Comedy writer Brandon Vaughn joins Forrest to talk alcoholism, blackout drinking, cocaine, overdosing in the rain, recovery, mental health, and how he went from nearly dying to becoming head writer for MTV's Ridiculousness. They get into Kentucky drinking culture, using drugs as "medicine," moving to LA to drink less (and drinking more), and what finally made him admit he had a problem. It's raw, funny, and packed with real stories about liquor, cocaine, overdosing, trying to moderate, gambling addiction, family, money fear, and rebuilding your life into something you're not ashamed of. 🎧 If you're sober, trying to cut back, or quietly wondering if your drinking is "normal," this episode is honest, darkly funny, and surprisingly hopeful. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on addiction, recovery, mental health, and comedy. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:47 Donations, shout-outs & how to support the podcast 1:50 "I've Got Another Problem" theme song 1:58 Forrest's full meltdown about parking, hospitals & hotel garages 5:20 Why hotel valet + parking fees make him lose his mind 6:54 Introducing Brandon Vaughn & his Ridiculousness day job 7:33 Brandon's problem: alcoholic with 10+ years sober 8:07 Forrest on being a gambling addict and the "silent addiction" 17:02 Brandon's cocaine overdose story and walking himself to the hospital in the rain 24:48 Moving from Kentucky to LA thinking he'd drink less (spoiler: he didn't) 25:33 How addiction makes you shrink your goals instead of changing your behavior 32:07 Forrest explains why being a "compulsive gambler" doesn't mean you're bad at gambling 41:18 Inside bookies, laying off bets, Hawaii games, and degenerates chasing losses 54:06 How recovery works for gambling, GA meetings, and why money is just more "fuel" 59:03 The surprising upsides: self-awareness, growth, and actually changing as a person 1:01:38 Forrest debuts "Eight Lucky Questions" 🎙️ Find Brand Vaughn: 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonmichaelvaughn/
