FYI — I AM DAMAGED
Episode 049
Episode 049 — (Recovery and Hope) A Vision of Hope — Andrew Drasen
Andrew Drasen on recovery from addiction, storytelling in healing, grief, community support, purpose beyond healing, and how self-talk shapes perspective.
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Andrew Drasen joins FYI — I AM DAMAGED with host Oscar Luna for a wide-ranging conversation on recovery, hope, and what it takes to rebuild a life after addiction.
Andrew shares his journey of recovery from addiction, the importance of storytelling in healing, and the profound impact of grief and loss. He emphasizes the need for community support, the significance of finding purpose beyond healing, and the role of self-talk in shaping our perspectives. Andrew encourages listeners to take actionable steps toward change and to recognize their inherent worth.
Topics covered
- Recovery as a starting point — not the finish line
- How storytelling and memoir writing support healing
- Grief, loss, and rebuilding after Caroline’s suicide
- Community support and why no one heals alone
- Finding purpose beyond “just getting better”
- Self-talk, mental strength, and personal growth
- Taking actionable steps and recognizing inherent worth
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Episode transcript & show notes
Andrew Drasen on FYI — I AM DAMAGED with Oscar Luna discusses recovery as a starting point, storytelling in healing, grief after loss, community support, purpose beyond healing, and how self-talk shapes perspective.
Key takeaways
- Recovery is a starting point — healing alone is not the finish line for a life of purpose.
- Storytelling in healing dissolves shame when honesty replaces performance.
- Community support and one trusted person beat isolation every time.
- Self-talk shapes perspective — what you say to yourself becomes the life you build.
- Grief after loss can fuel mission instead of becoming a reason to relapse.
Discussion highlights
Recovery from addiction. Andrew shares the journey without sanitizing relapse or setbacks.
Actionable change. Listeners are encouraged to take small, honest steps toward change.
Community and worth. Finding purpose beyond baseline healing requires connection and recognizing inherent worth.