Conversations with Rich Bennett Newsletter

​Dan Vaysburd on Addiction, Fitness, and a Life Rebuilt​

Published on September 15, 2025

Certified trainer and nutrition coach Dan Vaysburd joins Rich to share his road from early addictions—starting with video games—to substance use, relapse, and finally sustained recovery anchored in strength training and sustainable nutrition. He explains why “diets” fail, how counting macros and consistency changed his life, and why fitness paired with fellowship accelerates healing. This candid, practical conversation shows how to trade short-term highs for long-term health.

Guest Bio:  

Dan Vaysburd is a Los Angeles–based certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who left a high-stress finance career to pursue his passion for helping people get strong the sustainable way. An immigrant raised in New Jersey, Dan’s recovery began in 2024; he now sponsors others in 12-step programs, coaches clients in person (and selectively online), and advocates pairing fitness with recovery as a powerful path to purpose. 

Main Topics: 

·         Early addiction roots: isolation, video games, and identity (age ~7)

·         Escalation after his mother’s death; marijuana → alcohol → party drugs

·         Peak addiction years in New York; returning to LA and starting recovery

·         The relapse at a music festival and getting back on track (May 2024 milestone)

·         Why diets don’t work: sustainability vs. restriction; tracking calories & macros

·         Strength training as a “lifeline” and cornerstone for sobriety

·         Coaching in commercial gyms, management track, and part-time work at a detox center

·         Bringing recovery and fitness to schools and athletes (speaking vision)

·         Living amends: being present for family; purpose-driven routines  

Resources mentioned: 

·         Dan’s website & socials (as stated on-air): “danvaysburd.com”; Instagram: “@dan.vaysburd” 

·         Recovery fellowships referenced: AA, NA (12-step) 

·         Supporter: Real Life Prosthetics

·         Supporter: Full Circle Boards

·         Supporter: Sincerely Sawyer Photography 

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