Brian James is on a mission to tap out the stigma surrounding addiction and mental illness. While he and I share a number of passions - running, music, and off-beat humor, to name a few - he's way into something that's unfamiliar to me: jiu-jitsu. He leaned hard on the discipline during 2020, when he lost his father and, shortly thereafter, a close friend.

Brian got sober from meth in the early 2000s, but it was first March 3, 2014, when he put down the drink for good. He boldly shares his story to inspire others, and to dispel myths surrounding masculinity.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode includes discussions on substance abuse and suicide.

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This episode was presented by DUI & Behavioral Health Counseling Centers, which has offices here in northern Illinois – in Sycamore, Plano, and Crystal Lake. If you suspect you or someone you love has a problem with drinking, drugs, mental illness or anger, call 815-895-9000 today and set up an evaluation. Visit duisycamore.com for more information.

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If you or someone you know would like to star on the podcast, or be interviewed on IGTV, email us at [email protected].

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