Expert Shannon Malish on Real Recovery
EPISODE 15 / 03.11.2025
What if everything you thought you knew about addiction and recovery was wrong? In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Shannon Malish—founder of top-rated Windmill Wellness Ranch—to explore how to break the cycle of addiction, the myths about rehab, and the cutting-edge brain science that’s changing lives. If you think recovery is just about willpower, buckle up. This one’s a game-changer!
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Show Notes
Addiction is more than just a bad habit—it’s deeply rooted in trauma, mental health, and family dynamics. Our guest, Shannon Malish, LCSW, knows this fact firsthand. After navigating her own struggles, she transitioned from a career in business to becoming a leader in addiction treatment. She founded Windmill Wellness Ranch, where she combines evidence-based therapy with groundbreaking treatments like individualized transcranial magnetic stimulation (ITMS) to help people truly heal.
In this episode, we get real about the myths of rehab, the role of family in addiction, and the mental gymnastics of an addict’s mind. Shannon shares eye-opening insights on why traditional rehab models are failing, what makes an effective recovery program, and how brain science is revolutionizing the way we treat addiction. Plus, Todd shares a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) story about his early days in treatment—you don’t want to miss this one!
Highlights
- Shannon’s unexpected journey from Wall Street to addiction recovery.
- The “mysterious line” of addiction—when functional alcoholics can no longer function.
- Why the 30-day rehab model is outdated and ineffective.
- How family members unknowingly enable addiction—and what they should do instead.
- The #1 myth about rehab that makes Shannon laugh.
- Inside Windmill Wellness Ranch: What real recovery looks like.
- Brain Frequency Therapy—how magnetic stimulation can help rewire the addicted brain.
- The craziest rehab questions Shannon has ever been asked.
LISTEN to learn
- How addiction is actually a symptom of deeper trauma.
- Why cutting off financial support can be the best thing for an addict.
- The role of brain science in addiction treatment.
- The real odds of recovery—and how to improve them.
- What truly determines if someone will get and stay sober.
- How to evaluate a rehab center (and avoid the shady ones).
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, don’t wait. There is hope, and there are real solutions. Hit play now and start the journey toward healing. Listen now! 🎧
Free rehab Center Evaluation Checklist
Choosing the right rehab center is overwhelming, especially in the midst of crisis. That’s why we created this checklist—so you have the right questions to ask and can make a clear, informed decision. Developed with expert insight from Shannon Malish of Windmill Wellness Ranch, this guide is the next best thing to having us right there with you. Please enter your email address below to download the the checklist as a printable PDF file.
24-HOUR National Helpline
If you’re struggling with your mental health, you don’t have to face it alone. The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24/7 to provide free, confidential support (in English and Spanish), information, and resources for individuals and families facing mental health or substance use challenges. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to speak with someone who cares. Help is just a call away.
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