Episode 06: Randy’s Story

Today, Kristen and Kelly welcome colleague and friend Randy Bryan Moore. Randy Bryan Moore’s story is a compelling narrative of resilience, self-discovery, and profound transformation. From the culturally rich cotton fields of South Carolina’s Pee Dee Region to the rolling Cumberland Mountains of Southwest Virginia, Randy’s roots are deeply ingrained in the Scots-Irish tradition of music and storytelling. Despite facing significant hurdles, including a struggle with severe mental illness and dropping out of high school with a 9th-grade education, Randy’s journey is one of remarkable perseverance. Randy’s musical voyage commenced at the age of 7 under the guidance of his musically inclined grandmother. By his early teens, he was proficient in various instruments, including piano and guitar, despite not formally reading music. Parallel to his musical pursuits, Randy’s professional career has been equally impressive. As a Social Worker, he has served as a housing policy director, a community organizer, a research assistant, and, notably, as an outreach representative for a senior United States Senator. His work in these roles reflects a deep commitment to social justice and community empowerment, shaped by his experiences with adversity. Randy also hosts “The Degrees of Freedom: A Mental Health Journey” podcast, where he explores mental health through a blend of self-reflection, interviews, and musical exploration. Describing himself as an autodidact, Randy embodies the spirit of continuous learning and creativity. His life story, marked by overcoming obstacles and embracing a wide range of skills, is a testament to his determination and versatility as an artist and advocate. Randy Bryan Moore’s narrative is not just a tale of music and advocacy but a journey of overcoming, learning, and inspiring.

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Thanks for tuning in! How We Got Here gives individuals with lived experiences with mental illness and addiction a platform to share their journey and expertise. Each episode explores what it is like to live with mental illness, trauma, addiction, recovery, and much more. We feature a wide range of individuals and hope to create a space to spotlight these unique experiences. As well as our own. Join us as we figure out How We Got Here.

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You can watch this week’s episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2QZg_Au9MQ

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Kristen @kristen.harootunian

Kelly @kellybernadetteeee

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