Dopey 543: Projectile Vomiting, Codependency, Heroin, Fitness, Billy Joel with Rachel Elizabeth Slocum, Doug Bopst,Dopey 543: Projectile Vomiting, Codependency, Heroin, Fitness, Billy Joel with Rachel Elizabeth Slocum, Doug Bopst,
Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction
This week on Dopey! We remember our friend and super special Dope, Annie Ellie on the one‑year anniversary of her death. We play some old messages to keep her still with us! Then we celebrate Travis's 9 years and read his disturbing codependent email! Then we are joined by the great Rachel Elizabeth Slocum dto talk about relapsing, volunteering at Texas flood sites, waking up with depression and guilt, discovering disturbingly skinny PhotoBucket pics from her oxy days, and why she hates being called an “influencer.” We talk about Instagram suspensions, old people vaping weed at concerts, and the addictive charm of the game “Grow a Garden” on Roblox. Dave even invites her to try stand‑up at DopeyCon. Then Doug Bopst — felon‑turned‑fitness‑trainer — enters the ring to debate weed vs. Ozempic, reminisce about Billy Joel’s dark documentary, and reboot the Dopey Fitness Challenge with protein, push‑ups, and warnings about vaping. Dave tests Doug’s knowledge of Elton vs. Billy vs. Zeppelin, and even argues that fatherhood is better than any high. All that and more on a super fun and funny new episode of the good ol' dopey show.
2:21:19•8 Aug 2025
Reflecting on Loss and Recovery Challenges
Episode Overview
- Dave reflects on the impact of Annie Ellie's passing.
- Rachel Slocum shares her struggle with relapse and depression.
- Exploration of codependency in recovery relationships.
- Doug Bopst discusses fitness and its role in recovery.
- The lasting influence of musicians like Billy Joel.
“"Learning from each other, if you're not careful, you might learn something before you die."”
In this heartfelt episode of the Dopey podcast, host Dave marks the solemn anniversary of Annie Ellie's passing. Annie, a cherished member of the Dopey community, left a profound impact, and Dave takes a moment to honor her memory through voicemails and messages she left behind. Annie's loss serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, especially in the context of recovery.
Rachel Elizabeth Slocum returns to the podcast, sharing her candid story of relapse and the ensuing depression. After volunteering during the Texas floods, Rachel found herself overwhelmed by the emotional toll of service work, leading her into isolation. Her account is both raw and relatable, as she describes feeling like a "lazy, dirty sewer rat," while uncovering old photos that serve as stark reminders of her struggle.
Listeners are also introduced to a narrative involving Travis, a listener whose relationship saga encapsulates the complexity of codependency in recovery. Travis meets a girl in a meeting, falls in love, and attempts to help her achieve sobriety, only to watch their relationship unravel due to infidelity and emotional turmoil. Fitness expert Doug Bopst joins the conversation, offering insights on redefining one's relationship with fitness in the context of recovery.
Doug emphasizes the importance of gradual progress and the benefits of total body workouts, even when gym attendance is limited. The episode also touches on the enduring influence of musicians like Billy Joel, Elton John, and Led Zeppelin, whose music continues to resonate across generations. Overall, this episode of Dopey is a blend of reflection, challenge, and hope, underscoring the complexities of addiction, codependency, and the journey toward recovery.
Do you want to link to this podcast?
Get the buttons here!
More From This Show
The latest episodes from the same podcast.
Related Episodes
Similar episodes from other shows in the catalogue.