Summary of "Unsubscribe Podcast Ep 184 - How A Career Criminal Changed His Life ft. JD Delay"

Release Date: October 29, 2024

In Episode 184 of the Unsubscribe Podcast, hosts Eli Doubletap, Brandon Herrera, Donut Operator, and Nick the Fat Electrician engage in a candid and compelling conversation with JD Delay, a former career criminal who has transformed his life to become a recovery coach and a prominent YouTuber. The episode delves deep into JD's tumultuous past, his time in prison, his journey to recovery, and his perspectives on the criminal justice system.

1. Introduction to JD Delay

[02:17] Donut Operator: "We did it. Okay, J.D. what are you known for, man? What are you known for on YouTube?"

JD Delay: "So, like, look, man, I was a career criminal for about two decades. I was a drug addict, and today I am a recovery coach. I help people get out of that same lifestyle and that misery and that cycle of addiction and breaking generational curses. But mainly I'm known on YouTube for yelling at my cell phone and having weird nipples."

Donut Operator introduces JD Delay, setting the stage for an in-depth discussion about his transformation.

2. JD's Criminal Background and Prison Experience

[02:34] JD Delay: "I went to prison in 2006, got out. And you'd think that, like, going to prison and having all these horrible things would be enough for me to like, learn things that I should avoid. Not really."

JD Delay shares his extensive criminal history, spanning over two decades, highlighting his struggles with drug addiction and involvement in various crimes. His initial stint in prison from 2006 to 2010 did not deter him from returning to his old ways, leading to a nine-year period as a fugitive until intervention from law enforcement led to his eventual rehabilitation.

[07:54] JD Delay: "Covid really saved my life. I feel terrible about saying that because I know it was so catastrophic for so many people, but for me, it bought me 20 months where there were no in court, like, in-person court appearances."

He attributes part of his turnaround to the COVID-19 pandemic, which inadvertently provided him with the time needed to commit to his recovery.

3. Transformation and Embracing Recovery

[05:22] JD Delay: "I graduated in 2010. And then I went back to the same stuff. I was a fugitive for about nine years."

JD Delay recounts the pivotal moment when a judge offered him the chance to undergo treatment instead of serving an extended prison sentence. This opportunity was a turning point, leading him to fully embrace recovery and dedicate himself to helping others.

[07:57] JD Delay: "I was able to prove myself. Covid really saved my life."

His involvement in community outreach, including distributing Narcan during the overdose epidemic in Daytona Beach, showcases his commitment to making a tangible difference.

4. Interactions with Law Enforcement

[11:03] Donut Operator: "We discussed how your lifestyle is completely different than what we encountered. You preach helping the community rather than enforcing laws."

JD Delay: "I've had it both ways, man. I've had cops that were super cool... and I've had officers cuff me up while I was on the ground."

JD highlights the dual nature of his interactions with law enforcement—some officers played a role in his recovery, while others represented the harsher side of the system.

[12:11] Eli Double Tap: "You were running from the cops and playing the game."

JD Delay: "Part of the convict code is that you don't leave civilians out of it... a lot of people today listen to too much rap music and it's rotting their brains."

He discusses the old street code that emphasizes accountability and the protection of innocent bystanders, contrasting it with modern societal influences.

5. Views on the Criminal Justice System

[10:43] Nick the Fat Electrician: "What percentage of treatment programs are effective?"

JD Delay: "I don't like statistics because it can be really demoralizing to people... Nobody stops until they're actually ready."

JD expresses skepticism towards statistical outcomes of treatment programs, emphasizing the importance of individual readiness and personal determination in the recovery process.

[22:48] Nick the Fat Electrician: "Your lifestyle changes and success were likely a surprise due to new income streams from YouTube."

JD acknowledges the role of his YouTube success in his ongoing transformation, reflecting on how digital platforms can aid in personal growth and societal reintegration.

6. Gun Rights and Rehabilitation

[40:58] JD Delay: "If you used a gun in a violent crime, do I think that you should be automatically restored to your second amendment rights? No, I don't."

JD Delays into a contentious discussion about gun rights for felons, advocating for stricter measures such as chemical castration for repeat offenders to ensure public safety.

[41:44] Eli Double Tap: "How does that work across different states?"

JD Delay: "States have different criteria... the feds absolutely not."

He critiques the inconsistency of gun rights restoration across states, highlighting the complexities and potential risks involved.

7. Prison Conditions and Rehabilitation Programs

[68:00] Nick the Fat Electrician: "Prison conditions vary greatly, and some programs have low recidivism rates."

JD Delay: "There's a lot of factors... They leave them alone as long as they don't break rules."

JD compares different prison systems, noting that environments focusing on rehabilitation, education, and respect for inmates tend to yield better outcomes in terms of reducing reoffending.

[75:35] JD Delay: "Snake River Correctional Institution... honor housing, where chomos go because they never break rules."

He shares firsthand experiences from various prisons, illustrating how certain policies and leadership styles can influence inmate behavior and the overall prison atmosphere.

8. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

[115:18] JD Delay: "So I shoved about 40 ounces of tobacco in my ass... It was a mistake."

JD recounts a harrowing experience of smuggling meth into prison by using himself as a carrier. This vivid story underscores the lengths to which individuals might go to maintain their habits and highlights the dire consequences of addiction.

[122:07] JD Delay: "They tore apart my room searching for meth hidden in socks... I almost came out of my skin."

He continues with anecdotes that shed light on the perils of prison life, the relentless scrutiny from authorities, and the personal toll of addiction.

9. Rehabilitation and Support Systems

[154:44] JD Delay: "They saved my life by taking me off the streets. It was God working through them to intervene."

JD emphasizes the critical role that support systems, whether through law enforcement or community programs, play in an individual's path to recovery. He advocates for peer support and greater emphasis on mental health services for both recovering addicts and law enforcement officers.

[155:35] JD Delay: "If you get into the right circles, go to a meeting... There are people who have been where you are and found their way out."

He shares his belief in the power of community and peer support, encouraging listeners to seek help and highlighting the effectiveness of mutual aid in overcoming addiction.

10. Conclusion and Final Reflections

[157:01] JD Delay: "We love you. Kiss."

[157:04] Nick the Fat Electrician: "Thank you for getting past your trials and tribulations. You're doing God's work, helping so many communities."

The hosts express gratitude towards JD for sharing his transformative journey, acknowledging the positive impact of his work and his resilience in overcoming a troubled past.

[157:16] JD Delay: "As long as you're still breathing, there's hope. And for those whose loved ones are out there, there's so much to do to break the cycle."

JD leaves listeners with a powerful message of hope and redemption, underscoring the importance of seeking help and the possibility of change regardless of one's past.

Notable Quotes:

• JD Delay (02:43): "I can bend over, squat, and cough with the best of them, brother. Rip your shirt up."

• Donut Operator (05:22): "Are you killing it."

• JD Delay (07:57): "I'm a recovery coach, a peer support recovery specialist, a smart recovery facilitator."

• JD Delay (22:48): "If you used a gun in a violent crime, do I think that you should be automatically restored to your second amendment rights? No, I don't."

• JD Delay (154:44): "They saved my life by taking me off the streets. It was God working through them to intervene."

Conclusion:

Episode 184 of the Unsubscribe Podcast offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of JD Delay, illustrating the profound impact of personal choice, support systems, and societal structures on an individual's path to redemption. Through his stories, JD sheds light on the complexities of the criminal justice system, the challenges of overcoming addiction, and the enduring hope that drives personal transformation. This episode serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiring testament to the power of change.