Optimizing Performance and Sobriety with Dr. Douglas Brackmann and Steve Distante

02/18/25 • 74 min

I’m joined by two amazing guests: Dr. Douglas Brackmann and Steve Distante. Dr. Brackmann is a psychologist, meditation expert and author who works with high performing entrepreneurs, athletes and creatives. He has a deep understanding of neuroscience and human behavior and helps individuals harness their unique brain wiring to overcome obstacles and achieve peak performance. Steve is an entrepreneur, author and investor who has built and scaled multiple businesses. He’s passionate about leadership and impact driven entrepreneurship and helps business owners with the tools they need to succeed while staying true to their values. We dive into the intersection of neuroscience, addiction recovery and peak performance. Dr. Brackmann goes into the effects of THC and modafinil on the brain, how they create illusions of clarity and connection while dampening long term well being. Steve shares his entrepreneurial journey, how mindset, leadership and adaptability have been key to his success. We talk about the challenges and opportunities that come with high performance thinking whether in business or in recovery. We also talk about powerful wellness strategies, cold plunging and breathwork, how they increase mental clarity, resilience and emotional regulation. We also talk about self awareness, discipline and being able to confront challenges head on. Whether you’re in recovery, personal growth or professional development this episode will give you valuable insights to building a life of purpose and strength.

[03:38] Dr. Douglas Brackmann went into recovery in April of 1986. THC did enter his world so now he's 2 years sober again.
[04:56] The THC woke up the monster so to speak.
[07:22] Modafinil is actually artificial flow.
[11:02] Steve Distante has been an entrepreneur since he was 6 years old. He loves to work with entrepreneurs. He's also written three books. He also has a 400 acre farm in Georgia where he offers retreats. He also offers Airstream experiences.
[15:59] the anterior cingulate is the part of our brain that regulates willpower. Buddhist monks and Navy Seals have very well developed anterior cingulate areas.
[22:45] The benefits of cold plunging. It helps eliminate stress and makes you more grounded.
[25:21] Entrepreneurs have so much going on it's good to put your spirit or your soul in the driver's seat.
[28:54] Have checks and balances but always give the illusion of control as a leader.
[35:37] Holding values like gratitude, respect, innovation, teamwork, and trust worthiness dear.
[37:05] THC dampens the light of the spirit and disconnects you from your soul.
[52:47] The pros and cons of taking Vyvanse.
[54:22] The Sleep Eight mattress can track your sleep.
[58:57] TMS helps stimulate your brain in a positive way. It was surprising how targeted they made it with brain mapping.
[01:04:03] Tim does three sessions a day.
[01:06:30] Being in flow and attracted to clarity and opportunity.

Links mentioned in this episode:

[03:38] Dr. Douglas Brackmann went into recovery in April of 1986. THC did enter his world so now he's 2 years sober again.
[04:56] The THC woke up the monster so to speak.
[07:22] Modafinil is actually artificial flow.
[11:02] Steve Distante has been an entrepreneur since he was 6 years old. He loves to work with entrepreneurs. He's also written three books. He also has a 400 acre farm in Georgia where he offers retreats. He also offers Airstream experiences.
[15:59] the anterior cingulate is the part of our brain that regulates willpower. Buddhist monks and Navy Seals have very well developed anterior cingulate areas.
[22:45] The benefits of cold plunging. It helps eliminate stress and makes you more grounded.
[25:21] Entrepreneurs have so much going on it's good to put your spirit or your soul in the driver's seat.
[28:54] Have checks and balances but always give the illusion of control as a leader.
[35:37] Holding values like gratitude, respect, innovation, teamwork, and trust worthiness dear.
[37:05] THC dampens the light of the spirit and disconnects you from your soul.
[52:47] The pros and cons of taking Vyvanse.
[54:22] The Sleep Eight mattress can track your sleep.
[58:57] TMS helps stimulate your brain in a positive way. It was surprising how targeted they made it with brain mapping.
[01:04:03] Tim does three sessions a day.
[01:06:30] Being in flow and attracted to clarity and opportunity.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Previous Episode

Building New Beginnings: Matt Waltz on Entrepreneurship and Embracing Sobriety

For most, success is built by hard work and smart decisions, but for Matt Waltz it’s been a journey of self discovery, resilience and transformation. As a seasoned entrepreneur Matt built a successful business with Waltz Construction and then turned his focus to making a difference through his work with New Freedom. But beyond the professional achievements Matt’s personal story is one of overcoming deep seated fears, dealing with addiction and creating a new way of being. Today Matt joins us to share his story of innovation, leadership and personal renewal. He talks about his struggles with alcohol, the turning points that led him to seek recovery and the big aha’s that came along the way. From facing the reality of addiction to trying unconventional healing methods like ayahuasca Matt’s path to sobriety has not been linear. Now, 16 months sober he reflects on the lessons learned, the support systems that kept him going and the mindset shifts that made lasting change possible. This is about more than just conquering addiction; it's about breaking free from the constraints we impose on ourselves and discovering purpose in the process. Whether you're in recovery, coping with your own challenges, or simply looking for inspiration, Matt's experience demonstrates that perseverance is possible and that the journey is everything.

[03:47] Matt had a tumultuous childhood. There was always anxiety about money.
[04:15] He went to college and got an engineering degree.
[05:06] After 10 years with a big company, he realized that it wasn't providing the security he had hoped for.
[06:01] He decided to take control of his destiny, and he opened his own construction company.
[09:55] When he went to put in his notice, he was allowed to continue working for them while he started his business.
[10:52] It took a couple years for his company to take off. He first began installing doors and windows for Lowe's.
[11:38] Capitalize on opportunities when they present themselves.
[14:22] We learn about the turning point that led Matt into deciding that he wanted to stop drinking.
[15:29] He experienced alcohol withdrawals and realized he had to do something different in order to survive.
[17:33] The first time he tried, he stayed sober for a couple of weeks.
[24:38] How Matt realized that fear was a huge driver for him. He went through the process of forgiving himself and loving himself.
[25:59] How psychedelics like Ayahuasca help you find answers.
[28:31] He continued managing the social aspect of drinking or at least trying to.
[29:34] 15 months ago he made a deal with himself not to drink anymore.
[32:29] Managing stress without alcohol. Matt enjoys conversations with people.
[34:45] The calming centering feeling of being nobody.
[35:52] Letting things go when you don't have control. When you can do things, do it. Sometimes stress helps you know where to focus and what problems to solve.
[36:57] Sometimes anxiety is a trigger to a call to action.
[41:49] Matt met his wife in 1999.
[50:20] Matt's life has changed so much, it's the total inverse of how we used to be.
[52:53] How you feel inside and financial success are independent of each other. Fulfillment comes from working on yourself and being the best you can be.
[54:22] How Matt's perspective on business and leadership has changed since he stopped drinking.
[01:01:23] We learn about his opportunity for New Freedom and how it traces back to Matt's rough roots.
[01:04:31] The future of New Freedom. They also opened a women's facility.
[01:05:23] Matt wants the general public to know that there are good things happening in the world and the impact of helping people leave the self-destructive life of crime behind and successfully reenter society.
[01:06:48] He would like to open multiple facilities in the coming years.
[01:08:57] When you're struggling, it's important to find a way to be honest with yourself.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Next Episode

How Sobriety Transformed His Life and Performance

A life transformed through sobriety—today’s guest has not only overcome addiction but has turned his journey into a mission to help others. As a TEDx speaker, best-selling author and dedicated endurance athlete Nick’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery and community. In this episode, we get into his personal battle with alcohol, the moment he hit rock bottom and the strategies that have kept him sober for the long haul. Beyond his sobriety journey Nick shares how he rebuilt his life through physical fitness and personal development. From doing Ironman’s before he was sober to achieving peak performance after recovery he explains how sleep, discipline and community support has impacted his success. His book Executive Loneliness shines a light on the hidden struggles of high achieving professionals and the need for open conversations around mental health and connection. If you're looking for motivation, practical advice, and a reminder that rehabilitation may lead to a better version of yourself, this episode is for you. Whether you're newly clean, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in personal development, Nick's insights will provide you with lessons on resilience, health, and finding purpose beyond addiction.

[01:54] Tim introduces guest Nick Jonsson, a TEDx speaker and author.
[02:54] Nick shares his background—born in Sweden, educated in Australia, and living in Southeast Asia for 20 years. He discusses his early experiences with alcohol in Sweden, where access was heavily regulated.
[04:20] Drinking became a problem when Nick moved to Australia at 23, where alcohol was widely available and socially encouraged.
[05:55] Drinking escalated in Asia, leading to health issues. Even after hospitalization in Thailand, he initially denied alcohol as the cause.
[07:52] Nick describes his attempts to quit drinking, culminating in a failed attempt on his birthday in 2018, which led him to seek medical detox.
[09:33] He began his sobriety journey with AA, attending daily meetings for the first few years.
[10:03] He's been sober for 7 years.
[11:21] Nick discovered that about 33% of senior executives in Singapore were lonely and isolated. He realized this was a problem. This was the beginning of Nick writing Executive Loneliness.
[12:32] His TEDx talk is partially based on the book where he talks about getting healthy and getting proper sleep.
[13:26] He studied everything on sleep. One of the top tips he discovered was taping your mouth.
[15:01] His Ironman numbers improved when he got extra sleep.
[17:47] Community support, including AA and men’s groups, played a crucial role in maintaining long-term sobriety.
[19:01] It's helpful to be an authentic groups that aren't just about sobriety.
[20:51] Ironman racing was part of his life before sobriety, but his performance improved drastically after quitting alcohol.
[22:15] One of the things that has changed for Nick is his ability to ask for help and be more vulnerable.
[23:08] Finding mentorship and being part of an elite triathlon training group helped him excel as an athlete.
[25:15] In order to train, he became extremely disciplined and also stopped watching news.
[27:37] Physical health became a priority, especially for managing high cholesterol. Instead of medication, he chose daily exercise.
[29:17] He discusses the impact of isolation and anxiety on mental and physical health, sharing how unresolved stress led to psychosomatic illness.
[31:31] People need personal and professional safe spaces and friend groups that they can talk to.
[33:27] Leaders in high-stress environments need to prioritize self-care rather than glorifying overwork.
[35:02] Social media has played a significant role in spreading awareness about sobriety and mental health.
[36:12] Nick shares his most unexpected lesson. He encourages listeners to acknowledge and talk about their struggles.
[37:55] If you're trying to get sober, talk to someone. He has free resources in the back of his book Executive Loneliness.