Conversations with Rich Bennett Newsletter

​Derek Diem on Recovery, Food, and Love​

Published on May 6, 2026

Recovery is not just about quitting something. It is about rebuilding your life, understanding your habits, and finding the courage to face the reasons behind them.

In this powerful episode of Conversations with Rich Bennett, Rich and co-host Wendy Beck sit down with Derek Diem, who shares his honest journey through addiction recovery, gambling, food struggles, weight loss, heartbreak, and learning how to love himself again. Derek got clean on July 25, 2014, after beginning his recovery journey in San Diego, and today he uses what he has learned through the 12-step program, fitness, and personal growth to help others understand that change is possible.

Takeaways from this episode:

•  Why recovery is a lifestyle, not a one-time decision 


•  How food, gambling, and other behaviors can become replacements for addiction 


•  Why understanding the “why” behind habits matters 


•  How the gym helped Derek through anxiety, depression, and heartbreak 


•  Why love, support, and honesty can help people come back to life 

Mentioned in this episode: Freedom Federal Credit Union Studios, American Addiction Centers, Dream Excel, Repurposed Rising, GLP-1 coaching, and ChatGPT.

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