actually fuel stronger cravings by confusing the brain.

Dr. Avena shares her personal journey, the resistance she faced from the scientific community, and how her work helped reframe food addiction from a moral weakness to a diagnosable brain disease. From obesity and chronic illness to sugar as a potential “gateway drug” for kids—and even its eerie parallels to Big Tobacco—this eye-opening conversation will change the way you look at what’s on your plate.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Todd confesses his sweet tooth for Trader Joe's dark chocolate peanut butter cups. (1:30)
• Is sugar really addicting? (2:12)
• The sneaky names for hidden sugar on food labels that you need to know about. (8:21)
• What about artificial sweeteners? (10:24)
• Sugar as a gateway drug. (23:31)
• Bettijo’s strategy for when to use sugar and when to avoid it based on the book Nourishing Traditions. (29:03)
• Surprising amount of sugar in popular beverages like iced coffee and soda drinks. (33:50)
• The eerie similarities between sugar and Big Tobacco. (37:07)
• How to tackle your sugar addiction. (40:19)
• ToddFlix: Todd talks about the TV show Narcos. (47:44)

LISTEN TO LEARN

• The best way to read food labels to spot hidden sugars.
• How food companies use sugar to make their products addictive.
• Simple, small changes you can make to reduce your sugar intake.

Todd just committed to giving up soda with dinner—DANG! Now that's what we call a small, incremental change. Listen now to find out how you can start making your own!

Follow on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/toddbridges

https://www.instagram.com/pagingsupermom

--------------------

© 2024 Loop 101 Media

DANG! is produced by Loop 101 Media, Bettijo Bridges, Todd Bridges & Attalie Anne

For more information contact info@loop101media.com