Oliver Trevena: Surviving Trauma, Building Brands, and Staying Sober in Hollywood

Legendary comedy writer Steve Zacharias, best known for Revenge of the Nerds, joins Tyler Ramsey to share his rollercoaster ride through Hollywood, fatherhood, and recovery. In this candid conversation, Steve reveals:How Revenge of the Nerds was born from real college lifeWriting All in the Family at just 23 and meeting Norman LearThe unfiltered truth about the industry’s ups and downsHis son's intense battle with addiction—and how Robert Downey Jr. helped save his lifeHis wild new project, Revenge of the NudesHis brutally honest memoir: The Poster Boy for Erectile DysfunctionIt’s hilarious, heartfelt, and brutally human. A must-listen for fans of storytelling, screenwriting, and redemption arcs.Steve Zacharias, Revenge of the Nerds, Comedy Writer, Hollywood Stories, Screenwriting Journey, Addiction Recovery, Robert Downey Jr, Celebrity Redemption, 80s Comedy, Substance Abuse Recovery, Writing Process, Family and Fame, Nerd Culture, Creative Careers, Tyler Ramsey, Painful Lessons Podcast00:00 – Intro & Steve’s Comedy Legacy03:00 – Writing Revenge of the Nerds07:30 – Frat House Origins at University of Wisconsin10:30 – Nerds, Sex, and Social Shifts16:30 – Early TV Career & Meeting Norman Lear27:00 – The Lonely Life of a Writer43:30 – The Cost of Rejection in Hollywood76:30 – The Rise of Revenge of the Nudes84:00 – Creative Freedom Then vs. Now90:00 – The Dove Bar Fortune & Family Backstory130:30 – Watching His Son Spiral190:30 – A Call to Robert Downey Jr.198:00 – How RDJ Saved His Son’s Life231:00 – Coming Full Circle: Finishing the Opus235:30 – The Poster Boy for Erectile Dysfunction247:30 – Disney, Legacy Projects & the Future

26 Mai 54min

In this raw and revealing episode, Baywatch icon Jeremy Jackson opens up about the highs and hellish lows of fame, addiction, and ultimate transformation.Jeremy shares shocking stories from the peak of his Hollywood career—walking off the set of the most-watched TV show in the world, battling meth addiction, nearly dying, stabbing a gang member in self-defense, and finally… discovering the spiritual path that saved his life.We also get into:The truth behind his Baywatch departureWhy he lost major roles to Leonardo DiCaprio and Jason MomoaHis recovery journey and the Balanced Man Retreat in Costa RicaA wild $20,000 gene therapy shot that supercharged his bodyAnd the faith-based mindset that fuels his mission todayIf you're fascinated by redemption arcs, Hollywood secrets, or want to feel inspired to turn your own life around—this episode delivers.Follow Jeremy Jackson - https://www.instagram.com/jeremyjackson?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==🎙️ Hosted by Tyler Ramsey, this is the Painful Lessons Podcast, where we own our mistakes and learn from the wreckage.Jeremy Jackson, Baywatch, addiction, recovery, celebrity redemption, gene therapy, biohacking, spiritual growth, breathwork, healing, David Hasselhoff, personal transformation, Hollywood podcast, inspirational interviews, painful lessons, mental health, sobriety stories, men’s retreat

19 Mai 1h 6min

Phil Brody, better known as the globally recognized street artist WRDSMTH, joins host Tyler Ramsey for a powerful, funny, and deeply honest conversation. From heartbreak and creative inspiration to turf wars and typewriters, this episode explores the pain—and purpose—behind public art.#WRDSMTH #StreetArt #PhilBrody #PainfulLessonsPodcast #Inspiration #PublicArt #CreativeJourney #TypewriterArt #LosAngelesArt #FollowYourPassion00:00 – Singing intro (foreign language)00:20 – Meet your host: Tyler Ramsey opens the show01:41 – Introducing WRDSMTH: The origin of the name03:37 – WRDSMTH on going from hobbyist to full-time street artist05:53 – How a school mural campaign sparked collaboration06:42 – Artistic insecurity and perceived fame08:53 – Bringing art to schools and inspiring students10:12 – Childhood memories and museum inspiration11:24 – The evolution of the iconic typewriter stencil13:13 – Street art techniques: stencils, wheatpaste, and speed15:57 – The mindset shift from illegal to beautifying17:34 – Turf wars: graffiti territorialism and unspoken rules19:28 – Painting over Risk Rock: artist ethics and regret21:00 – Positive feedback from RETNA and LA Weekly feature22:08 – LA, NYC, Paris: WRDSMTH’s international footprint24:53 – Sticking to one style vs creative hopping26:54 – Artists who resent their “thing” and need to evolve29:50 – Ghost murals: making new work look aged and timeless31:22 – Wall texture, sticker layers, and urban decay aesthetics33:53 – WRDSMTH’s novel: The Holden Age of Hollywood36:44 – Balancing longform writing with public art38:49 – Losing a muse: heartbreak behind the murals41:13 – Turning heartbreak into art the world could feel43:44 – Vulnerability and audience connection through pain46:13 – “Painting her away” – art as therapy48:31 – The private pain behind a public persona50:39 – Being a romantic artist in a cynical world53:00 – Street art, recovery, and the beauty of resilience56:24 – The muse didn’t hear the words—but the world did58:13 – Shepard Fairey said, “You get up a lot.”01:01:06 – Alec Monopoly and the dangers of artist ego01:04:19 – Rejection, misunderstanding, and full-circle moments01:07:00 – Staying prolific without losing your soul01:09:00 – Final thoughts: heartbreak, humor, and healing01:11:00 – WRDSMTH’s website, merch, and social links

12 Mai 1h

Join us on the Painful Lessons Podcast as we sit down with actress and podcaster Josie Davis for an in-depth conversation about her journey in Hollywood, the challenges she's faced, and the lessons she's learned along the way.In this episode, Josie shares:Her transition from child star to adult actressInsights into her podcasting endeavorsPersonal growth and overcoming obstaclesAdvice for aspiring actors and creativesDon't miss this candid and inspiring discussion with Josie Davis.Connect with Josie Davis:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josiedavis?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Podcast: Success Road https://open.spotify.com/show/5oFtIUrzeDIFrkMeOl53Eo?si=c83f397fcb944294Subscribe to the Painful Lessons Podcast:YouTube: www.youtube.com/@PainfulLessonsPodcast#PainfulLessonsPodcast #JosieDavis #ActingCareer #PodcastInterview #LifeLessons

5 Mai 55min

Join us on this episode of the Painful Lessons Podcast as we sit down with entertainer Frankie Grande. In this candid conversation, Frankie discusses his journey to sobriety, the challenges of fame, and the influence of his family, including his sister, Ariana Grande. He shares insights into his experiences on Broadway, reality TV, and his advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.​Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction02:15 – Early Life and Career Beginnings10:30 – Struggles with Addiction and Path to Sobriety22:45 – Life in the Spotlight: Reality TV and Broadway35:00 – Family Dynamics and Support45:20 – Advocacy and Future Projects55:00 – Closing Thoughts​Connect with Frankie Grande:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/FrankieJGrandeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankiejgrandeTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/FrankieJGrandeSubscribe to Painful Lessons Podcast:YouTube: https://chatgpt.com/c/680675a4-c3b0-8004-b1ea-39c017d1cca6#Spotify: https://chatgpt.com/c/680675a4-c3b0-8004-b1ea-39c017d1cca6#Apple Podcasts: https://chatgpt.com/c/680675a4-c3b0-8004-b1ea-39c017d1cca6##FrankieGrande #PainfulLessonsPodcast #SobrietyJourney #LGBTQAdvocate #MentalHealthAwareness #BroadwayStar #RealityTV #FamilySupport #OvercomingAddiction #InspirationalStories​

28 Apr 1h 20min

Join us on the Painful Lessons Podcast as we delve into a profound conversation with Pastor Aaron Jayne. Discover how faith can be a guiding light through life's most challenging moments.​In this episode:Pastor Jayne's personal journey through adversityInsights on maintaining faith during trialsLessons on resilience and spiritual growth​Whether you're seeking inspiration or guidance, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating pain with unwavering faith.​🎧 Listen now and be inspired.Keywords: faith through pain, Pastor Aaron Jayne, spiritual resilience, overcoming adversity, Christian podcast​

22 Apr 1h 20min

James Swanwick is a former ESPN anchor, entrepreneur, speaker, and wellness coach from Australia who has been sober for over 15 years. James joins Painful Lessons to share his recovery story and talk about the overall health benefits of living alcohol-free. He shares some interesting trends in the recovery movement, which has grown more widely through celebrity culture, including with Rob Lowe, Josh Brolin, Robert Downey Jr., and our previous guest Armie Hammer. What do you think is the best way to break through to someone about living alcohol-free? Check out the interview and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for watching!Pre-order ‘Clear’ by James Swanwick - https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com/clearJames Swanwick official website - https://www.jamesswanwick.com/0:00 - Introduction to James Swanick4:11 - James hasn’t had alcohol in 15 years5:40 - Problems alcohol can cause8:44 - Recovery solutions other than 12 steps12:00 - The rise of self-recovery17:25 - Josh Brolin’s mantra of “punk rock sober”19:00 - Celebrities celebrating sobriety24:00 - Uncomfortable reality of sobriety27:30 - The pink cloud36:00 - What James tells someone who is about drink and do drugs43:54 - Tyler’s South Padre Spring Break48:40 - “Grey area drinking”53:50 - The benefits of being sober

31 Mar 1h

Today's episode of Painful Lessons features Tyler going solo, albeit with Producer Jerry, talking about some of the latest headlines on the internet and sharing some classic stories, including the Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni controversy, Bill Maher's evolution, crazy laws in Germany, South Park, Thailand, and going poly. Check out the episode and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thanks for watching!Chapters:0:00 - Heather Locklear podcast5:50 - Going Poly at Burning Man9:38 - South Park11:48 - Germany13:04 - Survivor17:07 - Tyler explains rage farming19:00 - Bill Maher30:11 - Tyler’s DUI stories35:24- Thailand44:07 - Blake Lively controversy 59:33 - Art1:14:36 - Outro

24 Mar 1h 14min