DOPE AS USUAL Podcast Episode Summary Episode: Young & Reckless w/ Drody
Release Date: June 10, 2025
Hosts: Marty O'Neill & Thomas Araujo
Guest: Drody

1. Introduction

In this lively episode of the "DOPE AS USUAL" podcast, hosts Marty O'Neill and Thomas Araujo welcome their guest, Drody, a rising name in the rap scene with a unique backstory and a passion for music and weed culture.

2. Drody’s Name and Branding

The conversation kicks off with an engaging discussion about Drody's real name and his decision to adopt a rap persona. Drody reveals his birth name, Richard, and explains the challenges he faced with branding and SEO.

• Drody: “My first rapper name was Rich. And then me and my cousin started a brand named Drody.” [01:55]

Drody shares how his initial choice of "Rich" was problematic due to its commonality, leading him to rebrand as Drody for better online presence and distinctiveness.

3. Drody’s Background and Family

Drody delves into his upbringing, highlighting his family's dynamics and their views on weed. Raised by a single mother in Texas, Drody sheds light on the influence of his father, a mechanic, and the cultural backdrop he grew up in.

• Drody: “My dad was into selling weed, like, this is a drug. Like, I said it to make money.” [17:14]

He explains how his father's involvement in weed was purely transactional, aiming to earn money rather than recreational use.

4. Early Life and Behavioral Issues

Drody recounts his rebellious childhood, marked by frequent fights and disciplinary actions at school. His tough demeanor often clashed with authority figures, leading to multiple suspensions and confrontations.

• Drody: “I was trying not to get caught. You know what I'm saying? I was trying not to give a...” [25:35]

He shares a memorable incident where his mother caught him smoking weed at school, resulting in a strict punishment that left a lasting impression on him.

5. Weed Use and Experiences

A significant portion of the episode explores Drody's long history with weed, starting at the age of 12. He discusses various strains, including synthetic options like K2, and shares personal anecdotes about the highs and dangers associated with cannabis use.

• Drody: “I started smoking when I was 12. That was crazy.” [14:46]

Drody also touches on his experiences with fake weed and the severe trips that deterred him from continuing such practices.

• Drody: “After that, bro, I just never smoke fake weed again.” [53:56]

6. Music Career and Projects

Drody passionately discusses his journey in the music industry, detailing his efforts to release albums and singles independently. He emphasizes the importance of marketing and building a team to support his music endeavors.

• Drody: “I want to drop a single before tour, like a nice one so I could perform on tour for sure.” [107:14]

He mentions his upcoming projects, including the "Jordy Pack Deluxe" and plans for a Texas tour, aiming to promote his brand and connect with a broader audience.

7. Personal Anecdotes: Driving and Accidents

Drody shares harrowing stories of multiple car accidents, often while under the influence of weed. These experiences highlight his reckless behavior and the resulting legal and personal consequences.

• Drody: “I totaled three cars. So, yeah, my back is...” [124:26]

He describes a particularly intense incident where he was rear-ended while driving high, leading to a serious injury and a demanding encounter with law enforcement.

• Drody: “I was sitting there like, sick. And then she gets her stuff and...” [130:54]

8. Hobbies and Interests

Beyond music and weed, Drody reveals his interests in personal development through audiobooks. He discusses books like "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and "The Laws of Human Nature," emphasizing their impact on his personal growth.

• Drody: “The best book I listened to was 'How to Win Friends and Influence People.' It just makes you a better person.” [91:35]

Additionally, Drody touches on his love for video games, particularly titles like "Red Dead Redemption" and "The Boys," which provide him with an escape and relaxation.

9. Interactions and Relationships

Throughout the episode, Drody references interactions with friends and notable figures in the weed and music scenes, such as Benny and OG Films. He recounts anecdotes of networking within his industry and the challenges of maintaining relationships while building his career.

• Drody: “I met Slim Thug back in 2016. We just started linking up after that.” [07:14]

These interactions showcase Drody's deep connections and the collaborative nature of his journey in music and entrepreneurship.

10. Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Drody reiterates his excitement for upcoming projects and tours, expressing gratitude for the support from the podcast and his listeners. The hosts and Drody share final thoughts on the importance of personal growth, resilience, and staying true to one's path despite challenges.

• Drody: “I'm excited for that to be all over the place again forever.” [148:15]

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of Drody's commitment to his music career and his ongoing efforts to overcome past mistakes, setting the stage for future success.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Drody on Changing His Name: “Like, nah, my name's Rich. Dirty's just a brand.” [01:55]
• Drody on Early Weed Use: “I started smoking when I was 12. That was crazy.” [14:46]
• Drody on Legal Issues: “I've gone to jail for stems before in Texas.” [28:18]
• Drody on Personal Development: “It just makes you a better person.” [91:35]
• Drody on Music Projects: “I'm gonna do a jolly pack deluxe.” [107:14]

Insights and Takeaways

• Branding and Identity: The importance of a unique and memorable name in the music industry for better online visibility and branding.
• Personal Growth: Drody's journey highlights how personal struggles and early life experiences can shape one's path, emphasizing the role of self-help literature in fostering personal development.
• Reckless Behavior and Consequences: The episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of combining substance use with activities like driving, underscoring the long-term ramifications of such actions.
• Independent Music Production: Drody's efforts to release music independently illustrate the challenges and necessities of marketing, team-building, and strategic planning in achieving success without major label support.
• Cultural and Social Dynamics: The discussions around weed culture, interactions with industry figures, and the balance between personal life and career provide a comprehensive look into the life of an aspiring artist navigating complex social landscapes.

This episode of "DOPE AS USUAL" offers listeners an in-depth look into Drody's life, his transformation from a troubled youth to an independent artist, and the myriad challenges he faces along the way. Through candid conversations and personal stories, Drody provides valuable insights into the intersections of music, culture, and personal growth.