Podcast Summary: The Viall Files - Episode E945: Going Deeper with Dakota Mortensen

Release Date: June 4, 2025

Introduction

In episode E945 of The Viall Files, host Nick Viall sits down with Dakota Mortensen to delve into the depths of Dakota's personal journey through addiction, recovery, and complex relationships. Alongside Nick, Natalie Joy and Zoe Saldana engage in a candid and heartfelt conversation, offering listeners profound insights into Dakota's life struggles and triumphs.

Dakota's Struggle with Addiction

Dakota opens up about his early encounters with substance abuse, tracing the origins back to his high school years. As a dedicated basketball player from Idaho, Dakota's initial misuse of pain pills stemmed from a simple desire to alleviate knee pain during practices.

Dakota (06:27): "I had zero pain. And, like, it was the best thing in the world. I was like, so right when practice ended, I texted him and I was like, 'Hey, whatever those were, get me as many of those things as you can.'"

His casual experimentation quickly spiraled into a dependency on opioids, leading him down a perilous path involving heroin and fentanyl. Dakota recounts the evolving nature of his addiction, highlighting how accessibility and peer influence exacerbated his substance use.

Dakota (10:00): "It's telling you, like, hey, you need these. Or you start to justify everything, being like, it's not that bad. You're fine."

The narrative underscores the relentless grip of addiction, portraying it as an all-consuming force that dominated Dakota's life aspirations and relationships.

The Impact on Relationships

Dakota's addiction took a significant toll on his personal relationships, particularly with his high school sweetheart, whom he eventually married. Despite his intentions to quit drugs upon marriage, the weight of his addiction proved insurmountable.

Dakota (21:25): "I don't understand what's happening to me. It's like your brain chemistry changes...I couldn't see how bad I was."

His marriage was fraught with struggles, culminating in a traumatic incident where Dakota attempted to conceal his drug use on his wedding day. This event marked a pivotal moment, leading to his realization of the dire consequences of his actions.

Dakota (23:06): "It took using fentanyl on my wedding day to get me to stop."

Ultimately, the breakdown of his marriage and ongoing struggles with addiction highlighted the profound personal and familial ramifications of substance abuse.

Journey to Recovery

Dakota's path to sobriety is a testament to his resilience and determination. After multiple relapses and near-death experiences, he sought help through rehabilitation. His spiritual awakening, catalyzed by a sincere prayer, played a crucial role in his decision to seek support.

Dakota (37:35): "I said a prayer and I was like, 'Hey, if there's anything you can do right now, just please, I need help so bad...'"

Emphasizing self-accountability, Dakota shares his strategies for maintaining sobriety, including intense physical regimens like the "75 Hard" program, which provided structure and purpose during his recovery.

Dakota (49:41): "Just gave me some form of, like, a push."

Despite a relapse triggered by the introduction of fentanyl, Dakota managed to regain control through sheer willpower and continued support from his family and friends.

Dakota (44:32): "I eventually got to a point where I was like, okay, I'm gonna have to do something here to get clean."

Co-Parenting and Personal Growth

With the birth of his son, Dakota's perspective on life and relationships underwent a profound transformation. Becoming a father instilled in him a heightened sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of the impact his actions have on others.

Dakota (28:19): "And you can't imagine, like, losing him."

Navigating the challenges of co-parenting, Dakota emphasizes the importance of setting healthy boundaries and fostering a supportive environment for his child. He reflects on the necessity of personal growth and the continual effort required to maintain his sobriety and positive relationships.

Dakota (30:13): "The more you bundle, the more you save."

Reflections on Toxic Relationships

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Dakota's tumultuous relationship with Taylor, a fellow reality TV personality. Their relationship, marked by mutual struggles and repeated conflicts, serves as a focal point for discussions on accountability, trust, and personal responsibility.

Dakota (74:22): "What do you think it's gonna take for you and Taylor to be in, like, a healthy relationship that you would want your son to one day be in?"

The dialogue explores the complexities of co-dependency, the challenges of maintaining sobriety amidst relationship turmoil, and the imperative of prioritizing personal well-being over unhealthy attachments.

Dakota (77:35): "I owe you this. Of just knowing the truth and to at least just give you that as."

Insights and Advice

Throughout the episode, Dakota imparts valuable lessons learned from his experiences. He highlights the critical role of honesty, self-awareness, and the courage to make difficult decisions for the sake of personal and familial well-being.

Dakota (30:40): "I just need something to give...I just need to do something."

The conversation also touches on the importance of parental vigilance in preventing addiction, advocating for open communication and the safeguarding of prescription medications to protect children from potential substance abuse.

Dakota (30:40): "The biggest part would be to really allow your kid to feel like they have the trust to come to you and talk to you about anything with absolutely no judgment."

Conclusion

Episode E945 of The Viall Files offers a profound exploration of Dakota Mortensen's life, charting his descent into addiction and his inspiring journey toward recovery. Through candid discussions and heartfelt reflections, Dakota shares his vulnerabilities, mistakes, and the lessons he has garnered along the way. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of the pervasive impact of addiction on personal relationships and the enduring strength required to overcome such challenges.

Dakota's story serves as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope, emphasizing that even amidst profound struggles, change and redemption are attainable.

Notable Quotes:

• Dakota (06:27): "I had zero pain. And, like, it was the best thing in the world."
• Dakota (10:00): "It's telling you, like, hey, you need these."
• Dakota (21:25): "I don't understand what's happening to me."
• Dakota (37:35): "I said a prayer and I was like, 'Hey, if there's anything you can do right now, just please, I need help so bad...'"
• Dakota (44:32): "I eventually got to a point where I was like, okay, I'm gonna have to do something here to get clean."
• Dakota (28:19): "And you can't imagine, like, losing him."
• Dakota (30:13): "The more you bundle, the more you save."
• Dakota (74:22): "What do you think it's gonna take for you and Taylor to be in, like, a healthy relationship that you would want your son to one day be in?"
• Dakota (77:35): "I owe you this. Of just knowing the truth and to at least just give you that as."
• Dakota (30:40): "I just need something to give...I just need to do something."
• Dakota (30:40): "The biggest part would be to really allow your kid to feel like they have the trust to come to you and talk to you about anything with absolutely no judgment."

This summary captures the essence of Episode E945, providing a comprehensive overview of Dakota Mortensen's personal journey as discussed in The Viall Files. It highlights key moments, personal reflections, and the overarching themes of addiction, recovery, and relationship dynamics.