Cleared Hot – Full Auto Friday (11/14/2025)

Host: Andy Stumpf

Date: November 14, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of “Cleared Hot: Full Auto Friday” features Andy Stumpf tackling audience-submitted questions and offering direct, unsparing advice on topics ranging from suicidal ideation and co-parenting challenges to self-image, depression, hormone therapy, and managing sleep problems. A recurring theme is radical honesty and “extreme ownership” in confronting life’s most daunting situations. Michael, a young team member, joins midway to discuss self-image and mental health from a younger perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Andy’s Signature Opener & Listener Engagement

• Andy opens with reflections on his penchant for simple clothing and his indifference to fashion, humorously referencing his wife’s disdain for his style.
• He clarifies how listeners can submit questions (andystumpf212mail.com) and addresses the risk of attracting “crazy people” but values honest questions for the show.
• [03:00] Quote:
  “I seek the things that make me uncomfortable. I move towards things that scare me. I think you should too.” — Andy

2. Question 1: In Over My Head — Life Overload, Suicidal Thoughts, and Extreme Ownership

[06:40–41:30]

• Listener shares cascading traumas: parental suicides, divorce, toxic co-parenting, and an unexpected pregnancy with a new partner. They ask if it's time to “throw in the towel” or keep fighting.
• Andy’s Advice Highlights:
  • Suggests the listener may be “in over your head”—but so what? That’s not permission to give up, especially with children involved.
  • Warns against perpetuating cycles of suicide in families and urges professional help if suicidal thoughts persist.
  • Reminds the listener that feelings of being overwhelmed are common but not an excuse for poor actions, “You have surrendered your right to think of yourself as the most important person in the world until you launch those kids out into the world.”
  • Stresses the unending obligation to children, regardless of relationship status or financial threats from ex-partners.
  • Encourages taking real responsibility, getting physically and mentally healthy, and consistently making better decisions.
• Notable Quotes:
  • [10:45] Andy:
    “Your vision is going to improve as soon as you pull your head out of your own ass. It’s really limited with what you can see when your head’s that far up.”
  • [13:15]:
    “If you’re even thinking about [suicide], maybe just take a moment to reflect on the impact that their actions and choices had on you and everybody else in their family and maybe just sit with that…”
  • [21:25]:
    “If you’re going to think with your little head and develop two children that come into the world, you have surrendered your right, you have surrendered your ability to think of yourself as the most important person in the world.”
  • [23:48]:
    “If you feel like you’re in over your head or you’re underwater, guess what, motherfucker? Time to learn how to swim a little bit better.”
  • [39:58]:
    “There is nothing in life that’s going to happen to you that is permanent unless you make a decision like your father or your father-in-law.”
  • [41:19]:
    “Remove head from asshole. Step two, look around and start taking micro steps towards where you want to be.”
• Tactics & Takeaways:
  • Immediately seek professional mental health support for suicidal ideation.
  • Accept and own mistakes, but don’t succumb to excuses.
  • Fulfill financial and emotional obligations to children.
  • Life improvement is a process of “a hundred sequential steps, not always a heroic one-step move.”

3. Question 2: THC Gummies and Home Defense

[41:45–51:10]

• Listener uses 5–15 mg of THC gummies nightly for sleep, but worries about reacting to a home invasion while under the influence.
• Andy’s Perspective:
  • Legality is paramount: The interaction between intoxication and self-defense differs by jurisdiction—research local laws.
  • THC/any intoxicant will degrade your sharpness and reaction, but the degree varies per individual.
  • Focus on training: The higher your baseline in self-defense, the better your degraded response will be.
  • Advocates risk/reward balance and being “as sharp as a tack” through consistent training.
• Notable Quote [48:06]:
  “Anything that modifies your thought process, your cognitive ability is going to degrade your performance. I think that’s pretty black and white.”

4. Question 3: Hormone Optimization – Merrick vs Ways to Well

[51:12–57:00]

• Listener asks Andy which health brand he prefers for hormone therapy, given his experience with both.
• Andy’s Honest Breakdown:
  • Worked with Merrick in exchange for free treatment, not money.
  • Switched to Ways to Well, now paying out-of-pocket and using their app and AI support, which better matches what he seeks for himself and his wife.
  • Both are good, but Ways to Well currently offers more value for his needs.
• Notable Quote [55:00]:
  “I went from a service that was at a net cost to me of zero to a service that I am paying for and I’m glad that I did.”

5. Question 4: College, Self-image, Depression, Past Regret, and Self-Medication

[57:50–1:04:12]

• Listener, a senior in engineering, discusses wrestling with self-image, past depression, wanting to be a Navy SEAL, and temptations toward self-medication.
• Michael (guest) joins to give a younger perspective. The conversation becomes relaxed, candid, and humorous, discussing body image, depression, and coping strategies, especially in a social media-influenced world.
• Key Insights:
  • Andy: Emphasizes that struggling with self-image and negative self-talk is universal—even among high achievers. “Impostor syndrome? 100% real in absolutely everything that I do.”
  • Michael: Admits to constant self-doubt, body image issues exacerbated by gym culture, and some depressive periods, but finds physical activity (jiu-jitsu) pivotal for improvement.
  • Both reject self-medicating with drugs/alcohol as effective coping strategies.
• Notable Quotes:
  • Andy [53:46]:
    “There hasn’t been a day in my life where I haven’t struggled with self-image. Where I’ve woken up and like, I am just crushing and nailing everything.”
  • Michael [47:03]:
    “Some body image issues…since I’ve started lifting consistently, you’re always seeing yourself in a mirror, which I don’t think has ever been really great for anybody.”
  • Andy [62:46]:
    “Just focus on day-to-day. Get to the end of the day.”
• Advice for Listeners:
  • Normalize struggle with self-image and self-doubt.
  • Focus on small, daily improvement rather than overwhelming with big future plans.
  • Physical activity is profoundly beneficial for mental health.
  • “Stay the course. You’re going to be okay.”

Notable Memorable Moments

• [43:22] Michael’s unscripted entry brings lightness and authenticity, with the banter about mustaches, Halloween costumes, and the VFW.
• [47:26] Candid commentary about gym mirrors and self-image.
• [53:46] Andy’s open admission of daily battles with negative self-talk, regardless of external success.
• [55:14] The “dialed in” self-delusion: those who claim perfection are “a little bit of a hot mess.”
• [62:46] Michael’s succinct approach: “Focusing on the day to day and not constantly looking at big picture stuff…is very helpful.”

Chaptered Timestamps

• 00:00–03:00 – Cold open, humorous intro on simple fashion, coffee talk, and Q&A system
• 06:40–41:30 – Deep dive response to listener’s overwhelmed life: loss, suicide, responsibility, children, and “extreme ownership”
• 41:45–51:10 – THC gummies and the realities (and risks) of home defense while under the influence
• 51:12–57:00 – Experience with Merrick vs Ways to Well for hormone therapy
• 57:50–1:04:12 – Listener’s question on self-image, depression, regret, and temptation to self-medicate—Andy and Michael’s honest reflections and practical advice

Final Takeaways

• Radical self-honesty and “extreme ownership” are cornerstones for handling difficult life situations.
• Seeking help is strength: especially for mental health and suicidal thoughts.
• Responsibility is unwavering: especially when children are involved; hardship isn’t an excuse to give up.
• Physical and mental health strategies: small daily steps and honest self-assessment outpace drastic quick fixes.
• Community and camaraderie: Shared struggles are universal; talk about them openly, and you’ll find you’re not alone.

Cleared Hot’s Full Auto Friday continues to be an honest, sometimes bracing, always human look at everyday struggles, delivered with Andy Stumpf’s mix of tough love and humor.