73. From Rock Bottom to Resilience with Chad Dunn

Update: 2025-11-05

Description

What does it take to rebuild a life from rock bottom, federal prison, and addiction into one of purpose and success?

In this raw and powerful episode, Ian Bowen sits down with Chad Dunn, a certified behavioral change specialist and the co-founder of MOVE Human Performance Center. Chad unveils his incredible journey from a promising career in physical therapy to a devastating spiral of drug use and a 30-month federal prison sentence. He shares the pivotal turning point that sparked his redemption and the core philosophy that now allows him to help everyone from professional athletes to individuals with catastrophic injuries reclaim their lives.

Chad delves into his "One in a Row" methodology, the critical importance of a real support system, and why he reframes "addiction" as a series of "choices." This is a masterclass in resilience, offering a practical blueprint for anyone looking to overcome limitations and build a life of unshakable strength.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Chad’s journey from a dream-driven kid to a drug-dealing, crack-smoking personal trainer, and the consequences that forced a reckoning.

2. The single most important factor in his turnaround and how finding a "real" support system is non-negotiable for sustainable change.

3. The "One in a Row" mindset methodology he developed in prison and how to apply it to any goal.

4. A powerful client story of helping a paralyzed BMX Hall of Famer walk again through mindset and environment.

5. Why Chad prefers the word "choices" over "addiction" and how this linguistic shift empowers personal responsibility.

6. Practical steps for anyone feeling stuck to start their comeback, including the first thing you must do to hear yourself think.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Support System Must Be Real: The people who hold the mirror up to you in both good times and bad are the ones who will help you cross the finish line.

2. Master the "One in a Row" Mindset: Success is built one day, one repetition, one good choice at a time. Focus on completing the one directly in front of you.

3. Be the Inner Coach, Not the Inner Critic: The battle is won or lost in your mind. Silence the critic and become the coach who pushes you through the struggle.

4. Environment is Everything: Surround yourself with people who are grinding. A competitive, positive environment is contagious and raises the floor for everyone.

5. On the Other Side of Pain Lies Greatness: The frustration and struggle are where resilience is built and where true transformation happens.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the Positive Persistence Podcast

01:37 - Meet Chad Dunn: From Physical Therapy Aspirations to a Life Off the Rails

02:21 - The Downward Spiral: Drug Use, Dealing, and Hitting Rock Bottom

04:06 - The Turning Point: Meeting His Wife and the Power of a Real Support System

04:35 - Federal Prison as a Training Ground: “Movement is Medicine”

07:30 - Founding MOVE Human Performance Center and the “One in a Row” Philosophy

10:27 - Mindset in Action: The Story of Helping a Paralyzed Athlete Walk Again

15:40 - Creating a Contagious Environment for Recovery and Peak Performance

21:21 - Embracing Your New Identity: Letting Go of Who You “Used to Be”

22:40 - Ignoring the Noise: How to Stop Being the Inner Critic and Start Being the Inner Coach