Former Korn and Head PE guitarist Wes Geer opens up to Tyler Ramsey about addiction, recovery, and turning pain into purpose.
After years of living fast on tour, Wes found a new mission — helping others heal through music with his nonprofit Rock to Recovery.
In this raw, funny, and deeply moving episode, Wes shares how meditation changed his life, what it was like to tour sober, and why being “Punk Rock Sober” might be the most rebellious thing you can do.
🎸 In this episode:
The night that changed Tyler’s life
Getting signed to Jive Records while on meth
Playing guitar for Korn — and losing himself
The moment he hit bottom and found recovery
How Rock to Recovery helps veterans and addicts through music
The real meaning of “Punk Rock Sober”
Meditation, forgiveness, and self-worth
Music as medicine for the soul
This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt lost — and wanted to find purpose again.
Follow Painful Lessons Podcast for more real stories of redemption, recovery, and the pursuit of a better life.
Wes Geer, Korn guitarist, Rock to Recovery, addiction recovery, sobriety podcast, punk rock sober, Tyler Ramsey, Painful Lessons Podcast, recovery stories, mental health, meditation, music therapy, sober musicians, rock and roll recovery, overcoming addiction, spirituality, redemption, musician interview, Korn band, rock to recovery story, Head PE guitarist, sober living, recovery inspiration
🔑 Spotify Tags / Keywords
Actor David Chokachi, known for his iconic role on Baywatch, joins host Tyler Ramsey for an inspiring deep dive into recovery, resilience, and rediscovering purpose.
David opens up about his darkest period after a career-halting injury, how he overcame depression through cold plunges, micro wins, and daily discipline, and what he learned from mentors like Andrew Huberman, Jocko Willink, and Jordan Peterson.
They also talk about wild Baywatch stories — from Hasselhoff’s shark-diving adventures to on-set chaos — plus Jeremy Jackson’s transformation, mental health, and why comeback stories are the best kind of story.
Whether you’re struggling with setbacks, sobriety, or finding your next act, this conversation will leave you fired up and full of perspective.
Chef Gabe Erales, winner of Top Chef Season 18, joins the Painful Lessons Podcast with Tyler Ramsey to share his raw story of success, failure, and redemption.
Gabe opens up about growing up with Mexican culinary traditions, competing on Top Chef during COVID, the pressures of Michelin-star cooking, and the painful public scandal that reshaped his career and marriage. He also discusses mentorship, nonprofit work in Mexico, and what it really takes to find balance as a chef.
This episode isn’t just about food—it’s about humility, resilience, and the lessons learned when ego collides with reality.
In this episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, host Tyler Ramsey continues The Sober List series with director Walter May.
Walter opens up about the challenges and rewards of living sober while thriving in the entertainment industry. From navigating Burning Man sober, to working on early Katy Perry music videos, to exploring the sobriety journeys of Marilyn Manson and James Gunn, this conversation blends humor, honesty, and pop culture insight.
We explore:
Sobriety in Hollywood and creative careers
Burning Man and psychedelics through a sober perspective
James Gunn’s comeback and long-term recovery
Walter May’s work with stars like Katy Perry, Kobe Bryant & LeBron James
Why sobriety can unlock a creative “superpower”
A mix of storytelling, laughter, and inspiration — this is Part Two of a series celebrating publicly sober celebrities and creatives.
Walter May podcast
Painful Lessons Podcast
The Sober List
sobriety podcast 2025
famous sober celebrities
Hollywood sobriety stories
Marilyn Manson sobriety
James Gunn sober recovery
addiction recovery podcast
Burning Man sober experience
Katy Perry music videos director
directors in recovery
sobriety and creativity
In this episode of The Painful Lessons Podcast, Tyler Ramsey sits down with reporter, YouTuber, and adventurist Julie Chang for an inspiring conversation about resilience, sobriety, and global exploration.
Julie opens up about:
Surviving a fist-sized brain tumor while working live on television.
Finding healing and clarity through sobriety after recurring seizures.
Pulling her kids from school and traveling to 16 countries with her family after the California wildfires.
The lessons she’s learned about authenticity, recovery, and living without fear.
Julie’s story is funny, raw, and deeply human—reminding us that even in our hardest moments, there are lessons worth sharing.
Follow for more conversations about recovery, resilience, and growth.
Julie Chang brain tumor story, Julie Chang sobriety, brain cancer survivor podcast, recovery and resilience stories, traveling with kids podcast, overcoming adversity interviews, sobriety journey podcast, Painful Lessons with Tyler Ramsey, inspirational survival stories, resilience after health crisis
In this episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, Tyler Ramsey sits down with actor Cameron Mouléne to explore a fascinating list of celebrities who have chosen sobriety. From Robert Downey Jr.’s legendary comeback to Brad Pitt’s private jet breakdown, from Jamie Lee Curtis’ pill addiction confession to Demi Lovato’s near-fatal overdose, Tyler and Cameron share powerful, funny, and eye-opening stories about recovery in Hollywood.
They discuss the turning points, the rock bottoms, and the surprising second chances of stars like Eminem, Russell Brand, Anthony Hopkins, Tom Holland, Gerard Butler, and Matthew Perry. This conversation blends raw honesty with humor, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in celebrity recovery stories, sobriety journeys, and addiction awareness.
🔔 Follow for more real conversations about addiction, recovery, and life lessons.
celebrity sobriety, addiction recovery podcast, sober celebrities, Painful Lessons Podcast, Tyler Ramsey, Cameron Mouléne, Robert Downey Jr recovery, Brad Pitt sober, Jamie Lee Curtis sobriety, Demi Lovato overdose, Eminem recovery, Russell Brand addiction, Anthony Hopkins sobriety, Tom Holland sober, Gerard Butler recovery, Matthew Perry sobriety
00:00 – Opening: Tyler & Cameron introduce the sobriety list
02:30 – Robert Downey Jr.’s recovery and Mel Gibson’s role
06:40 – Brad Pitt’s plane meltdown and Bradley Cooper’s support
10:15 – Jamie Lee Curtis’ turning point and long-term sobriety
14:20 – Eminem’s overdose and the fight to live for his daughter
18:00 – Demi Lovato’s near-death overdose and alien abduction claim
22:30 – Tom Holland’s sober choice and non-alcoholic spirits trend
26:00 – Russell Brand’s chaos, redemption, and recovery book
30:00 – Anthony Hopkins’ stage mishap and personal act of kindness
36:00 – Tyler’s Anthony Kiedis story and an AA meeting surprise
42:00 – Gerard Butler’s motorcycle crash and wake-up call
46:30 – Supermodels, fashion culture, and addiction stories
50:00 – Matthew Perry, Armie Hammer, and the reality of relapse
54:00 – Closing thoughts: why celebrity recovery stories matter
From reality show scandal to startup success—Jacqueline Berg-Ramsey joins her husband Tyler Ramsey in one of the wildest and most heartfelt episodes of Painful Lessons Podcast. They relive their forbidden love story that started on Survivor: Gabon, including a secret African romance, getting caught by CBS, and the chaos that followed—including relapse, rehab, and redemption.
They also open up about the miracle of boundaries, parenting, forgiveness, and how Jacqueline’s revolutionary pregnancy health company, The Fresh Test, is transforming how women experience gestational diabetes testing.
This episode is for anyone navigating addiction, marriage, entrepreneurship, or just trying to love better.
💡 Topics include:
Getting kicked off Survivor… then falling in love
Secret underground rave in Africa
Sobriety, relapse, and rebuilding trust
Raising kids with grace (and chaos)
Building a multimillion-dollar health startup
Boundaries in relationships
Redemption, forgiveness, and faith
In this powerful episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, actor Matias Desiderio shares his journey through darkness and back. From battling cocaine addiction to escaping the grip of unhealthy relationships, Matias speaks candidly about the cycles of dependency, recovery, and what it really means to heal.
Highlights include:
Growing up and discovering acting
How addiction shaped his choices
Trading drugs for destructive relationships
Breaking free from unhealthy relationships
Acting as a tool for self-expression and growth
This is a raw and unfiltered conversation about resilience, love, and the painful lessons that can lead to transformation.
Follow the show for more deep and unguarded conversations with artists, thinkers, and survivors.
What happens when ChatGPT becomes the guest?
In this special episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, host Tyler Ramsey sits down with “B-Tron” (his nickname for ChatGPT) and professional freediver Andrew Faris for a wild, unfiltered ride through the painful truths of psychology, celebrity scandals, strange history, and survival — in life and under the sea.
💬 What you’ll hear:
Will Smith’s Oscar slap — growth, regret, or PR spin?
Sydney Sweeney’s viral “great genes” controversy
Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, and celebrity fallout
The painful truths of change and why our brains resist it
How freediving teaches mindfulness, patience, and staying calm when the pressure is on
History’s brutal lessons — Churchill’s Gallipoli disaster & the Taiping Rebellion’s 30M deaths
Kratom addiction, gas station drugs, and nitrous oxide dangers
From Papua New Guinea to Israel: cultural clashes, connection, and hope for the future
Costa Rica’s Jaguar Jungle — the vacation of a lifetime
If you love deep conversations that jump from pop culture to profound life lessons, this episode delivers.
🎙 Painful Lessons Podcast — where mistakes are just the start of the story.
Director TK McKamy shares his big-screen vision to bring iconic 90s country songs like Boot Scootin’ Boogie and Ol’ Red to life as feature films. Blending country music nostalgia with the cinematic energy of Dirty Dancing, Road House, and Yellowstone, TK lays out his plan for a bold new country music movie universe.
🔹 Country hits as movie IP
🔹 The rise of 90s nostalgia in film
🔹 Directing with Texas swagger
🔹 How artists like Tim McGraw inspired the idea
Perfect for fans of country music, Nashville creatives, and filmmakers who dream big.
Actress and host Jess Adams (Nectar’s Shoot Your Shot) joins Tyler Ramsey to reveal her incredible journey—from red carpets and music videos to surviving a near-fatal eating disorder and rebuilding her life. She shares the emotional truth behind her Instagram-perfect smile, how recovery reshaped her identity, and what it means to truly heal.
In this heartfelt episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, Jess opens up about:
Living with an eating disorder in the entertainment industry
Losing her teeth and finding a life-saving dentist
Navigating 12-Step recovery, spirituality, and mental health
Hosting viral dating shows while embracing vulnerability
Social media shame, body trends, and redefining beauty on her terms
If you or someone you love is struggling with disordered eating, this episode offers validation, hope, and next steps.
🎤 Follow Jess on Instagram: @thejessadams
📲 Subscribe to Painful Lessons for more powerful stories of resilience
In this raw and hilarious episode of Painful Lessons, we cover:
How Armie's PLP appearance sparked his comeback after 5 years
False accusations, public scrutiny, and surviving a 2.5-year investigation
Allegations against P. Diddy and disturbing internet rumors
Why Sophie Cunningham body-slammed a player to protect Caitlin Clark
Martial arts stories, street fights, and gym trauma at Jay Glazer’s Unbreakable
Testosterone therapy, bench press PRs, and cautionary tales of hormone use
Leaving AA for SLAA: a deeper dive into recovery and powerlessness
Stalkers, obsessive fans, and the thin line between passion and pathology
Paparazzi ethics: should celebrities have the right to fight back?
Bring back bullying? Social media callouts and engagement farming
Media-driven hate for Meghan Markle, Taylor Swift, Bethenny Frankel
Why Tropic Thunder still holds up, and how Tom Cruise trained to hang off the Burj Khalifa
Billy Bush, Matt Lauer, and the messy realities of cancel culture
And yes… the legendary Tom Cruise coconut cake
00:00 – Introduction: The Pain of Public Mistakes
02:15 – Facing Fear: His First Public Interview in 5 Years
04:00 – Too Many Mistakes to Trust? Losing Credibility with Friends
06:30 – Cancel Culture, False Allegations & Two Years of Investigation
09:10 – Diddy Allegations, Viral Audio & the Line Between Fact and Fiction
12:40 – Paparazzi Ethics: When Does Filming Cross the Line?
15:05 – Women’s Basketball Gets Brutal: Sophie Cunningham’s Defense of Caitlin Clark
17:50 – Hair-Pulling, Street Brawls & Martial Arts Flashbacks
20:15 – Jay Glazer Gym Drama & Getting Beat Up by a Pro Athlete
25:00 – Testosterone, Bench Press Goals & Hormone Replacement Risks
28:40 – Why He Left AA for SLAA: A Different Recovery Journey
32:30 – Addiction Isn’t Always Alcohol: Escaping Through Anything
35:45 – Authenticity, Podcast Overshares & Concerned Friends
38:00 – The Grindr Story That Went Viral—for the Right Reasons
41:10 – Should Celebrities Be Allowed to Fight Back?
44:00 – Stalkers, Parasocial Fans & Healthy Boundaries
47:10 – Bethenny Frankel, Meghan Markle & Hate for Fun
50:00 – Propaganda & the Prince Harry Syndrome
52:20 – Tom Cruise’s Legendary Coconut Cake & Hanging Off the Burj Khalifa
55:00 – Tropic Thunder, RDJ’s Blackface & Comedy That Lasts
58:10 – Behind the Scenes: Tom Cruise vs. Guy Ritchie in a Pull-Up Contest
1:01:00 – Mark Wahlberg’s Golf Gear Empire & Real Passion Projects
1:04:00 – Billy Bush’s Cancellation: Laughing at the Wrong Time
1:06:10 – Matt Lauer’s Disappearance & Media Redemption Arcs
1:08:00 – Why the 1950s Rule ‘Talk Shit, Get Hit’ Might Still Work
1:11:00 – Katy Perry’s Stalker, Bieber’s Breakdown & the Tabloid Machine
1:13:00 – Squatting, Shoplifting & Exploiting Legal Loopholes
1:15:00 – Celebrity Hate Obsession as a Mental Health Issue
1:17:00 – Final Reflections: Mistakes, Recovery & Moving Forward
In this episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast, Danny Goler, psychonaut and founder of Code of Reality Inc., reveals his shocking discovery: a self-executing, animated code that becomes visible when DMT is combined with fractal laser projection. With thousands of verified replications, Danny's work challenges everything we think we know about reality, consciousness, and divinity.
Topics include:
How DMT users see the same geometric code
Consciousness as the foundation of physical reality
Jesus, suffering, and divine incarnation
The "substrate" of existence and matrix-like implications
Why science and spirituality are merging
📽️ Trailer for Danny’s documentary The Discovery at: Dango Thoughts on YouTube
🌐 Learn more at: codeofreality.com
Intro – Meet Danny Goler & the discovery that started it all
The Experiment – What happens when DMT meets laser projection
Group Hallucination? – How 2,000+ people saw the same code
What Is Cognitive Physics? – A new approach to the hard problem
Matrix or Metaphor? – The code as substrate of reality
Jesus, God & the Big Picture – A layered cosmology beyond Gaia
Are We Prophets? – Messages from another realm
Personal Faith & Raw Dogging Reality – Reconciling sobriety and psychedelics
The Feminine Creator & Cosmic Hierarchy – What Danny saw
How to Learn More – Danny’s film, nonprofit, and next steps
Danny Goler, DMT experiment, psychedelic podcast, fractal laser code, Code of Reality, Painful Lessons Podcast, spiritual science, ayahuasca, God molecule, consciousness theory, multidimensional experience, Jesus and psychedelics, matrix reality theory, Terrence McKenna, mystical experiences, high dose LSD, spiritual awakening
Musician Noah Weiland—son of late Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver frontman Scott Weiland—joins the Painful Lessons Podcast for an unfiltered, emotional conversation. Noah opens up about growing up in the shadow of rock stardom, losing his father at 15, addiction battles, being kicked out of Suspect208, discovering his unique voice, and becoming a new dad. He also shares how faith and music helped him find direction, and discusses his upcoming album Call Jesus.
🎤 Topics:
Fentanyl addiction and relapse
Mental health and 2E (twice exceptional)
The legacy of Scott Weiland
Finding identity in music and faith
Fatherhood and redemption
🔔 Follow Painful Lessons Podcast for more raw conversations.
Noah Weiland, Scott Weiland, Painful Lessons Podcast, addiction recovery, rock music legacy, Suspect208, Call Jesus album, sober living, mental health, 2E diagnosis, music and trauma, second generation musician, fatherhood and addiction, fentanyl recovery, autism and musicians, faith and sobriety.
00:00 – Welcome Noah Weiland
01:00 – Life as Scott Weiland’s son
03:45 – Noah's early music career
07:15 – Stage diving and performance stories
10:10 – Dealing with grief and trauma
13:30 – Fentanyl addiction & relapse
17:40 – Getting kicked out of Suspect208
22:10 – Mental health & feeling different
26:30 – Fatherhood and naming his son Anakin
30:45 – Faith, Kanye West & artistic inspiration
35:10 – Don’t meet your heroes: wild celebrity stories
41:00 – Sober living, relapse, and recovery honesty
47:30 – A wild drug dealer story
50:10 – Announcing his new album: *Call Jesus*
53:20 – Finding God, finding purpose
56:00 – Closing thoughts on forgiveness and growth
Journalist and author Claire Hoffman joins Painful Lessons to explore faith, scandal, and survival. From growing up in the Transcendental Meditation movement to writing Sister Sinner, Claire shares the incredible true story of Amy Semple McPherson, the most famous woman in 1920s America—who vanished into the ocean and reappeared in the desert 35 days later.
She and host Tyler Ramsey also dive into spirituality, modern cult dynamics, Claire’s investigation into abuse in media empires, and her deeply personal moments around death, doubt, and redemption.
🔸 Topics covered:
Surviving a spiritual movement
Writing Sister Sinner
The disappearance of Amy Semple McPherson
Religion and media in Los Angeles
Trauma, belief, and transformation
Final moments with Claire's father
Dangers of binary morality
#ClaireHoffman #GirlsGoneWild #JoeFrancis #SisterSinner #AmySempleMcPherson #PainfulLessonsPodcast #ReligiousScandals #TMmovement #CultSurvivor #JournalismMatters #UntoldHistory #AuthorInterview
Comedian Nicole Aimee Schreiber joins host Tyler Ramsey to talk about the raw side of love, stand-up comedy, and life’s most painful lessons. From her emotional breakup with a guy who stayed close with his ex “because of the dog,” to being the comedic outsider who rose through LA’s toughest rooms, Nicole brings unfiltered humor and wisdom.
They discuss addiction, recovery, toxic relationships, and finding your voice in comedy—even when life feels like a slow-motion train wreck. Plus, Nicole shares behind-the-scenes stories about working on Kevin Hart’s animated series, surviving the chaos of roommates, and why she’s no longer into gory Reddit videos.
👉 If you’ve ever laughed through the pain, this one’s for you.
#NicoleAimeeSchreiber #PainfulLessons #ComedianInterview #BreakupRecovery #FemaleComedians #ComedyStoreLA #AddictionRecovery #ToxicLove #StandupComedy #FunnyAndReal
[00:00] BBQ & Cannibal Jokes
[00:45] Owning Your Mistakes with Humor
[02:00] Nicole’s Comedy Origins
[03:40] Getting Her Name on the Wall at the Comedy Store
[05:00] Why She’s Not Chasing Fame Like Nikki or Whitney
[07:30] Naturally Funny People vs. Stand-Ups
[09:00] Voice Acting on Kevin Hart’s ‘Lil Kev’
[10:45] Mountain Dew, Crackers & White People Jokes
[13:30] Roommate Life with Catherine Blanford
[14:50] The Breakup: Love, Lies & the Dog
[17:10] Emotional Cheating and the Notebook
[20:00] Red Flags, Self-Gaslighting & The Ex
[22:45] Lessons from Snooping and Making Amends
[25:00] Addiction, Al-Anon, and Boundaries
[27:00] Toxic Podcast Stories & Shenanigans
[30:00] Armie Hammer & Podcast Drama
[34:00] Delusion, Accountability & Addiction Recovery
[38:00] Justice Porn & Dash Cam Obsessions
[42:00] Reddit Rabbit Holes & Real Death Footage
[45:00] Experiencing Grief & Watching People Die
[47:00] Nicole’s Favorite Comics Right Now
[50:00] Skincare, Botox Mistakes & Aging Naturally
[54:00] Sunscreen, Scars & Vanity Culture
[56:00] Comedy Cliques and Room for Everyone
[58:00] Ethiopian Food, Jewish Jokes, and Open Mics
[01:01:00] Kanye, Voting, and Unfiltered Opinions
[01:03:00] Ending on a Banger: Justice, Comedy, and Closure
Oliver Trevena joins the Painful Lessons Podcast to share how he turned near-death trauma into triumph. The actor, producer, and Caliwater co-founder opens up about being beaten into a coma, rebuilding his face, and reclaiming his life through sobriety and entrepreneurship. From working with Vanessa Hudgens and Gerard Butler to launching wellness brands and indie films, Oliver’s journey is one of resilience, humility, and relentless hustle.
This candid episode covers:
Rebuilding after brutal physical trauma
Gerard Butler’s hilarious role in a tooth-related dating disaster
The voice that tells creatives they're never enough
How sobriety transformed his success and peace
Starting Caliwater with Vanessa Hudgens & top investors
Parenting, forgiveness, and emotional maturity
A raw and inspiring conversation for anyone walking the line between ambition and authenticity.
Intro & Oliver’s Outlook on Humor and Pain
The Gerard Butler “tooth” story
Beaten into a coma at 22 — and what came after
Winning Best Breakout Actor at 43
The hustle of an actor/producer
Mental patterns & battling the “not enough” voice
Learning to pause and live in the now
Sobriety, shame, and reclaiming joy
Parenting, forgiveness, and self-compassion
From ballet shoes to boardrooms
Launching Caliwater with Vanessa Hudgens
Brand integrity: product before celebrity
New ventures: hot sauce, ice cream, and red light therapy
Relationship building over networking
Final reflections: living from the inside out
Legendary comedy writer Steve Zacharias, best known for Revenge of the Nerds, joins Tyler Ramsey to share his rollercoaster ride through Hollywood, fatherhood, and recovery. In this candid conversation, Steve reveals:
How Revenge of the Nerds was born from real college life
Writing All in the Family at just 23 and meeting Norman Lear
The unfiltered truth about the industry’s ups and downs
His son's intense battle with addiction—and how Robert Downey Jr. helped save his life
His wild new project, Revenge of the Nudes
His brutally honest memoir: The Poster Boy for Erectile Dysfunction
It’s hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally human. A must-listen for fans of storytelling, screenwriting, and redemption arcs.
Steve Zacharias, Revenge of the Nerds, Comedy Writer, Hollywood Stories, Screenwriting Journey, Addiction Recovery, Robert Downey Jr, Celebrity Redemption, 80s Comedy, Substance Abuse Recovery, Writing Process, Family and Fame, Nerd Culture, Creative Careers, Tyler Ramsey, Painful Lessons Podcast
00:00 – Intro & Steve’s Comedy Legacy
03:00 – Writing Revenge of the Nerds
07:30 – Frat House Origins at University of Wisconsin
10:30 – Nerds, Sex, and Social Shifts
16:30 – Early TV Career & Meeting Norman Lear
27:00 – The Lonely Life of a Writer
43:30 – The Cost of Rejection in Hollywood
76:30 – The Rise of Revenge of the Nudes
84:00 – Creative Freedom Then vs. Now
90:00 – The Dove Bar Fortune & Family Backstory
130:30 – Watching His Son Spiral
190:30 – A Call to Robert Downey Jr.
198:00 – How RDJ Saved His Son’s Life
231:00 – Coming Full Circle: Finishing the Opus
235:30 – The Poster Boy for Erectile Dysfunction
247:30 – Disney, Legacy Projects & the Future
In this raw and revealing episode, Baywatch icon Jeremy Jackson opens up about the highs and hellish lows of fame, addiction, and ultimate transformation.
Jeremy shares shocking stories from the peak of his Hollywood career—walking off the set of the most-watched TV show in the world, battling meth addiction, nearly dying, stabbing a gang member in self-defense, and finally… discovering the spiritual path that saved his life.
We also get into:
The truth behind his Baywatch departure
Why he lost major roles to Leonardo DiCaprio and Jason Momoa
His recovery journey and the Balanced Man Retreat in Costa Rica
A wild $20,000 gene therapy shot that supercharged his body
And the faith-based mindset that fuels his mission today
If you're fascinated by redemption arcs, Hollywood secrets, or want to feel inspired to turn your own life around—this episode delivers.
Follow Jeremy Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjackson?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
🎙️ Hosted by Tyler Ramsey, this is the Painful Lessons Podcast, where we own our mistakes and learn from the wreckage.
Jeremy Jackson, Baywatch, addiction, recovery, celebrity redemption, gene therapy, biohacking, spiritual growth, breathwork, healing, David Hasselhoff, personal transformation, Hollywood podcast, inspirational interviews, painful lessons, mental health, sobriety stories, men’s retreat
Phil Brody, better known as the globally recognized street artist WRDSMTH, joins host Tyler Ramsey for a powerful, funny, and deeply honest conversation. From heartbreak and creative inspiration to turf wars and typewriters, this episode explores the pain—and purpose—behind public art.
#WRDSMTH #StreetArt #PhilBrody #PainfulLessonsPodcast #Inspiration #PublicArt #CreativeJourney #TypewriterArt #LosAngelesArt #FollowYourPassion
00:00 – Singing intro (foreign language)
00:20 – Meet your host: Tyler Ramsey opens the show
01:41 – Introducing WRDSMTH: The origin of the name
03:37 – WRDSMTH on going from hobbyist to full-time street artist
05:53 – How a school mural campaign sparked collaboration
06:42 – Artistic insecurity and perceived fame
08:53 – Bringing art to schools and inspiring students
10:12 – Childhood memories and museum inspiration
11:24 – The evolution of the iconic typewriter stencil
13:13 – Street art techniques: stencils, wheatpaste, and speed
15:57 – The mindset shift from illegal to beautifying
17:34 – Turf wars: graffiti territorialism and unspoken rules
19:28 – Painting over Risk Rock: artist ethics and regret
21:00 – Positive feedback from RETNA and LA Weekly feature
22:08 – LA, NYC, Paris: WRDSMTH’s international footprint
24:53 – Sticking to one style vs creative hopping
26:54 – Artists who resent their “thing” and need to evolve
29:50 – Ghost murals: making new work look aged and timeless
31:22 – Wall texture, sticker layers, and urban decay aesthetics
33:53 – WRDSMTH’s novel: The Holden Age of Hollywood
36:44 – Balancing longform writing with public art
38:49 – Losing a muse: heartbreak behind the murals
41:13 – Turning heartbreak into art the world could feel
43:44 – Vulnerability and audience connection through pain
46:13 – “Painting her away” – art as therapy
48:31 – The private pain behind a public persona
50:39 – Being a romantic artist in a cynical world
53:00 – Street art, recovery, and the beauty of resilience
56:24 – The muse didn’t hear the words—but the world did
58:13 – Shepard Fairey said, “You get up a lot.”
01:01:06 – Alec Monopoly and the dangers of artist ego
01:04:19 – Rejection, misunderstanding, and full-circle moments
01:07:00 – Staying prolific without losing your soul
01:09:00 – Final thoughts: heartbreak, humor, and healing
01:11:00 – WRDSMTH’s website, merch, and social links