I found this podcast years ago when I was newly sober and have religiously listened ever since. I have turned many people onto this podcast! It’s so refreshing to laugh and hear about addiction and recovery at the same time. Waiting for new episodes to drop is agonizing. I wish there was a new one every day but grateful for all of the work you put into this podcast, Dave. Thank you to you and all of your guests!

I’ve listened for many years and find hope and inspiration from your show. To hear how you and your guests have had lives that are ‘ off the rails’ and then, eventually, recover to find meaning and purpose beyond drugs and alcohol gives me hope that my son can find this too. And being a parent, I always enjoy when Alan is on the show!!

Dopey has been one of my most listened to podcasts since I started listening. It is a show full of emotions of all kinds! It has been a huge reminder that I am now alone and that long term recovery is possible! So many great episodes with incredible advice and messages!! Thank you Dave!!

Thank you for bringing it real and raw. I look forward to each new episode and have been listening sequentially in between. My clean date is Feb 7, 2024. The show keeps me focused on my recovery and gives me a chance to laugh - “war stories” are still all I know with a half lifetime of use and a few hundred days under my belt, so it helps me to remember the pain so I dont have any thought that picking up might be a good idea. One day I will send an email or leave a voice message - I love socks.

I started listening to Dopey in July 2024 and I started from the beginning and I’m already on episode 220, so I definitely listen to more than one a day on average . Every once in a while, I will skip ahead like I did this week to listen to the “who am you” dude off of Instagram because I’ve seen his videos and they are hilarious. Like so many others out there I was trying to cut down on drinking alcohol and I got hooked on those feel free drinks with the kava and Kratom and I just keep trying to stop and I keep increasing the amount I use every day over time. This is my first time ever experiencing withdrawals when I tried to quit and it was super scary because with alcohol, I would usually just been shrink on the weekends and maybe have a drink or two throughout the week but with the feel free I could drink them all day long every day, and it has become a huge problem. Anyway, I love listening to Chris and Dave and Allen and Linda and I feel like I am with friends talking about recovery when I listen to the show even though I haven’t officially quit feel free yet. by the way, that’s actually how I found out about this podcast was the quitting feel free Reddit page. Anyway, someday I’m going to go to New York and stop by the deli to meet Dave in person and I hope to be clean by that time. Keep doing what you do. It’s awesome. Stay strong dopey nation and tootles for Chris.

This podcast is the new soundtrack to my life. Thank you for the incredible work you are doing. Also, I loooove Thuan sooo much!!! I keep going back to episodes that he is on in it's just healing for my heart and soul.

Have loved this podcast for years. I'm a parent of a kid fighting addiction and it's been helpful in understanding how it happened. Interviews are great. Good mix of guests. Only giving it a 4 Star bc of the new ads placement. Pop up 2-3 times and play mid-sentence and mid- interview which it really annoying. They come on full blast, top volumne and really ruin the vibe of the interview. Can you run them in the beginning and at a break mid-podcast like most podcasters do? I understand the need for them but placement as abruptness is super annoying and ultimately may cause me to find another podcast on addiction.

I'm a recovering codependent, alanonic , and learn so much from Dave and his guests. It's so easy to judge people who use alcohol and drugs and watch them ruin their own lives and harm others in the process, but if you educate yourself from the perspective of the addict, WHY they become addicted and how HARD it is to recover, your heart will soften and you can help them recover and heal, including yourself. Bonus if you like and appreciate dark and sometimes raunchy humor. Dave, I can't wait to hold your book in my hand and read the forward from Gabbie! xxoo

Thank you Dave for continuing this amazing podcast. I love the format, the music, the guests. You are an amazing interviewer. You found your calling! Sometimes you remind me of Adam Carolla with your comedic timing. You are truly a funny host. Please don’t stop making this amazing podcast. I’m working my way through every episode.

Hi, I have been listening to Dopey for approximately 3 years now and I have also been in recovery, (clean and sober) for the same amount of time! This show helps me stay in recovery! I always learn and hear great tips on how to stay aways from both alcohol and drugs by listening to all the episodes! I am so thankful that there is such a show for people to openly talk about drug and alcohol use has it is 100 % real and nobody here is ashamed to admit that they have either had or have a problem. It’s a community that helps each other via the best and the worst of times! I hope Dopey continues to flourish in the many years to come !

Episode 455 is the greatest interview ever done by someone not named Howard Stern

Funny texts with Artie Lange☀️

We all need connection and community in our daily struggles w/addiction and so on … you are not alone .

Yo, I understand it takes all kinds of people to make the world go around. but this guy J’s war stories make my face hurt from cringing so hard for

Homie you already played this chat w jay a few weeks ago 😘

Dopey is a colorfully painted portrait of the modern recovering addict. Dave sits upon a mountain of followers hanging on his every word just hoping for more of what he has so masterfully articulated over the past few years. More and more addicts are flocking to podcasts and online recovery platforms in a long-in-coming wholesale rejection of the traditional 12 step dogma. Dave does subscribe to some traditional 12 step recovery while leaving room for a much needed and more nuanced approach to getting and staying clean. This is MUCH more than a few war stories with a stage set with dirty needles next to burned and mangled spoons amongst fast food trash and crumpled receipts. This is recovery today, and it couldn’t be better depicted and shepherded by the Dopey podcast and the ghosts of our dear and deceased friends and family.

Who am I to rate anything? Its real, and it’s honest. It will make you cringe and nod in agreement at the same time. It’s funny sometimes, devastating at others, and disarmingly insightful.

Lost my 20 year old son 10 years ago … fentanyl laced heroin I was looking for podcasts for answers why … I’ve learned a lot from your podcast. Wish I would’ve known more when my boy was in the thick of addiction Made me sad about Annie & your friend Chris. I wish my son could’ve heard your podcast to let him know there was a way out … a light at the end of the tunnel. I do have to say it makes me a little sad when you blame your dad for your addiction … I’m glad you’re sober .. God bless you and your family. Don’t blame Alan Tootles for Chris Beth from Westchester NY

Although I have been clean and sober for years I still really enjoy the Dopey podcast and Dave always keeps it 100% real. Some great guests over the years! Toodles 4 Chris😢💕

Just wanted to let you know I was still listening all the way through Jake’s song at the end. Great episode

Been in recovery 3.5 years from some heavy stuff. Love Dave! Keep on keeping on!

Really enjoyed the older episodes, haven’t been able to get into the show in the last couple of years. Still appreciate what you’re doing for the recovery community though. Toodles for Chris

Listen to the first 143 episodes and tell me Dave did not contribute to Chris’s death. If you don’t have the time try episode 98 and 132. RIP Chris 143

I started the Dopey podcast on episode 400 and something and quickly realized I needed to start from episode 1. I felt like I needed to get to know Chris better and it’s given me a completely new gratitude for the show. This podcast has made my recovery so much better. Chris’s way of subtly weaving in a message of recovery into his stories and quietly persuading Dave to take the same course of action is inspiring and significantly helpful. Thank you Dave for building such a great podcast. RIP Chris and Todd. Stay strong Dopey Nation and Toodles for Chris! -Matthew

I finiished Nein, Nein, Nein last week and unfortunately gad to miss Jerry’s reading here in Los Angeles so it was doubly great to hear him on Dopey!I love him. And Dopey I love how long the episodes are #386 ketamine: those guys are doctors?? Doubt it! THREE hours of goodness! I love this podcast.

The Brace Belden eps are awesome, keep up the good work Dave!

This podcast is phenomenal! The episode w/ Jesse and Cassidy, so many twists and turns, it was wild. Jesse is an incredible speaker with a moving story that should be told in person once there is more clean time. I think he could have a solid speaking career in the recovery community. He should be proud of himself for moving forward. I’m rooting for him! Toodles for Chris!

I found this podcast the week of my brothers 5th year anniversary of his passing. June 30th 2019 He died from a laced fentanyl pill at 19 years old my mother & I found him. I was 22 and needless to say I’ve never been the same. This podcast was everything I needed to hear this week. From the perspective of his sweet sister, to hearing Dave talk so fondly about his dear friend. It just gave my heart the hug it needed. Hearing todd talk gave me a weird sense of peace I can’t explain. I’m onto episode 138 next to continue in my week of wallowing but this has made me laugh through the tears and I wish I had someone in my life I could share this with that would enjoy it as much as I did or even just get that same sense of peace from it. Like they’ve GOT to be in a better place now then they were then. Despite us wanting them here with us. Incredible show to stumble upon. I’m so thankful I did during a time I needed it the most. 🤍🪽 fly high todd & Tyler

I didn’t get to know Dopey until after getting to know Dave. He’s such a great listener and interviewer, and he makes so much space for different ideas and trends within the recovery and addiction landscapes. I take this podcast with me on runs, and when I’m feeling stressed out, I’ll put it on, and it’s helps me to hear that I’m not alone in my struggles. It’s sometimes funny, it’s sometimes shocking, it’s sometimes sad, it’s sometimes joyful and heartwarming, but it’s always honest and it’s always loving, and it’s always a great place to find some hope.

Not an avid listener, but appreciate what you do. And thank you for giving Billy Jensen the opportunity to share his story. Wonderful episode.

I quit drinking 500 days ago, and sobriety podcasts have become a big part of my life. Unfortunately most of them are kind of bland, and I can’t relate that well. My experiences are a lot milder than those of the people who make up the world of Dopey, but their stories are so funny and fascinating and moving. This podcast is really something special, and Dave is the best. ❤️

I’ve struggle from time to time with cravings of alcohol. Listening to other people’s stories helps remind myself ,to take it one day at a time.

I am someone who struggled with drugs for 30 years and have been lucky ent to be successful (and 10 years sober). I love living vicariously through the guest’s experiences and also appreciate the Howard inspired interviews. Well done!

I began listening to Dopey while not sober and am still listening 6 sober years later. Dopey has taught me so many things, including how recovery can be a real thing for me AND fun. I’m living my best life thanks to this podcast. It’s a Godsend, irreverent, hilarious, tragic, informative and real. Thank you Dave & Chris (R.I.P.). DOPEY 4-EVER 4-EVER DOPEY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOODLES

I’ve been listening to Dopey daily since 2016 or 2017. Such a good show. Often fall asleep listening to it. Always ready for a new release each week. Proud of Dave. He’s been able to keep the heart of Dopey rolling in the right direction throughout everything that has taken place. It’s certainly grown quite a bit from Dave & Chris & random guests like Novak, Nick Reiner, Tim’s killer voicemails & the East Side Crackhead. Those are some of my favorite classic episodes. I would go as far as saying that Dopey has hit Soprano’s or The Wire status where you can just kick on some of those classic episodes to get thrown into a happy nostalgic state….OR you can follow along with new each week & still get those same good vibes, wild stories & stuff we can all relate to from the fresh content. 10 stars Dave. Keep it rolling.

I used to listen to podcasts like recovery elevator and Omar, but now this is the only recovery podcast I listen to bc the Dopey universe is so expansive. Even though the host Dave is sober for years, he still has a cool edge, and since he grew up listening to stern everyday, Dave has an incredible interviewing style that makes the guests feel so Welcome and therefore more willing to tell the grimiest parts of their addiction. Seriously, I gasp at some of the horrendous stories on this podcast, but it’s totally mixed with really wholesome stuff like when Dave and his cool liberal dad lovingly spar nearly every show.

I love, love, love this podcast and kind of got a crush on Dave. I am am not a typical Dopey. I am pretty boring, but do have Dopey experiences in the 35 years + I was busy living a very messy life. I happily survived and have longtime sobriety, and an awesome life. BUT listening helps me fill in the gaps between in person meetings. I recommend this to many folks, because Dave (and Chris, Todd, Andrew, Hot Wheels RIP) deliver the message with each show. Allan, Linda, and Linda’s mom are wonderful voices representing what the family experience is. My coworker surprised my with a set of dopey stickers and I am so thrilled! Keep it up, stay strong, and keep safe.

After hearing Dave and Chris on Last Day, I checked out their first Dopey episode. It was like listening to my friends and I tell our best stories. I couldn’t stop listening to them laugh and share, I rushed to catch up to current. Dave’s interviewing has become masterful and empathetic. Who would think the guy who couldn’t stop interrupting his co-host and guests would become THIS GUY?! His interviews are deliciously debaucherous, yet he also offers support to his guests and listeners and genuinely cares. Dave has created a family, just by showing up for the Dopes and those that love them every Friday night.

Dopey has completely changed my life. It gave me a place where I truly feel like I fit in. It showed me I wasn’t alone in this. That I could make meaningful relationships with people all over the world that have been down the exact same path as me. It showed me that recovery can be fun and exciting and that there are many different ways to do it. I will be forever grateful to Dave and Chris.

Omg someone help me I cannot stop listening to this podcast! I’m at episode 30-something. Love these guys, they are the same type of bottom of the barrel addicts in recovery as I am! There’s something so healing being able to relate to someone on this type of level… the fellowships don’t allow for this kind of release!

👍👍👍👍👍

My partner died from a fentanyl overdose last September. I have never felt so alone in my life. I tried listening to recovery podcasts, but I didn’t want to hear preaching about how awesome their lives were now that they are sober because I felt like my life was never going to be okay again. I am so glad I found Dopey. It was really helpful to hear Dave and all of the friends and family members of Chris and Todd. I didn’t feel so alone and the old episodes kept me company in the evenings when the silence was deafening. Stay strong Dopey Nation and toodles for Chris.

I always look forward to the new release of Dopey on Friday. I’ve found it to be a great way for a sober person in recovery to unwind with like minded travelers at the end of a long, stressful, sober work week. I must admit, I was a little uneasy about some of the topics and conversation early on. Reflecting on that, I can see I was listening through the wrong “pair of glasses” so to speak! When I stopped listening and comparing how different my journey and program is from the story being told by the Dopes and started listening and comparing to the similarities, I realized I was right where I needed to be. So many similarities that I’m grateful to be able to reflect on and laugh at while listening. I would say for anyone early on in recovery, some of the episodes could be a bit triggering. Regardless of that, Dave M. always finds away to subtly carry the message; recovery is clearly possible no matter how far down the scale you have gone! So kick back, enjoy the show and embrace being another bozo on the bus! Stay strong Dopey Nation and F’n toodles for Chris! Love and Service, Brian V

the host )who sounds like they named be a lovely person) is in love with themself.. pick a random spot in the podcast and do a line -or a shot- everytime that it isn’t Dave talking about himself. Were I to have done all the needed work, I would also try to have a digestible broadcast (interviewing the rich and famous) that is almost entirely about my own life, but I may not recommend it.

This is the very best podcast. I’m Dopey adjacent—many addicts in my family and I grew up around it all. I love how Dave mixes the recovery and the debauchery, the positive and the negative. I also love how he shares random stories about his day, which are always hilarious. Ray is an AWESOME cohost and reminds me of Chris with his good nature. Alan is also my fave. I cannot believe he walked 11 miles and 11 flights of stairs today! Love Dopey Zoom and Dopey Nation FB. You are my people. So genuine, honest, and caring. SSDN. FTFC.

Hi. Am a 44 yr old guy from Illinois who really loves the podcast. Especially the interview with Steve poltz. It was amazing. Thanks you for all you do. If I had one complaint, it would be your father Alan. He seems like a nice enough guy, but his politics are annoying and seem very far left. (Almost to the extreme at times ). You do a very good job at staying centered. Thank you. Thank you for all the entertainment you have provided and helped me stay sober when it’s tough. Take care. Tom.

Long time listener. I’ve always thought the story behind this podcast would make an excellent book or movie. Someone needs to make this happen.

2.5 hour long episode, and already 5 ad reads 20 minutes in. This has to be a joke.

The Best of the Best when it comes to recovery podcasts. Dopey covers it all and does not shy away fro the hard stuff, to say the least. Give a listen. You’ll be addicted!

Great podcast that gives us all hope!