Dan chats with inspirational speaker Lewis Raymond Taylor, who shares his unbelievable story of transforming from a violent criminal and diagnosed psychopath to a successful entrepreneur and life coach. They dive into Lewis' traumatic childhood, descent into alcoholism and addiction, multiple stints in jail, and eventual road to recovery. Lewis explains how rehab and self-development changed his life trajectory, leading him to build a massively successful coaching business. He offers honest insights into living with psychopathic traits and provides hope for anyone seeking major life changes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lewis endured childhood trauma like an alcoholic father and sexual abuse, leading to violent outbursts and addictions. Jail time only worsened his mental state. A singular traumatic rejection triggered Lewis' shocking suicide attempt, slitting his own throat. He constantly sought attention and significance through violence. In rehab, Lewis realised he was the root of his problems and needed to change. He became "addicted" to personal growth and helping others change their lives. Lewis leveraged his troubled history and rehab learnings to quickly build a multi-million-dollar coaching business, The Coaching Masters. He admits to still having psychopathic traits but channels them productively into business strategy, detached from destructive emotions. Voids like lack of parental love drove Lewis' harmful addictions. Constructively filling voids with service led him to significance and success. Despite immense childhood setbacks, Lewis' story proves with self-awareness anyone can transform their trajectory at any time. BEST MOMENTS  "I started punching myself in the head as hard as I could because I was so angry at myself for being this bad kid." "When I hit him, he hit his head on the ground, and I looked over him, and there was this slow, dark trickle of blood coming out of his head, and I thought, I'd killed him." "Your best thinking, your absolute best thinking, has put you into prison, and now into rehab. Maybe your brain needs a good wash." "The moment I realised that was the problem, I was like, fuck, I'm also the solution." "If you can change your mind...you spiral into control. And that's not an expression you hear often. My life spiralled into control." CONTACT METHOD Instagram Facebook Twitter ABOUT THE HOSTS Daniel O’Reilly Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist'  and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.  Kirk Norcross Instagram “My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”   Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

This episode will challenge the way many of us think about drink, cocaine and the comedown. Dan is joined by Nicola Abraham to talk all about Cocaethylene and its role in suicide. They discuss the rise in male suicide, the lack of knowledge about this side effect of using and Nicola’s own tragic story. Nicola also talks about what she wants to achieve now she knows better and discusses the many barriers the foundation is trying to break down and the current help out there. Now Dan has learnt about this cause, he wants to help raise awareness by any means necessary, so watch this space. KEY TAKEAWAYS  Cocaethylene Is a substance that is created once you’ve taken alcohol and cocaine. It creates a chemical substance that can cause psychotic symptoms. Cocaethylene impacts the neurological and metabolic systems so much it puts them into overdrive and the side effects of this are often aggression, severe agitation and unexplained physical strength as well as things such as heart attacks and depression. Some of Dan’s biggest issues, when he was using, were actually related to his comedown and the symptoms he would have. Nicola’s son was a happy man, with no mental illness or difficulties anyone around him was aware of. After her son’s death, Nicola realised he was using cocaine and the true extent of the depression he felt after using became apparent. Nicola found other parents who had children die in similar circumstances and they created an alliance and campaigned to public care in Wales to take notice of what had been happening. The situation Nicola’s son and other men have found themselves in, is very different to other mindsets individuals may be in before suicide, it needs a unique approach. One of the saddest facts Nicola and fellow loved ones have to deal with is the fact that if their boys had just gone through that comedown, that one day, they’d still be here with them. Nicola and the group want to set up a helpline, to be the support for people who are struggling with the come down after taking drugs or/and drinking alcohol. When you first start using drugs and alcohol you get the full effects of dopamine and serotonin rises, the ‘fun’, but as you use more, chemically things change.   BEST MOMENTS  "When you take alcohol and cocaine it puts the neurological and metabolical system into supercharge and creates this excited delirium ‘It’s completely preventable’ ‘When you lose someone by suicide the thing that goes through your mind most is why’ ‘There’s a rise in suicide in men in this age group and this was a connection’ ‘You don’t have any control over this, this could happen to you’ ‘If these boys could have got through that day, they’d still be with us’ VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/ CONTACT METHOD Instagram Facebook Twitter   ABOUT THE HOSTS Daniel O’Reilly Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist'  and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.  Kirk Norcross Instagram “My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”   Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Get tickets for the next show! https://bigbellycomedy.club/livepodcasts/Get ready for an unforgettable night of laughter, camaraderie, and open discussions as "Menace II Sobriety Live" takes the stage!  Hosted by the dynamic trio of Daniel O’Reilly, Kirk Norcross, and Elliot Wald, this up-and-coming podcast comes to life in front of a live audience of 100 dedicated listeners. No topic is off-limits on this thought-provoking journey where humour meets real-life stories and the issues that resonate with both the hosts and the audience. Daniel's driving force behind launching the podcast was to create a safe space for people to openly discuss their struggles, and he expanded on this mission with his M.A.T.E (Men Actively Talking & Engaging) Facebook group. Now, he's bringing this same spirit to the stage for all to experience.  The Menace II Sobriety podcast was born out of Daniel's personal battles with sobriety, ADHD, mental health, and life's curveballs. His M.A.T.E group on Facebook quickly became a hub of support and empathy, where men from all corners of the globe came together to uplift one another. Inspired by the incredible responses within the group, Daniel decided to take things to the next level by launching the podcast. "Menace II Sobriety Live" offers a unique opportunity to watch the magic unfold in person or become part of the lively audience interaction. Join us as we dive deep into personal experiences, share stories, and embrace the power of candid conversations.  This is more than just a podcast; it's a live experience that brings people together, fosters connections, and reminds us that we're never alone in our journey. Don't miss out on the chance to be a part of something truly special. Subscribe, hit that notification bell, and get ready for an evening of laughter, inspiration, and authentic human connection. "Menace II Sobriety Live" is where real stories meet real people, and it's an experience you won't want to miss!Get ready to laugh, cry, and connect as Daniel O'Reilly brings his hit podcast Menace to Sobriety to the live stage! With raw stories and witty banter, Daniel and special guests Kirk Norcross, Elliot Wald and John the Producer give an intimate look at their journeys with addiction and sobriety. These men boldly bare their battle wounds, showing that vulnerability can forge deep human bonds. Their stories impart hard-earned wisdom on avoiding addiction triggers, finding healthy outlets, and surrounding yourself with positive people.Beyond the laughs lies a vital message – if these courageous men can work to better themselves, so can you. Tune in for inspiration, belly laughs, and strength to lift yourself and others up.KEY TAKEAWAYS Leave behind negative friends and environments that trigger addictive behaviors. Channel addictive tendencies into positive outlets like exercise, hobbies, passion projects. Be disciplined and consistent with routines, self-care to build mental resilience.   Helping others on their sobriety journey is therapeutic and creates human connection. BEST MOMENTS "The cure for addiction is connection." "Your issues and your problems and what you are going through in your life now is the most powerful stuff for you to learn from in order to help other people in the future." "I literally thought the only way that I'll stop doing drugs is dying from an overdose or killing myself." "Just remember an emotion starts with an E and it's an emotion. It's a movement of feelings." VALUABLE RESOURCES https://bigbellycomedy.club/livepodcasts/ Cocaine Anonymous (CA) Daniel O'Reilly's Facebook group "Men and their Emotions" CONTACT METHOD Instagram Facebook Twitter   ABOUT THE HOSTS Daniel O’Reilly Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist'  and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.  Kirk Norcross Instagram “My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”   Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking, Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Content Warning: Suicide In this episode, Dan wants to talk about a topic that is frequently intertwined with addiction, so much so that he sees it consistently in his mental health group and receives DMs about it daily: suicide in men. He is joined by John Connelly who talks about his own experience of almost taking his own life, what led him to that decision and what they both agree needs to change. KEY TAKEAWAYS On the outside everything appeared normal about John’s life. He had a loving family, a good childhood and a stable home life but he felt numb most of the time. Men need to be given knowledge and education on the reality of life and what depression and other mental struggles can feel like. If we can teach people, men especially, to speak up when they are struggling with their mental health it would save a lot of lives. There is immense pressure on men by society to be ‘strong’ and alongside that many men feel they can’t be open about when they are feeling down or lost. If you struggle with addiction or mental health difficulties, it can only take a couple of life events to push you to the edge. If you can recognise when you are vulnerable you can get support and/or look to protect yourself. John recognises that if he had reached out before the death of his grandad, he would have had support in place to stop him from going further into the depths of depression. The difficulties John has been through he is now grateful for, he is now using his journey to help others. BEST MOMENTS  "I was gonna do it, I was gonna end my life” “I have always been a very insecure, self-conscious, shy person” “We need to speak about it more, we need to educate more” “I’m so thankful that these things have happened to me, I now understand so much more” "Everything that's led to now that's just made you who you are today" VALUABLE RESOURCES https://www.facebook.com/groups/menandtheiremotions/ CONTACT METHOD Instagram Facebook Twitter ABOUT THE HOSTS Daniel O’Reilly Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist'  and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.  Kirk Norcross Instagram “My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”   Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/This show was brought to you by Progressive Media

Last week’s episode with Edie Cob (S3EP34 https://omny.fm/shows/menace-2-sobriety/034-m2s ) gave Dan new insight into his own stories of addiction and why he sometimes acted the way he did, particularly in regards to the birth of his children. It meant he spent the weekend unpicking his emotions and thoughts around why he acted the way he did. In this solo episode, he talks through this process and talks about the difficulties when being so open about his personal experiences with addiction. Dan also talks about why drink and drugs are never the problem in the beginning, they are a solution to the real underlying problem. KEY TAKEAWAYS For everyone, including men, talking and beginning to understand the emotions you have and why they are there is the start to being able to heal. When Dan relapsed previously, he didn’t recognise it for what it was. His addict mentality would kick in when he was stressed and would tell himself he deserved the drinks and drugs. Sobriety has enabled Dan to work on himself, stripping down his thoughts, feelings and emotions so he can face them head-on. After speaking to Edie and realising the enormity of going on sessions after the birth of his children, Dan knew he needed to speak to Shelley and take accountability. Talking about these types of things can bring back guilt and shame, which is very difficult to sit with once you are sober. The drink and drugs never started off as the problem, they were the solution to the emotions Dan couldn’t deal with. Drink and drugs are never the problem for any addict, they are a solution for all matter of things, from trauma to stress and everything in between. Before going sober, Dan didn’t recognise how his drinking would impact special events. As well as the birth of his children, his addiction even tainted his wedding day. Dan’s personal growth can sometimes show others where they need to assess and grow, this can mean he can get backlash from individuals who aren’t ready to face things. BEST MOMENTS  "Talking and trying to understand how you feel, why  you get emotional, what triggers you, is the path to healing” “Without sobriety, having something to work on, I wouldn’t have all these things to unpick” “It got out of hand like it always did with the drinking” ”You have to take accountability, you can’t just blame the addiction” “The emotions are the cause of my addiction” VALUABLE RESOURCES Edie Cob episode: S3EP34 https://omny.fm/shows/menace-2-sobriety/034-m2s  https://www.cocaineanonymous.org.uk CONTACT METHOD Instagram Facebook Twitter   ABOUT THE HOSTS Daniel O’Reilly Daniel O’Reilly is one of the UK’s Largest Influencers, a comedian, actor, musician, viral video star and social influencer. With a portfolio of businesses Daniel enjoys a busy lifestyle mixed with business and pleasure. Daniel is a father to two beautiful girls and enjoys spending quality time with them and his wife Shelley. With 2022 being a busy year, Daniel sold out his O2 stand-up show, released his British movie 'The Last Heist'  and is currently preparing for the upcoming release of his other film 'Miss The Kiss'. Daniel is a creative through and through, with a passion to strive in everything he does. Daniel is looking forward to the release of his podcast 'Menace 2 Sobriety' in 2023, his long-term position on GB News, Headliners, and the growing slate of films in the works with his production company, HYPRR.  Kirk Norcross Instagram “My name is Kirk Norcross, I’m 34 years old, I had a pretty good run, a TV career which I can’t even remember hardly any of that, drugs consumed my life I always used drugs like an addict but I didn’t use them all the time until my fiancé split up with me for no reason and never gave me a reason and I was so upset, hurt and confused. I started using drugs to self-medicate to shut my brain down to stop thinking and then spiral turned and turned and turned until I was like a wrecking ball everywhere I went every penny I had went on drugs, my whole life revolved around drugs I tried recovery a couple of times and kept relapsing then I lost my due to suicide, and it was like something clicked in my head that I need to step up to the plate and be the man that my father wanted me to be, and from then on, I’ve been so as of today’s date I am 583 days sober haven’t touched any drugs or alcohol or any other mind-influencing substance since then.”   Menace 2 Sobriety, podcast, actor, comedian, sobriety,sober, story, years sober, consequences, behaviour,alcoholism, drug addiction, denial, insecurity, fear-driven,rock bottom, sober, rehab, suicidal, addict,realization, struggle, addiction, rock bottom, denial,curiosity, hope, denial, gratitude, self-awareness,behaviour, guilt, shame, emotions, gratitude,self esteem, gratitude, sober life, drugs, confidence,sobriety, ego, drinking,Sobriety Podcast #wedorecover # recoveroutloud #addicitonrecovery #addiction #recoverytok #sobriety #sober #sobertiktok #sobertok #soberlife #sobercurious #soberliving: https://www.instagram.com/dappersinstagram/This show was brought to you by Progressive Media