A caller shares their experience in the troubled teen industry and how it shaped their adult life. The conversation also touches on the surprising topic of chickens.
The troubled teen industry often preys on desperate parents and can subject troubled teens to abuse and trauma.
Rebuilding relationships with parents after troubled teenage years is possible through understanding and forgiveness.
Shared interests, such as a favorite band, can become powerful bonding experiences between parents and children.
Deep dives
Introduction to the speaker's personal background and current circumstances
The speaker discusses his own experience growing up and experiencing troubles in school, including being expelled and sent to various programs for troubled teens. He also mentions his own personal journey of sobriety.
The speaker's reflections on his parents and their roles as grandparents
The speaker expresses his gratitude for having his parents still in his life, particularly in their roles as grandparents to his own children. He emphasizes the positive impact they have had on his family, and the feeling of security it brings him.
The discussion of the speaker's child's affinity for KISS and their shared enjoyment of the band
The speaker talks about how his young son has developed a strong affinity for the band KISS, becoming a fervent fan. He shares anecdotes about their shared enjoyment of KISS songs and how it has become a bonding experience for them.
The speaker's experience with academic therapeutic schools and troubled teen programs
The speaker describes his experience being sent to desert tough-love programs and academic therapeutic schools as a troubled teen. He reflects on the challenges and encounters with other troubled teens during this time.
The Troubled Teen Industry and Parental Desperation
The podcast discusses the troubled teen industry and how it often preys on desperate parents. It highlights how these programs, including behavior modification camps and conversion camps for LGBT kids, claim to help troubled teens but often subject them to abuse and trauma. The speaker, who went through such a program, acknowledges that while some people may have had positive experiences, for many, these programs made their lives worse instead of improving them.
Healing and Rebuilding Relationships
The podcast explores the speaker's journey of healing and rebuilding relationships with their parents. They share how, despite the difficult experiences they went through and the impact it had on their family, they were able to work on their relationship and rebuild trust. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and forgiveness, highlighting that while the memories of their past remain, they are able to move forward with a renewed perspective on their parents and their own journey towards personal growth and a better life.
This week, Gethard talks with someone whose youth was affected by the “troubled teen industry.” He and Geth talk about that experience, what it means to be a “troubled teen,” and how that time shaped his adult life. Also? Way more talk about chickens than you might expect.
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