Ian Morgan Cron, a bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Episcopal priest, shares his insights on addiction and personal growth. He discusses how the 12 Steps can be transformative, even for those who don’t identify as addicts. Ian emphasizes the need for community in overcoming isolation and the importance of admitting powerlessness. He argues that real freedom comes from spiritual awakening and the courage to ask for help. The conversation explores the tension between control and surrender, highlighting how embracing vulnerability leads to true fulfillment.
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insights INSIGHT
Addiction's Counterfeit Nature
Addiction is a counterfeit for what we really want.
It attempts to solve internal problems with external solutions, which never works.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Social Media Addiction
Megan Hyatt Miller details her experience with social media addiction, primarily Instagram.
She describes feeling numb, unable to focus, and empty after extended scrolling sessions.
insights INSIGHT
The Big Ache
Humans are inherently restless and discontent, experiencing a "big ache."
This ache stems from a spiritual yearning for connection with a higher power.
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This book, written by Thomas Keating, provides an overview of the history of contemplative prayer in the Christian tradition and offers step-by-step guidance in the method of centering prayer. It focuses on the intuitive level of contemplation, the role of the Sacred Word, Christian growth and transformation, and active prayer. The book aims to help readers develop a personal relationship with God and to perceive everyday life with increasing sensitivity to the divine presence[1][3][4].
The Road back to you
Ian Morgan Cron
Suzanne Stabile
This book uses the Enneagram, an ancient personality typing system, to help readers understand themselves and others better. It combines practical advice with Christian spirituality to foster deeper self-awareness, compassion for others, and a stronger connection with God. The authors provide introductions to each Enneagram type, questions to help identify one's number, and steps to pursue deeper self-awareness, making the Enneagram accessible and applicable in daily life.
Mind Your Mindset
The Science That Shows Success Starts with Your Thinking
Megan Hyatt Miller
Michael Hyatt
This book, written by Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller, delves into the science behind how our mindset affects our success. It explains how our brains create stories to interpret the world, and how these stories can either empower or limit us. The authors provide a framework based on insights from performance psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science to help readers identify and challenge their false beliefs, and to create new, empowering narratives. The book emphasizes the importance of being conscious of our mindset and how it impacts our goals and relationships in various aspects of life[1][3][4].
In this episode of The Double Win Show, Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller interview Ian Morgan Cron, bestselling author, psychotherapist, and Episcopal priest. Ian shares insights from his new book, The Fix, offering a fresh perspective on how the 12 Steps can transform lives—even for those who don’t identify as addicts. This episode dives into universal human struggles, addressing how we numb pain, avoid truth, and search for solutions in all the wrong places.
Memorable Quotes
“Trying to solve an inside problem with an outside solution doesn’t work.”
“Human beings are always on the prowl for a fix, looking for something to distract or numb the big ache of what it means to be simply human.”
“All human beings are fundamentally restless.”
“The whole point of the 12-step program is to facilitate a spiritual awakening of sufficient force that it expels the need for external solutions to internal problems.”
“Real happiness comes when you make memories in community.”
“People get sick in secret. They get well together.”
“The three most courageous words in the world are ‘I need help.’”
“Powerlessness is a superpower. When you finally admit ‘I am powerless’ or ‘I do not have control over nearly as much of life as I think I do’ suddenly a great, great burden is lifted from your shoulders.”
“Ultimately what we want for ourselves and the people we love most is freedom.”
“All addicts are frustrated mystics.”
“As I’ve kind of unraveled the codependency addiction that I had, I’ve realized that I have to just be okay with people not changing. I want them to change. I pray for them to change. But they have to want it.”
“Your addiction is just a bad solution to a very real problem.”
“The number one addiction? Playing God.”
Key Takeaways
The Big Ache: Everyone carries a longing—an ache—for more. When unmet, it often leads to unhealthy patterns like workaholism, social media scrolling, or compulsive busyness.
A Plan for Transformation: The 12 Steps offer a simple yet profound roadmap to freedom and flourishing, focusing on making peace with God, yourself, and others.
Addiction Looks Different for High Achievers: Addiction isn’t always dramatic. For leaders and professionals, it might show up as perfectionism, control, or overworking.
Healing Happens in Community: Isolation perpetuates pain; healing requires connection.
Surrender Leads to Freedom: Admitting powerlessness isn’t failure—it’s the beginning of true transformation.
The Double Win 
