LIKE - COMMENT - SUBSCRIBE - SHARE Follow: Redeem Yourself Podcast: https://linktr.ee/redeemyourselfpodcast Jono: https://instagram.com/big_johnny_ciggs?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== The conversation between two people began with one of them sharing how they had to make hot coffee. After expressing gratitude for the coffee, the other person asked the guest about their childhood. The guest grew up in Northern Virginia in a suburb of Burke, near Springfield, but they don't have any particularly memorable memories of the area. The guest went to high school, played hockey, and skateboarded. When they were 16, things went awry. The guest also mentioned finding a mental evaluation document from when they were younger that showed no history of depression, anxiety, or anything else. Overall, their childhood was pretty normal. The speaker reflects on how their life changed at age 14-15, when they suddenly felt like things were no longer normal. This was marked by a feeling of hopelessness and a realization that nothing seemed to matter. They recall that their behavior seemed odd even before this, such as scheming to get more soda than their mother allowed. The speaker believes that these feelings are common among those struggling with addiction, as it gives a sense of belonging and purpose. They also note that these changes can often be traced back to feeling like an outsider in childhood. 0:00:01 Conversation Between Two Friends: Checking In and Sharing Life Updates 0:02:29 Conversation on Life, Music, and Recovery 0:04:29 Conversation with [Name], Growing Up in Northern Virginia 0:06:44 Conversation on the Pivotal Point of Mental Health Struggles in Adolescence 0:10:05 Conversation on Feeling Alone Despite Being Surrounded by People 0:10:52 Topic: Understanding Excess and Destined for Greatness in Addiction Recovery 0:12:43 Conversation on Overcoming Self-Doubt and Finding Closure with Family 0:15:11 Conversation on Taking Responsibility for One's Own Life and Accepting Others for Who They Are 0:18:18 "The Power of Honesty: A Conversation on Overcoming Expectations and Building a Strong Relationship with a Father in Recovery" 0:19:55 Conversation Summary: Exploring the Impact of Moving to Richmond, Virginia 0:21:52 Reflection on Social Skills Gained Through Drinking and Drugging 0:23:21 Conversation on Alcoholism and Manipulation 0:28:05 Heading: The Loneliness of Manipulation: A Reflection on the Consequences of Getting Away with Things 0:29:30 Conversation on Loneliness in a Room Full of Friends 0:31:11 Conversation on Mental Health and Recovery in Addiction 0:32:41 Heading: The Difficulties of Unpacking Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues in Sobriety 0:37:11 Heading: Reflection on Overcoming Addiction Through Gratitude and Growth Mindset 0:38:32 Conversation on Substance Abuse and Self-Defeating Behaviors 0:40:00 Conversation on Drug Use and Sobriety 0:41:56 Reflection on Rock Bottom: A Personal Story of Alcohol Abuse 0:46:47 Conversation with Black Liquid Bro: Advice on Consistency and Sobriety 0:48:19 Conversation Summary: Realizing the Power of Being Yourself 0:50:05 Reflection on Self-Hate and Character Defects 0:51:23 Conversation on Self-Improvement and Acceptance 0:54:07 Conversation on Self-Improvement and Recovery with Frog 0:55:57 "The Power of Relating in Recovery: A Conversation on Self-Awareness and Staying Present" 0:57:52 Conversation on Recovery and Second Chances 0:59:20 Interview with Johnny Siggs of Gritty City Records 1:00:52 Interview with John O: Gritty City Records and Upcoming Projects