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

Ever wondered how a four-time felon becomes a professional? Walk with me, Brandon Caldwell, on a journey as we navigate the intricacies of my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in the debut episode of the Successful Degenerate Podcast. Experience the raw honesty as we stroll through my fragmented past, starting with a dual-lifestyle shaped by my parents' divorce and culminating in my present-day life as a successful professional.

In this roller-coaster ride, I share tales of divided homes, a complex relationship with my step-brother, Walter, and the after-effects of my parents' custody battles. Listen to the story of a young boy, who broke into his step-brother's heavily guarded room only to stumble upon an unexpected discovery. Throw in some childhood trauma, a pinch of family dynamics, and the strange story of Walter, and you have the recipe for an unforgettable episode. Together, we will traverse the thin line between a child's innocence and the harsh reality of the adult world.

This is not just my story; it's our story. A story of survival, resilience, and growth. From the divided homes of my childhood to the complexities of my relationship with Walter, and the evolution of my family dynamics, I offer an unfiltered perspective. Join me in this journey and be a part of the Successful Degenerate Podcast. Your presence here is deeply appreciated, and I hope you help spread the word, for together, we can all script our triumphant tales.

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 found yourself at rock bottom, wondering how to climb back up?

 I'm Brandon Caldwell, your host for The Successful Degenerate Podcast, and I've been there. I'll be sharing my raw and real journey from hopeful college graduate to homeless drug addict in Mesa, Arizona, to serving time in prison, and then transforming my life. My story is one of redemption and resilience, and I believe it can inspire and empower you, particularly if you're battling with your adversities, such as legal issues, personal struggles, financial hardships or societal prejudices.

Throughout this podcast, I'll also introduce you to business and thought leaders from a variety of industries who've hit their own lows and risen again. Their narratives will be a source of inspiration and guidance. Together, we'll redefine what success truly means and how to attain it, despite the challenges we face. Let's create a community where we share, inspire, and uplift each other, shattering stereotypes and embracing our vulnerabilities. Let's transform our lives, one authentic story at a time. I promise you, it's possible to rewrite your script of success, no matter how the odds are stacked against you. Join me in this journey of transformation.

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