Podcast Summary: Episode 338 – Trae Crowder and His Pillbilly Background

Introduction of the Guest

In Episode 338 of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, comedian Ryan Sickler welcomes his friend and fellow comedian, Trae Crowder, for an in-depth conversation about Trae's upbringing, family struggles, and personal journey through addiction.

Ryan Sickler [01:14]: "We're highlighting the low lights. And I always say, these are the stories behind the storytellers."

Trae’s Early Life in Salina, Tennessee

Trae Crowder hails from Salina, a small, rural town in Clay County, Tennessee. Salina is characterized by its tight-knit community, lack of modern amenities, and a proud yet controversial claim of hosting the world record smallmouth bass.

Trae Crowder [05:04]: "Salina, Tennessee. It's in Clay County. It's two hours from any city you've ever heard of. There's no traffic lights, there's no McDonald's..."

Trae describes Salina as a quintessential southern town with deep-rooted traditions and longstanding family ties. His family has been in Salina for generations, making them an integral part of the community fabric.

Family, Community, and Economic Challenges

Trae elaborates on the economic downturn in Salina following the closure of the Oshkosh B'Gosh factory in the mid-90s, a significant employer in the town. The factory's relocation to Mexico under NAFTA had a profound impact on the community, leading to widespread unemployment and economic instability.

Trae Crowder [13:43]: "They actually moved those operations to Mexico. At the time of its height, how much of the town would you say was employed by that one factory?"

The loss of the factory coincided with the rise of the opiate epidemic in the region, exacerbating the town's struggles. Trae recounts how the availability of prescription painkillers like Percocet and Oxycontin devastated many families, including his own.

Trae Crowder [14:53]: "Right when that happened, Percocet and Oxycontin came into rural America... It was the epicenter of where that whole thing started."

Personal Struggles with Addiction

Trae shares his personal battle with opioid addiction, rooted in his family's environment. His mother, struggling with addiction herself, was arrested multiple times for selling pills, creating a chaotic and unstable home life.

Trae Crowder [15:46]: "My mom was hooked on pills and was in jail when I graduated high school because she was selling pills."

Trae's cousin also fell victim to the addiction crisis, passing away from an overdose, which deeply affected Trae and reinforced his awareness of the dangers of opioid misuse.

Trae Crowder [19:05]: "My aunt's oldest son, my first cousin, who was like my older brother growing up, he OD'd and died."

Reflecting on his own experiences, Trae discusses how easily he almost succumbed to addiction after being prescribed painkillers for a tooth extraction, highlighting the addictive nature of opioids even when prescribed legitimately.

Trae Crowder [24:40]: "They gave me way more pills than I needed, but I got that worked out. And by the time it was resolved, I just kept taking them."

Family Dynamics and Support Systems

Despite the turmoil, Trae credits his father as the cornerstone of his resilience. His father, a passionate gearhead and dedicated family man, provided stability and unconditional support, contrasting sharply with his mother's struggles.

Trae Crowder [31:08]: "My dad was the hero and savior. Everybody loved him... he's the reason we turned out relatively okay."

Trae emphasizes the importance of his father's mentorship and loving nature, which played a crucial role in steering him away from the path of addiction that ensnared many in his community.

Parenting and Breaking the Cycle

Now a father himself, Trae is committed to creating a nurturing and stable environment for his children, learning from his own upbringing. He strives to be present and supportive, ensuring his sons are aware of their family's history but also strengthening their resilience against similar struggles.

Trae Crowder [53:50]: "I'm open with them about the past and the history of it there. I used to wonder if I was telling them too young, but now they understand."

Trae discusses his approach to parenting, balancing transparency about his family's challenges with fostering a sense of safety and love for his children.

Current Life and Reflections

Trae reflects on his journey from a troubled youth in Salina to a successful comedian and advocate against addiction. He acknowledges the role his past has played in shaping his humor and storytelling, using his platform to shed light on serious issues while entertaining his audience.

Trae Crowder [61:23]: "I would just tell 16-year-old me, buckle up. But hang in there. You've got the right idea."

Trae's story is one of overcoming adversity, highlighting the importance of family support, personal resilience, and the impact of economic and social challenges on individual lives.

Conclusion

In this heartfelt episode, Trae Crowder opens up about his "pillbilly" background, detailing the intersection of family, community, and addiction that defined his early years. Through his candid storytelling, he offers valuable insights into overcoming personal demons and breaking free from destructive cycles, all while maintaining a sense of humor and hope.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Sickler [03:44]: "This is long overdue."
• Trae Crowder [05:34]: "Small town, redneck. I don't know why it's that stuck, but..."
• Trae Crowder [24:08]: "I had no idea that liquid could have calories in it. I had no idea that drinks could make you fat."
• Trae Crowder [53:48]: "I have empathy now, but when I was younger I was hardcore like that."
• Ryan Sickler [55:44]: "I'm going to tell her the truth."

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a profound look into the life of Trae Crowder, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction in rural America. It serves as both an entertaining and enlightening narrative, reflecting the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming challenges.