Peter Myerhoff AKA Chappy
Once lost in the grips of hard drugs during his teenage years, Peter Meyerhoff's choices led him down a path of car thefts, burglaries, and eventually, a 12-year incarceration sentence. Inside the prison walls, he was ensnared by the intricate web of prison politics, eventually rising to a position of influence as a shot-caller. Yet, amidst the chaos of violence and addiction, Peter found himself in solitary confinement for the concluding 11 months of his term.
Upon his release, Peter chose transformation over regression. Channeling the resilience and mental fortitude he honed in isolation, he now stands as a best-selling author, riveting motivational speaker, and inspiring podcaster. As the proud owner of a sobriety-focused clothing brand and the innovative mind behind a prison curriculum app, Peter is dedicated to uplifting those battling addiction and reducing recidivism rates.
Above all, he is a testament to the infinite possibilities that await when one harnesses unwavering drive and embraces a life without excuses. Today, besides his professional achievements, Peter cherishes his roles as a devoted husband and father. We dive into his story from everyday athlete to drug-addict to prison and back. We also talk about his journey through recovery, psychedelics for recovery, his prison curriculum app, and wherever the conversation takes us.
[04:39] Peter tells us about his life growing up. His mom was a flight attendant, and he had a lot of freedom to party.
[08:27] We learn about Peter's first sex experience. Unfortunately, his second sex experience turned into a rape allegation.
[10:27] He had to drop out of school and wasn't able to play sports, which were his whole life. He then turned to drugs.
[13:01] The second he got out of rehab, he started doing drugs again.
[16:36] He and his friends ended up robbing a rich friend's house. He ended up with 12 years in prison for stealing a drill, a snowboard, Jordan basketball shorts, and Jordan flip flop sandals.
[19:00] He was 18, and 12 years felt like a life sentence.
[19:41] People do drugs in prison.
[21:02] Peter was 24 and had a relationship with a corrections officer, and he had unlimited drugs.
[24:07] We learn about his first heroin experience.
[25:16] He was put in solitary when he had 11 months to go. He was able to get sober and put on 90 pounds.
[26:49] Peter spent two weeks being dope-sick in solitary.
[27:33] He was so grateful to be sober. He would do push-ups all day. He went from constantly being shackled to out on the streets.
[31:56] Anger can be harnessed to your advantage.
[32:27] Peter was planning on getting a construction job and getting sober.
[35:55] We learn about Peter's fentanyl overdose after he got out of prison. He barely survived.
[39:02] He decided to stop making excuses and get sober for real. He's been sober for seven and a half years.
[41:00] Peter got a job selling cars and went from drug addiction to money addiction. He just quit the dealership a year and a half ago.
[43:58] He wanted to put his life first and do something positive.
[46:30] Once you become responsible, your life changes. Serving people and making a contribution to the world brings happiness and fulfillment.
[47:37] We learn how Peter got the nickname Chappy.
[48:24] We talked about using psychedelics as a tool for recovery. It makes you feel like a little kid again.
[55:42] Most people don't push using psychedelics on other people.
[56:44] Peter talks about his prison curriculum app. People in prison need things that are positive. They are teaching people how to be successful when they get out of prison.
[59:01] Peter shares his positive prison routine which includes getting up early, doing abs, writing, more workouts and more.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Against All Odds: A Gripping True Story of Addiction, Crime, Imprisonment, and Ultimate Success
Plant Medicine Journey Leads to Relapse with Dr. Doug Brackmann
