Long Break Explained

Pull up a stool for a minute, because it’s been a hell of a few months. I lost my job, fell into a deep depression, and lost some friends amidst the fallout. I listened to the wrong voices, made some poor decisions, and ended up hurting people I care about. Even though I’ve started a great new job and am trying to patch things up, the shame still lingers, making it tough to just be around them sometimes.

Just as I was getting into the groove at the new job, my body gave out on me. I got hit with agonizing full-body pain—the fourth time I'd experienced it, but this time, it sent me straight to the ER. After a series of unhelpful doctor visits, they finally found the culprit: gallstones. What followed was a messy 24 hours of fasting and trying to bring my blood pressure down through the pain just to get cleared for my first-ever surgery.

The surgery itself was a ride. I apparently tried to wake up a few times on the table, requiring extra anesthesia, which left me knocked out for hours and required an extra day in the hospital for monitoring. My gallbladder is gone, but thankfully, my liver is doing great.

Physically, after a couple of months of diet changes and healing, I am finally okay. Mentally, I am still battling depression and anxiety. I’ve finally started seeing a doctor and taking medication to help, but it is not easy balancing so much. I fell far behind on this blog and on Untamed Lives, but I am trying. I am doing this for the people who have shared their stories with me—I'm doing this so others will be heard.

The good news is, the bar is officially back open. Season 3 is in motion, and I’m writing and editing as often as I can. The Season 4 interview is already recorded, and interview number five is happening soon. I also have plans in the works to expand the podcast with even more episodes. Thanks for keeping your tab open and sticking with me.

-Chris