Jake "The Snake" Roberts was one of the most famous pro wrestlers of the 1980s. He had a massive following. But behind the scenes he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and haunted by childhood abuse. This is the story of how Jake "The Snake" turned things around and found a second career as a stand-up comedian.

Jake "The Snake" Roberts was one of the most famous pro wrestlers of the 1980s. He had a massive following. But behind the scenes he was addicted to drugs and alcohol, and haunted by childhood abuse. This is the story of how Jake "The Snake" turned things around and found a second career as a stand-up comedian.

Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Back From Broken is an interview series about what it takes to recover from the biggest challenge of your life -- and what others can learn from your adversity. Colorado Public Radio’s Vic Vela, an award-winning journalist who’s also a recovering drug addict, hosts the podcast.

Vic talks with guests about challenges like substance abuse, mental illness, gambling addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. Each story describes the highest highs, the darkest moments and what it takes to make a comeback. It’s a raw, empathetic show that’s ultimately about hope -- and how recovery is possible.

Society & Culture

Back From Broken is an interview series about what it takes to recover from the biggest challenge of your life -- and what others can learn from your adversity. Colorado Public Radio’s Vic Vela, an award-winning journalist who’s also a recovering drug addict, hosts the podcast. Vic talks with guests about challenges like substance abuse, mental illness, gambling addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder. Each story describes the highest highs, the darkest moments and what it takes to make a comeback. It’s a raw, empathetic show that’s ultimately about hope -- and how recovery is possible.

Share Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Sign up to save your podcasts

Jake "The Snake" Roberts

Jake "The Snake" Roberts

More shows like Back from Broken

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

On Point | Podcast

Colorado Matters

This American Life

Fresh Air

Selected Shorts

The Moth

Rumble Strip

Death, Sex & Money

Hidden Brain

The New Yorker Radio Hour

The Beethoven 9

Indie 102.3 Sessions

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

Centennial Sounds

On Drugs

The Great Composers

The Taxman

Who's Gonna Govern?

Purplish

Throughline

Since Columbine

On Something

At A Distance

Depresh Mode with John Moe

A Slight Change of Plans

Music Blocks

Colorado In Depth

Ghost Train

¿Quién Are We?

Terra Firma