ANDREW HAMILTON - THE STORY (SHROOMS / PRISON / COMEDIAN)

Andrew Hamilton grew up in the far north shore of Sydney. He had a good upbringing, but found himself convicted for selling a large commercial quantity of magic mushrooms, LSD and the supply of MDMA.
A self proclaimed 'Mushroom King', Andrew sold shrooms for over a decade before getting arrested.
After doing time in prison, Andrew has found a passion in stand up comedy and is travelling around Australia making people laugh.
The power of laughter which he experienced in a maximum security prison was the light-bulb moment that took Andrew from the cell to the stages.
Follow Andrew on Instagram @andrewhamiltoncomedy
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www.zokucreative.com.au

[@MarcShake]

yeahmad appeared out of nowhere and now it has become one of my favorite youtube-channels ever.

[@Novafreak64]

Same. My go-to in a bad mooood.

[@zeether9275]

helps me everynight lol

[@reecebrush2022]

same, Allan is my favorite

[@CrippleX89]

Same!

[@mikeallan7740]

Amd now it's about to go over a cliff now Hammo, Abby and Sam left.

[@jinnis9787]

Courage, intelligence, graciousness, compassion, and realistic viewpoint from an obviously highly talented gentleman. BRAVO, Andrew, for baring your faults and foibles in such a surprising presentation! Just reminds me that with good food, good music, limitless love, and great humor we could solve almost 100% of the world's problems and challenges almost overnight!

[@Timmymeister]

I didnt think id sit through all of this but i was gripped almost instantly. Love this guy on yeahmad and to get more of an insight into his history is eye-opening. New found respect for this man for being so honest and open about hjs experiences and im glad to see him doing well

[@TimoCuijpers]

There aren't a lot of documentaires that I fully watch but I love andrew's sense of humor and I would've never guessed all the things he'd been through. Keep on the good work Andrew and keep giving people laughs, ya dog

[@ZoniZahiRoniZahi]

This was an amazing story. I can empathize with Andrew more deeply now. He is actually a very good speaker and can bring his true self through how he expresses himself. I wish there was a backstory about more Yeahmad members because we want to know them more deeply, because how people feel about their experiences reveals more about their personality. That's why it would be really nice if more Yeahmad members agreed to do it 😊

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks mate glad you enjoyed the video!

[@Piaskunka]

Yeah, especially Alan is the biggest mistery for me...

[@mirceadimian4048]

You gotta love the man. Probably the most charismatic convict ever. Bravo dude !

[@borgwarnerrstutututuuu825]

This storytime hit home to me so hard, without going too much into details it just literally got a grown ass man weeping for 20 minutes, the memories, trauma, experiences, and the massive amount of respect to Hammo just got into my feels. I am so proud of you! ❤ Ive been in an constant battle with the world past years, and honestly nothing has given me such amount of faith for my future like your words just did. I hope nothing but success to you big fella 🙏🏼

[@jornadams9705]

It's not about the mistakes you make, It's how you handle the consequences that really shows a man's true colors. This is an amazing story, I applaud you sir. You got your shit together and made your life into something that a person thousands of miles away get's a smile and a laugh from. Hats off to you!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you for your kind words mate appreciate the support 😊

[@SanneHoekstra]

Dude, I have so much respect for you for turning your life around as you have done. And I have even more respect for you for sharing your story! ❤

[@defosh369]

I honestly must say that I went into this video with a bit of a light-headed approach, scroll through it, listen to the story behind the funny guy Andrew. But oh man, I wasnt expecting that. Watched the whole thing back-to-back in one go. Andrew is such a greeat storyteller. Very motivational to me, since I was in some private problems, and trying to crawl out of it at the moment myself. Glad you got your things straight to entertain and motivate us, Andrew. Cheers.

[@hipoepatumus5817]

I’ve been waiting to hear his story…and I can’t see why he’s soo giggly all the time👌 Kudos,brother!

[@blindwhitey9189]

What an inspirational guy and story. Love him and the crew on YeahMad. Always makes my day better. Keep making a difference, Andrew. Thanks.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you mate!! 😎

[@mountainwings23]

Proud of you Mate. That's what you call a 360-degree change. God Bless

[@jamirimaj6880]

And now he's in the saddest chapter of his life: constantly losing to Dad Jokes, giggling over the simplest of jokes 😢😢😢

[@lokeshG19]

ya man its eye watering

[@NativeNiches]

I love how down to earth he is. Much respect ✊

[@pastyman3247]

I hope this video ends up going viral for you. It's one of the most honest heart felt explanations of how, why and what the end result was for you. I played with drugs in my early years and understand just how easy it would have been to go down the same track as you did. I was fortunate that I had a good set of friends around me which confronted me and ask the right questions of me. I won't go into it here as this is your story. I wish you the very best in your future career and hope you will help others to see why they do not need drugs to become happy or successful.

[@XxTommyboy890Xx]

Andrew is awesome wish him nothing but the best, he doesn't let his past define his future.

[@oddharaldauglend4977]

Thought this was gonna be some comedy stuff, stuck around for the whole video. Great stuff

[@roshinvarghese6879]

I’m not in actual prison but in a lot of debt in a career I hate. Stories like these are inspiring.

[@방탕탕아]

I roughly knew about his past, but it's good to hear the details. He has a good heart, a real good one and you can see that on those videos. Keep it going, Andrew!

[@unforgiven3035]

This is one major reason as to why I think we should never judge a person based on their past. Because people do change. I understand why people judge the others based on what they did previously and I also understand how more often than not people do relapse or return to the bad habits and mindset they had but people like Andrew wouldnt have been able to continue their life as a normal human being without the help and support of people who trusted him to change. People who were there to help him despite him fcking up his life in the worst way he possibly could have. I understand that people dont change as easily as Andrew does but we should always give people who are willing to change for the better a second chance.

[@6lmao9]

that was fascinating. thanks for sharing your story, andrew

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Cheers Matt glad you enjoyed! 😊

[@bimber83]

Andrew is so likable and charismatic, here is a 44min video that you could easily listen to and keep attention. So its hard to think of him as a criminal and someone who might have ruined a lot of peoples lives as a drug dealer. I honestly hope he does not waste his second chance to life.

[@JD-yv2zx]

Hes so right, lets treat drugs as a health issue not a criminal issue

[@morten.hekkvang]

Takes a lot of courage to share a story like this. Inspirational to see how you were able to 360 kickflip your life! Good job!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks so much mate! 😊

[@jiovannyvargas710]

Keep it going my guy. I love how you can laugh about a bad situation and come out better on the other side.

[@andrewcrowder4958]

Great interview. Glad he’s on a new path. And he’s right about the drugs laws.

[@gilbertwilcox]

I appreciate your comedy but appreciate this more

[@mfhex1398]

Some real talk and good insights from a solid and funny lad. Great to see you turned around Andrew! Best regards from Germany. P.S. legalize shrooms!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you mate!

[@romeodelta7004]

What a nice guy, he got his shit together and sorted his life out. He's come a long way, a modest honest guy. We all have skeletons, good on him for addressing it and coming through this to be a better person and such a good laugh on his comedy and jokes

[@prince9262]

It's always the guys who laugh the most.

[@VeeElJay]

One of my most favorite people on yeahmad is Andrew. I knew he had been to prison because of the others joking about it. I didn't know the details. And I'm glad I do. More respect to him. Keep doing what you do. You have a huge fan here!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you! Yes the good times will keep on coming 😊😂

[@jamespaullopez9962]

Yeah Andrew🔥🔥🔥 support from the Philippines 🇵🇭

[@OnceABustAlwaysABust]

My favorite from the yeahmad crew! Now even more so

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you! 😊

[@gb1872]

Respect @andrewhamiltoncomedy, as a yeahmad subscriber, knew you had done time, but to hear your full story laid bare, very interesting and think it very good that you are so open & honest about your experience. Hopefully it can help others! Glad you've turned things all around mate, keep it going!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks mate yes I hope it can help others too! :)

[@anesiorsneto]

Thanks for sharing! All the best...

[@HarrisonDivecha]

This was really motivating. Thanks for sharing

[@tashinperumal1292]

Andrew is a very smart guy his got a strong mindset. He used the resources around him to change his life around. Especially with drugs and going to jail many people will fall back into the same situation and even worse but this guy the a true definition of I'm doing better now then before and have my life in order. I just feel sorry for his dogs 😢wish him the best of luck going forward

[@thomas5666]

You've made me laugh so many times. Didn't know this about your past, I'm glad you are where you are now!

[@petrkorinek9559]

I liked you even before I learned you were in prison, now I admire you, that's a really powerful message you put out there, keep up!

[@jasonpattison1955]

Thank you for your refreshing Truth . It means so much. Keep safe

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Cheers Jason mate! 😊

[@GnRNoD87]

I've lived a similar (far less hardcore) experience, and honestly, after some time has passed, what he's talking about (which is so very true) is growing up. Realizing you need to earn your keep in this world, not just working but justifying your existance to yourself, by being a positive influence in this life, at least to only those around you, the one's that you choose. You need to be your best you, and that feeling of acomplishment (That coke-like effect he mentions about doing stand-up). Is literally as he describes it better than any high. And what I hate the most is that if you'd told this to my 25 y/o self, I would have thought exactly that (I can control it, I own this, I'm built different) but one way or another (jail for andrew, a long and crippling depression for myself) it comes back to bite you right in the ass. Love how he's so honest, mostly to himself, he's proud of that, of being able to accept his past mistakes, it's all part of growing up.

[@WaaDoku]

I thought this was gonna be a comedy special.... goddamn. This journey started so positive and it went to shit real quick. Glad you got out of that cycle, brother.

[@hbhamilton3]

He's very funny. Infectious laugh. I'm glad he got himself straightened out.

[@andrewnyberg5726]

Shrooms and other drugs are illegal for 2 reasons. 1) Puritan and religious beliefs. They set the stage for earlier laws. Outdated now but still in effect. 2) Pharmaceutical industries. If there is a cheap and easy way for people to microdose to help depression or anxieties, they lose $Billions in sales for harmful prescription drugs.

[@Squizzard66]

I have a similar story. Love this guy, glad your clean. I been clean three years. I was a meth addict.

[@andrewmiller6272]

They are sacred medicine not drugs thier is a difference. Im a psychonaut and I practice the entheogenic rituals of the ancient Toltec shamans and I hope to one day become a psychedelic therapist

[@Michael-oy3pz]

We all screw up and I certainly did, well done on getting your life together Mate.

[@jrhammond95003]

You and the other guys on yeahmad have made me laugh out loud so many times! Much thanks to you! Most importantly, were you able to get your dogs back or are they at least in good homes?

[@bionutscl]

LOVE U HAMMO!!

[@kevinfoo8031]

That many mushrooms, I'm surprised he didn't go bananas!

[@aiturran]

You got a new lease on life and you took full advantage of it. If I already loved you seeing your Yeahmad videos, now after seeing this I admire you. You're most certainly loved mate, and you're a great comedian. Wish you the best and I'm sure life has so many great things to show you. Hope you continue sharing inspiration and your story to people that most certainly need it. Much love from Chile.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you Antonio mate, appreciate the support a lot.

[@Virosaa]

He is on Yeahmad. He legit is one of the funnest guy ever. His jokes are hilarious.

[@Szczerusiatko]

Seeing you speaking of it, I can tell how much you miss your dogs, and how hurtful was to leave them behind. I hope you managed at least get some new furry companion, I'm sure there were animals who really needed heart like yours.

[@MrRancidity]

You can see the pain on his face when he mentions that she rehomed the dogs. I wasn't in prison but dear god that resonated with me. My fiancée left last christmas and took the dog with her, I don't miss her but I miss that dog something rotten so I sympathise so hard there.

[@poisonsword122]

This is freaking amazing story ! I watched that like an Netflix movie.

[@gregoryderry857]

This guy is awesome. Amazing story and very well articulated

[@KurtShaw-v4w]

Not all heroes wear capes.

[@leonconsing987]

He said something about feeling when he does comedy that was simmilar when doing drugs and i think that is really the way to stop,like replacing.I was lucky i felt that when i was little and worked for my stepfather,working with him was terrible but things i built i felt such an amazing feeling that cant be found through drugs.Tried most of them but couldnt find simmilar feeling so i kept coming back to that work or simmilar instead of getting addicted.Since i didnt have anyone and dont have this was only reason not to do drugs.Wish more people can find that feeling of accomplishment.

[@Pon1bcd]

You know, he's not wrong about the alcohol and gambling thing. Not to mention that cigarettes are just as bad as the other two. Drugs are easier to outlaw than for the government to actually take responsibility for them and to have them safely distributed and regulated. Drugs are drugs they're all bad.

[@Beo_drago]

What he says makes sense. What makes shrooms illegal while alcohol is completely fine to consume? Makes you think they're making laws just to show who's in charge

[@syedzubairuddin9711]

bro forgot never get high on your own supply

[@segothgalont23]

Thanks for sharing.

[@ReknRalph]

The contrast between aussie prison and usa prison is wild!

[@tday99music]

Blunt and no b.s., thanks for sharing how you took the bad and turned it good!

[@jbfitzpatrick79]

Awesome

[@sokipper2007]

When you realized the prison jokes on yeahmad were all real 😂

[@CrumbsLamond]

Makes you realize saths dad is probably actually dead

[@sokipper2007]

@@CrumbsLamond Sooo .. we shouldn't talk about Alan's family then. 🤣🤣🤣

[@lawrenceb8800]

​@@sokipper2007hahahahaha 😂😂😂

[@CrumbsLamond]

@@sokipper2007 😲 No probably not haha

[@cobyourself]

I knew it ! Alan is a panda.

[@1fLooksCouldKill]

Seeing him on yeahmad….never would have guessed he had this kind of past. Great to see you pull your life back together.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you mate!! Appreciate it 😃

[@jspaulding4106]

​@@andrewhamiltoncomedyand in such a relatively short amount of time! Any chance you were able to track your dogs back down?

[@skinlab4239]

You didn't pay attention when you watched yeahmad then. It was mentioned multiple times in multiple videos.

[@BridgeTROLL777]

To be fair supplying lsd and shrooms if violence isnt involved isnt really significant societal harm... less harmful than selling liquor.

[@JoeHughes-l1h]

They joke about it all the time tho 😅

[@mr.redhood1099]

This video is better than most of the confessions/testimonies of people with bad past experiences. No glorifications, exaggerations or bullshit about past crimes and prison time but straight to the point, I'm really glad you got your shit together and doing really well now Andrew, oh and i love you and your buddies @yeahmadtv, keep going up Andrew, Take care.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks man, hopefully my mistakes and what I learned can help even a few people out there change for the good. Appreciate the support mate!! 😊

[@dohc247]

Mushrooms mmm mm. You should have stuck with them! A beautifully told story and equally impressive result ❤

[@SystemOfAJoshayy]

​

[@ZoniZahiRoniZahi]

@@andrewhamiltoncomedy It's nice to see that you're involved here with the commenters! We appreciate you.

[@mygoogle1525]

​@@dohc247if ypu stuck with them ,then that means ypu got stuck in the same grade. Shrooms did serve their purpose to him. He learned from them and graduated.

[@AndoCommando1000]

I went to high school with this guy. Was in the same year from year 7 right through to year 12. Just stumbled across him again yesterday when KZbin algorithms suddenly put in front of me while random-scrolling. Good on you for getting out of that period of your life and succeeding, Andrew!

[@o6uoq]

Bullshit. You’re lying. Prove it.

[@whywarthog]

Nothing but respect for telling his story so raw and openly. Easy to just see him as a funny guy but this really shows his much more there is to anyone you might meet.

[@EEEEEEEE]

E‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

[@alexfischer4890]

I‘ve also discovered Andrew at yeahmad. I knew he had a rough life before becoming a stand-up comedian. Having changed so much deserves nothing but respect. Love you, Andrew! ❤ Greetings from Germany ✌🏼

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks so much Alex!! 😊

[@JapanCustomTours]

Well said

[@BlandCashew1]

How long did he spend in jail?

[@syntax868]

@@BlandCashew1 About 4 months

[@demonicpassage]

Rough life? Private school, uni?

[@gnan86]

Andrew, you’re going to have a prolific comedy career. Turning a life around isn’t easy. You could have easily gone back to selling drugs but you chose to flip your destiny - respect ! I watched all your segments on yeahmad. You killed it. Keep going, mate.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you Gnan mate! Appreciate the support I really do 🙏

[@jungledukes1]

His personality is very likable, always giggling and laughing

[@Andrew198420]

Andrew I'm your biggest italian fan! Great story to share... thanks so much...!!! Legend

[@bonehead007]

Deep down, I believe Andrew was a bloke with a good heart and values. Your transformation speaks volumes about your parents. ❤

[@EEEEEEEE]

E‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

[@bonehead007]

@@EEEEEEEE F

[@korpzmarcelfranca6825]

@@EEEEEEEE EEEE

[@bender9548]

Brother, you have changed my life, I wish only to some day meet you in person to thank you. When I first watched this video 2 months ago I was in a bad place, the way you spoke was perfect, real and just so genuine it was like you were talking directly to me and I've decided to take a different path. I fully believe you have saved my life. All I can say now is thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Oh man that honestly means the world to hear that. When you make content like this you never know if anyone will watch or whether it will resonate with people so to hear that it has helped even one person makes it all worth it. Happy to hear you’ve chosen a more positive path mate. Stay on it and you’ll thrive 🙏

[@georgenaidoo9553]

Taking your parents on a date 😂 what a legend 😂😂😂

[@Ybb3EddY]

I'm 13 months clean from meth. This is inspirational, and it's always nice to witness another successful and joyess realignment.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Nice work dude!! Keep it up!

[@biggesttrollevahh4907]

quitter

[@Spittin_Sax]

​@biggesttrollevahh4907 savage lmfao

[@davidspencer343]

Fuck I just wish I could find some lol

[@non-ofyo-business3399]

Why can’t you control yourself?

[@theunfilteredfisherman]

Andrew is amazing, his emotional turn around is something to respect, his stay in prison restructured his character. I was the same, prison didn't make me successful but it showed me how to walk the line.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks for the kind words mate I hope you’re on a happier path now 🙏

[@phillipwhite4741]

Good story man you got lucky 😊

[@urmother1212]

God bless you mate. Hope you're doing better nowadays. Have a lovely day.

[@pillowcoach-inspireyoursle9836]

Walking the line is success, bro. Give yourself some credit. 🙏🙏

[@YogiBear48]

Seeing Andrew speaking about his past and seeing him on Yeah Mad has really shown his progression in life. I enjoy his comedy, especially his laugh. It is 💯 genuine. I wish him all the luck, hard work, and success. 👍🙂

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks mate!!

[@omerquiaragua2]

i love his energy in yeahmad,i would never imagined how fucked he was, and the amazing rise he had later on his life.. it really brings joy to me.. its a great dude.. we are NOT our mistakes, we are what we make to amend those errors... props to you andrew.. love from Venezuela mate.

[@ging3rbreadtiger618]

Recovering Addict of 3 years here. wanted to say i'm proud of you. keep it up. We do recover!!!!!

[@justinbradley5294]

Incredible story... 7 almost 8 yrs clean myself from heroin and i related to nearly everything said. Insane that mushrooms were gonna be the worst of the charges... mushrooms are literally helping people in the states with everything from PTSD and trauma to anxiety and bad moods... love watching him on yeahmad! Killer story mate! Keep up the good work man

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks Justin and great work with staying clean mate, keep it up!

[@StefanMedici]

Congrats on being clean. I hope you appreciate and congratulate yourself every day for what you've accomplished.

[@emonerd9795]

Andrew is a true inspiration for turning your life around

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thank you 😊

[@WaaDoku]

31:58 "There's the potential to use [your addiction] in a very positive way for something very constructive if you just find the [right] outlet" 34:38 "A broke comedian living with my parents and I'm happier now than I've ever been in my life. And I finally feel like I am living a life with purpose."

[@Wallymakesstuff]

You said you were lucky, but my dude - you beat the system that was designed to beat you. You pulled your life together and soared during a momentary break from prison to the degree that the judge was inspired by you. Your story must be shared to everyone fighting the struggle. Proof that we have much more control over life’s destiny than we would thing. Right on bro!

[@navarrjenkins7648]

What a chill dude. I feel like I almost went down the same path. Edit: I could be wrong, but I feel like Australian and American culture are shockingly similar.

[@gamaeridon]

It takes so much courage to open up like this. Thank you for sharing your struggles and past, Andrew.

[@robertgallant6422]

To screw-up is human. To learn from your mistakes and to become a better person is inspirational. Good on you mate! I'm sure you telling your story will help save others... The sign of a true hero.

[@beepeeify]

It's interesting how mushies and MDMA are being used to treat PTSD and addiction to other substances now, yet are still very illegal in some countries. Andrew is a funny bastard and this was a really good interview to watch.

[@dobbi6083]

Yeah, the whole ban on illegal substances is like around 100 years old, a lot of drugs been used by different communities and stuff. How it's handled right now is just not appropriate. Especially the beginning when he was talking about how alcohol and slot machines are perfectly legal, while other stuff is illegal, just doesn't make sense.

[@beepeeify]

@@dobbi6083 Sugars and hidden sugars in foods are doing more long term harm than any psychedelic would do and there's no way there would ever be a ban or high tax rate imposed. It's a rort I tells ya! 😀

[@Kostly]

This guy can articulate the experiences in his life extremely well. Fascinating story. Love that he realized the importance of his family after all the shit he put himself through.

[@ESCAINGAME]

"A laugh can save a life"

[@haydnkerr25]

Really captivating to watch and hear your story Andrew. Awesome to see that you’re doing something now so niche that’s so rewarding for yourself and everyone else! Keep up the laughs!

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks Haydn - appreciate the kind words mate 🙏

[@IllyrianTiger99]

Honestly, seeing this man from YeahMadTV and knowing him as the 'dad' of the cast in videos to actually learn what you went through to be able to change, improve himself and help others through comedy is definitely worthy of praise The biggest shocker in the story is just how it all seems incredibly absurd hearing it and how easily we are able to falter and fall through that small rabbit hole Hope I get to have cofee or tea with this legend one day to give an example to everyone to give that person who was suffering a second chance! Thank you once more Andrew and keep giggling like a madman, you've earned your peace and happiness. As Gandalf would say; Hope is kindled. Cheers mate!

[@allanpower8041]

Well done Andrew! It was very brave of you to pot this out there, and I hope this inspires others in similar circumstances.

[@ianbrian3381]

Laughter was freedom from imprisonment. ❤ Your authenticity shines bright, my brother.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

Thanks Ian! Appreciate the love bro :)

[@h.h.h.4480]

Andrew Hamilton is a true motivator for any endeavor. Including life itself.

[@thefufferfish]

Coming from his comedy and from YeahMad, its actually quite strange seeing him not all smiley and laughing at anything that moves.

[@andrewhamiltoncomedy]

I decided to be serious just for a few mins ;)

[@chrisgreen6112]

Your story is so bare, so raw. You are so incredibly wonderful for putting this out there because so many people dancing in the grey area... many people I love and care about have gotten themselves in trouble, but they are good people and I supp

[@msb134]

Such a great example of someone who is in recovery. This story is the type of story that will help many others get sober.

[@splashdesign]

The best and most insightful 45mins I had this week. Respect.

[@JamesMcLennan-p7m]

Wow❤

[@mrjo2k402]

What an amazing life transformation story! Watching Dad Jokes, I would never have thought that he was a drug dealer! People who are good at their core can turn around when offered second chance after a major screw up.