John Forlenza-Bailey

EXPERT ON:

◉ Motivation & Mindset
◉ Overcoming Adversity
◉ Inspirational Life Story
◉ Goal Setting & Achievement
◉ Work-Life Balance & Focus

EXPERIENCE:

◉ Therapist, podcast host, and recovery advocate with over 40 years of experience in substance use disorder treatment, blending clinical expertise with lived recovery insight to support sustainable, values-driven change.

◉ Creator and host of the Hugs Not Drugs Podcast, delivering practical mental health and recovery tools through evidence-based approaches, including DBT, mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness—shared with warmth, humor, and authenticity.

◉ Author and educator behind The Transformation of Dr. Uggs and The Road to Wellness Workbook, translating complex therapeutic concepts into relatable guidance for clinicians, individuals in recovery, and families navigating addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.

About John Forlenza-Bailey

John Forlenza-Bailey is a therapist, podcast host, and recovery advocate dedicated to blending clinical insight with lived experience. He is the creator and host of the Hugs Not Drugs Podcast, a show focused on recovery, emotional wellness, and practical mental health tools delivered with warmth, humor, and authenticity.

John has extensive experience working in substance use disorder treatment for over forty years, integrating evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, emotional regulation skills, and interpersonal effectiveness. His clinical work emphasizes compassion, accountability, and sustainable change for individuals navigating addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.

Drawing from both professional training and real-world recovery perspectives, John translates complex therapeutic concepts into relatable conversations that resonate with clinicians, people in recovery, and families alike. Through the Hugs Not Drugs platform, he also supports education around recovery culture, 12-step philosophy, and holistic wellness.

John is the author of The Transformation of Dr. Uggs and the Road to Wellness Workbook, resources designed to help individuals move from self-defeating patterns toward healthier, values-driven lives.