The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Episode: Justin McKinney - McKinneyDew

Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host/Author: Ryan Sickler
Guest: Justin McKinney

Introduction

In this heartfelt episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes Justin McKinney, a comedian and former deputy sheriff, to share his poignant and inspiring life story. The episode delves deep into Justin's early life, family struggles, career transitions, and his journey into comedy, providing listeners with a candid look at overcoming adversity through humor.

Justin's Early Life and Family Tragedy

Justin McKinney opens up about the most traumatic event of his childhood—the sudden loss of his mother at the age of six due to a brain aneurysm. Growing up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Justin was the third of four brothers.

Justin McKinney [04:05]: "The biggest thing to happen in my life that is the hardest for me to think about almost every day was when I was six years old with my mom. She collapsed during a school fair and passed away from a brain aneurysm."

This tragic event forced Justin and his siblings to rely heavily on each other for support, fostering a close-knit bond that became essential for their resilience.

Coping with Loss and Family Dynamics

Following his mother's passing, Justin’s father struggled with alcoholism, exacerbating the family's already fragile state. His aunt stepped in to help, bringing her two children into the household, which led to a complicated family dynamic when his father and aunt formed a relationship.

Justin McKinney [15:39]: "My dad and my aunt ended up together, sleeping in the same bed. It was not your dad, just another serious relationship."

Despite these challenges, humor played a crucial role in how Justin and his brothers coped with their dysfunctional upbringing. Justin reflects on how these experiences shaped his outlook on life and his desire to use comedy as a means of healing.

Career in Law Enforcement

Inspired by his father's struggles and the role of first responders in his own life, Justin pursued a career in law enforcement. He served as a deputy sheriff in York County, Maine, for seven years, where he encountered numerous challenging and intense situations.

Justin McKinney [32:26]: "The scariest stuff was definitely the domestics. My partner and I had to negotiate with someone threatening to shoot."

Justin recounts specific incidents that highlight the dangers and emotional toll of his job, including negotiating with a hostage-taker and dealing with domestic violence cases. His experiences in law enforcement reinforced his belief in the importance of community and human connection.

Transition to Comedy and Career Struggles

After seven years in law enforcement, Justin transitioned into comedy, finding solace and expression through humor. He began performing stand-up at local venues in Boston before eventually moving to New York City to pursue his comedy career more seriously.

However, Justin faced significant setbacks, particularly during the dot-com boom and subsequent crash. He invested his earnings from development deals with Warner Brothers and CBS into stock and mutual funds, which ultimately resulted in substantial financial loss when the market crashed in 2000.

Justin McKinney [48:16]: "In 2000, the big dot com boom burst, and I lost almost all my money, ending up with about $10,000."

This financial turmoil forced Justin to return to live performances, struggling to regain his footing in the competitive comedy scene.

Financial Challenges and Personal Lessons

Justin candidly discusses the financial mistakes he made, including poor investment choices and lack of financial literacy, which compounded his challenges. Despite these hardships, he emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes and striving for financial stability.

Justin McKinney [56:19]: "Put a little bit away. Just so you can look back at the end of the year and say, I got a little something this year."

Justin now focuses on educating his children about financial responsibility, hoping to shield them from the same pitfalls he encountered.

Parenting and Educating His Children

As a father of two, Justin is dedicated to providing a stable and nurturing environment for his children, contrasting his own tumultuous upbringing. He strives to balance being a supportive parent while allowing them the freedom to grow independently.

Ryan Sickler [41:04]: "How do you balance not being so hard? How do you do that?"

Justin shares his strategies for parenting, emphasizing the importance of being present and setting a positive example through hard work and resilience.

Justin McKinney [43:00]: "We just try to give them the best life we can. That's all we can do."

He also touches on the delicate balance of teaching his children about his mother's memory without overwhelming them with the pain of the past.

Advice to Younger Self

Reflecting on his life journey, Justin offers profound advice to his younger self, focusing on the importance of moving forward and not dwelling on past mistakes.

Justin McKinney [59:23]: "Always look in the future and always turn it around. Don't let things bring you down that you have no control over."

This guidance encapsulates his philosophy of resilience and personal growth, encouraging listeners to embrace change and learn from their experiences.

Conclusion and Guest Promotions

As the episode concludes, Justin promotes his comedy specials and upcoming tour, inviting listeners to engage with his work and upcoming performances.

Justin McKinney [60:02]: "My special on YouTube is called 'On the Bright Side' and 'Parentally Challenged'. I'm also going on tour all over the country, including places like Bitterford, Maine, Foxborough, Massachusetts, Florida, New Jersey, Minneapolis, and Canada."

Ryan Sickler expresses his gratitude for Justin's openness and courage in sharing his story, highlighting the episode's impact on listeners seeking inspiration and laughter amidst life's challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Justin McKinney [06:29]: "We're all very close. We stayed close, and that helped us get through it."
• Justin McKinney [10:39]: "A good friend had something similar happen, and it just resonates with my story."
• Ryan Sickler [25:24]: "I lost my dad at 16, and we were on our own."
• Ryan Sickler [46:12]: "Have you tried EMDR therapy?"
• Justin McKinney [55:08]: "It's a brain suck to think about what happened and it's so disruptive. It's brutal."

Final Thoughts

The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler offers an intimate and compelling narrative through Justin McKinney's story, blending humor with heartfelt moments. This episode serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in overcoming life's adversities and finding laughter in the darkest of times.