Paul Gilmartin
Paul Gilmartin
#520 Best Of - Jessie Perez
#520 Best Of - Jessie Perez
#520 Best Of - Jessie Perez
Friday 1st January 2021
Jessie Perez discusses his past in East L.A. gangs, overcoming tragedy, finding God, and his path to a new life on 'Mental Illness Happy Hour'.
Explicit
80 minutes
Thought-provoking
Raw
Engaging
Informative
Empowering
About this podcast
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
619 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Jessie Perez: From Gang Life to Spiritual Awakening
You know, you would think on blood draws that they would know what they're doing.
Imagine growing up in East L.A., surrounded by gang culture and the constant threat of violence. This was Jessie Perez's reality for many years. In this episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour', host Paul Gilmartin sits down with Jessie, who opens up about his tumultuous past and the path that led him away from a life of crime.
Jessie talks candidly about the mindset that drew him to gangs, the thrill of dodging bullets, and the harsh reality behind the glamorized image of gang life. But Jessie’s story is not just about his past. He delves into the tragedies that have shaped him, including the heartbreaking murder of his grandchild. These events forced him to confront his own demons and rethink his life choices.
His journey took a significant turn when he found God, a moment that brought profound change and helped him navigate the complexities of his past. Throughout the conversation, Jessie also reflects on his experiences as a Chicano in 1970s Los Angeles. He shares his frustrations with societal judgments and the impact they had on his self-worth. Yet, he also speaks with pride about the resilience and strength of his community. Jessie's story is one of transformation and hope.
His resilience shines through as he talks about overcoming addiction, dealing with loss, and finding a new purpose in life. His message is clear: no matter how dark your past, there's always a way to a brighter future. This episode is a powerful reminder that change is possible, and it’s never too late to turn your life around.