Education

RIDEOUT: The Other Side of Hard

The Other Side of Hard, hosted by Ken Rideout — raw, gripping conversations with people who’ve pushed past the breaking point. Stories of resilience, redemption, and what’s waiting on the other side.

Latest Episodes:

Rejected TV Pitch to the World’s Wildest Animal Encounters | Mark Vins Jul 29, 2026

Show notes

Mark Vins is the co-founder and host of Brave Wilderness, one of the biggest wildlife channels on YouTube.

Mark joins Ken to explain how a rejected television concept became a global media brand, why a video featuring the “cow killer” velvet ant gained hundreds of thousands of subscribers in a single day, and what it actually feels like to be stung by a murder hornet, bitten by a giant centipede, and envenomated by some of the world’s most painful creatures.

He shares the safety protocols behind the videos, the risks of anaphylaxis, the physical toll of spending nearly 300 days a year traveling, and the lessons Brave Wilderness learned after entering the Hollywood and television system.

Mark also takes Ken behind the scenes of filming mountain gorillas alongside armed rangers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and making his first feature documentary, Reef to Ridge, in the Galápagos. The film follows the ecosystem from the ocean floor to the summit of Wolf Volcano, where fewer than 300 rare pink iguanas remain.

This is the story of turning childhood exploration into a global wildlife platform—and using viral entertainment to bring millions of people closer to the natural world.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT"

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Mark Vins

(00:46) What Is Brave Wilderness

(01:44) Ohio Roots And Tennis

(03:09) Film School And Early Hustle

(05:20) From TV Rejection To YouTube

(09:07) Sting Videos Go Viral

(12:03) Sponsor Break Roka(13:43) Cow Killer Explained

(16:34) Filming The Sting Safely

(19:30) Anaphylaxis And EpiPens

(26:46) Travel Life And Costa Rica

(29:13) Poison Frogs And Toxins

(32:59) Snakebites And Deadliest Snakes

(37:12) Terrifying Cave Diving

(38:13) Focus Supplement Ad

(38:59) Hollywood Agency Lessons(45:47) Venom Basics Explained

(47:04) Murder Hornet Nightmare

(52:56) Centipede Bloodbath

(56:42) Scorpions Fish and Fireworms

(01:04:36) Gorillas and Ranger Risks

(01:13:44) Rangers Fitness Talk

(01:13:50) Favorite Trips Japan

(01:14:42) Galapagos Feature Reveal

(01:16:29) Wolf Volcano Expedition

(01:17:51) Sharks And Finning

(01:21:33) Dehydration Survival Stories

(01:24:02) Pink Iguana Deep Dive

(01:25:25) Volcano Tourism Risks

(01:28:30) Peruvian Amazon Off Grid

(01:30:49) Sandflies And Leishmaniasis

(01:33:45) Global Wildlife Hotspots

(01:35:27) Predators And Mountain Lions

(01:42:04) Future Films And Running

(01:45:13) Bee Swarms And Safety

(01:48:05) Final Thanks And Subscribe

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The Brutal Road to a Tour de France Top 10 | Andrew Talansky Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

Andrew Talansky didn’t get on a road bike until he was 17. Seven years later, he finished 10th overall in the Tour de France.

Andrew joins Ken Rideout to tell the story of his unlikely rise from getting dropped on Miami group rides to competing against the best cyclists in the world. He shares how a running injury led him to cycling, why he left college to chase the sport, and how a brutal experience living and racing in Italy nearly ended his career before it truly began.

Andrew also takes Ken inside the realities of professional cycling: training with Levi Leipheimer, exchanging words with Lance Armstrong during his breakout ride at the Tour of the Gila, receiving offers from the world’s top teams, and entering the sport as it tried to rebuild trust after the doping era.

He explains why even elite amateur cyclists cannot comprehend the level of the Tour de France, what it feels like to descend at highway speeds in a crowded peloton, how riders recover and survive for three straight weeks, and why Alpe d’Huez became his favorite climb while Mont Ventoux became his hardest.

Andrew also reflects on winning the Critérium du Dauphiné, walking away from professional cycling while still in his prime, the burnout and missing support that influenced his retirement, and how those experiences now shape his work helping athletes and organizations build healthier high-performance environments.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Timeline: timeline.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Andrew Talansky

(00:13) Miami Cycling Roots

(02:01) From Running To Bikes

(03:45) Gear And Community Support

(06:29) Tour Dreams And Fast Progress

(08:57) The Real Pro Gap

(13:38) Tour Chaos And Crashes

(15:52) Risky Descents And Training

(20:26) Winning Juniors And Nationals

(23:35) Europe Reality Check

(26:34) Cal Giant Breakthrough

(33:37) Lance Moment At Gila

(36:16) WorldTour Offers Roll In

(36:32) National Champ Group Ride

(37:41) Body Types and Weight

(38:08) Doping and Eating Culture

(39:47) Blood Doping Reality

(41:10) Why Doping Felt Normal

(42:52) Racing Clean After Lance

(45:10) Joining Slipstream in Italy

(46:52) Neo Pro Lessons and TT Talent

(48:11) First Pro Race Breakthrough

(49:40) First Grand Tour Vuelta

(50:35) Olympic Deal Rumors

(53:09) First WorldTour Win

(56:27) First Tour de France Spotlight

(59:55) Equipment and Team Specs

(01:02:38) Tour Results and Final Day Rules

(01:04:39) Peloton Sportsmanship and Cars

(01:08:03) Alpe d’Huez Memories

(01:09:06) Crowds Gone Too Far

(01:12:43) Team Radio Tactics

(01:14:26) Domestiques And Bottles

(01:15:14) Hardest Climb Ventoux

(01:16:01) Post Stage Recovery Routine

(01:19:01) Tour Hotels And Logistics

(01:22:10) Malibu Riding Stories

(01:27:22) Burnout And Retirement

(01:29:46) Dauphine Win Chaos

(01:32:04) Cobbles And Roubaix Fear

(01:34:40) Triathlon Reality Check

(01:37:46) Performance Coaching Today

(01:39:40) Wrap Up And Subscribe

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From Bartender to Elite MMA Coach | Eric Nicksick Jul 22, 2026

Show notes

Eric Nicksick never planned on becoming one of the most respected coaches in MMA.

He grew up in Las Vegas surrounded by football coaches, learning how to study film, lead a team, master the fundamentals, and separate himself through what Randy Couture later called “things that take no talent”: being early, being prepared, and doing the work.

After football, Eric walked into Xtreme Couture before the gym had officially opened. He trained with world-class fighters, became its first paying member, and kept showing up. When Randy Couture asked him to run a single grappling class, Eric said yes. That class grew into a coaching career.

Today, Eric has coached UFC champions Francis Ngannou and Sean Strickland and helped build one of MMA’s most respected teams.

In this conversation, Eric shares how he learned striking from Ray Sefo, strategy from Randy Couture, and cornering through years of saying yes to every opportunity. He opens up about the danger fighters face, why young athletes need a life beyond competition, how he handles Sean Strickland’s intensity, and the trust he built with Francis Ngannou while helping him confront the wrestling and fear left behind by his first fight with Stipe Miocic.

Eric also explains how his friendship with Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla has changed the way both men think about leadership, preparation, and coaching at the highest level.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Warm Welcome and Hats

(01:24) Origin Story Setup

(01:52) Football Roots in Vegas

(03:02) College Ball and Talent Gaps

(05:45) Film Study and Fundamentals

(10:30) Leadership and Humility

(11:42) Roka Eyewear Ad Break

(13:22) First Steps in Combat Sports

(15:30) Extreme Couture First Day

(18:44) Accidental Coach to Gym Manager

(23:28) Learning Striking from Ray Sefo

(26:38) Cage Geography Traps

(27:45) Tape Study Coaching Edge

(28:27) Imposter Syndrome Path

(30:18) Learning to Corner

(32:06) Saying Yes for Reps

(33:41) Big Stage Gratitude

(36:19) Skincare Ad Break

(37:19) Bad Knockouts Aftermath

(38:38) Backup Plans Identity

(45:10) Coaching Sean Strickland

(49:58) Locker Room Boundaries

(50:32) Sparring Intensity Control

(52:33) Gym Visitor Etiquette

(54:25) Bar Guy Reality Check

(56:04) Gym Trash Talk Payback

(57:45) Francis Origin Story

(59:53) Fear After Stipe Loss

(01:02:26) Building Wrestling Confidence

(01:06:08) Wild Sparring Partners

(01:07:38) Trust and Family Bond

(01:11:00) Culture and Gratitude Lessons

(01:13:56) Travel and Perspective

(01:15:47) Coaching With Joe Mazzulla

(01:20:28) Wrap Up and Subscribe

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From $1 Paychecks to World Champion | Regis Prograis Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Two-time world champion Regis "Rougarou" Prograis built his career the hard way.

He started boxing late, lost everything when Hurricane Katrina destroyed his family's home, sold tickets to fund his early professional career, and eventually fought his way to the top of the sport, becoming a two-time world champion.

But behind the belts was a very different story.

Regis opens up about paying opponents just to get fights, rebuilding his life after Katrina, career-threatening injuries, management battles, devastating losses, and why he knew his career was coming to an end long before he officially retired.

Most importantly, he shares something few elite fighters ever admit: before his final fight against Conor Benn, he didn't want to step into the ring. He was scared, mentally exhausted, and hoping something would happen so he wouldn't have to fight.

Instead, he walked anyway.

In this conversation, Regis explains why facing that fear ultimately gave him the peace to leave boxing on his own terms.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

AMP Fitness: amp.ai/rideout

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Regis Joins the Show

(00:24) Retirement and New Combat Plans

(01:17) Leaving Boxing on His Terms

(02:30) Business Moves After Fighting

(04:06) New Orleans Roots and Early Sports

(04:53) From Karate to Boxing

(08:02) Red Dog Yard Gym Lessons

(12:50) Sponsor Break Roka Eyewear

(14:30) Katrina and Losing Everything

(17:48) Starting Over in Houston

(21:11) Savannah Gym and Elite Talent

(27:50) Amateur Grind and Confidence

(30:40) Sponsor Break Amp Training

(31:16) Paying for Tournaments and Jobs

(32:41) Family Background and Basketball Love

(33:18) Meeting Allen Iverson

(34:59) NBA Giants Up Close

(35:39) Turning Pro And Paying Opponents

(36:50) Ticket Sales Dollar Checks

(39:11) Signing With Lou DiBella

(40:26) ShoBox Knockout Run

(41:54) Eye Injury And Going Broke

(47:09) Big Win Joel Diaz Payday

(49:22) New Management Wahlberg Berg

(53:09) Indongo Statement Win

(54:58) World Super Series Explained

(57:09) Josh Taylor Fight Setup

(58:23) UK Media Mind Games

(01:00:49) Fight Night Crowd Influence

(01:03:04) Judges And Close Calls

(01:04:24) Taylor Confidence And Respect

(01:08:07) Life After The Loss

(01:11:08) Pandemic And Boxing Purgatory

(01:14:40) Back To Champion Status

(01:15:41) Movies With Peter

(01:21:15) Manager Drama And Lawsuit

(01:25:27) Matchroom And Style Adjustments

(01:26:33) Haney Loss And Camp Distractions

(01:33:33) Aftermath And Catterall Setup

(01:35:49) Dropped and Injured

(01:36:19) Respect for Catterall

(01:36:49) Why Fight in UK

(01:37:21) Manager Drama and Bad Deal

(01:38:37) Injuries and Decline Signs

(01:39:53) Vegas Reset and No Contracts

(01:40:51) Conor Benn Netflix Stage

(01:41:57) Camp Burnout and Doubt

(01:44:07) Fight Day Fear to Switch On

(01:49:18) Lessons from the Loss

(01:54:34) Peace After Retirement

(01:57:29) New Ventures and Businesses

(01:58:57) Kids Summer and Fatherhood

(01:59:40) Rougarou Mask Memories

(02:01:39) Raising Kids Without Pressure

(02:03:38) Old School Training Gear

(02:04:30) Farewell and Subscribe

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He Started Running in College—Then Made Five Olympic Teams | Abdi Abdirahman Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

Abdi Abdirahman arrived in the United States as a refugee from Somalia in 1990. He spoke no English, settled with his family in Tucson, Arizona, and went through high school without ever competing as a runner.

He did not discover the sport until his sophomore year at Pima Community College.

Abdi showed up to his first practice wearing jeans and boots. Despite having no formal training, he finished second on the team. One week later, he ran 15:05 and won the 5,000 meters in his first track meet.

That unexpected beginning launched one of the most remarkable careers in American distance running.

Abdi became a four-time U.S. champion in the 10,000 meters and represented the United States at five Olympic Games across more than two decades. At 43, he finished third at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and qualified for his fifth Olympic team. He also became the oldest male runner to reach the podium at the New York City Marathon.

In this conversation, Abdi shares the story of leaving Somalia during civil war, adjusting to life in America, accidentally discovering his talent, racing legends like Meb Keflezighi and Haile Gebrselassie, and building a professional career that lasted far longer than almost anyone expected.

He also opens up about the business behind professional running, the evolution of marathon training and super shoes, making money through prize purses and appearance fees, and why experience becomes so important over 26.2 miles.

Today, Abdi divides his time between Tucson and Ethiopia, where he helps coach and mentor the next generation of elite runners.

This is a conversation about talent, longevity, humility, and continuing to show up long after other people think your opportunity has passed.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Timeline: timeline.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Welcome Abdi

(01:07) Somalia to Tucson

(02:15) Starting Running Late

(04:01) Jeans and Boots Debut

(06:16) Scholarship to Arizona

(08:26) Somalia Childhood

(10:17) Sponsor Break

(11:55) NCAA to Pro Life

(13:11) Olympics and Selection

(16:39) Masters Mindset

(20:08) Shoe Deals and Money

(23:58) Ethiopia and Altitude

(27:12) Career Highlights

(30:11) Training and Workouts

(35:40) Boston 2018 Survival

(36:52) Mitochondria Ad Read

(37:19) Mitochondria Support Plug

(38:25) Cold Rainy Race Start

(39:49) Favorite Races Debate

(40:44) Marathon Pacing Lessons

(45:35) Fueling And Gel Evolution

(47:30) Ultras And Recovery Runs

(51:03) Biggest Wins And Coaches

(54:44) Ethiopia Camp And Rivalries

(59:10) Shoe Deals And Super Shoes

(01:09:38) Community Book And Farewell

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From Army Airborne to Addiction Recovery | Evan Slaughter Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

Evan Slaughter grew up in Birmingham, Alabama in a conservative household before addiction changed the course of his life. After battling an early OxyContin addiction and completing rehab, he joined the U.S. Army, earned an Airborne contract, deployed to Afghanistan, and was injured in an IED blast.

The pain medication prescribed after that injury pulled him back into addiction.

What followed were years of PTSD, arrests, multiple rehabs, and trying to rebuild a life that kept slipping away.

Everything changed in 2021.

Today, Evan is better known as Fit2Serve, creating comedy videos seen by millions while using humor, honesty, and his own story to help others find hope. His viral skits may make people laugh, but the road that led there was anything but funny.

In this conversation, Evan shares his father's addiction, his own battle with OxyContin, Army Airborne school, Afghanistan, PTSD, Veterans Court, recovery, psychedelics, purpose, and why "Fit to Serve" no longer means physical fitness—it means being equipped to serve others.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Evan Slaughter

(00:40) Growing Up Alabama

(01:12) Church Life and Family Upheaval

(01:50) Dad’s Addiction and Recovery

(05:56) Finding Comedy Early

(06:37) Stand-Up Dreams and Fear

(12:38) Alpha Dad Skits and Garage Gym

(14:30) Sponsor Break Roka

(16:11) School Sports and College Detour

(19:02) Lifting and Bench Press Talk

(31:11) Sponsor Break Wild Roman

(32:34) Dropping Out and Training Career

(34:17) OxyContin Addiction and Rehab

(37:01) Rehab to Enlistment

(38:17) Choosing Army Infantry

(39:40) Earning 18X Contract

(41:41) Airborne School Basics

(44:03) First Jump Nerves

(46:56) Hard Landings and Mishaps

(49:18) Afghanistan IED Blast

(53:48) Pain Pills Spiral

(56:38) PTSD and Coming Home

(58:34) Pharmacy Sting Arrest

(01:01:56) Veterans Court and Rehab

(01:04:44) TikTok Breakthrough

(01:09:03) Staying Sober and Creating

(01:10:28) Influencer Advice and Work

(01:12:36) Real Jobs Before Social

(01:13:53) Time Value Mindset

(01:15:28) Psychedelics For Recovery

(01:20:28) DMT Lessons And Integration

(01:24:10) Money Doesn't Fix Pain

(01:26:51) Motorcycle And Simple Joys

(01:30:53) Pickleball And Community

(01:34:17) Fit To Serve Meaning

(01:38:08) Nashville Move And Friends

(01:39:00) Brand Deals Strategy

(01:44:24) Wrap Up And Where To Find

(01:46:16) Podcast Outro And Sponsors

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He Barely Played in College. Then Played 14 NFL Seasons. | Matt Cassel Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

Matt Cassel's football story shouldn't have happened.

He spent his college career at USC backing up two Heisman Trophy winners, Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart, throwing just a handful of passes while wondering if he'd ever get a real opportunity. Most players would have transferred. Matt stayed ready.

That decision changed his life.

After being drafted by the New England Patriots, he learned behind Tom Brady until Brady suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 of 2008. Overnight, Cassel went from anonymous backup to starting quarterback of one of the most scrutinized teams in sports.

He led New England to an 11-5 season, earned a franchise tag, signed a $63 million contract, and went on to play 14 seasons in the NFL.

In this conversation, Matt shares what he learned from Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the pressure of replacing the greatest quarterback of all time, overcoming years without playing, navigating trades, injuries, personal loss, and why being ready before your opportunity arrives changed everything.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

AMP Fitness: amp.ai/rideout

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

00:00) Meet Matt Cassel

(00:22) Dad Life and Flag Football

(02:00) Leaving LA for Nashville

(04:01) Growing Up and Playing Both Ways

(05:01) Quarterback Jumps in Speed

(07:40) NFL Film Study and Prep

(08:32) Sponsor Break Roka

(10:45) USC Teammates and Practice Wars

(12:59) Tom Brady as Mentor

(14:03) Stuck Behind Heisman Winners

(16:46) Tight End Detour and Baseball Reset

(18:24) Owen Hanson and Prison Reality

(20:58) Pro Day and Wonderlic Chaos

(24:33) Reading Defenses Like Chess

(26:27) Randy Moss Freak Talent

(27:49) Standing Tall in the Pocket

(31:59) Formation Tricks and Counters

(34:25) Sponsor Break Amp Training

(35:28) Pro Day Lights Out to Draft Buzz

(37:55) Selling the Backup Story

(39:16) Finding an Agent

(42:08) NFL Workouts Breakdown

(43:55) Belichick Draft Call

(46:23) Draft Day Celebration

(49:48) Rookie Arrival in Foxborough

(53:21) Patriots Culture Shock

(56:22) Rookie Pay and Perks

(59:51) Family and Dad’s Struggles

(01:02:08) Dad’s Death During Season

(01:05:59) Rookie Hazing and Dinner

(01:11:53) Learning from Brady

(01:13:07) Brady Work Ethic

(01:13:56) Quarterback Perfection

(01:15:44) Brady Injury Moment

(01:17:10) Thrown Into Action

(01:18:40) Bomb To Moss

(01:19:52) Overnight Spotlight

(01:22:29) Media And Sponsors

(01:25:31) First Start Vs Jets

(01:27:23) Brady Off Field Kindness

(01:30:08) Franchise Tag Shock

(01:33:30) Trade And Big Deal

(01:36:00) New Life In KC

(01:38:22) Coordinator Quits Chaos

(01:43:38) Pressure And Mindset

(01:47:05) Chiefs Turnaround

(01:49:02) Appendix Emergency

(01:51:21) Playing Post Surgery

(01:52:34) Bernard Pollard Stories

(01:55:26) Minnesota And London Start

(01:58:01) Bridgewater Mentorship

(01:59:29) Foot Injury Nightmare

(02:04:36) Traded To Dallas Chaos

(02:07:50) Cowboys Culture Shock

(02:09:15) Facilities And Gear

(02:13:12) Game Balls And Deflategate

(02:20:28) Life After Football

(02:23:24) Final Thanks And Outro

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The Olympian Who Nearly Died Making Weight | Danny O'Connor Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Danny O'Connor looked like he had everything.

A state wrestling champion. An Olympian. One of the top professional boxers in America with a world title shot finally within reach.

Behind the scenes, almost nobody knew he had been battling an eating disorder for years.

What began as extreme weight cutting in high school wrestling evolved into a life-threatening cycle of starvation, binge eating, dehydration, and dangerous weight cuts that nearly cost him everything. Before the biggest fight of his career, Danny collapsed while trying to make weight, was rushed to the ICU, and watched his dream of becoming world champion disappear.

In this conversation, Danny opens up about growing up in Massachusetts, dropping out of school, turning his life around through boxing, making the U.S. Olympic team, the hidden reality of weight-class sports, and the long road to recovering from an eating disorder that almost killed him.

This is a conversation about obsession, identity, recovery, and learning that the toughest opponent isn't always standing across the ring.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com/ Code “RIDEOUT”

Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout Code "RIDEOUT"

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Danny O'Connor

(00:43) Growing Up in Sports

(01:43) Wrestling Found His Calling

(04:14) Weight Cutting Obsession

(06:14) Laxatives and Hidden Suffering

(08:47) Grades Collapse and Dropping Out

(10:54) Arrests and Losing Control

(21:40) Court Wake Up Call

(23:53) Boxing Saves His Life

(27:15) Golden Gloves to Olympic Dream

(29:59) Defensive Style and Sparring

(33:06) Olympic Trials Outsider

(34:01) Sponsor Break Athletic Nicotine

(34:45) Trials Heartbreak

(35:36) Beating Future Gold

(37:11) Beijing Team Breakdown

(38:33) Turning Pro Decision

(39:48) Weight Cutting vs Disorder

(43:20) Gym Hops and Undefeated Run

(44:29) First Loss and Texas Move

(48:31) Binge Eating Reality

(53:20) Daily Yo-Yo Chaos

(56:11) Missing Weight Fallout

(01:03:41) WBC Shot in Fresno

(01:05:43) Urges and Survival Hacks

(01:09:07) Binge Spiral at Home

(01:10:02) Stepping Away for Help

(01:12:02) Learning Recovery Tools

(01:14:16) Relapse in Training Camp

(01:16:23) Weigh In Day Collapse

(01:21:37) Aftermath and Perspective Shift

(01:26:28) Specialized Treatment Begins

(01:30:31) Freedom and Maintenance

(01:35:50) Advice and Raising Awareness

(01:39:04) Book Plug and Closing

(01:41:12) Podcast Outro and Sponsors

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Boston, Addiction, The Town, 12 Years Sober | George Carroll “Slaine” Jul 01, 2026

Show notes

He taught himself to rap at nine years old, co-founded the rap supergroup La Coka Nostra, got discovered by Ben Affleck for Gone Baby Gone, and went on to act in The Town, Killing Them Softly, and Joker.

What almost nobody saw was what was happening behind the scenes.

For 23 years Slaine battled alcohol and addiction, through cocaine, OxyContin, and heroin, while chasing two careers most people told him were impossible. It cost him his marriage, his home, and nearly his life, until the only thing that finally outweighed the addiction was the fear of losing his son.

In this conversation, Slaine opens up about growing up in the chaos of Boston, the drug culture that swallowed his generation, the record deal he was smart enough to turn down, auditioning drunk for Ben Affleck, hitting rock bottom as a father, the phone call outside a bar that saved his life, getting sober on March 3, 2014, and building Charles River Recovery, a treatment center that has helped more than 7,500 people.

This is a conversation about identity, addiction, redemption, and giving it away to keep it.

Thank you to our sponsors

Our Title Sponsor ROKA: www.roka.com Code “RIDEOUT”

Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Slaine

(02:00) Boston Neighborhood Chaos

(04:10) Childhood Trauma Unpacked

(05:00) Fatherhood And Hindsight

(08:23) First Drink Relief

(09:42) Cocaine The Cheat Code

(11:48) Eyewear Ad Break

(13:20) Crabs In A Bucket

(16:40) OxyContin Epidemic Boston

(18:50) Film School Outsider

(20:00) Boston Hardens You

(24:50) ADHD As A Superpower

(28:00) NYC Underground Comeup

(31:31) Skincare Ad Break

(34:48) The Deal He Refused

(39:00) Squatting In A Warehouse

(41:30) La Coka Nostra Born

(44:00) 13,000 CDs Sold

(46:00) Herald Story Affleck Calls

(48:00) Drunk Audition For Affleck

(51:56) Cleaned Up For Set

(53:40) Prime Rib And A Warehouse

(56:15) Boston Film Tax Credit

(58:00) Vision Board Comes Alive

(01:01:00) It All Hits At Once

(01:15:45) Losing Everything

(01:20:52) Failing As A Father

(01:24:10) The Day It Stuck

(01:26:57) The News That Should Have Broken Him

(01:28:04) The Call Outside The Bar

(01:30:00) Learning Humility

(01:33:00) Uncle George

(01:34:40) The One Belief

(01:42:53) Building Charles River Recovery

(01:48:20) Don’t Fit In A Box

(01:51:15) How To Get Help

(01:52:47) Farewell And Subscribe

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He Fought for a World Title with Lyme Disease | Mike Lee Jun 26, 2026

Show notes

He graduated from Notre Dame, signed with Top Rank, fought at Madison Square Garden and Cowboys Stadium, starred in national Subway commercials, and earned a shot at a world title.

What almost nobody saw was what was happening behind the scenes.

For years Mike battled chronic pain, autoimmune disease, misdiagnoses, and Lyme disease while trying to keep his career alive. He fought through broken ribs, endless medications, and training camps where his body was telling him to stop long before his mind would listen.

In this conversation, Mike opens up about growing up in Chicago, the pressure to make his father proud, becoming one of boxing's top contenders, the relief that came after his only professional loss, finding purpose beyond the ring, and why he now believes health is the greatest fight of all.

This is a conversation about identity, resilience, and knowing when enough is enough.

Thank you to our sponsors

Wild Roman: wildroman.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT15”

Timeline: timeline.com/rideout Code “RIDEOUT”

Ken’s book now available here: https://www.theothersideofhard.com/

Chapters

(00:00) Meet Mike Lee

(00:24) Subway Sponsorship Story

(02:05) Chicago Roots Boxing Start

(03:43) Notre Dame Bengal Bouts

(04:35) Golden Gloves Breakthrough

(06:18) Dad Pressure Motivation

(08:18) Broken Rib Hospital Night

(10:13) Caleb Plant Fight Setup

(11:28) Weight Cut Autoimmune Struggles

(14:27) Fight Stoppage Relief

(17:29) Skincare Ad Break

(18:53) Career Perspective Big Moments

(20:49) Cowboys Stadium Jerry Jones

(24:11) Why Fighting Captivates

(25:07) Turning Pro With Top Rank

(26:56) Early Pro Opponents

(27:32) Target on My Back

(27:59) Grooming vs Real Threats

(29:46) UFC Losses vs Boxing

(31:16) Money and Corruption

(32:27) Why Losses Matter

(34:57) Top Rank Lion’s Den

(36:25) Spence Crawford Aftermath

(38:48) Gym Culture and Identity

(45:50) Reading Fighters on the Bag

(47:11) Mitochondria Ad Break

(49:58) Fatigue and Quiet Quitting

(54:46) Life After the Spotlight

(57:47) Lyme Misdiagnosis Journey

(59:25) Hospital Rock Bottom

(59:56) Functional Medicine Pivot

(01:00:37) Comeback Fight Hollow Win

(01:01:36) Opioids to Cannabinoids

(01:02:29) Soul CBD vs THC Brand

(01:03:35) Hemp Ban and Lobbying

(01:08:15) Alcohol vs Cannabis Shift

(01:13:36) Edibles Safety and Dosing

(01:17:34) Pivoting Beyond Hemp

(01:19:50) Kids Online and AI Future

(01:28:40) Farewell and Subscribe

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