OC58-Freddy Negrete – From Gangs, Guns, and Heroine to Recovery, Art and Service

UPDATE: When I released this episode last Sunday, I didn’t realize that Freddy had actually recently lost Isaiah. In all transparency, I was confused and thought Isaiah must have been the son Freddy spoke about on the podcast. I couldn’t wrap my head around the possibility of the truth. It is with great regret that I now realize my mistake, and my heart goes out to Freddy and his family.

This is a Go Fund Me site set up with this message from Freddy’s brother:

“I have set up this fund to help out my brother Freddy Negrete as he lays his son and best friend Isaiah Boo Boo Negrete to rest.  He has not asked for help but no father should ever have to endure what he is doing so alone. In love of his son and in support of my friends I’d love to show him that he has a lot of people behind him.”

You can find the link here: https://www.gofundme.com/isaiah-booboo-negrete-memorial

 

Isaiah “Boo Boo” Negrete on the left, Freddy Negrete on the right

 

Hi Friend!

Welcome to another episode of the Odaat Chat, my name is Arlina and I’ll be your host. If you haven’t yet, don’t forget to subscribe on iTunes, or you can get new episodes delivered right to your inbox by signing up for the newsletter at odaatchat.com.

If you are new here, this is a podcast where my guests and I talk about how to recovery from alcoholism and addiction. We typically spend the first half of the podcast on the backstory, but the magic is really in the solution, which is what we try to focus on.

I’m looking to uncover the moments of clarity, the revelations, and the tools and practices for healing which lead to long term recovery.

 

This episode is sponsored by my free “7 Day Connection Cure Challenge” –  How to overcome isolation and attract your tribe in 7 days. – I know what its like to feel overwhelmed by life, and lonely because all I want to do is isolate. But I found a solution that changed my life forever and I want to share it with you. It’s a free online course with a downloadable worksheet.

So if you’ve ever struggled with loneliness and isolation then you absolutely need to take this challenge and experience the relief that comes from feeling supported and connected.

Sign up for free at www.soberlifeschool.com

 

Today I’m talking with the world famous Tattoo artist out of Shamrock tattoo in Hollywood CA, and author of the book, Smile now, Cry Later, Guns, Gangs and Tattoos – Freddy Negrete.

His work is stunning. You can see some of his work on https://freddynegrete.com/ or his instagram at https://www.instagram.com/freddy_negrete/

Get a copy of his book here:

He shares about what it was like growing up with a Jewish mother and a Mexican father, around gang members in the neighborhood. We go over how he got caught up in that world, the drugs, crime and violence and losing his son to drugs. Ultimately he shares how he was able to transform his life, and how he helps others through the book he published with his good friend, Steve Jones.

I would like to thank Amy Dresner for hooking me up with such an awesome guest, and Steve Jones for helping me set up the interview and of course Freddy for being willing to share from the heart, so that others might be given the hope of recovery.

 

So with that, please enjoy this episode with Freddy!

 

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This podcast is sponsored by Audible. First book is free!