In this powerful episode of the Grind It Up Podcast, we are joined by St. Louis artist G.A. Barz and the East Side's own No Leeway. GA Bars opens up about her incredible journey of resilience, from her upbringing on a farm and running away as a teen to her rise in the St. Louis hip-hop scene during the mid-2000s. She shares the raw details of her life-threatening health battles, including surviving a massive thyroid tumor and losing over 140 pounds to reclaim her life.
Beyond the music, we dive into deep discussions on systemic issues, healing from childhood trauma, and the tragic loss of her brother. Plus, G.A. Barz shares some wild stories from the St. Louis dating scene—including a date that ended abruptly due to a Draco on a dashboard. This is an unfiltered look at what it means to be a healer, a mother, and an artist in the modern world.
TIMESTAMPS:
01:39 - Her Secret Past Revealed
06:38 - How She Survived a Life-Threatening Tumor & Lost 140lbs
18:52 - A Full Circle Rap Story
23:18 - The TRUTH About the St. Louis Music Scene
30:03 - I Learned to Love Myself at 4 Years Old
35:53 - Why I Could NEVER Be A Medical Nurse!
39:00 - Why Buying a House is Better Than a $25k Wedding
45:12 - My Worst Date Ever
49:25 - How to Heal When You Never Got an Apology
53:44 - Why Every OG Rapper Must Mentor The Youth
58:02 - Why St. Louis Artists Don't Support Each Other Like ATL
59:59 - Why Power Dynamics Must Change
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▶️ YouTube: https://youtu.be/bY9Z-ykS62k
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---
Support the Grind! Help cover podcast, studio, & equipment costs — every bit keeps the raw vibes coming.
In return: exclusive content, behind-the-scenes, early drops, shop/sponsor deals, giveaways & more — plus donor names occasionally featured in videos, and verbal shoutouts for bigger supporters!
Buy us a coffee: https://ko-fi.com/grindituppod ☕🔥
Support cancer fighters in need!
The Mauer Foundation sends 100% of every donation straight to patients battling cancer—no overhead, just real help with treatments, bills, travel & moments of hope.
Make a direct impact today: https://www.themauerfoundation.org/ ❤️
---
Connect with the crew & never miss a beat:
🌐 Website: https://www.GrindItUpPOD.com
👕 Merch Store: https://www.ebay.com/usr/grindituppodcast
📧 Join the Email List: https://grindituppod.com/subscribe/
Listen to the Podcast:
▶️ YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@GrindItUpPOD/podcasts
🎵 Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/4db1a4bf-a5ce-4eea-8206-da86c02dc0f6/the-grind-it-up-podcast
🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0v26NGIP1PrK4XhXuBFvz2
🎵 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grind-it-up-podcast/id1848500132
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