Podcast Title: Something Was Wrong
Episode: S23 E20: WCN Presents: [John Callas] When the Rain Stops
Host/Author: Broken Cycle Media | Wondery
Release Date: June 26, 2025

Introduction

In this poignant episode of "Something Was Wrong," hosted by Broken Cycle Media | Wondery, John Callas, an accomplished writer, director, and producer, delves deep into his harrowing journey of trauma, abuse, and eventual recovery. With an extensive career spanning six decades, John shares his personal experiences, shedding light on the profound impact of his early life challenges and the path he forged toward healing and creative expression.

Early Life and Traumas

Timestamps: 00:00 – 03:00

John Callas opens up about his tumultuous childhood, marked by the loss of his father just ten days after his third birthday. This early trauma left him feeling abandoned and lost, leading to behavioral issues and nightmares.

John Callas (01:49): "Once I understood that, I started looking back at my own life. I tried to unravel where everything began..."

He also recounts his mother's tragic miscarriage while pregnant with their fourth child, leaving her without support and thrusting the young John into a harsh environment in 1950s Jersey City.

John Callas (03:00): "I grew up in a very rough neighborhood... If you didn't have street sense, you were going to get squashed."

Military School Experience

Timestamps: 05:58 – 10:45

At the age of 12, after repeated run-ins with the law, John is sent to military school, a decision that compounds his feelings of abandonment and trauma. He describes the brutal environment, highlighting the physical and psychological abuse he endured.

John Callas (07:03): "He turns to me and goes, you will address me as Mr. Or sir."

John vividly recalls his first night at military school, where his defiance leads to physical confrontations with cadets and staff, setting the tone for his three-year ordeal.

John Callas (08:15): "So the first night there, I got knocked out three times. That was the beginning of my military school experience."

He discusses the oppressive routines, lack of freedom, and the constant fear that characterized his daily life, emphasizing the detrimental impact on his mental health.

John Callas (09:21): "There were days where I was on my back holding up my legs for four and five minutes at a time."

Struggles and Attempts to Escape

Timestamps: 10:36 – 19:34

John shares his multiple attempts to escape the confines of military school, each ending in further trauma and deepening his sense of isolation. A pivotal moment occurs when he plans to flee with a fellow cadet, only to witness a tragic incident that reinforces his abandonment issues.

John Callas (12:00): "It just felt like every time I turned around, somebody in my life was either dying, abandoning me..."

His transition to a private school offers a brief respite, but old patterns resurface, culminating in a near-suicidal decision that ultimately transforms into a turning point for his recovery.

John Callas (15:30): "I jumped in. When I got underwater and the water rushed into my lungs, a thought hit me that I didn't want to die."

College and Creative Outlets

Timestamps: 19:34 – 27:09

The episode transitions to John's college years, where he initially pursues chemistry with the aspiration of finding a cure for his late father's cancer. However, his true passion for the arts surfaces, leading him to theater and creative writing.

John Callas (23:00): "And then the wrestling coach saw that and he came to me. I became undefeated in wrestling in the tri-state area."

John credits unexpected mentorship and involvement in sports and theater as crucial elements in his journey toward healing, recognizing these activities as outlets for his anger and avenues for building confidence.

John Callas (26:00): "These mentors started coming into my life and I didn't even know what a mentor was or that I was even being affected by it."

Writing Process and 'When the Rain Stops'

Timestamps: 27:09 – 34:07

Central to the discussion is John's memoir, "When the Rain Stops," a deeply personal account of his struggles and recovery. He details the arduous process of writing the book, emphasizing the emotional challenges and the significance of channeling his experiences into a narrative that resonates with others.

John Callas (30:00): "It's about your heart. It hurts. It just feels like it's always raining."

John reflects on the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of authenticity in sharing his story. He shares a touching anecdote about a book review that not only validated his work but also rekindled lost relationships for his readers.

John Callas (34:00): "They came back with the same comment. They were yelling at me, you're making this story about Ed."

Perspectives on Media and Healing

Timestamps: 28:17 – 33:17

John offers a critical perspective on how film, television, and video games portray violence and its desensitizing effects on society, particularly influencing younger generations. He advocates for more responsible storytelling that avoids normalizing violence.

John Callas (28:30): "Hollywood... has normalized violence. It's something that we really have to look at because it's influencing our kids today."

On the subject of healing after abuse, John emphasizes the complexity of recovery, challenging clichéd notions of "you are not alone." He introduces a three-step process he recommends: Uncover, Discover, and Recover.

John Callas (29:51): "Uncover, discover, and recover... uncover the difficult situation you're currently facing."

John highlights the importance of allowing oneself to feel and process emotions, advocating for honest communication and seeking appropriate help as vital components of healing.

John Callas (32:21): "Don't deny the feeling, sit with the feeling. Just don't overindulge yourself."

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with John directing listeners to his platforms for further engagement and support. He reiterates the significance of community and mutual assistance in the healing process.

John Callas (34:07): "It's my pleasure. I think it's important for people to come together and help each other. It's what the world should be about."

The host expresses deep appreciation for John's contributions and insights, underscoring the episode's focus on awareness and healing.

Key Takeaways

• Trauma and Resilience: John's narrative underscores the profound impact of early-life trauma and the resilience required to overcome such challenges.
• Importance of Mentorship: Unexpected mentors and supportive figures can play a pivotal role in an individual's path to recovery.
• Creative Outlets as Healing Tools: Engaging in creative endeavors like writing and sports can serve as powerful tools for emotional expression and healing.
• Media Responsibility: There is a crucial need for responsible portrayal of violence in media to prevent desensitization and promote healthier societal behaviors.
• Personal Healing Processes: Healing from abuse is a multifaceted journey that requires acknowledging emotions, seeking support, and embracing personal growth.

Notable Quotes

• John Callas (01:49): "There's no hidden agenda, but there are some rules with him and boundaries that you don't cross..."
• John Callas (07:03): "This guy comes walking down the hall. He's got stripes up and down his arm."
• John Callas (15:30): "I jumped in. When I got underwater and the water rushed into my lungs, a thought hit me that I didn't want to die."
• John Callas (28:30): "Hollywood... has normalized violence. It's something that we really have to look at because it's influencing our kids today."
• John Callas (32:21): "Don't deny the feeling, sit with the feeling. Just don't overindulge yourself."

Further Resources

• John Callas' Website: www.johncallas.com
• Books by John Callas:
  • When the Rain Stops
  • Secrets
  • No Solicitors
• Social Media:
  • Instagram: @johncallas
  • Twitter: @johncallas
• Films:
  • No Solicitors starring Eric Roberts

Note: This summary is crafted to provide an in-depth overview of the podcast episode for those who have not listened to it, capturing the essential themes, discussions, and insights shared by John Callas.