Overcoming Self-Judgment and Walking Through Grief with Judah & the Lion

When life throws loss, grief, and change your way, how do you allow the pain to transform you rather than destroy you?

In this episode of Human School, host Miles Adcox sits down with Judah Akers and Brian Macdonald of the alt-folk band Judah & the Lion on the release day of their album, Process. Together, they walk through a raw and vulnerable conversation about what it truly takes to heal.

Judah opens up about losing family members to mental health struggles, navigating divorce, and working through addiction while performing on major stages around the world. Brian shares his perspective on stepping into fatherhood while on tour, keeping the band's brotherhood intact through dark seasons, and learning to redefine identity. From the metaphor of a caterpillar in a cocoon to learning how to stop harsh self-judgment, this conversation is a grounded reminder that transformation is messy, but hope is always available.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Cocoon Metaphor: Why real emotional growth requires letting go of who you were.
• Grief & Mental Health: Processing tragic loss, addressing addiction, and separating the symptom from the disease.
• Self-Compassion: Overcoming shame, letting go of control, and learning to speak kindly to yourself.
• Parenting & Growth: Navigating big life transitions and raising kids while working through your own past.
• Behind the Songs: The spontaneous origin story behind their track "Prism".

Memorable Quotes:

"The caterpillar has no memory of wings." — Judah Akers

"We're not through the pain, but we're in it together, and there's hope." — Brian Macdonald

"Addiction is a symptom. Shame, guilt, and not knowing yourself... are the disease." — Judah Akers

"It's okay to be scared and brave at the same time. You can actually do both." — Miles Adcox

Episode Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Meet Judah & The Lion

00:04:42 – The Metaphor of Transformation

00:11:42 – Fatherhood & Evolving Identity

00:15:39 – Unpacking Rock Bottom & Vulnerability

00:21:44 – Growing Up & Early Influences

00:36:34 – The Band’s Origins & Personal Loss

00:47:31 – Brotherhood & Supporting Each Other Through the Storm

00:50:23 – Addressing Addiction, Shame, and Grief

00:00:21 – Mentors, Support Systems, & Encouraging Voices

01:07:33 – The Meaning Behind "Prism"

01:11:46 – "Open Your Eyes, Kid"

01:24:20 – "Scared and Brave at the Same Time"

Links & Resources:

Stream Judah & the Lion's Music

Learn more about emotional wellness intensives at Onsite Workshops

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