The Patrick Custer Show

Ty Herndon's Whole Truth: What Mattered Most, Hollywood Survival, Addiction & Faith

Thu, 07 May 2026 05:00:00 -0500

For the first time, country music star Ty Herndon tells the full story behind his memoir What Mattered Most: a 21-year-old's hotel room in Hollywood that he kept silent about for nearly forty years, the New Year's morning in 2020 when his phone rang at 6:45 a.m., and the love he didn't think he'd live to write. This is Nashville's podcast, The Patrick Custer Show: the only place on Broadway where shame gets bounced at the door and hope is always on the house.

What did Ty Herndon spend nearly forty years unable to say out loud about a hotel room in Hollywood? How does a number-one country artist watch his career disappear in a single news cycle and not become bitter? What happened on the New Year's morning of 2020, when he had a handful of pills and his phone rang at 6:45 a.m.? And what made a country dad drive his transgender son 200 miles out of town and drop him off, only to lose him 24 hours later?

We explore shame and silence, faith and identity, addiction and recovery, and the cost of carrying things alone. If you have ever felt like you had to hide something to survive, Ty opens up about the work of saying it out loud and what becomes possible on the other side.

CONTENT NOTE: This episode discusses suicide attempt, sexual assault, and addiction.

- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988

- The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ youth): 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678

- RAINN: 1-800-656-HOPE

THE PATRICK CUSTER SHOW:

Instagram: @thepatrickcustershow

TikTok: @thepatrickcustershow

Facebook: The Patrick Custer Show

Apple Podcasts: LISTEN HERE

Spotify: LISTEN HERE

YouTube: @thepatrickcustershow

Website: www.thepatrickcustershow.com

PATRICK:

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster

Facebook: Patrick Custer

YouTube: @thepatrickcuster

Website: www.patrickcustermedia.com

TY HERNDON:

Instagram: @tyherndonofficial

TikTok: @tyherndonofficial

Facebook: @tyherndonofficial

YouTube: @OfficialTyHerndon

Website: www.tyherndon.com

BOOKING AND PRESS:

contact@patrickcustermedia.com

COMMUNITY PARTNER SPOTLIGHT:

GLAAD has been working for fair, accurate, and inclusive LGBTQ representation since 1985. Forty years of changing the stories that change the culture.

Learn more: www.glaad.org

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Cold open

00:30 Welcome

04:00 The book and David Ritz

08:00 Audiobook recording

12:00 Why this book exists now

23:00 Community partner spotlight: GLAAD

25:30 Reframing the narrative

30:00 Faith and identity, reconciled

40:00 The country dad and his transgender son

46:00 Reframing shame and choices

53:00 The Pentecostal preacher kid still inside him

60:00 The 2020 phone call

65:00 The metaphor: navigating the dark

70:00 Behind the veil

76:00 At 21 in Hollywood

84:00 Buy the book locally

85:30 The voice that carried what he couldn't say

92:00 The story through every song

98:00 Star Search and his dad's last show

1:44:00 Michael Passons and supporting next-gen artists

1:49:00 Masking

1:55:00 The hurt of not being believed

2:02:00 Functioning addict

2:03:00 Hope, faith, and the weeks God felt far

2:06:00 The text at exactly the right moment

2:09:00 What mattered most today

ALCOHOLISM OR JUST BINGEING? Understanding the "all or nothing" stop button - Featuring Keesha Scott

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

ONE DRINK TRAPS YOU because for the high-functioning binge drinker, the "stop button" simply doesn't exist. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Patrick Custer sits down with Keesha Scott—co-founder of a national treatment empire and host of the Cake for Dinner podcast—to dismantle the most dangerous myth in wellness: that you aren't an alcoholic if you don't drink every day. From the Nashville podcast bringing you celebrity stories of sensational transformation, survival & healing from mental health, trauma, addiction and the shame that fuels it all!

DO YOU HAVE AN "ALL OR NOTHING" BRAIN?

Many successful professionals hide behind the "binge drinking" label, believing that because they can go days without a bottle, they are in control. Keesha reveals the "invisible struggle" of winning corporate awards while smelling of "booze and cigarettes," explaining how the high-functioning mask actually accelerates the spiral. We explore the neurological "animal state" that takes over after the first glass and why "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" is the only trick most of us have until it stops working.

WHY THIS EPISODE IS FOR EVERYONE

Whether you’ve never touched a substance or you’re 20 years sober, this conversation is a masterclass in the human "mask." We all have an "aesthetic" we project—the entrepreneur, the perfect mom, the tireless leader—while often throwing our internal trauma "out the window" instead of processing it. Keesha’s journey from a fatal accident at 20 to co-founding Guardian Recovery demonstrates that "perfection is a myth that kills" and that choosing joy is a radical act of resilience that can start at any age.

WHAT YOU WILL UNLOCK:

The Binger’s Paradox: Why the "days in between" are actually a trap of denial.
The Corporate Duality: How success is often used as a shield to avoid the "shit show" in private.
Parenting from Conviction: Moving from "parenting from fear" to being "honest-ish" with the next generation.
The Back Nine: Why Keesha decided at age 51 to finally "put herself on the list" and how you can too.

ABOUT OUR GUEST: KEESHA SCOTT

Keesha Scott is a prominent public figure in the behavioral health space, a certified parenting coach, and the co-founder of Guardian Recovery—a nationwide network with over 800 employees and 17 facilities dedicated to whole-family healing. As the host of the Cake for Dinner podcast and author of an upcoming book (Simon & Schuster), Keesha leverages her 23 years of sobriety and Master's in Psychology to advocate for adolescent mental health and "authenticity over aesthetics".

SUBSCRIBE, FOLLLOW & CONNECT:

🧲 The Patrick Custer Show:

Stream:

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-patrick-custer-show/id1855446218
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ciCkeb799tKuE87nn0SfI?si=0a03d967e1c5405f
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatrickcustershow
Amazon Podcast: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c189b8f5-4d39-40f0-8d37-efec32aa3c5b/the-patrick-custer-show

Socials:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcustershow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatrickcustershoww/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcustershow

Website: www.thepatrickcustershow.com

🧲 FOLLOW KEESHA SCOTT (guest):

Instagram: @keeshawscott - https://www.instagram.com/keeshawscott

TikTok: @keeshawscott - https://www.tiktok.com/@keeshawscott

YouTube: @CakeForDinnerPod - https://www.youtube.com/@CakeForDinnerPod

Web: https://keeshascott.com

🧲 FOLLOW PATRICK CUSTER (host):

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster - https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster - https://www.tiktok.com/thepatrickcuster

YouTube: @thepatrickcuster - https://www.youtube.com/@thepatrickcuster

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatrickcusterr

⛑️ Help Resources:

👉 FOR INDIVIDUALS:

- Addiction:

- Guardian Recovery: (888) 509-0591

http://www.guardianrecovery.com

· https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

· 1-800-622-4357

- Mental Health:

· https://loveyourmindtoday.org

👉 HELP FOR FAMILIES:

- Guardian Recovery: (888) 509-0591

http://www.guardianrecovery.com

- Al-Anon Family Groups

· https://al-anon.org

- Smart Recovery Family Support

· https://www.smartrecovery.org/family

Chapters:

00:00:00 THE BROKEN STOP BUTTON
00:01:30 NASHVILLE BROADWAY STUDIO TOUR
00:04:00 PARENTING IN THE TRENCHES
00:06:10 BALANCE IS TOTAL BULLSHIT
00:08:30 CHOOSING JOY AT 51
00:14:20 THE 1994 FATAL ACCIDENT
00:20:45 THROWING TRAUMA OUT WINDOWS
00:23:10 WINNING AWARDS WHILE DRUNK
00:29:00 BINGEING OR REAL ADDICTION?
00:32:40 THE ONE YEAR RULE
00:37:20 PREGNANT AND TOTALLY ABANDONED
00:51:40 THE TABOO OF RELIEF
00:57:20 GUARDIAN RECOVERY EMPIRE SCALE
01:02:15 CAKE FOR DINNER SECRETS

From Real Housewives to the Presidential Campaign: Ryan Basham on Surviving False Realities of a High-Functioning Alcoholic Mother

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Political analyst Ryan Basham discusses addiction recovery and mental health after surviving the "Real Housewives" false realities of his high-functioning alcoholic mother. Imagine finding out the cameras were never there!

We're bringing you to the heart of Nashville, inside our studio on Broadway for an in-depth conversation with former Presidential campaign advisor and Out100 honoree Ryan Basham pulls back the curtain on a childhood that was a "rigged script" long before he stepped into the political arena. If you have spent your life playing a part in a story you didn’t write, this conversation is your permission to tear it up. You are not broken—you are becoming.

Ryan’s mother was the ultimate high-functioning alcoholic paradox: the charismatic, community-leading PTA President who maintained a polished public image while losing her battle with a bottle every single night. In this fascinating deep-dive, Ryan recounts the "alternate reality" his family was forced to maintain—one where facts were rewritten daily to validate the disease of addiction and protect a public facade of "perfection". This episode explores the psychological gymnastics required in dysfunctional homes and the "invisible" toll of keeping a secret for twenty years.

“People become attached to their burdens, sometimes more than the burdens are attached to them.” — George Bernard Shaw

This quote highlights the core "a-ha" moment: we often cling to familiar dysfunction even when it is drowning us . Whether you are navigating your own addiction or are the exhausted "peacekeeper" in a chaotic family script, there is enlightenment waiting. You have the power to stop being a character in someone else’s false reality.

━

⏰ AUDIO CHAPTERS:

00:00 Life is Too Important to Take Seriously

01:25 Meet Ryan Basham: Out100 & Political Disruptor

04:30 Comedy as a Survival Skill

08:20 Hollywood Hills vs. Small Town Reality

11:05 The High-Functioning Alcoholic Mom Paradox

21:40 The Moment I Realized Mom was an Alcoholic

28:50 Surviving the Alternate Reality: Rewriting Facts

45:50 Shame vs. Accountability: The Mental Health Reframe

51:03 Lethal Love: Why Boundaries are Your "Air Hole"

54:15 Reclaiming Joy: The Ultimate Act of Defiance

━

📌 TOP 3 TIPS FOR FAMILIES:

Stop the Fact-Checking: You cannot cure someone else’s alternate reality. Shift energy to trusting your own internal truth .
Prioritize Your "Air Hole": You cannot save someone from a storm if you are drowning alongside them. Support is not enabling .
Reclaim Your Joy: Laughter is a biological survival mechanism and an act of defiance against a dysfunctional script .

📌 TOP 3 TIPS FOR THE "BECOMING" PROCESS:

Dismantle Shame: Shame is a global attack on who you are; accountability is a focus on what you do .
Embrace the Pivot: Your life doesn't have to follow the trajectory set by your trauma. Your most authentic self is found in the "becoming."
Refuse to "Shrink to Fit": If your environment requires you to hide your truth, it is the wrong environment. Take up space .

━

🛟 HELP RESOURCES:

👉 FOR INDIVIDUALS:

- Addiction:

· https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

· 1-800-622-4357

- Mental Health:

· https://loveyourmindtoday.org

👉 HELP FOR FAMILIES:

- Al-Anon Family Groups

· https://al-anon.org

- Smart Recovery Family Support

· https://www.smartrecovery.org/family

━

Follow & Connect

✅ Ryan Basham (Official Guest Links)

Instagram: @ryanbasham - https://www.instagram.com/ryanbasham

TikTok: @ryanbasham - https://www.tiktok.com/@ryanbasham

YouTube: ⁨@RyanBasham⁩

Web: https://www.ryanbasham.com/

✅ Patrick Custer (Official Host Links)

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster - https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster - https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcuster

YouTube: ⁨@thepatrickcuster⁩

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatrickcusterr

✅ The Patrick Custer Show (Official Show Links)

Instagram: @thepatrickcustershow - https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcustershow

TikTok: @thepatrickcustershow - https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcustershow

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepatrickcustershoww

YouTube: ⁨@ThePatrickCusterShow⁩

Website: https://www.thepatrickcustershow.com/

🫵 You are not broken; you are becoming. Leave a review and let us know your biggest takeaway!

━

Primary Keywords: addiction recovery, mental health, Ryan Basham, high-functioning alcoholic mother, alcoholism in families, trauma-informed storytelling, childhood trauma recovery.

Secondary Keywords: Real Housewives, Bravo TV fans, Andy Cohen, rigged script, NFL script meme, Super Bowl LX, Presidential campaign advisor, political analyst, stand-up comedy, Nashville Broadway studio, Out100, LGBTQ mental health, surviving gaslighting, alternate reality trauma, resilience and reinvention, system disruption.

I Relapsed After 10 Years Sober. (Here's Why)

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Corey Warren had it all: money, a family, and 10 years sober. Then he drank one beer.

In this episode, Corey joins Patrick Custer to dismantle the myth that you can "outgrow" addiction. We discuss the terrifying speed of his relapse—from one drink at a bar to blacking out daily in just 60 days—and the "successful failure" that nearly cost him his family.

Corey reveals the specific moment that broke him: sitting on a luxury boat he bought to win his daughter’s affection, only to hear the six words that money couldn't fix. If you are chasing success to quiet your shame, or navigating the guilt of co-parenting, this conversation is the wake-up call you need.

In this episode, we cover:

The "10-Year Lie": Why long-term sobriety doesn't mean you're cured.
The Boat Story: How trying to buy his daughter's love backfired.
The "Radio Glitch": The unexplainable moment that forced Corey back into recovery.
"Work Sobriety": Why trading alcohol for 80-hour work weeks is just a different form of sickness.
Parenting Through Guilt: How to stop performing for your kids and start connecting with them.

Quotes from the episode:

"I bought this boat to make my daughter love me. We were out there, sun shining, and she looked at me and said, 'Dad, I just really miss Mom.' It hit like a ton of bricks."

"I didn't think I was an alcoholic anymore. I thought I was just a guy who used to drink too much. That lie cost me everything."

Connect with Corey:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/icoreywarren
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@icoreywarren
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@icoreywarren
Website: https://www.coreywarren.com

Connect with Patrick:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcuster/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcuster
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thepatrickcuster

CHAPTERS:

0:00 - The "Do It For Yourself" Lie

01:16 - Welcome to The Patrick Custer Show

05:20 - "If I Had Cancer, I'd Ask For Help"

11:26 - "Dad, I Need My Tablet": Parenting & Addiction

20:22 - The "Normal Drinker" Jealousy Trap

25:30 - Why You Shouldn't Get Sober "For Yourself"

38:36 - Relapse at 10 Years Sober: From One Beer to Blackouts

46:03 - The "Radio Glitch" (Did God Intervene?)

53:11 - "Work Sobriety": Replacing Vodka with Money

53:51 - The Boat Story: When Money Failed

01:04:17 - What's Next for Corey Warren

01:06:28 - Conclusion: You Are Not Alone

Resources (HELP): If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health or addiction, help is available. You are not alone. Call or text 988 (USA) for confidential support.

ABOUT THE GUEST: Corey Warren is a recovery advocate, entrepreneur, and the founder of the Rise Recovery Community, one of Michigan’s largest Medicaid-funded recovery housing programs. Known internationally for his viral storytelling and "Hook Point" media strategy, Corey has transformed his life from a convicted "Polite Bandit" facing armed robbery charges to a beacon of hope for millions.

His mission is to disrupt the stigma of addiction by blending raw vulnerability with business acumen. Through his work with Hook Point and his "Straight Talk" school programs, Corey helps individuals identify the root causes of their struggles—often stemming from a need for external validation rather than the substance itself.

Andi Marie Tillman: "Aunt Pam," Speaking in Tongues & Healing Through the Dogma

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

From "Slide Singing" Beyoncé to battling autoimmune disease—this is the wildest journey of healing you'll hear this year.

Patrick sits down with viral comedian Andi Marie Tillman (and her alter-ego Aunt Pam) for a masterclass in satire and survival. We laugh at the absurdity of religious performance ("Belinda the Interpreter") so we can heal from the trauma of it.

We Cover:

The Comedy of Dogma: Why we laugh at the culture we grew up in.
The "Victorian Woman": Andi’s hilarious take on chronic illness.
Reconstruction: How to keep your faith when the system breaks.
Sobriety: The reality of facing life without a buffer.

Mentioned in this Episode:

"All Her Fault" (Peacock)
The "Skibidi Toilet" Phenomenon

We dive into a hilariously candid conversation with comedian Andi Marie Tillman, who joins me, Patrick Custer, for a wild ride through her comedic journey and the ups and downs of life. Right off the bat, we chat about her unique approach to comedy, including her quirky tales of having a tongues interpreter who hilariously flips the script, interpreting her everyday chat into something utterly nonsensical. We also touch on her experiences with gratitude, health challenges, and the rollercoaster of recovery, all while keeping the laughs rolling. Andi's vibrant personality shines through as we explore her adventures in navigating life, relationships, and the struggle between public persona and personal reality. So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and get ready for some belly laughs and heartfelt moments that remind us all that life is a beautifully messy journey! Diving into the vibrant world of comedy, this episode features a delightful chat between host Patrick Custer and the witty Andi Marie Tillman. From the get-go, the banter flows like a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, as they explore the ups and downs of life, laughter, and everything in between. The conversation kicks off with Andi’s humorous take on the intricacies of life’s everyday challenges, including her witty commentary on being a mother and the delightful chaos that comes with it. With her unique perspective, Andi shares anecdotes that have the audience chuckling, all while weaving in meaningful insights about gratitude and resilience. “We have no idea what our life is going to actually look like,” she remarks, reminding us all to embrace uncertainty with a smile. As the episode progresses, Patrick and Andi delve into the nuances of self-identity, the importance of authenticity in comedy, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. Andi’s candidness about her own struggles with addiction and mental health adds depth to the conversation, making it not just a light-hearted romp but also a heartfelt exploration of overcoming adversity. She shares her journey of personal growth, emphasizing that while laughter is essential, acknowledging our struggles is equally crucial. “I want to cross between the Wiz and, like, gutter slut,” she quips, showcasing her ability to blend humor with real talk effortlessly. Listeners are treated to an emotional rollercoaster as Patrick and Andi navigate topics like societal expectations, the often unrealistic portrayal of life on social media, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. The episode wraps up on a high note, leaving audiences not only entertained but also inspired to embrace their own imperfections and to find joy in the journey of life. So, grab your headphones and get ready for a good laugh and a dose of wisdom that will resonate long after the episode ends!

Meet the Guest: You know her as "Aunt Pam" on TikTok, but Andi Marie Tillman is so much more than the wig. She is an actor, writer, and the internet’s favorite "Appalachian Goth." After growing up in the strict world of Pentecostalism and navigating the "get cured or get out" pressure of the Christian music industry, Andi found her voice by turning her trauma into viral comedy. She joins Patrick to discuss the reality behind the characters, her journey through sobriety, and how to keep your faith when the church breaks your heart.

Follow me on

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster

Facebook: @thepatrickcustershoww

YouTube: @thepatrickcuster

Follow Andi Marie Tillman on

Instagram: @andimarietillman

TikTok: @andimariere

YouTube: @andimarietillman

Patreon: AndiMarie

Merch

Website: https://linktr.ee/andimarie

Follow The Patrick Custer Show

Instagram: @thepatrickcustershow

TikTok: @thepatrickcustershow

Facebook: @thepatrickcustershoww

Website: www.thepatrickcustershow.com

Are you ready to heal and grow? Start your journey with me by signing up at thepatrickcustershow.com 👈 for exclusive updates, resources and behind‑the‑scenes insights from each episode. It’s your invitation to experience “entertainment that heals,” where vulnerability becomes strength and hope is contagious.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Whether you’re here for your own growth or because someone you love shared this conversation, I’m grateful you’re listening and want to welcome you to The Patrick Custer Show family. Please pass this episode along to friends, family and anyone who might need a lift. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we remind each other that we’re not broken, we’re becoming.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Ambien
T.J. Maxx
Burlington
Goodwill

Michael Passons' Full Story (Pt 2): Forced Out of Avalon, Out of The Closet & Conversion Therapy

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

For the first time, Michael Passons tells his full story: the day three Avalon bandmates ambushed him at his house and ended his career, the conversion therapy where his label sent him, and coming out. This is Nashville's podcast, The Patrick Custer Show: the only place on Broadway where shame gets bounced at the door and hope is always on the house.

What caused Michael Passons' twenty-year disappearance from music and the public eye? How does a founding member of the Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian music group Avalon end up sent to conversion therapy by his own label? What happened at his house on June 30, 2003 when three bandmates showed up unannounced? And what made him break the NDA when his value and dignity outweighed his silence?

We explore coming out, religious trauma, church hurt, deconstruction and reconstruction, and rebuilding faith without absolutes. If you have felt forced to choose between authenticity and community, Michael opens up about agency, reconciliation, and what it means to stop being ashamed.

Content note: this episode discusses conversion therapy and religious rejection. The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386) offers 24/7 LGBTQ support.

THE PATRICK CUSTER SHOW

Apple Podcasts: @thepatrickcustershow

Spotify: @thepatrickcustershow

YouTube: @thepatrickcustershow

Instagram: @thepatrickcustershow

TikTok: @thepatrickcustershow

Facebook: @thepatrickcustershoww

Website: www.thepatrickcustershow.com

PATRICK

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster

Facebook: @thepatrickcusterr

YouTube: @thepatrickcuster

MICHAEL

Instagram: @michaelpassons

TikTok: @themichaelpassons

PRESENTED BY: Bright Horse Counseling. One of Nashville's most respected therapy practices. Click: https://www.talktobrighthorse.com Call: 615.637.7000

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Cold Open: June 30, 2003 and the Day Avalon Ended

0:39 Welcome Back to The Patrick Custer Show

1:52 Michael Passons Tells the Truth: I'm Gay

2:33 When He First Knew He Was Different

3:36 Sponsor: Bright Horse Counseling

5:27 Growing Up Gay in Conservative Mississippi

7:44 The Day His Father Asked Him Directly

8:35 The Phone Call That Led to Conversion Therapy

9:37 What Reparative Therapy Actually Was in the 90s

11:15 Mike Malloy, Exodus, and the Reparative Therapy Era

12:34 Two Years of Conversion Therapy and Praying It Away

14:28 The Two Michaels: Living a Double Life

16:33 Reconciling Faith and Hiding Who He Was

18:16 When the House of Cards Started to Fall

19:24 The Anger That Sparked the Catalyst

20:57 The Stranger Who Called Sparrow Records

22:14 The First Meeting With the Label President

23:48 The Industry's Open Secret and Wedding Ring Smokescreens

25:06 Sent Back to Reparative Therapy to Save His Job

26:52 PR Covering His Absence From Avalon

28:26 Returning to Avalon and the 2003 Confrontation

30:42 June 30, 2003: The Day They Showed Up at His House

31:53 Losing Community, Career, Identity in a Flash

34:05 Blacklisted in Nashville's Small Industry

35:34 The Moment He Came Out of the Spiral

37:34 The Bandmate Who Chose the Conservative Narrative

38:19 The Years He Disappeared From Music

40:31 Hitting Rock Bottom and Rebuilding His Belief System

41:45 Deconstructing Decades of Theology

44:18 How the Church Cherry-Picks Scripture to Justify Prejudice

47:34 The Affirming Church and Rebuilding Faith

48:48 Melissa Greene's Parallel Journey and Reconciliation

51:40 Am I Betraying My Family by Believing Differently?

54:26 What He Would Say to Someone Still Hiding Today

56:47 Coming Out Publicly for the First Time in 2020

58:47 The PR Narrative vs The Truth

1:00:42 Breaking the NDA to Reclaim His Story

1:02:41 The New Music and Writing From Authenticity

1:04:00 Destined to Be: The Song His Journey Wrote

1:05:00 The Moment He Stopped Being Ashamed

1:07:38 Faith, Spirituality, and Refusing to Define the Divine

1:10:11 The Fallen Pastor Who Found God Without Absolutes

1:12:11 The Question Nobody Asks Him Anymore

1:13:09 The Political Climate That Cemented His Departure

1:16:50 Hypocrisy and Jesus the Table Flipper

1:18:52 The Gay Man in East Africa Who Changed Him

1:27:13 For the One Who Feels Alone

1:30:11 A Question for the Next Guest: The Voice in Your Head

1:32:02 Closing Thoughts: The Power of the Inner Voice

Michael Passons Breaks Silence (Pt 1): His Truth About Avalon, Christian Music & 20‑Year Return

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

For the first time ever, Michael Passons is breaking his silence on what really happened inside Avalon, the Grammy-nominated contemporary Christian music (CCM) group and one of the industry's biggest voices. The founding member puts years of speculation to rest: the origin story, the fame, revolving bandmates, the American Music Award, and the weight he carried while thousands screamed his name instead of Jesus'. This is Nashville's podcast, The Patrick Custer Show: the only place on Broadway where shame gets bounced at the door and hope is always on the house.

In Part 1, we trace the full arc of Avalon's origin through Michael's eyes: a musical childhood in Yazoo City, Mississippi, a seed planted by Jerry Clower at the Grand Ole Opry in 1977, the move to Nashville in 1990, the February 1995 showcase that birthed Avalon, the surprise phone call from Grant Cunningham at Sparrow Records, the first steps onto the Young Messiah Tour alongside Michael W. Smith and Sandy Patty, the making of Testify to Love, the American Music Award win over Jars of Clay and POD, and the quiet weight of hiding who he really was.

In this episode, we explore themes of self discovery, spiritual evolution, and creative resilience. Whether you're listening on your favorite podcast platform or watching along on YouTube, if you love music, if you've ever struggled to live up to expectations, or if you're simply looking for encouragement, you won't want to miss this conversation. He opens up about hopes, regrets, and the power of trusting your own journey.

Part 2 picks up where the secret comes into the light, and the aftermath that followed.

THE PATRICK CUSTER SHOW

Apple Podcasts: @thepatrickcustershow

Spotify: @thepatrickcustershow

YouTube: @thepatrickcustershow

Instagram: @thepatrickcustershow

TikTok: @thepatrickcustershow

Facebook: @thepatrickcustershoww

Website: www.thepatrickcustershow.com

PATRICK

Instagram: @thepatrickcuster

TikTok: @thepatrickcuster

Facebook: @thepatrickcusterr

YouTube: @thepatrickcuster

MICHAEL

Instagram: @michaelpassons

TikTok: @themichaelpassons

PRESENTED BY: Bright Horse Counseling. One of Nashville's most respected therapy practices. Click: https://www.talktobrighthorse.com Call: 615.637.7000

Series Premier: Country Music's Annie Bosko Reveals Mental Health Struggles & Nashville Industry Realities

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 03:39:00 -0500

THIS IS IT - The premiere of The Patrick Custer Show! We're kicking this podcast off with a conversation that is relatable for us all and hits the core of Patrick's mission: The journey of finding your voice—literally and metaphorically.

Ever been told you’ll never get better? In this powerful debut episode, Patrick Custer and California Cowgirl Annie Bosko unpack her journey; from singing at her great‑grandmother’s funeral at five to fighting for her physical voice again after a devastating vocal injury and her inner voice for the power to fight back when business betrayal in the music industry machine tried to take her power and agency from her. You’ll hear how she hid her California roots in Nashville, fought perfectionism and depression, and learned to ask for help when everything fell apart.

They dive into therapy, faith, and the gritty reality of being a woman in country music—and why Annie believes every “no” is just a “not yet”: We discuss how she turned her struggles into opportunities, leading to collaborations with legends like Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam & opening for Dolly Parton at Caesars Palace! So, grab your headphones and get ready for some entertaining stories, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of inspiration!

Show Highlights:

Early performing roots: turning household surfaces into stages; singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at her great‑grandmother’s funeral at five.
Breakthrough moments: landing The Little Mermaid II soundtrack at 13; singing jingles and studio work; moving from California to Nashville.
Country‑music identity: hiding her California background to fit in; eventually embracing her “California Cowgirl” roots.
Voice loss & recovery: discovering a vascular lesion during a Broadway gig; enduring surgery, rehab and the pandemic.
Therapy & mental health: learning to ask for help, dealing with perfectionism, and letting go of people‑pleasing.
Rejection, patience & persistence: every “no” becomes a “not yet”—including later collaborations with Dwight Yoakam, Darius Rucker, Vince Gill and Dolly Parton.
Boundaries & relationships: applying her grandmother’s “80% rule,” standing firm on family and faith values, and learning not to compromise her core beliefs.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

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Instagram: @anniebosko

TikTok: @anniebosko

Facebook: @annieboskomusic

Website: www.anniebosko.com

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🤝 Sponsor Spotlight – Bright Horse Counseling

We’d like to thank our episode sponsor Bright Horse Counseling, one of Nashville’s most respected therapy practices. Their clinicians specialize in trauma, PTSD, personality disorders, anxiety, addiction, maternal mental health, couples work and more. Bright Horse blends embodiment, insight and research‑backed modalities like DBT, EMDR and trauma‑informed yoga. They offer secure telehealth anywhere in Tennessee and have a no‑nonsense relational style.

Website: talktobrighthorse.com
Phone: 615‑637‑7000
Instagram

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Bright Horse Counseling
Lizzie Harrigan
Barbara Walters
Celine Dion
Disney
Darius Rucker
Adele
Dwight Yoakam
Raúl Malo
Amy Grant
Toby Keith
Faith Hill
Keith Urban
Michael Bublé
Sam Smith
Aerosmith
Tony Robbins

Takeaways:

In this episode, we explore the journey of self-discovery and resilience, highlighting how asking for help can transform our lives.
Annie Bosko shares her heartfelt experiences and challenges, reminding us that vulnerability is a strength in navigating life's storms.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth and the power of transparency in relationships, making it clear that every connection has its ups and downs.
Listeners learn about the significance of timing in both personal and professional life, showcasing how 'no' can often mean 'not yet' and the need to keep pushing forward.