Podcast Title: We're Out of Time
Episode: I Was Raised By My Grandmother To Avoid Street Life
Host: Richard Taite
Release Date: March 25, 2025

Summary

In this emotionally charged episode of "We're Out of Time," host Richard Taite engages in a deep and revealing conversation with guest Zan (referred to as A), who shares his tumultuous journey from a challenging upbringing to struggles with addiction and his path toward recovery. The episode underscores the urgent fentanyl crisis and its devastating impact on individuals and families, while also highlighting themes of resilience, the importance of supportive relationships, and financial literacy as tools for stability and success.

1. Upbringing and Family Influence

Zan begins by painting a vivid picture of his early life in Prince George's County, Maryland, particularly in the neighborhood of Bricey Road, Landover. He recounts growing up surrounded by street life, as many of his cousins were involved in the streets. However, his grandmother played a pivotal role in trying to steer him away from that path.

• Quote:
  "All of my cousins was in the streets. But, you know, my grandmother didn't want that for me..."
  [00:00]

Zan was raised by his grandmother after his mother had him at a young age (15 or 16). His grandparents provided him with resources and support, including allowing him to drop out of school at 16 and purchasing him a music studio to nurture his talents.

• Quote:
  "My grandmother was who raised me. She let me drop out when I was 16 and bought me a studio. She believed in me since the beginning."
  [00:13]

2. Struggles with Violence and Crime

Despite his grandmother's efforts, Zan admits that he succumbed to the streets, influenced heavily by his father and other family members involved in violent activities.

• Quote:
  "He taught you to be violent? Did he teach you to be violent or did he teach you how to survive the community?"
  [07:08]

Zan shares harrowing stories of engaging in violent acts from a young age, including robberies and random assaults with his cousins, which were normalized in his environment.

• Quote:
  "Like, man, go rob him with a hammer, like, and walk up behind a random civilian, put it on their neck."
  [07:29]

3. Personal Loss and Its Impact

The loss of his grandfather in 2020 to leukemia was a significant turning point for Zan, exacerbating his struggles and deepening his descent into violence and substance abuse.

• Quote:
  "My grandfather who passed away in 2020... It only took him about a month and a half or two to take him out."
  [03:49]

His father's continuous incarceration added to the instability in Zan's life, leading him further into a path of aggression and drug use.

4. Music Career and Financial Management

Amidst the chaos, Zan managed to cultivate a successful music career, which became both an escape and a source of financial sustenance. He discusses his connections within the industry, highlighting his direct relationships without intermediaries.

• Quote:
  "I got a lot of connections. All of them are from me. Is never through a third party."
  [12:56]

Zan also delves into his real estate investments, detailing the purchase and sale of properties that have contributed to his financial standing despite ongoing personal struggles.

• Quote:
  "I bought a five bedroom. It was in Maryland and still have it? No, I don't. I sold it in 2023 and I bought a farm."
  [14:28]

5. Impact on Family and Children

Zan openly discusses the strain his lifestyle has placed on his relationships, particularly with his children. He emphasizes the guilt and concern he feels for not being fully present due to his addiction.

• Quote:
  "I have two children... my son in Maryland, my daughter mostly with her mother."
  [31:40-32:30]

He highlights the importance of being there for his children and the emotional toll his absence has taken on him and his family.

6. Drug Use and Addiction

A focal point of the conversation is Zan's battle with lean, an opioid mixture, which he has been heavily using since around 2022. He reflects on the immediate allure and the long-term devastation it has caused in his life.

• Quote:
  "It's become hard to kick the cup."
  [00:27]

Zan acknowledges the destructive nature of his addiction and its grip on his daily life, leading to violent outbursts and erratic behavior.

7. Intervention and Path to Recovery

In a poignant and transformative segment, Richard Taite intervenes with Zan, urging him to seek treatment immediately. This appears to be a critical moment aimed at encouraging Zan to break free from addiction for the sake of his family and future.

• Quote:
  "You're going to go into treatment today... We're out of time."
  [30:01-34:36]

Taite provides Zan with insights and encouragement, emphasizing the possibility of recovery and the importance of taking immediate action against addiction.

8. Financial Advice and Future Plans

Later in the episode, Zan and Taite pivot to discussing financial literacy and the power of compounding interest. Zan shares strategies for building wealth through wise investments and the importance of setting aside money consistently.

• Quote:
  "At an 11% annual interest rate compounding yearly, your 1 million will grow to over 65 million in 40 years."
  [37:35-40:17]

This conversation underscores the significance of financial planning as a means to achieve stability and support long-term personal and family goals.

9. Final Reflections and Encouragement

As the episode winds down, Zan reinforces his plea to listeners, especially the youth, to avoid drug use and the destructive paths he once treaded. He emphasizes accountability and the importance of making better choices for oneself and one's family.

• Quote:
  "Please don't do drugs, kids. I'm begging you... something can be a life term."
  [48:14-49:38]

Zan's vulnerability and openness serve as a powerful testament to the dangers of addiction and the possibility of redemption.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:00]
  "All of my cousins was in the streets. But, you know, my grandmother didn't want that for me..."

• [00:13]
  "My grandmother was who raised me. She let me drop out when I was 16 and bought me a studio."

• [07:08]
  "He taught you to be violent?"

• [03:49]
  "My grandfather passed away in 2020... It only took him about a month and a half or two to take him out."

• [12:56]
  "I got a lot of connections. All of them are from me. Is never through a third party."

• [30:01]
  "You're going to go into treatment today..."

• [37:35]
  "It's called compounding interest... My money is working for me."

• [48:14]
  "Please don't do drugs, kids. I'm begging you..."

Conclusion

This episode of "We're Out of Time" serves as a powerful narrative highlighting the pervasive fentanyl crisis and its multifaceted impact on individuals and communities. Through Zan's personal story, listeners gain a window into the struggles of navigating a life entangled with violence and addiction, underscored by the desire for redemption and the pursuit of a better future. Richard Taite's empathetic yet assertive approach not only facilitates Zan's introspection but also offers listeners a compelling call to action—emphasizing that "the crisis is reaching a level of catastrophe and we're out of time."

By intertwining personal anecdotes with broader societal issues, the episode underscores the urgent need for collective action, support systems, and education to combat the devastating effects of the opioid epidemic.

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Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, reach out for help. You are not alone.