Podcast Summary: The Bobby Bones Show Featuring Drake White
Episode Title:
#530 - Drake White on Having a Stroke on Stage + His Encounter with God + Why He Fought Through Initial Signs and His Road to Recovery
Release Date:
August 12, 2025
Introduction to Drake White
Timestamp: [02:02] – [03:12]
In episode #530 of "The Bobby Bones Show," host Bobby Bones welcomes country artist Drake White to discuss his harrowing experience of having a stroke while performing on stage, his profound encounter with God during the crisis, and his inspiring journey to recovery.
Bobby Bones:
"If you're curious as to what Drake looks like, you can always check him out on Instagram if you don't already know. DrakeWhite Stomp has really great music, a lot of soul. He's got a song that's out now called 'Nothing but a Smile.'"
The Stroke Incident
Timestamp: [08:01] – [16:51]
Drake White recounts the day of his stroke on August 16, 2019, detailing the symptoms he experienced and the immediate aftermath. Despite feeling severe symptoms like balance issues and brain fog, Drake's determination to continue performing led him to endure the initial signs without seeking immediate medical help.
Drake White:
"...I felt like I dodged this bullet... but four shows, four embolizations in, and about 40 shows in."
Bobby Bones:
"My story isn't as severe as yours, but I had blood clotting my brain three different times where I didn't know what it was."
Drake explains that his stroke was caused by an arterial venous malformation (AVM), a rare condition he was born with, which became symptomatic due to the physical strain of touring.
Drake White:
"...the AVM is so big, Drake, that we're going to go in through your femoral artery, and we're going to do these embolizations..."
Encounter with God During the Stroke
Timestamp: [21:11] – [24:04]
During the acute phase of his stroke, Drake describes a near-death experience where he felt a profound sense of peace and an encounter with divine figures, which he interprets as angels sent to guide the medical team.
Drake White:
"...I saw four figures in the corner of the room... I was having a stroke. Keep breathing, keep doing your thing... I was locked inside my rib cage."
Bobby Bones:
"So whatever it is, it's naturally come upon you."
Drake attributes his survival and partial recovery to his wife's prayers for divine intervention, which he believes were answered through the presence of angels that aided the doctors in their swift and effective treatment.
Road to Recovery
Timestamp: [32:01] – [55:51]
After surviving the stroke, Drake faced a challenging recovery process, including extended hospitalization, physical therapy, and relearning basic functions. He emphasizes the mental toughness required to persevere without taking days off, driven by his fear of letting fans and his career down.
Drake White:
"...building that back up was extremely painful... I had a little bitty drop of hope. I could write these songs and do these things."
Drake shares how music became a pivotal part of his healing, providing him with a sense of purpose and a means to express his struggles and triumphs. Despite setbacks, including the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Drake remained committed to his recovery and musical career.
Drake White:
"...music is healing. It is healing...ould have had detrimental thoughts... but something happens, a show happens, I hang out with my golden retriever..."
Mental and Emotional Insights
Timestamp: [56:01] – [82:04]
Drake delves into the psychological aspects of his recovery, discussing the importance of perspective gained through adversity. He highlights how his experiences have fostered empathy and a desire to help others facing similar challenges.
Drake White:
"...if you believe you're healing, you're healing. That's placebos, a real thing. But it doesn't matter. If you believe you're healing, you are healing."
He also touches on his family life, including his journey through infertility and the challenges his wife faced with her own health issues, underscoring the resilience and support systems that have been crucial in his path to recovery.
Drake White:
"...we went through seven years of infertility in the middle of all that... seeing his life and seeing him in the world has been one of the best things ever."
Embracing New Beginnings
Timestamp: [82:04] – [85:43]
Drake reflects on how his stroke and subsequent experiences have reshaped his outlook on life and music. He speaks about his new projects, including a documentary titled "Ladder to the Sky," which chronicles his healing process through activities like hunting and reconnecting with nature.
Drake White:
"...stepping into those fears and climbing that ladder one rung at a time... it's about other people and it's about giving."
He emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of engaging with nature and how these activities have not only aided his physical recovery but also provided mental solace and clarity.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Timestamp: [85:43] – End
In the final segments of the episode, Bobby Bones commends Drake for his vulnerability and the positive impact his story has on listeners facing their own struggles. The conversation wraps up with mutual appreciation and encouragement for Drake's ongoing projects.
Bobby Bones:
"I appreciate you being just so generous with your stories and vulnerable with your stories. And I know that a lot of people... are not feeling as alone, because you now exist in the manner that you do."
Drake White:
"...how I battle them and I know how to tell other people how I battled them... it's a roller coaster."
Notable Quotes
-
Drake White [21:11]:
"I was locked inside my rib cage, my body, like I feel like I'm literally locked inside and I can't." -
Bobby Bones [24:04]:
"So whatever it is, it's naturally come upon you." -
Drake White [56:01]:
"If you believe you're healing, you're healing." -
Drake White [82:04]:
"Climbing that ladder one rung at a time and not understanding that the deer does not care that you've had a stroke. The red birds don't."
Key Takeaways
-
Resilience in the Face of Adversity:
Drake White's unwavering determination to continue performing despite early stroke symptoms exemplifies incredible resilience. His commitment to his career and fans played a significant role in his initial recovery phase. -
Spiritual and Emotional Strength:
The near-death experience Drake describes underscores the role of spirituality and emotional strength in overcoming life-threatening challenges. His belief in divine intervention provided him with hope and peace during critical moments. -
Importance of Support Systems:
From his wife’s proactive role during his medical emergency to the support from friends and family during his extended recovery, Drake highlights how essential a robust support system is in healing and maintaining mental health. -
Music as Healing:
Drake's unwavering passion for music served as both a coping mechanism and a healing tool, helping him navigate the complexities of his physical and emotional recovery. His continued creation and performance music became a source of purpose and empowerment. -
Perspective and Empathy:
Experiencing significant health challenges has granted Drake a deeper perspective on life, fostering empathy and a desire to help others facing similar struggles. His story emphasizes the value of sharing personal experiences to inspire and support others. -
Holistic Recovery Approach:
Engaging with nature, hunting, and reconnecting with physical activities were pivotal in Drake's recovery journey, demonstrating the benefits of a holistic approach that includes physical, mental, and emotional healing processes.
Final Thoughts
Drake White's candid and heartfelt discussion on "The Bobby Bones Show" offers listeners an inspiring narrative of survival, faith, and the unyielding human spirit. His journey from experiencing a stroke on stage to rebuilding his life and career serves as a beacon of hope and resilience for anyone facing their own battles.