Season 2 Episode 17 with Rodd Duff

Midwest | Working Class | Trauma | Mental Illness | Addiction | Coping | Evolution | Transformation | Honesty | Self-Discovery | Change

In the latest episode of "When I Stop Fighting the Podcast," host Daryl Dittmer is joined by Rodd Duff, creator of the "Insights and Straight Talk" podcast. Their prior conversation had left Dittmer enthralled, and he was eager to explore Rodd's story and insights. Both share a connection to the American working and middle class, reflecting their Midwest roots—Dittmer from Detroit and Duff from the Chicago area.

Rodd opens up about his own journey, which encompasses struggles with addiction and personal dysfunction, leading to a life of dishonesty and crime. His path ultimately shifted toward sobriety, honesty, and the importance of self-awareness—fittingly aligned with the themes of Dittmer’s podcast. Dittmer and Duff find common ground in their shared experiences, signaling a deep understanding of each other's battles.

As Rodd recounts his past, he talks about high school life in Huntington Beach, the transition to adulthood, and his journey into mental health and addiction. He reveals experiences that include substance use stemming from childhood trauma, highlighting the connection between mental illness and addiction. Duff discusses how he masked his insecurities, adopting the nickname JR, and explains that while he engaged in various drug use, he viewed it not solely as addiction but as a coping mechanism.

The conversation ultimately proves to be stimulating and informative, as both men dive deep into their histories, acknowledging how they’ve evolved into their current selves, emphasizing the transformative power of honesty, relationships, and self-discovery.

Find Rodd here:

https://roddduff.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@roddduff1939