I have smoked weed every day for 15 years, I know most people don’t see it as that bad a drug but it really has had a detrimental effect on my life, relationships and wellbeing. Since reading Russell’s book I am now two weeks clean and am so happy and grateful. I would implore anyone to read his book, even if you’re not an addict it breaks down how you can improve your life and the way you view the world and the people in it. What a fantastic human being this man is.

Russell has a very natural intelligence. He could speak circles around most people. So glad he came to awareness to want a clean life..a great example!

"We aren't human beings, we are human becomings." So much trust and hope in this. Beautiful observation.

Been sober for 5 + months in AA and have never felt so comfortable. Starting step 4. Getting out of self and doing service work.

"While I am talking to you, I won't be thinking about myself" - Very inspiring words. So simply put and yet so hard to implement.

The way Russell can talk so fluently and without almost any interruptions is mindblowing.

I was 23 years in addiction. I'm 4 months clean . I'm doing a day programme and going to NA meetings every day I have got so much back in my life in such a little amount of time . My flamly are back in my life . Life is so much better one day at a time people places things

I"ve been following Russell"s journey, form an addict to becoming a spiritual human being, and I must say: I am in awe of this man, his transformation, loosening an ego-trip..Russell is such a beautiful soul, humble yet articulate, honest in a non-pathetic way...Sweet Russell :*

"Alcohol isn't the problem. Alcohol is the solution to the problem - of living under the false ideals of a materialistic society". WHAT a quote fam.

Mate. As a alcoholic for ten years I want you to know. Without you and your words I wouldnt be entering rehab on Saturday. Thank you Russel brand. I'm so greatful for people like you. You have changed my thought pattern and I know you will change many others.

Thank you, Russell. I'm still struggling with my drug addiction, and feel like you're the only place I have to go. I cannot tell you how much your work means to me. Already preordered Recovery and I'm in the middle of Revolution. You are a beacon of light, and I hope to do you proud.

What I adore about your journey is how hard you work at your life and recovery and how intelligent and invested you are in all aspects of your life. I am not working as hard at various aspects of my life, as you are, and I am inspired to try harder and understand more.

i havent watched anything with russell brand in it for years, and i happened to search for his name today and found this. wow, this is wonderful - so glad that someone so well-known and with such celebrity is talking about this important subject in an honest way. Also, Russell comes across so differently (more grounded, more mature) than he did in my memory, from videos i watched years ago. Yay!

If society had more conscious minded, loving, helpful, questioning, intelligent, celebs like Russ... Life would be a little better.

When Brad read the part of your book about your childhood abuse and how you reconciled that part of your life but writing that "they did the best they could" and you sort of interpreted the experience with your own bias and could change how you felt about the abuse because it was "a choice" how to view it....my jaw just dropped because this is exactly what I had to do to take back my life from childhood abuse and it has been monumental in regaining my mental health. I think this is the only true way to move past what abuse can do to a person. I saw a therapist for quite a while and one day while discussing the abuse I lived through, she asked me if I could surrender it, to lay it at the feet of the person who did it, realize it was not mine to own anymore and leave it there. I thought about this for weeks and finally I came to the sqme conclusion as you did Russell, that yes, my mother hurt me enormously, she made me think of myself as nothing, of no value, but as a mother myself, I asked myself how on earth a parent could do that. I couldn't imagine hurting my children in that way, why could she do it? Then I realized that it was all she could do. It was the best she could do with the experiences she had. She could do no better because she knew no better. She was a broken person herself. She was hirt as much as I was so how could I feel it was a personal attack on me? It wasn't. It was all she was capable of doing. If I wanted relief from the hurt that was done to me, surely she felt the exact same way but because she didn't have the opportunity and time to see a therapist, she couldn't see what she was doing was just continuing what she had learned. I think she may have already had so much guilt inside about the hurt she has caused that living with distance between her and her children was easier than facing it too. I started my journey to heal while my children were bery young so I stopped this pattern. I want to tell anyone out there who has been abused and hurt in the past and it has wreaked havic on your life, it is NEVER personal. It is NEVER because of anything you did or did not do, it is because the abuser was a broken soul. Please, lay the feelings of hurt at the feet of the person who did this and surrender it. It is not your burden to bear, it never was. Remove the weight of hurt that has weighed you down for so long and then find and give happiness everyday. 🙏🙏

Hello everyone my names Kris and I’m a recovering addict 🙏🏼

Listening to under the skin was how I came to know Russell Brand. Everyone who wants to cancel him out of hand should watch this

I found out about this today when I went to a meeting and someone told me they’d watched a video where Russell Brand talks about my leg being amputated! Love the insight into the steps in your videos and your book. I always learn more about spirituality and the disease of addiction listening to other addicts. This guy took time out to put me in contact with other people in recovery that had been through amputations and cancer! Blessed and humbled ❤️

He’s inspiring me so much to try harder to fight for my sobriety

This is why I work in care, the care and happiness I can create for another human, who is not able/capable to do it for themselves, I feel doing good, helps yourself to feel good.... It's not selfish, it is rewarding!!! I am only feeling satisfaction from doing good for others...... Nothing wrong with that!!

Ive been suffering with addiction to heroin and crack and pharmaceuticals lol for 25 years. I've lost everyone i love . I feel completely hopeless and dontwant to stop cos smoking is the only thing keeping me alive right now. I deserve a life. A happy one. Im trying to work on myself and self worth.

I’ll be sober 7 years next month God willing. AA works for people who work it.

Man the first five minutes already got me thinking out my entire life.

Wow, he totally reached me. I've been sober almost five years and I totally agree that helping others will get you well. I work with those with special needs. I realize that I suck at everything, relationships, money, life etc. I am however very very good at my job. It's the one thing that totally takes me out of my twisted head and it truly makes me happy and fulfilled. I am by no means a saint, it just so happens that God gave me but one gift, and that is that I can connect with literally anyone with special needs (autism, developmental delays, you name it). When I finally embraced that's my purpose I became not just happier but completely HAPPY! God bless Russel Brand, but also Craig Ferguson for letting those struggling with addictions know that the twelve steps will not only change you, they will save you. Also God bless Bill W.

I'am so happy that a celebrity brings to the table, AA program of recovery. which is the basis of Nacotic Anyonmous. Every human being should practice this program of a different way of thinking and a conscious presence of the present moment . I have been one year sober and it's the best way to be period. It makes my peace different then the average. I'am gratefully blessed.

The ultimate connection is a connection to the authentic self. Authentic self is you without your coping mechanisms. Authentic self is achieved through self mastery.

man, there are a lot of negative comments here... more than usual. Well, whatever, I'm thankful for brand.

I'm in recovery my self and I love to hearing this and it's really helping me in my own recovery thank you

Russell, it takes someone who truly cares about people to share your own shortcomings to help others. Addiction is a disease, not a weakness. It can get anyone. Being judgmental to an addict can only hurt. That's where I become judgmental. Only the lowest of the low kicks someone when they're at their worst.

Russell Brand I love you and greatly appreciate your speaking out& trying to help addicts. You do shine a light in the darkness! God Bess You

I was diagnosed with bipolar with psychosis last summer after being in the Psych ward. It was a revelation. Something I had denied myself for over 30 years. I thought my torment was from an abusive childhood, and have spent all my life trying to be in charge of myself, but failing miserably. I got to a point where I realised a diagnosis couldn't be any more destructive than the life I had lived trying to deny that truth. I am in therapy learning about myself so that I can live without all the negative attachments I have created to compensate for a lack of care or love from others. I am learning to be my own parent now. It's scary, hard, beautiful and inspiring. I have many attachments to the superficial aesthetic world built on materialism can create, but I am learning why and how, and I am doing my best to unravel all that is unhelpful so that I can live a contented life. I hear you and know that being connected is a necessary part of a more positive and nourished life. So greatfull for your mission to be open and as truthful as you can, it is a lovely conversation.

One of the most incredible, illuminating things I've ever seen. Thank you.

Hi Russell I've been in addiction for about 20years I came out of 12step rehab last year and was working the program then I stoped going to meetings for a while and stoped working the program then the insanity returned and I relapsed again. I have managed to get myself detox and I'm clean and sober but not going to meetings for so much fear and anxiety it's crazy getting out the house is a nightmare I'm stuck in isolation and fear most off the day. You have done amazing Russell keep up the good work love watching you on KZfaq God bless :)

I watched this for the first time whist in rehab for alcoholism with a very diverse group of people who all learnt from it along side therapy and group sessions. I'm watching it again now out of the rehab bubble and im still learning more again. When a person promotes the 12 steps in such a passionate, non preachy way it can only inspire. Well appreciated.

I think Brand is showing such a vulnerability on his podcast that’s refreshing, honest and brave. I have much respect for him and that there is so much more depth to him than a comedian. (He is funny) this is a nice side to see. He is so right about getting the focus off yourself and find a purpose of serving others and giving.

I love the lighting and scene in the video, love the conversation and is extremely though provoking xx onelove

Doing the ''STEPS'' is like training to become a JEDI Be a JEDI!! Recovery is worth it

I just got out of a 28-day treatment program for a heroin addiction and they showed us this video while in treatment. Watching it again, it's great to be reminded of all the things that Russell speaks of and reminds us of. The man's a genius in my book.❤

RB has such a strong analytical mind. I wonder if it is such a good idea to philosophize so intensely. If he could let go of his own narrative and focus more on the subtle mind he might find more peace. However, I do think he will drill down into what the nature of the human condition is...if it can be found.

Thank god, people who leave comments with some substance! Just been watching Russell Brand 'Under The Skin' show and its just muggles posting bitter comments at russell, never expressing a point of view, simply looking for faults. The recovering addict on the other hand, has wisdom and some substance to their comments Thank you Russell for all that you are doing x

Alcohol has ruined my life for 5 years- I want to try AA this weekend for the first time ❤️ I want to transform my life

This podcast was a random find after another bad night. I've been avoiding it for years. But today is the first day ive actually dedcided to try and work this program. My first AA meeting will be in 2 hrs. Thank you, Russell.

Courage, bravery, amazing spirit!

46:15 Loneliness is the Greatest Killer? Language has created the Word "Loneliness" to express the pain of being alone. It has also created the Word "Solitude" to express the glory of being alone. -Paul Johannes Tillich - The Eternal Now

So much Love for you Russell. Infinite Blessings to you Always and In All Ways. Aho.

You give me hope Rus! Keep on keeping on.

I aspire to seek a deeper perspective on life the way Russell has - got to keep going on that journey

Sorry Ol Chap I'm a bit slow ~ I just found this, everybody else found it two years ago, I already feel like a loser😊. I love it. You are amazing ~ You make it look easier than on actually is for you... I wish you & your family all the best. Your wife is a very brave woman whom must love you dearly ~ knowing your past. Cheers to a great New Year and thank you for the courage to share your transformation ~ which in itself is a very challenging task ~ that requires a generous heart full of love. Blessings everyday, Katie

Russell I just want to thank you for all your videos and thoughtful insights on addiction. I’m in my final year at university and I’ve been having a really hard time, I’ve forsaken every other part of my life to just do university work and in turn I have become seriously addicted to food. People don’t take me seriously because I look thin, but I’ve actually been stuffing my face to the point of crying many times to cope with the stress and anxiety. You’ve made me realize there are certain trigger foods I will have to give up if I want to live happily and sane again. Really thank you

This helped me a lot thanks. Have a nice day.

We need to SURRENDER and focus on consciousness & compassion ~ The habits we are doing by trying to find a way to alter our beings from the ‘stresses’ of life has been sooo prevalent in our society & this must change...! It’s okay not to be okay at times, that’s part of humanity in order to appreciate the essence of our own real happiness!

The substance someone uses is irrelevant, getting to the source of why this person needs to escape is the answer!

The people who will understand this are the people who know the despair,so many people making ugly comments just can't possibly relate. I wish no one could understand this,but so many people are suffering... Russell clearly brings it into focus,it doesn't matter what you do or don't have,in the end we are all repeating our past till we deal with it.

Russell, thank you so much for this and everything else you are doing. I am experiencing tangible changes in the way I feel connected to other human beings, about how I see the world. It's making a difference. Love you man.

Thank you Russel. Keep shining light. Stay Free

Wow, I don't know if Russel knows it, but there was a whole lot of Catholic Philosophy there. As a life long catholic, I recognized a lot of things I have heard my whole life: We are all one, so not be afraid, die to self, suffering can be redemptive, suffering can be an expression of love, loving our brothers and sisters is loving ourselves, service to others can be a fulfilling life.

He's quite poetic is our Russel! He doesn't deliver his stuff in a cold, opaque fashion - rather, he sets free, his thoughts & feelings, into our imaginations.

I've found Russell very helpful in my own recovery, because he's so approachable, and obviously sincere.

Love you Russell! Thank you so much for being you. I'm a person that still struggles with my recovery from addiction and your experience, thoughts and strength are very inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to care and sharing your story.

Brand is a genius. Just listen to the way he can wind his way through a thought, bringing us with him. I feel like I’m being gently led through the mind of a great thinker. All of this Without the ego of those who see themselves as “the smartest ones in the room.”

I love you Russell...... Thank you for all you do!

3 weeks sober hopefully a daily dose of russel will keep me flying straight

Russell is such an insightful inspiring dude. Watching his videos and listening to him speak while I make it though AA has been a blessing to me. Keep up the great work!

What I hate - negative thoughts towards myself over bad decisions - self absorbed people disgusts me - mistreatment of those vulnerable - the negative way the world seems to be heading I do love - the worlds wondrous creations - a mountain range, nature - a young person spending time with an old person - Standing up for another - Feeling love towards anything that’s oblivious to your feelings - Helping fill an empty stomach - compassion in society - Humor about this life - that we all are here at this moment together for a small amount of time in space’s infinite amount of time. -Russel Brand and many others whether celebrity or our neighbor that believe in helping themselves and others to see what we sometimes tend to let slip our minds, to look at life through a better lens.

Wonderful interview! I'm looking forward to reading the new book. The level of spirituality that you apply to your experience of the program is so inspiring; it clearly transcends that silent, internal spirituality and affects all aspects of life and lifestyle. Your channel has aided my recovery so much, thank you for sharing your experience.

Finally, I've been dying to hear about Russel's addictions, as he usually keeps them so private and never talks about them. Refreshing honesty on Brand's part

I really love watching your evolution over time! I've been working on watching all of your channel videos for some time, in chronological order, and this evolution of yours is so subtle and interesting! I don't always understand the content or fully agree with it, but I'm learning so much from it! If you ever do read this: thank you for the education! 🙌✌🙋

Just got back 16 monthes of sobriety after a brief relapse at the beginning of covid pandemic. Blessed and so greatful. Keep fighting 💪

I enjoy your points of view, I relate , and I thank you for sharing your experience and positivity! I

Thank you for all that you do... addiction was the catalyst to my awakening, and it was your videos on addiction and comedy has lit my path on the awakening journey... i wore pretty damn similar shoes.... love, light and humor!!!!!

I Agree with quite literally 100% of what Russell talks about regarding Recovery , from everything I've watched and listened of him. He has my own beliefs on many matters and it really is great to listen to somebody who has the same ways of thinking. I am 9 weeks clean & sober Today , attend 2 of the Fellowships, and I will be watching Mr Brand very closely for the Recovering years to come.. Thumbs up.

Wow interesting discussion around listening, empathy and death being a teacher of change leading to transformations. Also points about environmental factors being a contributor to addiction. Love the story about Russells mate losing his leg and his acceptance and how he turns it around with his perspective of it.

Russell, I very deeply appreciate this interview/discussion. I find myself rewinding often in order to digest more fully the topic. Thank you both very much great one for my playlist.

I have decided to get a Masters degree in Social Work with Substance abuse as a speciality. I loved your book and find your intellect to be thought-provoking. You are apart of my schooling in a sense, your a teacher to my future approach to others with substance abuse. Thank you:)

Russell Brand is someone we should all aspire to.. (my namesake) he is always present not taking life for granted and at any time we could die.

Meeting of the minds here. Your recovery work is the best yet.

There is nothing better than being sober. There comes a time when you put behind being in recovery and you are back on track. Sometimes damage can be done and you may not get over things properly. You get out before too much damage is done. There is that period in life where you can differentiate from being young and happy go lucky, to addiction and then recovery. Getting back that originality. You want to know what is wrong if you are always in the emotional state of recovering. Dipping in and out and you are going around in circles. You have to bite the bullet and go though the turbulence and come out the other end. For some young ones they are victims of abuse when young and don't get to feel what its like to be happy? When they are finally free from abuse? Its sitting down with yourself and finding the world of genuine people and bring out something missed. But sometimes you can end up jumping into drugs and alcohol and end up even worse. Even when times can be difficult and you know you have something good inside? You don't lose that for no one lesser mortal. The world beyond the pathetic small minded world

Hi Russell. I admire you, your work, your brain, your candor, your wit, your sass and your good heart. Thank u for having a great channel. Hugs from Cheyenne King in Minnesota. ❤️❤️

So true, the need for human connection is one of the greatest things that kept my addiction going. Russell Brand you are inspirational for sharing your truth, Thank You.

Thank you gentle man for this. I am so grateful ❤️💜💛 Russell Brand I am grateful for you ❤️

Russell is once again well ahead of the person interviewing him. This professor did not seem to comprehend a word Brand said. He moves on so quickly and seems so disengaged from the content Brand is luxuriously lavishing him with and he's like, right then...about yada yada. He is without emotion, without soul almost. What a contrast to the depth of Brand. Not being judgemental, just observing that Brad needs to hit the meditation cushion. HARD. LMAO

Meaning and a paradigm shift, not being afraid of love into your heart, the prioritizing of capitalism over reason. Undo the program of consumerism. He is so right on.

Beautiful Russell, “ all one garment” ~thank you

Russell Brand says a lot of good things here. Clearly someone dedicated to recovery. What he misses is that the need for spirituality is not a requirement for contentment or happiness. One of the real keys is brought up around 6-7 minutes in - when we help people we feel a sense of happiness. When we do things not only for ourselves, but for others, we feel connection. It is our nature to support one another. This is not just a spiritual idea - it makes sense from the point of view of evolutionary psychology. Working together helps us all survive. Being part of a group increases our sense of security and decreases our stress. Dissatisfaction is also part of our nature. If our ancestors picked a nut off the tree and felt like their job was done, we probably wouldn't have survived very long. What was useful for our ancestors, and necessary for our survival, is now a tool used by marketing machines. This is why depression is growing far more quickly in wealthy countries - having more does not mean being happier.

I’m day 8 of fentanyl withdrawal...there’s no words for what I’m goin thru. I’m not an addict. I don’t need it, don’t think about it. I was given fentanyl by my gp to help pain. I recently found out the doses I was on was twice what I should be on. I could stop breathing any day. So 8 days ago I quit all fentanyl. Yes I feel like I’m dying. The withdrawal is so so painful and never felt so alone in what I’m going through

Just finished your book and loved every page of it. Thanks for giving away what you have in order to keep it!

Human Condition in Motion....that sounds like the best description of addiction

Opium is a pain giver not painkiller. Respect to Russel for finding the strength to beat it I wish I was informed off it’s true nature.

Thank you MR Brand .we are all mental .Some of us admit it.We are beautiful.

Great interview. Finding the questions and deep well thought out answers very engrossing to listen too. Fascinating human . Well done on getting clean and helping others .

Thanks for this Russell, currently battling many of the "dark arts" (as Theo Von would say) and hearing you speak about your struggles really helps. Keep up the good work brother, very inspirational!

I love you Russell Brand!! You are an amazing human becoming

To recover one's self, yes, that verbalises my desire. Recover, discover, be my own lover.

Thank you Russell, bless you- gotta try to save this for inspiration and tools esp on bad, bad, days. I feel too old now to volunteer and that now, people with problems won't take me seriously- can't explain. I did volunteer work all my younger days and I can't express how fulfilling it was and the debt I owe to everybody I helped- being "old" has become my latest horror- self loathing. Hugs, Miss Golightly

Notice the difference in body language between Russel and Brad. Respects to both perspective. This is a conversation between someone very much in the matrix (Brad) trying to understand someone who has broken out of it (Russel). Brilliant!

Nice of you to share openly. Full recovery is a long road that ends with understanding the Sun, or, standing under, the Sun. Happy trails, mate.

I can’t think my way into good actions ,but I can ACT my way into good thinking !

Thank you for promoting the 12 steps program. Change is possible. I feel happy to see your growth and self development. Thank you for being you. Love love love

I love this man

I'm glad that Russell is so open and honest about real causes of addiction and harm to self, like child abuse or divorce or mental illness etc., because it's so brushed-over these days even though we know it's happening and real. -Of course people don't need to shout out their personal lives to the world, but when are we gonna be comfortable as a society to say "yes, I was abused as a child", or "yes, I became addicted to avoid my pain"??