Philip Lawrence - Making Music, Finding Peace & Joy Through Sobriety

EPISODE 59
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Philip Lawrence is a songwriter, record producer and entrepreneur best known for his work with the songwriting and production team, The Smeezingtons, alongside Bruno Mars.
Philip has won an impressive eight Grammy Awards for his work in the music industry. At the height of his success, and dealing with the challenges of superstardom as well as life on the road, Philip began an inward journey that began with his sobriety just over four years ago.
His life looks very different than it did before, and what he has gained throughout this journey is newfound humility as well as a new design for living. Today, Philip opens up about his struggles with addiction and the moment he realized he needed to go into recovery.
Philip speaks to his experience going through all of this as an African American and provides advice for others going through a similar situation. Finally, Philip reflects on how his vision of success has dramatically changed and why he believes his most creative years are yet to come.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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01:12 - Phillip Lawrence shares what he learned from his inward journey to sobriety and accepting the truth
08:49 - Philip opens up about his divorce
11:37 - Advice Philip would give to artists that are struggling with addiction
15:09 - Philip reflects on his experience being an African American in recovery and helping others in the African American community with recovery
19:22 - The Artists in Recovery event that Philip performed at
21:47 - Philip talks about the new TV show he will be hosting, Come Dance With Me
24:10 - The highest and lowest points of Philip’s professional career
29:59 - Parting words of advice from Philip
32:09 - Dr. Flowers and Robin thank Philip for joining the show and let listeners know where they can follow him
TWEETABLE QUOTES
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“I think early on I began to use music as my identity. I began to think that that was who I was. And, as I look back on that now, I realize that A, that’s not who I am, it’s just what I do. And B, there is a false sense of validation as a performer and, in performing from such a young age, I became not only addicted to that but conditioned that, wherever I go, I’m gonna be applauded for it.” (05:42)
“I think the biggest thing for me in life in general is just my awareness of the moment. My being present; my being where my feet are. And so, there’s a level of appreciation and gratitude that comes with, ‘Oh my goodness, look at what I get to do. Look at where I am. Look at the beautiful life that God has gifted me with.’” (14:27)
“I realized that I had misdefined success. I was not successful. I thought I was. Success cannot be appreciated if you can’t enjoy it. You can’t call it success if that’s what’s happening.” (26:35)
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help. That was a big one for me. I didn’t know how. Help is a phone call away. Check in with each other. Reach out to people that maybe you haven’t spoken to in a while. We all need confirmation that everything’s gonna be ok, despite what we’re going through. Reach out and lift someone up.” (30:11)
ABOUT UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN CONDITION
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In each episode of “Understanding The Human Condition”, Dr. Flowers and his most-admired mentors, respected colleagues and VIP guests, share valuable insight into underlying health causes, conditions and issues. These in-depth yet approachable episodes are a great resource for both private individuals and industry professionals.
Our esteemed host, Dr. James Flowers, is one of the most recognized and respected names in the field of chronic pain, mental health, and substance use disorders, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Flowers is the founder of J. Flowers Health Institute located in Houston, Texas.
LINKS MENTIONED
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JFlowers Health Institute - jflowershealth.com/
JFlowers Health Institute Contact - [phone]
Philip’s Website - www.cmntyculture.com/
CMNTY Culture Instagram - / cmntyculture
🎙️🎙️🎙️
Podcast Production by FullCast: fullcast.co/sn

[@deneengrant2086]

I so admire Phillips’s honesty and integrity. He stepped out of the spotlight to honor God and to honor his family. We fall down but we get up. I pray someday that Bruno follows his lead.

[@dontbemad6460]

Follow his lead how?

[@ppowell002]

What an odd comment.

[@itzperzonal2u283]

congrats to Phillip Lawrence on his strength to be on his journey! I've been looking for him!!! Continued strength, success, peace, love & blessings! can't wait got your TV SHOW COMING!!!??? I'M 👀👀👁 and can't wait to see it!!! ❤🎉😊

[@shelialucas3741]

Congratulations 👏 Phillip, May God Continue to Bless you on your next Journey you have come along way. Keep the Faith and stay HUMBLE for the Lord has a Path awaiting on you that your Smile will never leave you.😊💯🌞 The Sun is Shining on you!!

[@amaraeddings4611]

I wonder how Phil and Bruno were able to avoid the dark side of the music industry

[@bobboyd7526]

My man is the best he’s so humble

[@g.darcellstreeter3642]

Congratulations Philip on your sobriety and your wellness journey. Wishing you and your family all the best...🙏🏽

[@girthaleescouller9128]

Thank you for your honesty, Mr. Phil Lawrence 🙏, glad you loved your family more along with God

[@anthonyartis2976]

To my friend I am so proud of you it’s good to see you as well this is Anthony Artis you know how’s dad I am keep up the good work my friend Phil God Bless you man

[@jeanettewilliams4626]

Just heard Phil so amazing with his Life, so proud,

[@blakkproud6229]

Wow, loved this interview, such honesty and humility, I believe only you know within yourself when you got to save your life for self and those you love and whom love you back My prayer is Bruno is on this journey also, Peace and Blessings:

[@NBAgladiator]

Congrats Phil!!

[@popeb48]

Hw is so very talented!!

[@GioHimonPro]

Good on Phil! Do the hard work especially when you don't feel like it! 💋

[@RickyRegal.]

Damn I miss watching him perform with Bruno mars

[@missbumblebee8633]

Yeah. They seemed to have such a genuine connection.

[@theneosuperzero]

@@missbumblebee8633 it is genuine. But sometimes you just got to relax.

[@mommatia6095]

Congratulations. I have 30yrs continuous sobriety one day at a time.

[@damienbaigent]

Is this napeson ??

[@amberwilliams6783]

This video did not age well see that he’s getting a divorce now for not changing his ways

[@obitouchi-ha7981]

another sex defender haha 😅😂 I bet he’s bitter not being on silk sonic

[@324cmac]

No he's not. I'm sure he's happy for Bruno and Anderson.

[@Jude74]

He’s back touring with Bruno.