Dr. Scott Lyons Plus One (Part 1): Why You’re Addicted to Chaos

Before Dr. Scott Lyons became an expert on drama addiction, he was living it – weaponizing empathy, chasing crisis to feel alive, and mistaking stress for connection. Now a clinical psychologist, body-based trauma expert, and author of Addicted to Drama, Scott joins hosts Martin Luther King III, Arndrea Waters King, Marc Kielburger, and Craig Kielburger for a fearless and deeply personal conversation about chaos, trauma, and the hidden ways we keep ourselves stuck. Joined by his best friend of over 20 years, Nicole Asselin, Scott reflects on the childhood trauma, shame, thrill-seeking, and relational patterns that shaped his life – and how he ultimately broke free. Together they explore: The science behind addiction to stress (and how endorphins keep us hooked) Trauma bonding vs. drama bonding Why chaos can feel safer than peace How to build connection without crisis Turning thrill-seeking into growth instead of self-sabotage Note: This episode includes discussion of suicide and mental health. Viewer discretion advised. Don’t miss Part 2, airing Tuesday, March 17. Subscribe for conversations that challenge, heal, and inspire. CHAPTERS ____________ 00:00 – Introduction: Meet Dr. Scott Lyons 04:54 – Bullying, Shame & Crying Out for Help 09:07 – What Is “Weaponized Empathy”? 12:19 – The Role of Friendship, Play & Improv in Healing 16:03 – Playfulness to Balance Heaviness 17:51 – Chaos as a Way to Feel Alive 21:57 – Loving Someone Who Thrives on Drama 27:18 – From Broadway to Psychology: A Career Reinvention 30:13 – The Science Behind Addiction to Drama ____________