Ep 512 - White Prisoners Deilemma (ft. Jared Klickstein)

At a Glance

• Drug Memoirs and Humor - ‘I try to make it funny because a lot of people write these like drug memoirs and they’re really, you know, like Hunter Biden’s memoir is probably not funny.’ This point is significant as it contrasts the guest’s approach to writing about serious topics with humor, distinguishing his work from others.

• Father’s Crack Addiction - ‘My dad was a crackhead… I got taken away when I was 12, and then he just went full Hunter Biden.’ This is a serious yet candid discussion about the guest’s personal life, which adds depth to his experiences and the impact of addiction on families.

• Footage of Father - ‘I have like 20 hours of footage… It’s just him and my mom smoking crack and being paranoid.’ This is both a shocking and intriguing revelation that promises potential for future storytelling, whether in a book or documentary.

• Criminal Justice Reform - ‘There was some real criminal justice reform where like I actually am NOT a felon anymore.’ This highlights a positive change in the guest’s life, reflecting broader social issues and the impact of systemic changes on individuals.

• Humor in Dark Times - ‘I let a guy tickle my feet for $100… And he was like, what size foot were you? Like I gotta remember.’ This adds a light-hearted moment to the conversation, showcasing the guest’s ability to find humor in even bizarre and difficult situations.

• Reflection on Personal Growth - ‘Right when I finally admitted, like you are the piece of shit that is causing all these problems.’ This is a pivotal moment in the discussion, emphasizing personal accountability and transformation, which is central to recovery narratives.

• Systemic Issues in Jail - ‘This is not a good system. This is not working. Clearly, this is a drug problem.’ This point underscores the guest’s critique of the criminal justice system and the need for reform, particularly concerning how it handles individuals with substance abuse issues.

• Political Influence on Criminal Justice - ‘It’s because I can become the big like hero because before we had a guy who the fuck was he Larry Krasner?’ This introduces a discussion on the political motivations behind criminal justice policies, adding a layer of complexity to the conversation about reform.

• Need for Purpose and Fulfillment - ‘I was a finished carpenter, so eventually I got out and I had a job that not only paid a decent wage, but it gave me fulfillment.’ This highlights the importance of meaningful employment and purpose in rehabilitation and social reintegration, which is a critical aspect of the conversation on criminal justice and societal support systems.

What to Do

• ‘Don’t use meth’ - ‘It’s a terrible drug and hard to functionally use while maintaining a job or healthy lifestyle.’

• ‘Avoid getting involved in risky environments when using substances’ - ‘Being unconscious or less aware in certain party environments can lead to dangerous situations.’

• ‘Be cautious with substance use, even with legal or seemingly harmless substances like melatonin’ - ‘Even substances that are legal and widely used can have strong effects, so it’s important to be aware of how your body reacts to them.’

• ‘Seek therapy to reconnect with your sense of wonder and curiosity’ - ‘Therapy can help you break out of your routine and expose you to new ideas and perspectives that you might not encounter otherwise.’

• ‘Learn to manage your sleep schedule effectively’ - ‘Proper sleep is crucial for health, and managing it well can improve your overall well-being, especially when dealing with the stresses of travel and work.’

What to Get

• Crooked Smile: What It Took to Escape a Decade of Homelessness, Addiction, & Crime by Jared Klickstein

Summary

In this podcast episode, the host engages in a candid conversation with guest Jared Klickstein, who shares his harrowing yet insightful experiences of living on Skid Row and overcoming addiction. The discussion opens with Klickstein expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share his story, which is also detailed in his book. He recounts the gritty realities of his past life, including his time spent in a volatile environment marked by homelessness and substance abuse.

Klickstein’s narrative is not just a recount of his struggles but also serves as a critique of the systemic issues surrounding addiction and rehabilitation. He discusses the lack of effective support and rehabilitation programs for those incarcerated, highlighting the need for more nuanced and therapeutic approaches within the prison system. This part of the conversation sheds light on the broader societal failures in addressing the root causes of addiction and crime.

The episode takes a deeper dive into personal transformation and societal observations when Klickstein discusses his unexpected path to becoming an author. Despite his non-traditional background and the challenges he faced, he managed to pen a book that offers both humor and sobering truths about the human condition amidst adversity. The discussion also touches on the media’s role and public perception, as Klickstein recounts his appearances on news platforms and how these opportunities have influenced his life and public image.

Overall, the podcast episode is a compelling blend of personal testimony and broader social commentary. It challenges listeners to consider the complexities of addiction, the shortcomings of the criminal justice system, and the power of resilience and redemption. Klickstein’s story is a poignant reminder of the human capacity to overcome and the imperative for societal change to support those battling addiction.