Jonathan Todd Schwartz - The Rise, Fall, & Redemption

In this conversation...

Jonathan Schwartz shares his profound journey from childhood trauma to a successful career in business management within the entertainment industry, followed by a devastating fall into gambling addiction and embezzlement. He discusses the impact of unresolved trauma on his life, the lessons learned during his time in prison, and his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Jonathan's story is one of resilience, redemption, and the ongoing journey of personal growth.

Jonathan shares his harrowing journey through addiction, particularly gambling, and the subsequent path to recovery. He discusses the mindset of a gambler, the emotional toll of addiction, and the importance of personal accountability. Jonathan reflects on his time in prison, the growth he experienced, and the role of spirituality in his recovery. He emphasizes the need for societal change in how addiction is viewed and the importance of forgiveness and understanding in the healing process.

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Takeaways

• Jonathan's childhood trauma shaped his adult life and career choices.
• He worked hard to overcome his past and build a successful career.
• Gambling addiction led to significant personal and professional downfall.
• Jonathan emphasizes the importance of addressing unresolved trauma.
• He found purpose in helping others after his recovery.
• His experience in prison taught him humility and resilience.
• Jonathan's journey reflects the complexities of mental health and addiction.
• He advocates for progress, not perfection in recovery.
• The support of the 12-Step Fellowship was crucial for his healing.
• Jonathan's story is a testament to the power of personal transformation. Gambling addiction is a behavioral addiction that can lead to severe emotional distress.
• The mindset of a gambler often involves grandiosity and a fantasy of winning back losses.
• Self-sabotage is a common behavior among those struggling with addiction.
• Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Recovery requires a commitment to pro-recovery behaviors and humility.
• Spirituality can play a significant role in the recovery process.
• Personal accountability is crucial in overcoming addiction.
• The prison system often lacks adequate educational and rehabilitative resources.
• Addiction is a complex interplay of genetic predisposition and personal choice.

Jonathan Schwartz, childhood trauma, gambling addiction, embezzlement, recovery, business management, entertainment industry, mental health, addiction therapy, personal growth, addiction, gambling, recovery, redemption, mental health, spirituality, personal accountability, prison, forgiveness, self-sabotage, Gary Colton

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Some stories just hit different. Welcome to The Dark Finds Podcast, hosted by writer, true crime creator, and psychology enthusiast Gary Colton. Each episode takes you deep into the world of those who’ve lived through — or created — something extraordinary. From fighters, musicians, and war veterans to cult survivors, ex-cons, psychologists, and entrepreneurs, we explore the lives of people who exist on the edge of the norm. Through honest, often raw conversations, we uncover their journeys, insights, struggles, and what drives them.

At its core, Dark Finds is fueled by one obsession: understanding human behavior in all its forms.