You think you know Harley Flanagan but I assure you—you don't know Harley Flanagan.
His September 2016 memoir, Hard-Core: A Life of My Own recounted his bohemian childhood and adolescence that would have been story enough, but Harley also played drums in his Aunt Mercedes' band (The Stimulators) before forming the legendary Cro-Mags.
He has a new record out soon and was the first to live stream a "quarantine concert" when the Cro-Mags show opening for Ice-T's Body Count on March 15th was canceled by the necessary stay-at-home order in New York City.
In this episode, recorded on April 7, 2020 when Covid-19 deaths were just about to peak in New York City, our conversation turned to difficult topics. Harley and I are near the same age, and we've both experienced the loss of close friends to suicide. We talk about the difficulty of overcoming both tragic circumstances outside of your control but more importantly, making the choice to change yourself and your actions.
I think it's important to make this point: fame (or infamy) doesn't equal wealth. And money, though it gives you more choices, doesn't equal happiness. The story Harley tells about his life now, nearly five years after the release of his book, is inspiring. There isn't a magic formula here. It's about thinking about who you want to be as a human and making the choices that help you become that person. The path is long and the work is hard. You gotta show up.
If you've ever felt the numbness of despair; get help. Seriously. There are people who can and will help you. Here's a few phone numbers and websites where you can get immediate assistance:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): (800) 662-4357. Available 24/7, 365 days a year, the professionals on the phone can provide treatment information and referrals in English and Spanish to people who have questions about mental health or substance abuse disorders.
Veterans Crisis Line: (800) 273-8255 and press “1”. This toll-free hotline is available for veterans and their loved ones. You can also send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential, free support and referrals.
If you're unable to "talk" try the Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. This service is available 24/7 and provides free crisis support and information via text.
Episode 10: Earth A.D: The Poisoning of the American Landscape and the Communities that Fought Back with Michael Lee Nirenberg
Episode 9, May 26, 2020 / Mary Ann Cherry discusses her biography of Morris Kight
Episode 7 / Sheela-na-Gig by Jack Roberts / Irish Celtic Pagan imagery and beliefs
Special Episode / March 14, 2020 / Preparedness NOW! Pandemic Prep w/ Aton Edwards
Episode 5, August 2018 / Homer Flynn spokesperson for the Residents discusses their book, The Brickeaters
Episode 4, May 2018 / Danko Jones discusses his career and book I've Got Something to Say: Ten Years of Rock and Roll Ramblings
Episode 3, April 2018/ Guest: Jason Louv discusses his book John Dee and the Empire of Angels
Episode 2, March 2018 / Elana Freeland discusses Under and Ionized Sky, from Chemtrails to Space Fence Lockdown and Chemtrails, HAARP, and the "Full Spectrum Dominance" of Planet Earth
Christina Ward & Adam Parfrey and the origins of Feral House
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Lit Society: Books and Drama
Ex Libris
Write The Book: Conversations on Craft
The Federalist Papers
The Count of Monte Cristo
Fresh Air
Myths and Legends