Troubled Past Podcast

I’m not proud of who I used to be — but I’m not afraid to talk about it.  Every week on Troubled Past , I tell my story — the real story. The fights, the failures, the funny moments, and the painful ones, too. From addiction and bad decisions to redemption and rebuilding, nothing’s off limits. I share it all because I believe that honesty inspires change, and that if you hear what I’ve been throug...

Two weeks sober — and for the first time on Troubled Past , Jarod opens up about his personal journey with alcohol. From wild nights and reckless decisions to the pain, shame, and moments of clarity that followed, this episode dives into the raw, unfiltered stories of drinking before the first time he quit… and why he’s done with it now. But this isn’t just about Jarod — it’s about the people out...

In a powerful father-son conversation, Jarod sits down with his son Skyler to share a kid’s perspective on what it’s really like growing up in today’s school system — especially when the adults around you get it wrong. From dealing with unfair teachers to feeling misunderstood, Skyler opens up about how he started getting labeled as a “bad kid”… until one vice principal stepped in and changed the...

 In this gripping story-driven episode, Jarod takes us back to the raw, chaotic reality of his younger years. From a drive-by shooting on East Colfax in Denver, to a terrifying brush with cartel members, to knocking someone out at 19 for disrespecting a woman — these aren’t just stories of survival, they’re moments that shaped a mindset. This episode digs deep into the trauma, adrenaline, and cons...

 In this raw and revealing episode, we dive deep into the pain, confusion, and consequences of loving someone who isn’t right for us — and what happens when cheating enters the picture. We explore the stories we create to justify betrayal, the loneliness that lives inside toxic relationships, and how hard it is to walk away when your heart is still convinced it’s love. This is for anyone who'...

Are kids really bad —or are they just hurting in ways we don’t always understand? In this powerful episode, host Jarod Johnson opens up about being labeled a "bad kid" from a young age. He shares a deeply personal story of the trauma he experienced at the hands of an abusive babysitter around age 4 or 5. Through his journey, Jarod explores the truth behind why some children act out and h...

 We’ve all been there—head over heels, ignoring every red flag, and calling it “fate.” In this raw and unfiltered episode of Troubled Past , we dive deep into the chaos of young love. From toxic relationships and impulsive decisions to the heartbreaks that shaped us, this is the real talk no one else is having. Whether you're still healing or just here for the drama, get ready for shocking co...

In this powerful debut episode, we dive into Kanye West’s recent revelations about a disturbing childhood experience — and open the door to a larger, often unspoken conversation about early sexual encounters and confusion. Jarod Johnson shares deeply personal stories from his own childhood, unpacking the complex realities many face but rarely name. This episode is not about judgment — it's ab...