The Past Is F*cking You | Khalil Rafati with Jorge Cruise

In this raw, unfiltered episode, Jorge Cruise sits down with Khalil Rafati — founder of SunLife Organics to talk addiction, trauma, recovery, and grace. From Skid Row to building a multi-million-dollar global brand, Khalil’s journey is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rebuild your life with faith, grit, and relentless honesty.This conversation dives deep into childhood abuse, heroin addiction, and the pain we all carry — but also shows how healing, forgiveness, and God’s grace can transform a life. It’s powerful, emotional, and not for the faint of heart.00:00 – Opening: The past is fucking you01:20 – Malibu memories and SunLife beginnings03:30 – Khalil’s childhood in Ohio07:00 – Abuse, addiction, and shame12:00 – Early drinking, drugs, and sex at 1215:00 – Skid Row and losing everything18:20 – Surrender and turning to God22:40 – Miracles, testing, and recovery26:30 – Building back with odd jobs and angels29:40 – Finding God’s grace, rebuilding life33:00 – Resentments, forgiveness, and healing39:00 – Plant medicine and new healing modalities45:00 – SunLife growth, licensing, and global expansion50:30 – Women and leadership at SunLife53:00 – No diploma to CEO57:00 – Money, investing, and life lessons1:03:00 – On politics, acceptance, and identity1:07:00 – Defining SunLife: Lighthouse in the storm1:12:00 – Surviving COVID and business pivots1:14:00 – On talents, friends, and mentors1:16:00 – Kaizen: 1% better every day1:19:00 – Drop the rock: Letting go of pain1:23:00 – Where to find Khalil1:28:45 – Closing and Serenity PrayerI Forgot to Die – https://www.amazon.com/I-Forgot-Die-Khalil-Rafati/dp/1619613743 Remembering to Live: Lessons I Learned Crawling out of Hell – https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Live-Lessons-Learned-Crawling/dp/1734964200 Official website of the health food and juice bar chain founded by Khalil Rafati → https://sunlifeorganics.com/ Leven Rose 24K Gold Rose Water Spray – A hydrating rose water toner infused with 24-karat gold (mentioned as Khalil’s favorite; available on Amazon) → https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Leven-Organic-Moroccan-Rosewater/dp/B01MV1YWWR Citrine Crystals – Khalil’s favored healing stones. Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz often associated with abundance and positive energy → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrine NAD+ IV Therapy – Intravenous NAD therapy for wellness and recovery; Khalil referenced receiving NAD at Next Health → https://www.next-health.com/category/nad-therapy Plant Medicine Therapy – Guided psychedelic/plant-medicine ceremonies used for trauma healing and personal growth (Khalil shared his experience; not medical advice) → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapy Ketamine-Assisted Therapy – Clinically supervised therapy sessions using ketamine to treat certain mental-health conditions (Khalil shared his experience; not medical advice) → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine-assisted_psychotherapy Honey Dijon – American DJ, producer, and artist referenced by Khalil → https://www.instagram.com/honeydijon/ Shen Schulz – Malibu-based real estate broker and close friend of Khalil → https://shenrea lty.com/ Bob Forrest – Musician and addiction counselor who helped Khalil access treatment; Co-Founder at Oro House Recovery → https://www.ororecovery.com/bob-forrest/ Musicians Assistance Program (MAP) – The original MAP that funded treatment for musicians; now under MusiCares’ addiction-recovery programs → https://musicares.org/get-help/addiction-recovery Next Health – Health optimization & longevity center (co-founded by Dr. Darshan Shah & Kevin Peake) → https://www.next-health.com/ Dr. Darshan Shah (team page) → https://www.next-health.com/team/dr-darshan-shah Kevin Peake (team page) → https://www.next-health.com/team/kevin-peake Khalil Rafati’s Instagram (@khalilrafati) https://www.instagram.com/khalilrafati/