Russell Brand​ in conversation with Dr. Drew​ Pinsky at Live Talks Los Angeles

Russell Brand​ in conversation with Dr. Drew​ Pinsky at Live Talks Los Angeles​, Oct 6, 2017, discussing his book, "Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions." ( Henry Holt​) For more information on Live Talks Los Angeles -- upcoming events, videos and podcast -- visit www.livetalksla.org and follow this channel.

[@MamawT65]

I absolutely adore Russell Brand he brings me to tears every time I listen to him! He has so much love for everybody

[@thatonekid4359]

I came in here to talk about my love for drew and saw you

[@karenteaford8783]

What Russell did for 17 year old "Joey" on the program provoked such a visceral reaction in me. It choked me up. It made me wish every hurting 17 year old (or any hurting person for that matter!) had an arm around their neck acknowledging their pain.

[@carlamarlene2927]

right?!? he's a "real" person

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

I have been clean and sober for 37 years and my disease still talks to me. The difference is I do not answer today, one day at a time.

[@bubujooestes1499]

Wendy Knox-Leet Omg.Never knew this.I think at 37 yrs sobriety you are cured.Keep strong.

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

Bubuju, I really am not free. I could step out continuously. Some days I hope for a diagnosis of any terminal disease so that I can use. I want to do psychedelics daily. Well, I allow those desires because heroin is too scary. I know the hook has sunk too deep to be removed. Addiction is an interesting beast to stalk and observe. I allow myself many addicted behaviours in order to keep her at bay. Russell is really good at sobriety. I lack his zeal but I take vicarious pleasure

[@15taraz]

Awesome effort!!

[@celeneamitchell5510]

He admits his narcissism right away. His addiction state “morphing into a greedy phantom.” Love it... Love his honesty and taking responsibility for his actions and way of thinking. RARE.

[@chrisjames1924]

His capacity for lengthy, grandiloquent, silver-tongued stream of consciousness monologues is almost unreal. And it's not even as if he's doing it for show - he doesn't need to - everything that comes out of him is always replete reason, meaning and deep insight. He's colossally brilliant.

[@curtislewis509]

My sentiments exactly, his god given vocabulary and unique ability as a communicator is a beautiful thing.

[@belinda4jc]

Brand is sharp and witty. Seems he has real insight. Potential for a great thinker.

[@nania992]

Russel's greatly needed today. this world is so backwards and its time to change many things.. thanks for speaking up!! people always call these truth speakers crazy.. its not. its way more sane. thanks for taking the road less travelled.

[@susanyang5870]

I love how Russel establishes connection in so many ways. He uses a lot of gestures, looks at the audience in every direction, uses unbreakable eye contact while listening to questions, his body moving very little while listening to questions, he mentions people's names all the time, both with Dr. Drew and the audience, he walks over even into the shadow to get closer to the audience, he holds Joey tight in his arms, he exposes his weaknesses. Non-verbal elements are tell-tale signs of whether a person is genuine or fake, much effective than just listening to what one says.

[@marchenoir44]

It's so hard to see those exchanges in your daily life. I one day, hope to be cognizant of those factors in real time and in turn, afford the same engagement with others.

[@justjo510]

Nailed it 💯 l adore Russel's technique/style his personal growth and evolution is phenomenal

[@SacredGrooves4]

"Randomness occurs on its own... that's its job." -- hilarious! I love Russell!

[@bubujooestes1499]

He sounds so sane when he speaks slowly and when he listens.Brilliant guy

[@jeremychase7416]

My analysis, Dr. Drew speaks at addiction, Russell speaks to it.

[@hannahfarrugia3284]

I am so blown away by Russell's generosity in this show. Answering the audience's questions and giving so much time to spend with young addicts is inspirational to watch. Thank you for making this public, wow!

[@chrisjames1924]

Smart people talking about complex weighty issues and a receptive involved audience. A great watch. Perhaps an important watch.

[@StargazerAPW]

Russell Brand is a beautiful person❤️

[@anothermike4825]

My turning point in my alcoholism was when I realized I could no longer trust myself with my life when I was drunk. Depression made me believe that my life would continue forever in pain. It pounded my skull with the question, do you want to keep going? Why? The only way to end the pain is to end your life. It made sense. I quit drinking in 2010, I'm 180 degrees from that person. It isn't easy, but you're worth it! You can quit also. Please get help.

[@ayoubaitmouh9172]

Thank god you feel now a different person

[@01gharms]

I may not like Russell's political opinions, but the man is a kind, compassionate person who is actively attempting to make lives better. And for that, I have great respect for him.

[@hellooutthere8956]

Amazing this man got sober. He is brilliant. Brilliant ppl usually cannot find the honesty and humility.

[@meitoni73]

Amazing man . Proud of him trying to help others and bring truth. Sad many are not vibrating/aware enough to understand or willing to hear what he’s saying.

[@patti.boersma8379]

I hope Joey really heard what Russell said....I really hope for him and his future.

[@karencampbell2410]

Love his vocabulary - how he describes things

[@carlamarlene2927]

and how he doesnt slow down

[@katjames7601]

I cried several times throughout this. I'm so grateful to have 19 1/2 years sobriety from alcohol and 3 1/2 years sober from my sex addiction. I am working on the food component as I seem to trade one addiction for another, but this is the last one. My advice is use whatever resource is out there. 12-step programs are FREE and meet almost daily depending on the city you live in. For me, 12-step programs gave me the foundation I needed, and I've maintained my sobriety for years since. Use Russell, books, other sober friends, 12-step programs, talk therapy, yoga, writing, etc. Connecting with others and then self is necessary to combat our loneliness and isolation. OH. And find a spiritual practice that works for YOU. I wouldn't be sober without these things.

[@karendurant9868]

He is fantastic and comforting

[@upendasana7857]

Russell Brand is the business..love that man.He is so genuine, compassionate and able to get straight to the point without being harsh or impatient but he is not there to play around despite his comedy credentials and playful demeanor,he is deadly serious about helping people come off their addictions.

[@frankvalenzuela9444]

Thank you Russell

[@tammysigmon853]

Russell is so very charming. He tells everyone hello and he loves them! Such an awesome man! Also wild looking cuff on the right hand. Like a snake tongue.

[@leebearth56]

Potential for a great thinker? He's a genius!!!

[@musikmaker19]

Heroine, cocaine and new boots were the first references to pleasure that Dr. Drew chose. That's pretty funny. Russell is my new favorite sober hero. I've always loved him and his logical perspective, but he's utterly brilliant when he's not standing in his own way. His appearance on Bill Maher that he references was something to behold. It's fun watching him make guys like Maher, Colbert et al go speechless when he's just nailing it.

[@adriennesmith200]

That made me cry, someone cared enough to help that man and take him to rehab❤🙏

[@LiveTalksLA]

This event was in 2017. Happy to share with you the young man that got help that evening is doing well and sober. Was amazing how people in the audience just rallied to help him. Lovely to see humanity work that way.

[@adriennesmith200]

Omg Dr Drew I was suicidal on that medicine, I have bedn off that for 4 years, thank your for saying that for other people. 🙏

[@joed7691]

The contrast between Dr Drew and Russell is remarkable. Dr Drew truly speaks about addicts, even rather rudely in the third person when they are present in the room! Russel first listens. Then he speaks to addicts from a place of compassion, understanding and empathy. That is the cradle of where true healing can begin and flourish. Dr Drew portrays his own addiction to narcissism and need for recognition and approval in the guise of helping others. I hope one day he can recognise it only serves himself and not others. Russel gave you clues in his interview. Keep watching this interview Dr Drew and see if you pick up on them. Russel, you are truly an enlightened and inspiring person. Keep doing what you’re doing. You do it ever so well and it is making a difference!

[@scotyfilms]

I feel this way about all of the fancy so called recovery centres that are quickly popping up.i. They lure you in under the guise that they really want to help but they are really there for the big money they are making off of the opiod crisis. Just asking them if they are willing to help someone with no money. Making money off of people's misery and desperation. How low will people go to make a buck. Big Pharma certainly does not want kratom out there. Doctors need to step down off their high horses. They are complicit in the mass saturation of pharmaceuticals in our society. They are the real drug pushers.

[@jv-ep2tc]

all doctors make money off of misery. they put themselves first and you should keep that in mind if you ever have the need to visit one. I was actually harassed by a doctor when I had an new HMO policy [the worst kind of "insurance"] because I was too busy to go in for a physical. she followed that up with a COLONOSCOPY kit. I would never have that procedure and if I ever had the need, my attorney would need to review HER LIABILITY policy first [does anyone not do that?]..........its a fu**ing minefield medicine today. HA. I just got a news flash on my phone: FDA is re-valuating a Parkinson's drug. seems people did what their doctor prescribed and ended UP DEAD.

[@scotyfilms]

The medical system has gone thru a paradigm shift over the past twenty odd years. Its gone from a cognition full of caring, to a sub conscience where < Their Money VS your Health is the Goal.>

[@kreshia777]

Dr. Drew - thank you for noting (about 35 minutes in) the anti-anxiety medication issue. as an RN - thru the years i have seen these are the most horrendous medications ! ! ! ! - thank you for bringing it to the attention of the people ! ! ! So much suffering from addiction to these meds

[@rachelwhite3286]

And if used properly they save peoples lives.

[@kreshia777]

Rachel . . yes, I was not stating an absolute, merely noting what I have seen as an RN related to the addiction issues around these meds ... yes can be helpful. thank you for offering me the opportunity of noting I was not stating an absolute.

[@aimeebella3390]

cretia shire I hate taking anti anxiety meds. If I skip 3 days I get the brain zaps and feel discombobulated 😕 I hate it but if I don’t take them, I withdraw from life. Depression and anxiety, sucks.

[@dt4049]

Thank you. They absolutely save lives as well. Individual.

[@Yowzoe]

So great. He's on fire. And he's managed the greatest trick of all -- humility.

[@MsLenepigen]

Yeah. Dr. Drew is pretty awesome.

[@ohmusicsweetmusic]

not. could do without the Drew.

[@chabilly]

Loved the talk he gave to the 17 year old.

[@2003mandiman]

cha billy ... same!

[@makaylahollywood3677]

Russel, I love him and his message. I have had so many layers of trauma, I can't believe I survived it all.

[@idnintel]

same here makayla

[@teresaiche4722]

How brilliant is this - heart opening all the way 💕💕💕💕💕💕

[@halbertking2683]

"In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts" by Dr.Gabor Mate."Holy person-whole person" Black Elk

[@kevinmctague2021]

I find Russell a very intelligent person who has a realistic view on what is happening in our world I feel if we look to the children they will give us the answer

[@miraclehands9040]

So sensitive and compassion because he has been there. Would not want to be married to him but His love of helping ppl now is magnificent to see. and he is uniquely qualified to do so .Wonderful.

[@stewarthalliwell]

Russell talks with no notes On multi levels

[@curtisnucmed]

Russell's book has changed my life. If you are addicted or haunted by negative obsession, give it a try. I did audio book which has his hilarious voice which helped me laugh from time to time. Hope anyone who needs help, like I do, reaches out and finds it. You deserve life without the misery of addiction.

[@HMachlovi]

curtisnucmed if you're addicted then your problem is running out. Don't run out.

[@tobygolding1893]

Hope it has ..if anyone can help kick habits it someone like Russell.. who has been there! not Drew, if he's never been an addict ,i wouldn't waste time with him!! you need someone who's been there done that ! Good Luck. i bought my sister his 1st book booky wook .. bought myself the Revolution.. i've yet to read it, but i will buy this one for my sister i will read it 1st she never reads she just likes listening to herself that's why she will never get clean.. she doesn't listen or read anything

[@dt4049]

lol

[@LolaBgcps]

Extraordinary video. I watched Dr. Drew on Loveline, and I could listen to Russell Brand all day.

[@belindasue40]

This is wonderful!! Thanks to you, Russell, and Dr. Drew

[@nkastropil]

As always, Russell completely charming & on point! I would do anything to be in his presence. Just love him! 🙏👌🏼🙏

[@tripsmytrigger7090]

I'm in the midst of recovery. The underlying problems are deeper than drugs. We take drugs to feel, but it eventually takes away the feelings. That's when it gets dark.

[@SL213]

well put

[@margaretgaskin4928]

Good luck with today. And the next today,. and the next

[@wewerehere2]

Really well put!

[@ursamagick]

Trips My Trigger I disagree. I believe we take drugs in order not to feel.

[@suzzy1790]

I love these 2 together! So switched on.💐🌹🌷🌷🏵️🌻🌼

[@ColleenMurray]

You might like this word, too - - salutogenesis - we can focus on factors that make us well, rather than what makes us unwell (disease). Thanks for sharing.

[@alexbills5070]

Addiction has always existed. It isn't just a phenomenon of our times. But I agree with him, the alienation of people under capitalism fuels it.

[@jontz888]

Russell you are truly unique..

[@ketchup5344]

Im addicted to Russell Brand; Ive tried to cut down but nothing works. I watch him at least three times a day; that dickensian style, that fullsome vocabulary, the hair....where else can I get my fix for these things? The thing is, it does make me happy and there's no real comedown, it's just that I feel the need to go one stage further and start buying his books. One thing leads to another and that's where it can get tricky........✌🏽

[@katieinprogress5940]

I need a meeting too. He has made such an impact on me and the way I think.

[@margaretcampbell2681]

Fantastic you are great Russell, thank you for your compassion

[@karencampbell2410]

I have often thought the principles outlined in the recovery movement would be very useful for everyone- not just for alcoholics and addicts - no one better to articulate it to others than Russell Brand

[@karencampbell2410]

HMachlovi pop along to a meeting and find out. 🤔

[@carlamarlene2927]

i think i could do whatever he told me to! haha lol. but seriously he's awesome to listen to. he's been there, he understands a little more than most people

[@brianl3046]

Thank you Russel!

[@WilliamSmith-fz9lw]

Thank you for posting this....

[@nationalcourtorderededucat4006]

Much needed community service! Excellent talk.

[@bethanyhunt2704]

Russell Brand as guru: who'd 'a thought?

[@REBECCAPGARZAMEV]

Yes lol!

[@glouismusic]

You guys are AWESOME!! Thank you for sharing. Love brother G

[@chrisnam1603]

♥Russell for keep doing it, fighting for so much that is important

[@iMaDeMoN2012]

Agreed, people caught in the addiction cycle are very often self-medicating for unhappiness; Drugs and sex can do a good job masking that unhappiness for a time, but unhappiness is something that cannot be fixed long-term solely through medication. The difficulty in breaking the addiction cycle lies in the fact that even if addicts break their dependency on the drugs, the unhappiness remains. So, in order to completely end the addiction cycle they must also have a means of escaping any continuing trauma in their life that led to their initial addiction and a way of processing their feelings about the trauma and means of coping with any future trauma and stressors that may trigger their unhappiness, or else they will have to return to self-medicating in order to survive the day.

[@iMaDeMoN2012]

+Billy Smith That situation is actually very rare and much simpler. All they need to do is go to rehab to break their drug dependency and find more constructive ways to spend their time other than partying with hard drugs. Think Jesse before Breaking Bad. If that doesn't work they are likely lying to themselves about not having a trauma and usually these people are very sensitive so the trauma could seem trivial to non-addicts, but it's not to them.

[@iMaDeMoN2012]

+Billy Smith I lost someone close to me to addiction. He was sensitive, i.e. quick to anger, and he didn't like to show emotion and his Dad also died from addiction. Of course, genetics plays a role in one's physical and mental health. I simply sum that up by saying they are sensitive.

[@changingworld7467]

Take note of what Russell Brand has done...he has said many times that the practice of Transcendental Meditation has changed his life dramatically. Check out the David Lynch Foundation website...lots of short videos that will give you an idea how TM transforms lives.

[@tcareccia]

"If he gets to the stage where he needs some fucking methadone, I'll kick him in your direction...". Go Russell!!!!

[@georgiapascoe1625]

This was a GREAT video!

[@vickybarrett7340]

I've loved him from . The very start and that has just grown

[@aryka922]

I am listening Dr. Drew. Mr. Brand is changing my world.

[@JonnyElk]

Was never a real fan of Russell Brand's until watching this. Great stuff. Thanks for posting

[@lynnlynn9124]

JonnyElk ditto. I actually don't find him funny, but his books were great and detail his addictive behavior along w other odd stuff.

[@barbpearson5815]

These 2 are brilliant.

[@icegypsy99]

[@stevenjgw9]

Thank you Russell , all life is one , this sounds so simple , and it is ,but to get to that understanding takes time and effort and you speak this truth clearly, again thank you from my heart.

[@bazurk_dot_com]

Best video I have seen on youtube in years.

[@suzzy1790]

God bless that kid! 🌷🌺🌸🏵️🌻🌊

[@MrPetemay]

Love your humanity Russell

[@Dumpweed971]

Russell Brand is the Eminem of free flowing consciousness.

[@juliireed7119]

Wow! Thank You :-)

[@buccXA]

Ok I'm sorry about my earlier comment. Russell is a trip and certainly worth listening to.

[@michelleshingleton436]

Boodles me too!

[@robintamburr1679]

Excellent messages. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@Elizabeth-yp8re]

My grandpa said that, Mr. Brand...like this: "Baby, ain't nobody better than you, ain't nobody worse than you...we're all the same. Just remember that golden rule..."

[@gloriaperea6399]

Wanderful human been. Love him. Very smart guy. Sees life as it is and laughs at it. Keep it up Drew!!!

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

Addiction is a decoding device! Excellent

[@kaywinter6140]

Contentment ( for me) is happiness

[@lbburgett]

Damn... This was exceptional.

[@nicklepsch4960]

Dr. Drew is one of my favorites as far as when it comes to addiction and alcoholism . He has gave me some very good knowledge I’ve used in my life. Russell is very raw n real with these subjects n I appreciate it very much. WE...get well one day at a time. Spread love n be kind to all🙏🏼👆🏼💯

[@Pyork2040]

You find Pensky kind?

[@fayesang4035]

Great programmes Dr Drew it is very relevant to so many many m people affected by dangerous drugs. I applause Russel brand in your programme talked about his experience.

[@michelleshingleton436]

Im almost crying 14 min in

[@positivelypresent]

Cried multiple times watching this. Such powerful work being done by both of these guys, and so thankful to have Recovery sitting on my bedside table. Would be very curious to know... Russell, have you taken the test in The Mirror Effect? I scored 36 and was curious what your score is since you speak so often about narcissism.

[@iwnunn7999]

Dr Drew blushing...........so funny.

[@ava198]

Ahhh to reach the point to surrender the need to control and have the awareness Im powerless .. that in itself is a journey

[@tesscot]

GREAT show, when he starts talking about the diazepine.

[@galaxiehubba]

the world needs more Russell Brands !!

[@yuri7765]

galaxiehubba There are plenty of us, we just don’t have the exposure that he has.

[@monicacorona5278]

Yuri And that's why we need more Russel 😊.

[@yuri7765]

Monica Corona if there were enough celebrities talking about it, we might have a chance. But look at the mainstream ridicule of Jim Carry... most people just call him crazy. It’s really too bad people don’t open their minds and postpone judgment until they’ve experienced it first hand. Everyone is so busy and distracted, if they could only slow down and realize that there is more to life than the hustle.

[@ielmore7226]

This may be irrelevant but I really like that outfit Russell is wearing.

[@carlamarlene2927]

YUUUUUUMMY!!!! and i have not been attracted to men as slim as him, but dang!

[@wendyknox-leet1034]

You were so good on Bill Maher, you are always brilliant.

[@jasonwoods9745]

One who shouts aloud is not awakened nor enlightened... One is simply entertainment !

[@daniellelamothe6954]

Takes a strong mind to get over the drugs n he explains it better than anyone

[@realBitgab]

beauty! thanks.

[@jamesgregory2197]

I like this Russell Brand guy. He has been there and done it. Dr Dru is pretty cool guy as well. Great show.

[@michaelzonta]

I wish they would show the audience members who are participating.

[@sidneyt8464]

Wow!

[@Blessedup69]

God bless Russel Brand

[@Batteristo]

I think this is great

[@susannec659]

"Ask another mofo to help me" Great advice. Key advice!

[@TheWicklowgirl]

Brilliant.

[@SobrietyBestie]

30:41 CHILLS

[@sarahthomson8183]

Appreciate the comments on death.