Dave and Chris

Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction

dopeypodcast@gmail.com (Dave & Chris)

  • I fronted Sid Vicious Heroin and ate Burger King with him the Day Before Nancy's Murder – Ned Van Zandt's crazy Recovery Journey

I fronted Sid Vicious Heroin and ate Burger King with him the Day Before Nancy's Murder – Ned Van Zandt's crazy Recovery Journey

Wednesday 7th January 2026

Actor Ned Van Zandt shares his wild recovery journey, including encounters with Sid Vicious and life at the Chelsea Hotel.
Explicit
114 minutes
Inspiring
Honest
Engaging
Authentic
Hopeful

About this podcast

Dopey: On the Dark Comedy of Drug Addiction
Author:
Dave and Chris
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Sobriety Toolkit
Family Recovery from Addiction
Creative Recovery Journeys
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
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Heroin with Sid Vicious: Ned Van Zandt's Recovery Tale

Episode Overview

  • Gratitude can be a powerful antidote to fear.
  • Ned's journey highlights the chaotic allure of addiction.
  • Personal connections play a crucial role in recovery.
  • Ned's work as a counsellor helps him stay grounded.
  • The punk scene offered both temptation and inspiration.
"I found that when I make a decision to be spiritual, I am spiritual."
What drives someone to the edge of addiction and how do they find their way back? In this gripping episode, actor and counsellor Ned Van Zandt shares his rollercoaster journey from the chaotic days of New York's punk scene to sobriety. Ned recounts his wild experiences, including a surreal encounter with Sid Vicious at a Burger King just before Nancy Spungen's tragic murder.
His tales from the infamous Chelsea Hotel and the gritty streets of 1970s New York offer a vivid backdrop to his story of recovery. Ned, a cousin of legendary musician Townes Van Zandt, opens up about the dark allure of heroin and the pivotal moments that led him to seek a clean life. With honesty and humour, he discusses the challenges of staying sober and the unexpected paths that life takes.
Alongside host Dave, Ned explores themes of gratitude, resilience, and the transformative power of recovery. Listeners will be moved by Ned's candidness about his struggles and inspired by his dedication to helping others as a counsellor at a sober house. This episode isn't just about the lows of addiction; it's a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome and thrive.
Whether you're in recovery or simply curious about the personal battles against addiction, Ned's story is one you won't want to miss. So, what’s your antidote to fear? Could it be gratitude, as Ned suggests? Or something else entirely? Tune in to find out.
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