Life in a rock band isn’t all sold-out shows and backstage parties—it’s a high-pressure, all-consuming commitment that tests friendships, sanity, and survival. In this episode, I sit down with Randy Blythe, legendary frontman of Lamb of God, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to last in the music industry. From the brutal realities of band relationships to the myths of the rockstar lifestyle, Randy shares unfiltered insights on creativity, addiction, and personal transformation.

We also dig into his journey to sobriety, the impact of punk rock’s DIY ethos, and the surprising ways today’s generation is redefining rebellion. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or just someone navigating your own challenges, this conversation is a raw and inspiring look at resilience, reinvention, and the power of staying true to yourself.

Randy’s books:

Just Beyond the Light: https://www.amazon.com/Just-Beyond-Light-Making-Inside-ebook/dp/B0DJHMN7C1

Dark Days: https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Days-D-Randall-Blythe/dp/0306825090

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Theme music: "Icarus Lives" by Periphery, used with permission from periphery.

Self-help is supposed to, you know, help. But what if, sometimes, it actually makes things worse? In this episode, we take a hard look at the self-improvement industry that promises transformation but often sells little more than feel-good illusions. From outdated advice that preys on your insecurities to the dopamine hit of "life-changing" content that changes nothing, we break down why self-help often fails the people who need it most.

Along with unpacking the biggest traps of self-improvement, Drew and I also tackle whether or not minimalism was just an aesthetic rebellion against our parents’ McMansion dreams. We were both once staunch minimalists and we look back on what we learned and what principles still apply to our lives today. We wrap up with a listener question about the ethics of going to church if you’re an atheist. It’s another grab bag episode full of rabbit holes. Check it out.

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Chapters

00:00 Drew's legs are too short for his chair

00:40 The F*ck of the Week: Self-Help that doesn't help26:23 Brilliant or Bullshit: Minimalism43:05 Q&A: Is it ok for atheists/agnostics to go to church?

Theme song: Icarus Lives byPeriphery, used with permission from Periphery.

Australia, you absolute legends. Back in November, I did a speaking tour across seven cities, talking to thousands of you about life, purpose, relationships, and why giving fewer fucks is the key to actually living a life you don’t hate.

We recorded some of the best Q&A moments to share with you here on the podcast. We diving into the big existential stuff—how to stop procrastinating, how to know if a relationship is right for you, and whether Australia’s ban on social media for kids is actually a good thing or not.

We’ll also talk about the brutal truth behind imposter syndrome, how to stop caring so much about what other people think, and one thing that actually helps you figure out what the hell you should be doing with your life. Plus, I’ll share some hard-earned wisdom on drinking, quitting, and why people stay in bad relationships way too long. So if you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or just overwhelmed by the sheer absurdity of life, this one’s for you. Hit play and let’s get into it.

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Chapters

00:00 Mark goes down under

02:10 How do you discover what truly matters to you? 03:45 How can I stop procrastinating so much? 07:26 How do you deal with negative thoughts and feelings after a trauma? 09:39 How long should I wait on my "experiments" before I move on? 13:18 How do you deal with people who want you to tell you how to live your life? 14:36 What are some of the hardest things to give up? 16:43 What's your best advice on marriage? 19:40 Do you think we'll get back together? 22:12 Is society rewarding more and more bad behavior? 26:10 What are some tradeoffs that more people should do? 28:55 What can your books and content teach children? 31:57 How do you overcome imposter syndrome? 34:00 How to know if your relationship is good enough for you? 35:28 How can I deal with being overly empathetic and letting people walk all over me? 38:58 What do you think of the ban on kids using social media in Australia? 40:47 What's your advice for teenagers? 42:44 How do you overcome analysis paralysis? 44:38 How can you stop caring about other people's opinions so much? 46:56 How can we be more relevant in the AI future? 49:20 Why are so many good people not happy? 51:46 How do you go about finding your purpose in life? 54:38 What should I do if I'm focused too much on other people's problems instead of my own (codependency)? 57:42 How do continue to overcome failure after failure? 1:00:32 How can I find motivation to do anything when the world is so f*cked? 1:04:15 How can we more fully face death, grief, and loss?

Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery , used with permission from Periphery.