Political analyst Ryan Basham discusses addiction recovery and mental health after surviving the "Real Housewives" false realities of his high-functioning alcoholic mother. Imagine finding out the cameras were never there!

We're bringing you to the heart of Nashville, inside our studio on Broadway for an in-depth conversation with former Presidential campaign advisor and Out100 honoree Ryan Basham pulls back the curtain on a childhood that was a "rigged script" long before he stepped into the political arena. If you have spent your life playing a part in a story you didn’t write, this conversation is your permission to tear it up. You are not broken—you are becoming.

Ryan’s mother was the ultimate high-functioning alcoholic paradox: the charismatic, community-leading PTA President who maintained a polished public image while losing her battle with a bottle every single night. In this fascinating deep-dive, Ryan recounts the "alternate reality" his family was forced to maintain—one where facts were rewritten daily to validate the disease of addiction and protect a public facade of "perfection". This episode explores the psychological gymnastics required in dysfunctional homes and the "invisible" toll of keeping a secret for twenty years.

“People become attached to their burdens, sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them.” — George Bernard Shaw

This quote highlights the core "a-ha" moment: we often cling to familiar dysfunction even when it is drowning us . Whether you are navigating your own addiction or are the exhausted "peacekeeper" in a chaotic family script, there is enlightenment waiting. You have the power to stop being a character in someone else’s false reality.

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⏰ AUDIO CHAPTERS:

00:00 Life is Too Important to Take Seriously

01:25 Meet Ryan Basham: Out100 & Political Disruptor

04:30 Comedy as a Survival Skill

08:20 Hollywood Hills vs. Small Town Reality

11:05 The High-Functioning Alcoholic Mom Paradox

21:40 The Moment I Realized Mom was an Alcoholic

28:50 Surviving the Alternate Reality: Rewriting Facts

45:50 Shame vs. Accountability: The Mental Health Reframe

51:03 Lethal Love: Why Boundaries are Your "Air Hole"

54:15 Reclaiming Joy: The Ultimate Act of Defiance

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📌 TOP 3 TIPS FOR FAMILIES:

1. Stop the Fact-Checking: You cannot cure someone else’s alternate reality. Shift energy to trusting your own internal truth .
2. Prioritize Your "Air Hole": You cannot save someone from a storm if you are drowning alongside them. Support is not enabling .
3. Reclaim Your Joy: Laughter is a biological survival mechanism and an act of defiance against a dysfunctional script .

📌 TOP 3 TIPS FOR THE "BECOMING" PROCESS:

1. Dismantle Shame: Shame is a global attack on who you are; accountability is a focus on what you do .
2. Embrace the Pivot: Your life doesn't have to follow the trajectory set by your trauma. Your most authentic self is found in the "becoming."
3. Refuse to "Shrink to Fit": If your environment requires you to hide your truth, it is the wrong environment. Take up space .

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🛟 HELP RESOURCES:

👉 FOR INDIVIDUALS:

- Addiction:

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Corey Warren had it all: money, a family, and 10 years sober. Then he drank one beer.

In this episode, Corey joins Patrick Custer to dismantle the myth that you can "outgrow" addiction. We discuss the terrifying speed of his relapse—from one drink at a bar to blacking out daily in just 60 days—and the "successful failure" that nearly cost him his family.

Corey reveals the specific moment that broke him: sitting on a luxury boat he bought to win his daughter’s affection, only to hear the six words that money couldn't fix. If you are chasing success to quiet your shame, or navigating the guilt of co-parenting, this conversation is the wake-up call you need.

In this episode, we cover:

1. The "10-Year Lie": Why long-term sobriety doesn't mean you're cured.
2. The Boat Story: How trying to buy his daughter's love backfired.
3. The "Radio Glitch": The unexplainable moment that forced Corey back into recovery.
4. "Work Sobriety": Why trading alcohol for 80-hour work weeks is just a different form of sickness.
5. Parenting Through Guilt: How to stop performing for your kids and start connecting with them.

Quotes from the episode:

Connect with Corey:

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarren
2. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@icoreywarren
3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@icoreywarren
4. Website: https://www.coreywarren.com

Connect with Patrick:

1. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcuster/
2. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcuster
3. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatrickcuster

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - The "Do It For Yourself" Lie

01:16 - Welcome to The Patrick Custer Show

05:20 - "If I Had Cancer, I'd Ask For Help"

11:26 - "Dad, I Need My Tablet": Parenting & Addiction

20:22 - The "Normal Drinker" Jealousy...

From "Slide Singing" Beyoncé to battling autoimmune disease—this is the wildest journey of healing you'll hear this year.

Patrick sits down with viral comedian Andi Marie Tillman (and her alter-ego Aunt Pam) for a masterclass in satire and survival. We laugh at the absurdity of religious performance ("Belinda the Interpreter") so we can heal from the trauma of it.

We Cover:

1. The Comedy of Dogma: Why we laugh at the culture we grew up in.
2. The "Victorian Woman": Andi’s hilarious take on chronic illness.
3. Reconstruction: How to keep your faith when the system breaks.
4. Sobriety: The reality of facing life without a buffer.

Mentioned in this Episode:

1. "All Her Fault" (Peacock)
2. The "Skibidi Toilet" Phenomenon

We dive into a hilariously candid conversation with comedian Andi Marie Tillman, who joins me, Patrick Custer, for a wild ride through her comedic journey and the ups and downs of life. Right off the bat, we chat about her unique approach to comedy, including her quirky tales of having a tongues interpreter who hilariously flips the script, interpreting her everyday chat into something utterly nonsensical. We also touch on her experiences with gratitude, health challenges, and the rollercoaster of recovery, all while keeping the laughs rolling. Andi's vibrant personality shines through as we explore her adventures in navigating life, relationships, and the struggle between public persona and personal reality. So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and get ready for some belly laughs and heartfelt moments that remind us all that life is a beautifully messy journey! Diving into the vibrant world of comedy, this episode features a delightful chat between host Patrick Custer and the witty Andi Marie Tillman. From the get-go, the banter flows like a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, as they explore the ups and downs of life, laughter, and everything in between. The conversation kicks off with Andi’s humorous take on the intricacies of life’s everyday challenges, including her witty commentary on being a mother and the delightful chaos that comes with it. With her unique perspective, Andi shares anecdotes that have the audience chuckling, all while weaving in meaningful insights about gratitude and resilience. “We have no idea what our life is going to actually look like,” she remarks, reminding us all to embrace uncertainty with a smile. As the episode progresses, Patrick and Andi delve into the nuances of self-identity, the importance of authenticity in comedy, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. Andi’s candidness about her own struggles with addiction and mental health adds depth to the conversation, making it not just a light-hearted romp but also a heartfelt exploration of overcoming adversity. She shares her journey of personal growth, emphasizing that while laughter is essential, acknowledging our struggles is equally crucial. “I want to cross between the Wiz and, like, gutter slut,” she quips, showcasing her ability to blend humor with real talk effortlessly. Listeners are treated to an emotional rollercoaster as Patrick and Andi navigate topics like societal expectations, the often unrealistic portrayal of life on social media, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. The episode wraps up on a high note, leaving audiences not only entertained but also inspired