Life has a way of throwing curveballs... It takes us on unexpected paths and sometimes, it's a struggle just to keep up. In the midst of all this, my grandfather often reminded me, "Control your thoughts and you control your mind." How has that mantra guided me through the upheavals of my personal journey?

Tune in and we'll explore together.

This episode takes you through my journey between 2004 and 2008, a period marked by loss, love, life lessons, and the haunting shadows of addiction. This episode was tough, recounting the profound impact of losing my grandfather and a close friend in quick succession. I also take you through my relationship with Kaitlin, who played an instrumental role in my life, but was also linked to a period of intense personal turmoil.

On this ride, we'll walk the rocky path of my escalating addiction and its toll on my relationships, the pressures of college life in Tucson, and my battles with depression and manic bipolar disorder.

As we move towards the end of this episode, I recount the grim realities of my life post-college. I talk about my struggles with a severe OxyContin addiction while living with my parents and working in the pharmacy industry. This journey hasn't been easy, and it's led to some harsh truths, difficult attempts at quitting, and a life-altering stint in rehab. Yet, through it all, the support I've received has been my saving grace. Join me on this journey and perhaps, you'll find reflections of your own challenges, and the strength to face them head on.

The Successful Degenerate is produced by Brandon Caldwell and Eric Smith from Abuveground.

Make sure to connect and follow on our socials. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe and follow on your favorite platforms so you're notified when new episodes go live!

https://www.instagram.com/thesuccessfuldegenerate/

www.abuveground.com

What if your teenage years were spoiled by early drug encounters, a tumultuous relationship, and a close family member battling a life-altering disease?

Join me as I recount my rocky journey to self-discovery, starting with my first interaction with Vicodin and Marijuana, a stressful relationship with a girl named Whitney, and the emotional upheaval of having my grandfather diagnosed with ALS.

Life throws curveballs, but it's how we react to them that builds our character.

I share my path from a troubled teen to a sales representative, navigating through mental health struggles and setting physical health goals. You'll hear about my friend Sam, an inspiring example of second-chance individuals breaking the cycle and making a difference. We'll reminisce about the first few days of experiencing freedom and remembering the friends we lost along the way.

Join me in this journey of a troubled teen filled with transformations, trials, and triumphs. Let's discover together what it truly means to progress, improve, and succeed degenerates.

The Successful Degenerate is produced by Brandon Caldwell and Eric Smith from Abuveground.

Make sure to connect and follow on our socials. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe and follow on your favorite platforms so you're notified when new episodes go live!

https://www.instagram.com/thesuccessfuldegenerate/

www.abuveground.com

Have you ever wondered how family dynamics impact personal growth, especially in the face of adversity? Take an emotional stroll down memory lane with me, Brandon Caldwell, as I delve into my past, underscoring the roles of key individuals and impactful events. This episode is a tough narration, where I share tales from my upbringing, highlighting the influence of my sister Megan and her battles with addiction, how my stepfather Brian shaped my life, and how my long-time friend Eric Smith and his company Abuveground helped make this podcast come to life.

The episode also chronicles the resilience of my mother navigating the rough waters of a troubled marriage, the shock of my stepdad's infidelity, and the struggle of providing for us amidst it all. Her triumphant journey culminates in the purchase of a car - a symbol of her undying resilience. The narrative takes a turn as I discuss the aftermath of my father's abandonment, the impact on my values, relationships, and the struggle of accepting a new father figure. Come, peel back the layers of my life with me and gain insights on overcoming personal struggles.

The Successful Degenerate is produced by Brandon Caldwell and Eric Smith from Abuveground.

Make sure to connect and follow on our socials. Rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe and follow on your favorite platforms so you're notified when new episodes go live!

https://www.instagram.com/thesuccessfuldegenerate/

www.abuveground.com