I have smoked weed every day for 15 years, I know most people don’t see it as that bad a drug but it really has had a detrimental effect on my life, relationships and wellbeing. Since reading Russell’s book I am now two weeks clean and am so happy and grateful. I would implore anyone to read his book, even if you’re not an addict it breaks down how you can improve your life and the way you view the world and the people in it. What a fantastic human being this man is.
I’m going through the exact same thing right now. 13 years of chronic marijuana use to a cold turkey stop. The fear is real, the pain is real but the clarity and sense of purity that comes from not using is almost if not more addictive. I wish you all the best in your sobriety brother and your journey to wellness. I’m On day 7 of sobriety myself, wish me luck
Russell has a very natural intelligence. He could speak circles around most people. So glad he came to awareness to want a clean life..a great example!
@No One What exactly are you confused about; you take some sort of offense to somebody finding a quote relatable, as if any of it has anything to do with you or as if there's actually something to get bent outta shape about that effects your life in any way or shape at all, so you had an overwhelming compulsion to reply? 😒
His vocabulary is insane, people used to think Russel was stupid he is far from it. Alot of drug addicts are highly intelligent using drugs as a means to escape their thoughts.
@@thomaskwan3251 I like how he slightly giggles after he says something deep and profound. It's almost as if he's as amazed what just came from his mouth as we are. The man is incredibly smart.
Ive been suffering with addiction to heroin and crack and pharmaceuticals lol for 25 years. I've lost everyone i love . I feel completely hopeless and dontwant to stop cos smoking is the only thing keeping me alive right now. I deserve a life. A happy one. Im trying to work on myself and self worth.
Lean on God and Jesus. I have been working on my self acceptance all my life. some days I like myself. some days I don't. Let's keep working to like ourselves more.
Mate. As a alcoholic for ten years I want you to know. Without you and your words I wouldnt be entering rehab on Saturday. Thank you Russel brand. I'm so greatful for people like you. You have changed my thought pattern and I know you will change many others.
Yes, but what he's saying is that the source of alcoholism is pain that we are trying to mask. Alcohol is not the root of the problem. The root goes deeper.
Alcohol is but symptom! A throw a way society, never is never enough. IT'S MY EGO AND SELF-PITY And self centered mind. Pick your poison it's every where. I know as a alcoholic that when I put it in my body it changes everything. It changes me radically . The beauty is that there is a great solution for me.
I"ve been following Russell"s journey, form an addict to becoming a spiritual human being, and I must say: I am in awe of this man, his transformation, loosening an ego-trip..Russell is such a beautiful soul, humble yet articulate, honest in a non-pathetic way...Sweet Russell :*
I was 23 years in addiction. I'm 4 months clean . I'm doing a day programme and going to NA meetings every day I have got so much back in my life in such a little amount of time . My flamly are back in my life . Life is so much better one day at a time people places things
Thank you, Russell. I'm still struggling with my drug addiction, and feel like you're the only place I have to go. I cannot tell you how much your work means to me. Already preordered Recovery and I'm in the middle of Revolution. You are a beacon of light, and I hope to do you proud.
recommendation: if it's in your area, look up a SMART Recovery meeting and check it out. If you haven't already tried 12 step. Good luck from one addict to another.
As Brand stated, 12 step programs do not require you be "touchy-feely" or religious. Anything can represent your "higher power," it doesn't have to be God (although many people do end up there). I know a Native American in the program who uses a totem as his higher power. Please try several meetings, they all have different vibes.
Hunny sometimes depending on where you live, it's nearly impossible to escape the religious undertones. In my area, people always baited me in with the "you don't have to be religious!" but then by step 5 they're telling me "well you basically have to come up with some kind of higher being." And it's everywhere. Everyone is "god god god god" all the time. It makes sense, after all, since 12 step was founded on religious principles. They can be helpful to many people, but there are also solid alternatives that don't require a focus on higher power.
12 steps was a weird thing imo. I met so many fucked up, horrible weird people there. They were sooo self centered!!, and although addiction does that to us, i never really became as selfish as my peers around me. Im not special, or im not saying im summit im not, but i was different to 99 % of addicts at those NA meetings. Looking back now, i see how NA totally wasnt for me, and im glad i got away from it. However im now still struggling with my demons (like today even) and the help just isnt around here for me. They have a weekely meeting which is non NA.... so im now going to try that. Brand has his own methods, but i think fails to recognize there are other personalities out there.... other than his own. Im not knocking him, cus i think he is well meaning and sincere, yet i think .... just like many at the NA meetings, he is inherently overly selfish ... and thats ok, but it doesnt relate to my journey. Good luck peeps, much love to all.
Lewis Love awe thank you yes the funny thing it’s exactly like two years since I entered rehab and began what I call the journey of recovery. So after a bit of new healthy sober highs and unpleasantly familiar not fun lows I’m at almost 6 months and just grateful for today. Thanks for reminding me and good luck to you in your journey 🙏🏼
Hi Chris...Never Surrender...if Russell and Thousands around the World Can Beat this Disease Of Addiction.Why Not you..come on.i Bet all in U..Yes We Can.
What I adore about your journey is how hard you work at your life and recovery and how intelligent and invested you are in all aspects of your life. I am not working as hard at various aspects of my life, as you are, and I am inspired to try harder and understand more.
@kpdstorm Technically it is. It has a very clear beginning, middle and inevitable end - exactly like a journey. What you make of that journey is up to the individual. No one should have as a big of an influence on YOUR journey as you do. You can sit on your hands for its entirety, or you try and make the most of it. No one, imo, should judge you on how you decide to spend this finite time (unless you deliberately negatively influence someone else's journey, of course).
I like the idea of using what worked in one area to succeed in another. I see that echoed in another comment here: "Muhsin Muhbit put a Mohammedan curse on me. I cried out to God when my body shut down in the middle of the night! A voice said, "Send the symptoms back where they came from!" Heart and breath kicked back in, then a single "death tear" rolled from my eye! Even though he had been pestering me on FB, I never heard from him again, it made me sad. But I have no problem with a fallen angel disappearing, so I'm sending back the nail biting that has plagued me all my life to Where It Came From! If all Christian Believers with that problem do the same thing, I reckon that the Enemy will chew himself up and destroy himself in no time..." So let's all do just that! I know HEAPS of people bothered by this self-destructive habit, which basically turns a person into a cannibal...
Wow, he totally reached me. I've been sober almost five years and I totally agree that helping others will get you well. I work with those with special needs. I realize that I suck at everything, relationships, money, life etc. I am however very very good at my job. It's the one thing that totally takes me out of my twisted head and it truly makes me happy and fulfilled. I am by no means a saint, it just so happens that God gave me but one gift, and that is that I can connect with literally anyone with special needs (autism, developmental delays, you name it). When I finally embraced that's my purpose I became not just happier but completely HAPPY! God bless Russel Brand, but also Craig Ferguson for letting those struggling with addictions know that the twelve steps will not only change you, they will save you. Also God bless Bill W.
I found out about this today when I went to a meeting and someone told me they’d watched a video where Russell Brand talks about my leg being amputated! Love the insight into the steps in your videos and your book. I always learn more about spirituality and the disease of addiction listening to other addicts. This guy took time out to put me in contact with other people in recovery that had been through amputations and cancer! Blessed and humbled ❤️
i havent watched anything with russell brand in it for years, and i happened to search for his name today and found this. wow, this is wonderful - so glad that someone so well-known and with such celebrity is talking about this important subject in an honest way. Also, Russell comes across so differently (more grounded, more mature) than he did in my memory, from videos i watched years ago. Yay!
well he's been doing video's like this for years you should watch all his old ones TREWSNews he just started this new podcast but his old ones were funny as hell in his bed talking about the news
Yea isnt it amazing. he gave up fame realizing its just another addiction and trap. He is helping so many ppl with his willingness to be transparent and candid about his journey and his gift of eloquence goes a long way.
I had not given him much thought until I watched his biography a year and a half ago while recovering from an injury. His recovery and love of life and people is very inspiring. I have passed his books and thoughts on to friends that are recovering addicts. I love to listen to him speak...............not only does he really seem to care, he does it with common sense and humor. A lovely individual he is!
The ultimate connection is a connection to the authentic self. Authentic self is you without your coping mechanisms. Authentic self is achieved through self mastery.
When Brad read the part of your book about your childhood abuse and how you reconciled that part of your life but writing that "they did the best they could" and you sort of interpreted the experience with your own bias and could change how you felt about the abuse because it was "a choice" how to view it....my jaw just dropped because this is exactly what I had to do to take back my life from childhood abuse and it has been monumental in regaining my mental health. I think this is the only true way to move past what abuse can do to a person. I saw a therapist for quite a while and one day while discussing the abuse I lived through, she asked me if I could surrender it, to lay it at the feet of the person who did it, realize it was not mine to own anymore and leave it there. I thought about this for weeks and finally I came to the sqme conclusion as you did Russell, that yes, my mother hurt me enormously, she made me think of myself as nothing, of no value, but as a mother myself, I asked myself how on earth a parent could do that. I couldn't imagine hurting my children in that way, why could she do it? Then I realized that it was all she could do. It was the best she could do with the experiences she had. She could do no better because she knew no better. She was a broken person herself. She was hirt as much as I was so how could I feel it was a personal attack on me? It wasn't. It was all she was capable of doing. If I wanted relief from the hurt that was done to me, surely she felt the exact same way but because she didn't have the opportunity and time to see a therapist, she couldn't see what she was doing was just continuing what she had learned. I think she may have already had so much guilt inside about the hurt she has caused that living with distance between her and her children was easier than facing it too. I started my journey to heal while my children were bery young so I stopped this pattern. I want to tell anyone out there who has been abused and hurt in the past and it has wreaked havic on your life, it is NEVER personal. It is NEVER because of anything you did or did not do, it is because the abuser was a broken soul. Please, lay the feelings of hurt at the feet of the person who did this and surrender it. It is not your burden to bear, it never was. Remove the weight of hurt that has weighed you down for so long and then find and give happiness everyday. 🙏🙏
Thank you for sharing your story and for capturing the moment that changed how you viewed the abuse you experienced, the abuser and moving forward. It’s helped me better understand in how to let go of abuse and take your life back.
This is why I work in care, the care and happiness I can create for another human, who is not able/capable to do it for themselves, I feel doing good, helps yourself to feel good.... It's not selfish, it is rewarding!!! I am only feeling satisfaction from doing good for others...... Nothing wrong with that!!
I'am so happy that a celebrity brings to the table, AA program of recovery. which is the basis of Nacotic Anyonmous. Every human being should practice this program of a different way of thinking and a conscious presence of the present moment . I have been one year sober and it's the best way to be period. It makes my peace different then the average. I'am gratefully blessed.
@ed dawg, how did you get yourself to take the first step? I lost my father to suicide and 3 years of heavy drinking every day... I tried to go to aa but to stay sober is really hard and with covid I feel myself even deeper in.. I wanna get sober, I need to or I’ll really head to rock bottom.. I need help and some insight. Please if you can tell me I would be grateful to hear how you did it and kept it up. Congrats on 8 years sober by now, that’s impressive
@@ktm196 Step one is about powerlessness. Powerlessness is about two things.. 1) once I start drinking/using i can't stop. This means I might have every intention of just having one or two but once it enters my body I crave more and always over shoot the mark. Alcoholics say it best... once I take that first drink, I get more thirsty (unquenchable thirst) 2) once I stop I can't stay stopped. This is because I always convince myself it's ok to take the first one (no one else does..I believe my lies), which then sets off the unquenchable thirst thirst/craving. This is powerlessness... Thought that says it's ok + A physical craving that occurs once I take the first one (ones too many a thousands never enough) = POWERLESSNESS I can't use/drink safely because of my body and I can't keep away from it because of my mind BUT...out of those two conditions, only one is the true problem... The problem is NEVER the first drink/drug... it's the THINKING that tells me it's ok to take the first drink/drug As the result of this powerless condition my life becomes unmanageable. Unmanageability is the side effect of powerlessness Hope that helps my man
@@jashinya1983 aa doesn’t work for me. I don’t believe in a god and tried 5 sponsors who only wanted to push a false diety on me than help me with the actual process. I’ve been doing better with my battle by meditation and finding now hobbies that don’t remind me of drinking
@@ktm196 it's cool. I was just explaining the powerlessness aspect. A lot of people struggle with that same issue. A guy once shared, that every time he heard the term God his stomach flip flopped. But then he read something in the literature that made sense to him..it was an equation... if I do this, I'll get that... that was his Higher Power...the process.. it's a lot bigger hoop to jump through than you think. :). But hey, hopefully you find something that helps. If there is anything else i can do, to help, just let me know.
I was diagnosed with bipolar with psychosis last summer after being in the Psych ward. It was a revelation. Something I had denied myself for over 30 years. I thought my torment was from an abusive childhood, and have spent all my life trying to be in charge of myself, but failing miserably. I got to a point where I realised a diagnosis couldn't be any more destructive than the life I had lived trying to deny that truth. I am in therapy learning about myself so that I can live without all the negative attachments I have created to compensate for a lack of care or love from others. I am learning to be my own parent now. It's scary, hard, beautiful and inspiring. I have many attachments to the superficial aesthetic world built on materialism can create, but I am learning why and how, and I am doing my best to unravel all that is unhelpful so that I can live a contented life. I hear you and know that being connected is a necessary part of a more positive and nourished life. So greatfull for your mission to be open and as truthful as you can, it is a lovely conversation.
I think Brand is showing such a vulnerability on his podcast that’s refreshing, honest and brave. I have much respect for him and that there is so much more depth to him than a comedian. (He is funny) this is a nice side to see. He is so right about getting the focus off yourself and find a purpose of serving others and giving.
I just got out of a 28-day treatment program for a heroin addiction and they showed us this video while in treatment. Watching it again, it's great to be reminded of all the things that Russell speaks of and reminds us of. The man's a genius in my book.❤
Russell, it takes someone who truly cares about people to share your own shortcomings to help others. Addiction is a disease, not a weakness. It can get anyone. Being judgmental to an addict can only hurt. That's where I become judgmental. Only the lowest of the low kicks someone when they're at their worst.
Sorry Ol Chap I'm a bit slow ~ I just found this, everybody else found it two years ago, I already feel like a loser😊. I love it. You are amazing ~ You make it look easier than on actually is for you... I wish you & your family all the best. Your wife is a very brave woman whom must love you dearly ~ knowing your past. Cheers to a great New Year and thank you for the courage to share your transformation ~ which in itself is a very challenging task ~ that requires a generous heart full of love. Blessings everyday, Katie
Thank god, people who leave comments with some substance! Just been watching Russell Brand 'Under The Skin' show and its just muggles posting bitter comments at russell, never expressing a point of view, simply looking for faults. The recovering addict on the other hand, has wisdom and some substance to their comments Thank you Russell for all that you are doing x
This podcast was a random find after another bad night. I've been avoiding it for years. But today is the first day ive actually dedcided to try and work this program. My first AA meeting will be in 2 hrs. Thank you, Russell.
Hi Russell I've been in addiction for about 20years I came out of 12step rehab last year and was working the program then I stoped going to meetings for a while and stoped working the program then the insanity returned and I relapsed again. I have managed to get myself detox and I'm clean and sober but not going to meetings for so much fear and anxiety it's crazy getting out the house is a nightmare I'm stuck in isolation and fear most off the day. You have done amazing Russell keep up the good work love watching you on RUclips God bless :)
Tony Keane hope all is ok for you? I have come home from a NA meeting. I hope you get back to recovery. Not sure if you have tried a website in the rooms maybe that might be a good 1st step. It's difficult to get back to the program when you have slipped or relapsed. Is there someone that you could call or text? Or go with? Don't give up. You are worth it.
I watched this for the first time whist in rehab for alcoholism with a very diverse group of people who all learnt from it along side therapy and group sessions. I'm watching it again now out of the rehab bubble and im still learning more again. When a person promotes the 12 steps in such a passionate, non preachy way it can only inspire. Well appreciated.
He's quite poetic is our Russel! He doesn't deliver his stuff in a cold, opaque fashion - rather, he sets free, his thoughts & feelings, into our imaginations.
The people who will understand this are the people who know the despair,so many people making ugly comments just can't possibly relate. I wish no one could understand this,but so many people are suffering... Russell clearly brings it into focus,it doesn't matter what you do or don't have,in the end we are all repeating our past till we deal with it.
RB has such a strong analytical mind. I wonder if it is such a good idea to philosophize so intensely. If he could let go of his own narrative and focus more on the subtle mind he might find more peace. However, I do think he will drill down into what the nature of the human condition is...if it can be found.
Russell I just want to thank you for all your videos and thoughtful insights on addiction. I’m in my final year at university and I’ve been having a really hard time, I’ve forsaken every other part of my life to just do university work and in turn I have become seriously addicted to food. People don’t take me seriously because I look thin, but I’ve actually been stuffing my face to the point of crying many times to cope with the stress and anxiety. You’ve made me realize there are certain trigger foods I will have to give up if I want to live happily and sane again. Really thank you
If you haven't already, listen to some Alan Watts speeches, or maybe Ram Das if you're more into spirituality. Really opened my eyes to what reality is and who we are as humans.
Love you Russell! Thank you so much for being you. I'm a person that still struggles with my recovery from addiction and your experience, thoughts and strength are very inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to care and sharing your story.
What I hate - negative thoughts towards myself over bad decisions - self absorbed people disgusts me - mistreatment of those vulnerable - the negative way the world seems to be heading I do love - the worlds wondrous creations - a mountain range, nature - a young person spending time with an old person - Standing up for another - Feeling love towards anything that’s oblivious to your feelings - Helping fill an empty stomach - compassion in society - Humor about this life - that we all are here at this moment together for a small amount of time in space’s infinite amount of time. -Russel Brand and many others whether celebrity or our neighbor that believe in helping themselves and others to see what we sometimes tend to let slip our minds, to look at life through a better lens.
I Agree with quite literally 100% of what Russell talks about regarding Recovery , from everything I've watched and listened of him. He has my own beliefs on many matters and it really is great to listen to somebody who has the same ways of thinking. I am 9 weeks clean & sober Today , attend 2 of the Fellowships, and I will be watching Mr Brand very closely for the Recovering years to come.. Thumbs up.
Russell, thank you so much for this and everything else you are doing. I am experiencing tangible changes in the way I feel connected to other human beings, about how I see the world. It's making a difference. Love you man.
Finally, I've been dying to hear about Russel's addictions, as he usually keeps them so private and never talks about them. Refreshing honesty on Brand's part
46:15 Loneliness is the Greatest Killer? Language has created the Word "Loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. It has also created the Word "Solitude" to express the glory of being alone. -Paul Johannes Tillich - The Eternal Now
We need to SURRENDER and focus on consciousness & compassion ~ The habits we are doing by trying to find a way to alter our beings from the ‘stresses’ of life has been sooo prevalent in our society & this must change...! It’s okay not to be okay at times, that’s part of humanity in order to appreciate the essence of our own real happiness!
Brand is a genius. Just listen to the way he can wind his way through a thought, bringing us with him. I feel like I’m being gently led through the mind of a great thinker. All of this Without the ego of those who see themselves as “the smartest ones in the room.”
I have decided to get a Masters degree in Social Work with Substance abuse as a speciality. I loved your book and find your intellect to be thought-provoking. You are apart of my schooling in a sense, your a teacher to my future approach to others with substance abuse. Thank you:)
You are basically already my sponsor coz if I have a challenge, what I do is search a video of yours and somehow which ever one I pick in that moment, helps me deal with what I am facing at that time. 👐 Your words take me beyond all my challenges 🙌 Viva le Russell Brand and my connection to you.
Meaning and a paradigm shift, not being afraid of love into your heart, the prioritizing of capitalism over reason. Undo the program of consumerism. He is so right on.
Wow, I don't know if Russel knows it, but there was a whole lot of Catholic Philosophy there. As a life long catholic, I recognized a lot of things I have heard my whole life: We are all one, so not be afraid, die to self, suffering can be redemptive, suffering can be an expression of love, loving our brothers and sisters is loving ourselves, service to others can be a fulfilling life.
Alicia Kwong Catholicism has so many flaws in practice. The stories and their meanings are beautiful; but Catholics (or all christians for that matter) do not exemplify Jesus at all.
uh nah. Yes humans are flawed. Some of us are trying, Jesus(God) is a high standard that we usually fall short of. It is sad when people pick and choose only the parts of Christianity that serve them and then claim to be followers of Christ with very little love for their neighbor.
Yeah, but Catholicism has that whole babies who die go to Limbo crap (that's just cruel) and the idolotry & praying to mother Mary & saints...the sick idea of all these women "marrying" Jesus...who, by the way, I've NEVER heard say he wanted to marry...it's just the weirdest thing. I have Catholic friends, but we don't debate religion...
None of those things are quite accurate or part of Catholic docterine or philosopy. Some of those things are poor explainations and probably the reason St Join Paul II had the actual teaching of the church, the cathecism, printed in every language possible. It is a big green book that explains it all and you won't find a thing about babies going to limbo. We don't pray to anyone but God, we ask our departed brothers and sister a to pray for us just as we ask our living friends to pray for us. The "hail mary"begs Mary to pray for us, after all Jesus performed his first miracle at her request, even though he was reluctant. And as far as nuns being married to Jesus, how else would you explain to a marriage crazed culture that a young girl is going to devote her life to contemplative prayer, to thinking of God and the good of man kind for the rest of her life. She will search for spiritual perfection and the presence of God on this earth through a life of displined prayer and work that few in this culture could do or even understand. Perhaps you should talk to your Catholic friends, because then these misunderstandings could be cleared up and if they still hold these false "beliefs" you could help them become better Catholics by searching out the truths of their own religion. I find one of the most irritating things about being Catholic are the Catholics in name only that don't bother to study or learn the faith past what they got in elementary school, they quite often misrepresent the rest of us.
Wonderful interview! I'm looking forward to reading the new book. The level of spirituality that you apply to your experience of the program is so inspiring; it clearly transcends that silent, internal spirituality and affects all aspects of life and lifestyle. Your channel has aided my recovery so much, thank you for sharing your experience.
Thank you for all that you do... addiction was the catalyst to my awakening, and it was your videos on addiction and comedy has lit my path on the awakening journey... i wore pretty damn similar shoes.... love, light and humor!!!!!
So true, the need for human connection is one of the greatest things that kept my addiction going. Russell Brand you are inspirational for sharing your truth, Thank You.
I can't get over how intense he is about stuff. The enthusiasm alone makes me want to see what he's all about and what kinds of ideas he's got rolling around.
I'm glad that Russell is so open and honest about real causes of addiction and harm to self, like child abuse or divorce or mental illness etc., because it's so brushed-over these days even though we know it's happening and real. -Of course people don't need to shout out their personal lives to the world, but when are we gonna be comfortable as a society to say "yes, I was abused as a child", or "yes, I became addicted to avoid my pain"??
Russell is once again well ahead of the person interviewing him. This professor did not seem to comprehend a word Brand said. He moves on so quickly and seems so disengaged from the content Brand is luxuriously lavishing him with and he's like, right then...about yada yada. He is without emotion, without soul almost. What a contrast to the depth of Brand. Not being judgemental, just observing that Brad needs to hit the meditation cushion. HARD. LMAO
Thank you for promoting the 12 steps program. Change is possible. I feel happy to see your growth and self development. Thank you for being you. Love love love
Wow interesting discussion around listening, empathy and death being a teacher of change leading to transformations. Also points about environmental factors being a contributor to addiction. Love the story about Russells mate losing his leg and his acceptance and how he turns it around with his perspective of it.
Notice the difference in body language between Russel and Brad. Respects to both perspective. This is a conversation between someone very much in the matrix (Brad) trying to understand someone who has broken out of it (Russel). Brilliant!
Russell is such an insightful inspiring dude. Watching his videos and listening to him speak while I make it though AA has been a blessing to me. Keep up the great work!
Hi Russell. I admire you, your work, your brain, your candor, your wit, your sass and your good heart. Thank u for having a great channel. Hugs from Cheyenne King in Minnesota. ❤️❤️
Russell, I very deeply appreciate this interview/discussion. I find myself rewinding often in order to digest more fully the topic. Thank you both very much great one for my playlist.
Thanks for this Russell, currently battling many of the "dark arts" (as Theo Von would say) and hearing you speak about your struggles really helps. Keep up the good work brother, very inspirational!
Russell Brand says a lot of good things here. Clearly someone dedicated to recovery. What he misses is that the need for spirituality is not a requirement for contentment or happiness. One of the real keys is brought up around 6-7 minutes in - when we help people we feel a sense of happiness. When we do things not only for ourselves, but for others, we feel connection. It is our nature to support one another. This is not just a spiritual idea - it makes sense from the point of view of evolutionary psychology. Working together helps us all survive. Being part of a group increases our sense of security and decreases our stress. Dissatisfaction is also part of our nature. If our ancestors picked a nut off the tree and felt like their job was done, we probably wouldn't have survived very long. What was useful for our ancestors, and necessary for our survival, is now a tool used by marketing machines. This is why depression is growing far more quickly in wealthy countries - having more does not mean being happier.
I really love watching your evolution over time! I've been working on watching all of your channel videos for some time, in chronological order, and this evolution of yours is so subtle and interesting! I don't always understand the content or fully agree with it, but I'm learning so much from it! If you ever do read this: thank you for the education! 🙌✌🙋
This new Russell brand is an inspiration I haven't read his book yet but I'm going to very soon! And Russell if you should read this comment thank you for your story it has opened my eyes to everything I've done wrong in my eternal battle within and has helped me push the boundaries of addiction and overcoming it
Simplistic Attitudinal Consciousness is the overall message I reaped from this podcast interview. Funny thing is my bible has been teaching me this for awhile.
I have smoked weed every day for 15 years, I know most people don’t see it as that bad a drug but it really has had a detrimental effect on my life, relationships and wellbeing. Since reading Russell’s book I am now two weeks clean and am so happy and grateful. I would implore anyone to read his book, even if you’re not an addict it breaks down how you can improve your life and the way you view the world and the people in it. What a fantastic human being this man is.
hey man how ya doing now?
Anything done in excess is bad.weed it's self isn't bad but done in excess it would become a detrimental thing in life.
Here here stay clean enjoy every moment one day at a time brother
how are you doing now mate?
I’m going through the exact same thing right now. 13 years of chronic marijuana use to a cold turkey stop. The fear is real, the pain is real but the clarity and sense of purity that comes from not using is almost if not more addictive. I wish you all the best in your sobriety brother and your journey to wellness. I’m On day 7 of sobriety myself, wish me luck
Russell has a very natural intelligence. He could speak circles around most people.
So glad he came to awareness to want a clean life..a great example!
"We aren't human beings, we are human becomings."
So much trust and hope in this. Beautiful observation.
This quote struck me too! 👍☺
@No One What exactly are you confused about; you take some sort of offense to somebody finding a quote relatable, as if any of it has anything to do with you or as if there's actually something to get bent outta shape about that effects your life in any way or shape at all, so you had an overwhelming compulsion to reply? 😒
The way Russell can talk so fluently and without almost any interruptions is mindblowing.
That is so tru. He is always in a zen state of mine to flow with what’s in his heart!!
He’s bipolar....so am I and I often talk in a similar fast eloquent expansive way...many folk find it too intense to listen to 😂🙏
His vocabulary is insane, people used to think Russel was stupid he is far from it. Alot of drug addicts are highly intelligent using drugs as a means to escape their thoughts.
@@thomaskwan3251 I like how he slightly giggles after he says something deep and profound. It's almost as if he's as amazed what just came from his mouth as we are. The man is incredibly smart.
Ive been suffering with addiction to heroin and crack and pharmaceuticals lol for 25 years. I've lost everyone i love . I feel completely hopeless and dontwant to stop cos smoking is the only thing keeping me alive right now. I deserve a life. A happy one. Im trying to work on myself and self worth.
Lean on God and Jesus. I have been working on my self acceptance all my life. some days I like myself. some days I don't. Let's keep working to like ourselves more.
Listening to under the skin was how I came to know Russell Brand. Everyone who wants to cancel him out of hand should watch this
Been sober for 5 + months in AA and have never felt so comfortable. Starting step 4. Getting out of self and doing service work.
Elliot Kern Awesome. Great work
Hope you are well brother 🙏
xx
Read hindu texts or just go to a temple and sit and just close your eyes and think of something positive.
Slow down, the steps are not a race BROTHER 🤘🖤
"While I am talking to you, I won't be thinking about myself" - Very inspiring words. So simply put and yet so hard to implement.
Mate. As a alcoholic for ten years I want you to know. Without you and your words I wouldnt be entering rehab on Saturday. Thank you Russel brand.
I'm so greatful for people like you. You have changed my thought pattern and I know you will change many others.
"Alcohol isn't the problem. Alcohol is the solution to the problem - of living under the false ideals of a materialistic society". WHAT a quote fam.
Aesthetic Asexual
Sounds poignant. Absolute bullshit though. Alcohol is a major contributor to so many problems.
Yes, but what he's saying is that the source of alcoholism is pain that we are trying to mask. Alcohol is not the root of the problem. The root goes deeper.
Aesthetic, I don’t think you got it. Take your time, think about it again....breathe....see what he meant now? There ya go!
Alcohol is but symptom! A throw a way society, never is never enough. IT'S MY EGO AND SELF-PITY And self centered mind. Pick your poison it's every where. I know as a alcoholic that when I put it in my body it changes everything. It changes me radically . The beauty is that there is a great solution for me.
Alcohol and alcoholism was around long before society became materialistic
I"ve been following Russell"s journey, form an addict to becoming a spiritual human being, and I must say: I am in awe of this man, his transformation, loosening an ego-trip..Russell is such a beautiful soul, humble yet articulate, honest in a non-pathetic way...Sweet Russell :*
I was 23 years in addiction. I'm 4 months clean . I'm doing a day programme and going to NA meetings every day I have got so much back in my life in such a little amount of time . My flamly are back in my life . Life is so much better one day at a time people places things
Well done pal, hope you're still clean..I'll be five years meself in two weeks..life is great
Well done keep strong soldier peace and love
Thank you, Russell. I'm still struggling with my drug addiction, and feel like you're the only place I have to go. I cannot tell you how much your work means to me. Already preordered Recovery and I'm in the middle of Revolution. You are a beacon of light, and I hope to do you proud.
recommendation: if it's in your area, look up a SMART Recovery meeting and check it out. If you haven't already tried 12 step. Good luck from one addict to another.
Lynnie Shaw thank you for that recommendation, my issue revolve totally around not going to meetings.
As Brand stated, 12 step programs do not require you be "touchy-feely" or religious. Anything can represent your "higher power," it doesn't have to be God (although many people do end up there). I know a Native American in the program who uses a totem as his higher power. Please try several meetings, they all have different vibes.
Hunny sometimes depending on where you live, it's nearly impossible to escape the religious undertones. In my area, people always baited me in with the "you don't have to be religious!" but then by step 5 they're telling me "well you basically have to come up with some kind of higher being." And it's everywhere. Everyone is "god god god god" all the time. It makes sense, after all, since 12 step was founded on religious principles. They can be helpful to many people, but there are also solid alternatives that don't require a focus on higher power.
12 steps was a weird thing imo. I met so many fucked up, horrible weird people there. They were sooo self centered!!, and although addiction does that to us, i never really became as selfish as my peers around me. Im not special, or im not saying im summit im not, but i was different to 99 % of addicts at those NA meetings. Looking back now, i see how NA totally wasnt for me, and im glad i got away from it. However im now still struggling with my demons (like today even) and the help just isnt around here for me. They have a weekely meeting which is non NA.... so im now going to try that. Brand has his own methods, but i think fails to recognize there are other personalities out there.... other than his own. Im not knocking him, cus i think he is well meaning and sincere, yet i think .... just like many at the NA meetings, he is inherently overly selfish ... and thats ok, but it doesnt relate to my journey. Good luck peeps, much love to all.
He’s inspiring me so much to try harder to fight for my sobriety
hope you're ok, Gerado
Don't try man, do it!
Me too man, you got this, hope all is well! Just starting my journey
Lewis Love awe thank you yes the funny thing it’s exactly like two years since I entered rehab and began what I call the journey of recovery. So after a bit of new healthy sober highs and unpleasantly familiar not fun lows I’m at almost 6 months and just grateful for today. Thanks for reminding me and good luck to you in your journey 🙏🏼
Hello everyone my names Kris and I’m a recovering addict 🙏🏼
secret name yes I’m now just over 10 years clean living a wonderful productive happy life 👍
secret name THANKYOU , how are you.?
Hi Chris...Never Surrender...if Russell
and Thousands around the World Can
Beat this Disease Of Addiction.Why Not
you..come on.i Bet all in U..Yes We Can.
@@bennymoret1339 thank you ❤️🙏🏼❤️
What I adore about your journey is how hard you work at your life and recovery and how intelligent and invested you are in all aspects of your life. I am not working as hard at various aspects of my life, as you are, and I am inspired to try harder and understand more.
Is life a journey?
@kpdstorm Technically it is. It has a very clear beginning, middle and inevitable end - exactly like a journey. What you make of that journey is up to the individual. No one should have as a big of an influence on YOUR journey as you do. You can sit on your hands for its entirety, or you try and make the most of it. No one, imo, should judge you on how you decide to spend this finite time (unless you deliberately negatively influence someone else's journey, of course).
I like the idea of using what worked in one area to succeed in another. I see that echoed in another comment here: "Muhsin Muhbit put a Mohammedan curse on me. I cried out to God when my body shut down in the middle of the night! A voice said, "Send the symptoms back where they came from!" Heart and breath kicked back in, then a single "death tear" rolled from my eye! Even though he had been pestering me on FB, I never heard from him again, it made me sad. But I have no problem with a fallen angel disappearing, so I'm sending back the nail biting that has plagued me all my life to Where It Came From! If all Christian Believers with that problem do the same thing, I reckon that the Enemy will chew himself up and destroy himself in no time..." So let's all do just that! I know HEAPS of people bothered by this self-destructive habit, which basically turns a person into a cannibal...
Wow, he totally reached me. I've been sober almost five years and I totally agree that helping others will get you well. I work with those with special needs. I realize that I suck at everything, relationships, money, life etc. I am however very very good at my job. It's the one thing that totally takes me out of my twisted head and it truly makes me happy and fulfilled. I am by no means a saint, it just so happens that God gave me but one gift, and that is that I can connect with literally anyone with special needs (autism, developmental delays, you name it). When I finally embraced that's my purpose I became not just happier but completely HAPPY! God bless Russel Brand, but also Craig Ferguson for letting those struggling with addictions know that the twelve steps will not only change you, they will save you. Also God bless Bill W.
I found out about this today when I went to a meeting and someone told me they’d watched a video where Russell Brand talks about my leg being amputated!
Love the insight into the steps in your videos and your book. I always learn more about spirituality and the disease of addiction listening to other addicts.
This guy took time out to put me in contact with other people in recovery that had been through amputations and cancer! Blessed and humbled ❤️
Nice. Hope you are doing well Pete.
Fantastic stuff :) hope you are well!
Wishing you the best, Pete.
i havent watched anything with russell brand in it for years, and i happened to search for his name today and found this. wow, this is wonderful - so glad that someone so well-known and with such celebrity is talking about this important subject in an honest way. Also, Russell comes across so differently (more grounded, more mature) than he did in my memory, from videos i watched years ago. Yay!
well he's been doing video's like this for years you should watch all his old ones TREWSNews he just started this new podcast but his old ones were funny as hell in his bed talking about the news
Russell gets it right describing Bill Wilson and Dr Bob making connection. This is the essence of a science of addiction discovered recently.
Yea isnt it amazing. he gave up fame realizing its just another addiction and trap. He is helping so many ppl with his willingness to be transparent and candid about his journey and his gift of eloquence goes a long way.
I had not given him much thought until I watched his biography a year and a half ago while recovering from an injury. His recovery and love of life and people is very inspiring. I have passed his books and thoughts on to friends that are recovering addicts. I love to listen to him speak...............not only does he really seem to care, he does it with common sense and humor. A lovely individual he is!
The ultimate connection is a connection to the authentic self. Authentic self is you without your coping mechanisms. Authentic self is achieved through self mastery.
When Brad read the part of your book about your childhood abuse and how you reconciled that part of your life but writing that "they did the best they could" and you sort of interpreted the experience with your own bias and could change how you felt about the abuse because it was "a choice" how to view it....my jaw just dropped because this is exactly what I had to do to take back my life from childhood abuse and it has been monumental in regaining my mental health. I think this is the only true way to move past what abuse can do to a person. I saw a therapist for quite a while and one day while discussing the abuse I lived through, she asked me if I could surrender it, to lay it at the feet of the person who did it, realize it was not mine to own anymore and leave it there. I thought about this for weeks and finally I came to the sqme conclusion as you did Russell, that yes, my mother hurt me enormously, she made me think of myself as nothing, of no value, but as a mother myself, I asked myself how on earth a parent could do that. I couldn't imagine hurting my children in that way, why could she do it? Then I realized that it was all she could do. It was the best she could do with the experiences she had. She could do no better because she knew no better. She was a broken person herself. She was hirt as much as I was so how could I feel it was a personal attack on me? It wasn't. It was all she was capable of doing. If I wanted relief from the hurt that was done to me, surely she felt the exact same way but because she didn't have the opportunity and time to see a therapist, she couldn't see what she was doing was just continuing what she had learned. I think she may have already had so much guilt inside about the hurt she has caused that living with distance between her and her children was easier than facing it too. I started my journey to heal while my children were bery young so I stopped this pattern. I want to tell anyone out there who has been abused and hurt in the past and it has wreaked havic on your life, it is NEVER personal. It is NEVER because of anything you did or did not do, it is because the abuser was a broken soul. Please, lay the feelings of hurt at the feet of the person who did this and surrender it. It is not your burden to bear, it never was. Remove the weight of hurt that has weighed you down for so long and then find and give happiness everyday. 🙏🙏
DaniH thank you so much for taking the time to explain that.
Well said. Have someone with whom I will share this. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your story and for capturing the moment that changed how you viewed the abuse you experienced, the abuser and moving forward. It’s helped me better understand in how to let go of abuse and take your life back.
✌🏻😎
Powerful.
If society had more conscious minded, loving, helpful, questioning, intelligent, celebs like Russ... Life would be a little better.
Xäp 8 a lot*
Thank you Russel. Keep shining light. Stay Free
man, there are a lot of negative comments here... more than usual. Well, whatever, I'm thankful for brand.
Go ride a richard, head
This is a great video. You can't please everyone.
This is why I work in care, the care and happiness I can create for another human, who is not able/capable to do it for themselves, I feel doing good, helps yourself to feel good.... It's not selfish, it is rewarding!!! I am only feeling satisfaction from doing good for others...... Nothing wrong with that!!
Good stuff!
I'am so happy that a celebrity brings to the table, AA program of recovery. which is the basis of Nacotic Anyonmous. Every human being should practice this program of a different way of thinking and a conscious presence of the present moment . I have been one year sober and it's the best way to be period. It makes my peace different then the average. I'am gratefully blessed.
Man the first five minutes already got me thinking out my entire life.
wanna be friends T?
Simply Terrell please finish with the tape
I’ll be sober 7 years next month God willing. AA works for people who work it.
congratulations mate!
@ed dawg, how did you get yourself to take the first step? I lost my father to suicide and 3 years of heavy drinking every day... I tried to go to aa but to stay sober is really hard and with covid I feel myself even deeper in.. I wanna get sober, I need to or I’ll really head to rock bottom.. I need help and some insight. Please if you can tell me I would be grateful to hear how you did it and kept it up. Congrats on 8 years sober by now, that’s impressive
@@ktm196
Step one is about powerlessness.
Powerlessness is about two things..
1) once I start drinking/using i can't stop.
This means I might have every intention of just having one or two but once it enters my body I crave more and always over shoot the mark. Alcoholics say it best... once I take that first drink, I get more thirsty (unquenchable thirst)
2) once I stop I can't stay stopped.
This is because I always convince myself it's ok to take the first one (no one else does..I believe my lies), which then sets off the unquenchable thirst thirst/craving.
This is powerlessness...
Thought that says it's ok
+
A physical craving that occurs once I take the first one (ones too many a thousands never enough)
= POWERLESSNESS
I can't use/drink safely because of my body and I can't keep away from it because of my mind
BUT...out of those two conditions, only one is the true problem...
The problem is NEVER the first drink/drug... it's the THINKING that tells me it's ok to take the first drink/drug
As the result of this powerless condition my life becomes unmanageable.
Unmanageability is the side effect of powerlessness
Hope that helps my man
@@jashinya1983 aa doesn’t work for me. I don’t believe in a god and tried 5 sponsors who only wanted to push a false diety on me than help me with the actual process. I’ve been doing better with my battle by meditation and finding now hobbies that don’t remind me of drinking
@@ktm196 it's cool. I was just explaining the powerlessness aspect.
A lot of people struggle with that same issue. A guy once shared, that every time he heard the term God his stomach flip flopped. But then he read something in the literature that made sense to him..it was an equation... if I do this, I'll get that... that was his Higher Power...the process.. it's a lot bigger hoop to jump through than you think. :). But hey, hopefully you find something that helps. If there is anything else i can do, to help, just let me know.
I was diagnosed with bipolar with psychosis last summer after being in the Psych ward. It was a revelation. Something I had denied myself for over 30 years. I thought my torment was from an abusive childhood, and have spent all my life trying to be in charge of myself, but failing miserably. I got to a point where I realised a diagnosis couldn't be any more destructive than the life I had lived trying to deny that truth. I am in therapy learning about myself so that I can live without all the negative attachments I have created to compensate for a lack of care or love from others. I am learning to be my own parent now. It's scary, hard, beautiful and inspiring. I have many attachments to the superficial aesthetic world built on materialism can create, but I am learning why and how, and I am doing my best to unravel all that is unhelpful so that I can live a contented life. I hear you and know that being connected is a necessary part of a more positive and nourished life. So greatfull for your mission to be open and as truthful as you can, it is a lovely conversation.
Thank you gentle man for this. I am so grateful ❤️💜💛 Russell Brand I am grateful for you ❤️
I think Brand is showing such a vulnerability on his podcast that’s refreshing, honest and brave. I have much respect for him and that there is so much more depth to him than a comedian. (He is funny) this is a nice side to see. He is so right about getting the focus off yourself and find a purpose of serving others and giving.
I just got out of a 28-day treatment program for a heroin addiction and they showed us this video while in treatment. Watching it again, it's great to be reminded of all the things that Russell speaks of and reminds us of. The man's a genius in my book.❤
Russell, it takes someone who truly cares about people to share your own shortcomings to help others. Addiction is a disease, not a weakness. It can get anyone. Being judgmental to an addict can only hurt. That's where I become judgmental. Only the lowest of the low kicks someone when they're at their worst.
I'm in recovery my self and I love to hearing this and it's really helping me in my own recovery thank you
You are my sober fantasy
Sorry Ol Chap I'm a bit slow ~ I just found this, everybody else found it two years ago, I already feel like a loser😊. I love it. You are amazing ~ You make it look easier than on actually is for you... I wish you & your family all the best. Your wife is a very brave woman whom must love you dearly ~ knowing your past. Cheers to a great New Year and thank you for the courage to share your transformation ~ which in itself is a very challenging task ~ that requires a generous heart full of love. Blessings everyday, Katie
Thank god, people who leave comments with some substance! Just been watching Russell Brand 'Under The Skin' show and its just muggles posting bitter comments at russell, never expressing a point of view, simply looking for faults.
The recovering addict on the other hand, has wisdom and some substance to their comments
Thank you Russell for all that you are doing x
This podcast was a random find after another bad night. I've been avoiding it for years. But today is the first day ive actually dedcided to try and work this program. My first AA meeting will be in 2 hrs. Thank you, Russell.
Doing the ''STEPS'' is like training to become a JEDI Be a JEDI!! Recovery is worth it
Hi Russell I've been in addiction for about 20years I came out of 12step rehab last year and was working the program then I stoped going to meetings for a while and stoped working the program then the insanity returned and I relapsed again. I have managed to get myself detox and I'm clean and sober but not going to meetings for so much fear and anxiety it's crazy getting out the house is a nightmare I'm stuck in isolation and fear most off the day. You have done amazing Russell keep up the good work love watching you on RUclips God bless :)
Tony Keane hope all is ok for you? I have come home from a NA meeting. I hope you get back to recovery. Not sure if you have tried a website in the rooms maybe that might be a good 1st step. It's difficult to get back to the program when you have slipped or relapsed. Is there someone that you could call or text? Or go with? Don't give up. You are worth it.
God bless yes back in the rooms back thorught the steps 2months 6day clean thank god off to meet newcomer for coffee. Thanks for your reply dan)
Tony Keane great to hear.
Danielle Hughes thanks mate how you getting on?
Tony Keane Glad your doing good man.! How are you now 6 Months later.?
One of the most incredible, illuminating things I've ever seen. Thank you.
I watched this for the first time whist in rehab for alcoholism with a very diverse group of people who all learnt from it along side therapy and group sessions. I'm watching it again now out of the rehab bubble and im still learning more again. When a person promotes the 12 steps in such a passionate, non preachy way it can only inspire. Well appreciated.
He's quite poetic is our Russel! He doesn't deliver his stuff in a cold, opaque fashion - rather, he sets free, his thoughts & feelings, into our imaginations.
The people who will understand this are the people who know the despair,so many people making ugly comments just can't possibly relate. I wish no one could understand this,but so many people are suffering... Russell clearly brings it into focus,it doesn't matter what you do or don't have,in the end we are all repeating our past till we deal with it.
I've found Russell very helpful in my own recovery, because he's so approachable, and obviously sincere.
Alcohol has ruined my life for 5 years- I want to try AA this weekend for the first time ❤️ I want to transform my life
good luck Jessica!
@@sawtoothiandi thanks! 13 days sober
@@jj2859 did AA help with that?
@@sawtoothiandi it sure is! I am still in lockdown. So on zoom AA but yes so helpful day 21 sober 👋💥
RB has such a strong analytical mind. I wonder if it is such a good idea to philosophize so intensely. If he could let go of his own narrative and focus more on the subtle mind he might find more peace.
However, I do think he will drill down into what the nature of the human condition is...if it can be found.
Russell I just want to thank you for all your videos and thoughtful insights on addiction. I’m in my final year at university and I’ve been having a really hard time, I’ve forsaken every other part of my life to just do university work and in turn I have become seriously addicted to food. People don’t take me seriously because I look thin, but I’ve actually been stuffing my face to the point of crying many times to cope with the stress and anxiety. You’ve made me realize there are certain trigger foods I will have to give up if I want to live happily and sane again. Really thank you
Just got back 16 monthes of sobriety after a brief relapse at the beginning of covid pandemic. Blessed and so greatful. Keep fighting 💪
The substance someone uses is irrelevant, getting to the source of why this person needs to escape is the answer!
I aspire to seek a deeper perspective on life the way Russell has - got to keep going on that journey
If you haven't already, listen to some Alan Watts speeches, or maybe Ram Das if you're more into spirituality.
Really opened my eyes to what reality is and who we are as humans.
3 weeks sober hopefully a daily dose of russel will keep me flying straight
I love the lighting and scene in the video, love the conversation and is extremely though provoking xx onelove
Love you Russell! Thank you so much for being you. I'm a person that still struggles with my recovery from addiction and your experience, thoughts and strength are very inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to care and sharing your story.
What I hate
- negative thoughts towards myself over bad decisions
- self absorbed people disgusts me
- mistreatment of those vulnerable
- the negative way the world seems to be heading
I do love
- the worlds wondrous creations
- a mountain range, nature
- a young person spending time with an old person
- Standing up for another
- Feeling love towards anything that’s oblivious to your feelings
- Helping fill an empty stomach
- compassion in society
- Humor about this life
- that we all are here at this moment together for a small amount of time in space’s infinite amount of time.
-Russel Brand and many others whether celebrity or our neighbor that believe in helping themselves and others to see what we sometimes tend to let slip our minds, to look at life through a better lens.
I Agree with quite literally 100% of what Russell talks about regarding Recovery , from everything I've watched and listened of him. He has my own beliefs on many matters and it really is great to listen to somebody who has the same ways of thinking. I am 9 weeks clean & sober Today , attend 2 of the Fellowships, and I will be watching Mr Brand very closely for the Recovering years to come.. Thumbs up.
Russell, thank you so much for this and everything else you are doing. I am experiencing tangible changes in the way I feel connected to other human beings, about how I see the world. It's making a difference. Love you man.
...making a difference to russells brand...lol ( notice he is plugging his book and his under the skin channel is advertised during the interview)
Finally, I've been dying to hear about Russel's addictions, as he usually keeps them so private and never talks about them. Refreshing honesty on Brand's part
46:15 Loneliness is the Greatest Killer?
Language has created the Word "Loneliness" to express the pain of being alone.
It has also created the Word "Solitude" to express the glory of being alone.
-Paul Johannes Tillich - The Eternal Now
We need to SURRENDER and focus on consciousness & compassion ~ The habits we are doing by trying to find a way to alter our beings from the ‘stresses’ of life has been sooo prevalent in our society & this must change...! It’s okay not to be okay at times, that’s part of humanity in order to appreciate the essence of our own real happiness!
Brand is a genius. Just listen to the way he can wind his way through a thought, bringing us with him. I feel like I’m being gently led through the mind of a great thinker. All of this Without the ego of those who see themselves as “the smartest ones in the room.”
You give me hope Rus! Keep on keeping on.
Russell Brand is someone we should all aspire to.. (my namesake) he is always present not taking life for granted and at any time we could die.
So much Love for you Russell. Infinite Blessings to you Always and In All Ways. Aho.
I have decided to get a Masters degree in Social Work with Substance abuse as a speciality. I loved your book and find your intellect to be thought-provoking. You are apart of my schooling in a sense, your a teacher to my future approach to others with substance abuse. Thank you:)
You are basically already my sponsor coz if I have a challenge, what I do is search a video of yours and somehow which ever one I pick in that moment, helps me deal with what I am facing at that time. 👐
Your words take me beyond all my challenges 🙌
Viva le Russell Brand and my connection to you.
Meaning and a paradigm shift, not being afraid of love into your heart, the prioritizing of capitalism over reason. Undo the program of consumerism. He is so right on.
Wow, I don't know if Russel knows it, but there was a whole lot of Catholic Philosophy there. As a life long catholic, I recognized a lot of things I have heard my whole life: We are all one, so not be afraid, die to self, suffering can be redemptive, suffering can be an expression of love, loving our brothers and sisters is loving ourselves, service to others can be a fulfilling life.
Alicia Kwong Catholicism has so many flaws in practice. The stories and their meanings are beautiful; but Catholics (or all christians for that matter) do not exemplify Jesus at all.
uh nah. Yes humans are flawed. Some of us are trying, Jesus(God) is a high standard that we usually fall short of. It is sad when people pick and choose only the parts of Christianity that serve them and then claim to be followers of Christ with very little love for their neighbor.
Yeah, but Catholicism has that whole babies who die go to Limbo crap (that's just cruel) and the idolotry & praying to mother Mary & saints...the sick idea of all these women "marrying" Jesus...who, by the way, I've NEVER heard say he wanted to marry...it's just the weirdest thing. I have Catholic friends, but we don't debate religion...
None of those things are quite accurate or part of Catholic docterine or philosopy. Some of those things are poor explainations and probably the reason St Join Paul II had the actual teaching of the church, the cathecism, printed in every language possible. It is a big green book that explains it all and you won't find a thing about babies going to limbo. We don't pray to anyone but God, we ask our departed brothers and sister a to pray for us just as we ask our living friends to pray for us. The "hail mary"begs Mary to pray for us, after all Jesus performed his first miracle at her request, even though he was reluctant. And as far as nuns being married to Jesus, how else would you explain to a marriage crazed culture that a young girl is going to devote her life to contemplative prayer, to thinking of God and the good of man kind for the rest of her life. She will search for spiritual perfection and the presence of God on this earth through a life of displined prayer and work that few in this culture could do or even understand.
Perhaps you should talk to your Catholic friends, because then these misunderstandings could be cleared up and if they still hold these false "beliefs" you could help them become better Catholics by searching out the truths of their own religion.
I find one of the most irritating things about being Catholic are the Catholics in name only that don't bother to study or learn the faith past what they got in elementary school, they quite often misrepresent the rest of us.
The stuff he is speaking about originated from the Oxford group, a Christian group that the original AA steps were adopted from
Courage, bravery, amazing spirit!
Meeting of the minds here. Your recovery work is the best yet.
Wonderful interview! I'm looking forward to reading the new book. The level of spirituality that you apply to your experience of the program is so inspiring; it clearly transcends that silent, internal spirituality and affects all aspects of life and lifestyle. Your channel has aided my recovery so much, thank you for sharing your experience.
Richard Head I hope it tasted good ❤
Thank you for all that you do... addiction was the catalyst to my awakening, and it was your videos on addiction and comedy has lit my path on the awakening journey... i wore pretty damn similar shoes.... love, light and humor!!!!!
So true, the need for human connection is one of the greatest things that kept my addiction going. Russell Brand you are inspirational for sharing your truth, Thank You.
I can't get over how intense he is about stuff. The enthusiasm alone makes me want to see what he's all about and what kinds of ideas he's got rolling around.
I'm glad that Russell is so open and honest about real causes of addiction and harm to self, like child abuse or divorce or mental illness etc., because it's so brushed-over these days even though we know it's happening and real. -Of course people don't need to shout out their personal lives to the world, but when are we gonna be comfortable as a society to say "yes, I was abused as a child", or "yes, I became addicted to avoid my pain"??
Russell is once again well ahead of the person interviewing him. This professor did not seem to comprehend a word Brand said. He moves on so quickly and seems so disengaged from the content Brand is luxuriously lavishing him with and he's like, right then...about yada yada. He is without emotion, without soul almost. What a contrast to the depth of Brand. Not being judgemental, just observing that Brad needs to hit the meditation cushion. HARD. LMAO
Thank you MR Brand .we are all mental .Some of us admit it.We are beautiful.
Thank you for promoting the 12 steps program. Change is possible. I feel happy to see your growth and self development. Thank you for being you. Love love love
Wow interesting discussion around listening, empathy and death being a teacher of change leading to transformations. Also points about environmental factors being a contributor to addiction. Love the story about Russells mate losing his leg and his acceptance and how he turns it around with his perspective of it.
Notice the difference in body language between Russel and Brad. Respects to both perspective.
This is a conversation between someone very much in the matrix (Brad) trying to understand someone who has broken out of it (Russel). Brilliant!
Human Condition in Motion....that sounds like the best description of addiction
Russell is such an insightful inspiring dude. Watching his videos and listening to him speak while I make it though AA has been a blessing to me. Keep up the great work!
Hi Russell. I admire you, your work, your brain, your candor, your wit, your sass and your good heart. Thank u for having a great channel. Hugs from Cheyenne King in Minnesota. ❤️❤️
This helped me a lot thanks. Have a nice day.
Russell, I very deeply appreciate this interview/discussion. I find myself rewinding often in order to digest more fully the topic.
Thank you both very much great one for my playlist.
russel is a good spokesperson for those awake or waking up to get the message across or for those still asleep
Nice of you to share openly. Full recovery is a long road that ends with understanding the Sun, or, standing under, the Sun. Happy trails, mate.
I love you Russell...... Thank you for all you do!
he's a good old boy, yes! i love him too.
I love the word sober. I fell prey to the game. I want sobriety to return to my original soul. I can't wait to read Russel's Recovery book.
To recover one's self, yes, that verbalises my desire. Recover, discover, be my own lover.
Thanks for this Russell, currently battling many of the "dark arts" (as Theo Von would say) and hearing you speak about your struggles really helps. Keep up the good work brother, very inspirational!
Just finished your book and loved every page of it. Thanks for giving away what you have in order to keep it!
I can’t think my way into good actions ,but I can ACT my way into good thinking !
Russell Brand says a lot of good things here. Clearly someone dedicated to recovery. What he misses is that the need for spirituality is not a requirement for contentment or happiness. One of the real keys is brought up around 6-7 minutes in - when we help people we feel a sense of happiness. When we do things not only for ourselves, but for others, we feel connection.
It is our nature to support one another. This is not just a spiritual idea - it makes sense from the point of view of evolutionary psychology. Working together helps us all survive. Being part of a group increases our sense of security and decreases our stress.
Dissatisfaction is also part of our nature. If our ancestors picked a nut off the tree and felt like their job was done, we probably wouldn't have survived very long. What was useful for our ancestors, and necessary for our survival, is now a tool used by marketing machines. This is why depression is growing far more quickly in wealthy countries - having more does not mean being happier.
I really love watching your evolution over time! I've been working on watching all of your channel videos for some time, in chronological order, and this evolution of yours is so subtle and interesting! I don't always understand the content or fully agree with it, but I'm learning so much from it! If you ever do read this: thank you for the education! 🙌✌🙋
I enjoy your points of view, I relate , and I thank you for sharing your experience and positivity! I
Opium is a pain giver not painkiller. Respect to Russel for finding the strength to beat it I wish I was informed off it’s true nature.
Thanks , I think struggling with addiction or not everyone has something to take from this
This new Russell brand is an inspiration I haven't read his book yet but I'm going to very soon! And Russell if you should read this comment thank you for your story it has opened my eyes to everything I've done wrong in my eternal battle within and has helped me push the boundaries of addiction and overcoming it
Simplistic Attitudinal Consciousness is the overall message I reaped from this podcast interview. Funny thing is my bible has been teaching me this for awhile.
Beautiful Russell, “ all one garment” ~thank you