We're Out of Time Podcast

Episode: How to Rewire Your Life: Erica Spiegelman on Recovery, Mindset & Habits
Host: Richard Taite
Guest: Erica Spiegelman
Date: February 10, 2026

Episode Overview

In this inspirational and practical episode, host Richard Taite sits down with bestselling author, counselor, and recovery expert Erica Spiegelman. Together, they dive into Erica's signature "Rewired Method"—an eight-part framework designed to help people recover, heal, and reshape their lives. The conversation covers practical tools for mindset change, combating negative self-talk, establishing healthy routines, and finding empowerment through neuroplasticity and self-compassion. Real stories, actionable insights, and even some playful vulnerability from both guest and host make the episode relatable for anyone seeking change, whether in addiction recovery or in pursuit of general self-betterment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Introduction to the "Rewired Method" and the Eight Rs

• The Eight Rs:
  • Restart
  • Reframe
  • Rewire (with routines)
  • Rewrite (narratives)
  • Reintroduce (self-love and compassion)
  • Reaffirm
  • Refocus
  • Reinvention
  • Purpose: The method is about using neuroplasticity and conscious repetition to "rewire" habits, thoughts, and identities, cultivating lasting change.
    (01:37–02:20)

"Really, the most successful clients I've ever had were the ones that change their routine and that begin to understand that repetition right in the right direction is what really changes our life overall and gives us a new, you know, kind of a new existence."
—Erica Spiegelman (02:23)

1. Rewriting Narratives and Changing Self-Talk

• The Power of Narrative:
  • Negative self-talk ("I'm not good enough") keeps people stuck.
  • Many false beliefs are instilled early—by parents, teachers, or bullies.
  • Insight: The first step is becoming aware of these narratives, then actively rewriting them to move forward. (03:18–04:07)
• Perfectionism Trap:
  • Richard candidly discusses his own issues around perfection and negative self-image.
  • Erica underscores that perfectionism can drive excellence, but also breeds chronic dissatisfaction.

"All I require is perfection. That's it. I just require perfection."
—Richard Taite (04:27)

2. Reframe: Shifting Perspective

• From Failure to Experience:
  • Erica shares how reframing failure as experience leads to resilience and new opportunity.
  • Constant self-judgment is corrosive; reframing is about focusing on what you gain, not on what you did wrong.
    (05:02–06:42)

"Reframing a situation that I failed. I'm such a failure versus: No, this was just an experience. And there's a better opportunity for you around the next door."
—Erica Spiegelman (05:42)

3. Rewire With Routines

• Routine and Self-Care:
  • Positive routines (like exercise) build a healthier self-identity and provide day-to-day structure.
  • Routines should be personalized and meaningful—not forced.
  • Personal anecdote: Erica describes her transformation through daily running, including the validating moment of being seen as “the runner girl.”
    (07:01–08:47)

"For her to acknowledge that I was a healthy woman based on my new routines, it was an amazing moment because it gave me again, the motivation to keep on going down those healthy pathways..."
—Erica Spiegelman (08:39)

4. Comparisons and Social Narratives

• Comparing ourselves to others (especially on social media) is common but destructive.
• Everyone’s narrative is shaped by unique family and cultural backgrounds.
• Playful banter highlights the difficulty and consequences of constant comparison.
  (09:07–10:37)

5. Self-Love and Compassion

• Universality of Self-Healing:
  • Recovery principles apply to everyone, not just those with addictions.
  • Erica emphasizes the importance of being your own best friend, encouraging yourself with sincere and kind language.
  • Richard notes the difference between self-encouragement and self-delusion, stressing authenticity.
    (12:03–13:23)

"You have to be your own best friend. You have to talk yourself through things in life. No one else is going to do it for you."
—Erica Spiegelman (12:08)

6. Reaffirm: The Role of Affirmations

• Affirmations for All Ages:
  • Using positive affirmations, especially with kids, can change lives by shaping beliefs.
  • Erica shares her experience using affirmations with her own children and the impact of gratitude rituals.
    (13:57–14:42)

7. Refocus: Power of Attention

• Where You Place Your Energy:
  • Focusing on what you lack or dread creates anxiety; shifting to gratitude and solutions changes your quality of life.
  • Developing this positive focus is like building a mental muscle—it takes work and repetition.

"If I wake up in the morning and my focus is what I don't have, what is going wrong, what hasn't happened yet...that's going to be the trajectory of my...day."
—Erica Spiegelman (15:43)

8. Reinvention: Becoming Your Best Self

• Identity Transformation:
  • Recovery eventually leads you to ‘see yourself in a new way’, forming a new, empowered identity.
  • Richard shares a personal story of modeling himself after an “elegant man” (Anthony Hopkins' character in Meet Joe Black) in his quest for reinvention post-addiction.
  • Erica affirms the role of stories—film, characters, and narratives—in shaping our vision for ourselves. (18:26–21:00)

"When you start to see yourself a new way...you identify differently with who you are, and that's the freedom of this path."
—Erica Spiegelman (18:27)

Systemic Gaps & Erica’s Mission

• Need for More Modalities in Treatment:
  • Erica noticed limited treatment options; she created an online Rewired Program for incarcerated learners, now active in 1,100 US correctional facilities.
  • Over 10,000 prisoners have completed the program with a 92% completion rate—making it evidence-based in her eyes.
  • Erica’s new "Rewired Academy" offers certification for professionals and is launching a free four-week online course (Rewired Wellness) for the general public. (21:04–26:10)

"We've had 10,000 incarcerated learners graduate the Rewired program online. Now I'm trying to bring...a rewired coaching certification program where I can train other counselors, other professionals in our field."
—Erica Spiegelman (21:10)

"You do that, your life gets instantly better and you get...happier. And you have a fuller life. And when you're not like this all day long you can be present for your children, for your love, relationships, for your friendships, for people that need you."
—Richard Taite (23:04)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Negative Self-Talk:
  • "Part of my narrative is I'm an idiot." —Richard Taite (04:07)
• On Self-Compassion:
  • "You have to be your own best friend..." —Erica Spiegelman (12:08)
• On Comparison:
  • "If I compare myself to the president, I'm going to feel shitty. So I don't do it." —Richard Taite (09:45)
• On Recovery for All:
  • "Everyone's recovering from something." —Erica Spiegelman (12:10)
• On Personal Transformation:
  • "If you don't replace drug addiction and that life that you held as most valuable with something of equal or greater value, you can't stay sober." —Richard Taite (19:19)
• On Giving:
  • "There's nothing to get. There's only to give." —Richard Taite (20:19)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:37] – Introduction to the Eight Rs of Recovery
• [03:18] – Importance of Rewriting Narratives & Combating Negative Self-Talk
• [05:02] – Reframing Failure into Opportunity
• [07:01] – Power of Routines in Recovery
• [09:07] – The Dangers of Comparison Culture
• [12:03] – Embracing Self-Love and Compassion
• [13:57] – How Affirmations Change Lives
• [15:43] – Refocusing and the Power of Attention
• [18:26] – Reinvention: Identity and the Role of Stories
• [21:04] – Systemic Gaps and the Rewired Program in Prisons
• [24:41] – Launch of New Online Courses for Everyone

Tone & Style

The episode mixes candid, conversational self-disclosure (especially from Richard), compassionate expertise (from Erica), and practical optimism. Both guests use humor and humility, while offering concrete steps listeners can apply immediately—making the content approachable, non-judgmental, and empowering.

Summary Takeaway

Erica Spiegelman’s “Rewired Method” is about tangible, daily practices—backed by science and lived experience—that help anyone (not only those in addiction recovery) transform their habits, their mindset, and ultimately their lives. With actionable advice, real human stories, and an affirming tone, this episode serves as both a primer for Erica’s work and a motivational reset for all listeners.