Ron 
When my father passed away, he left behind more than just a lack of material possessions or financial inheritance. What I felt most acutely was an emptiness that went deeper—a void in understanding who I was, where I came from, and how I fit into the world. This absence left me feeling lost and unprepared, …
Read moreSharing Pieces of Myself: Writing A Legacy for My Son
In an era where immediate access to support is more crucial than ever, suicide hotlines stand as lifelines for countless individuals in distress. These hotlines are designed to offer a crucial safety net, providing immediate access to trained counselors who can offer emotional support, guidance, and resources during moments of crisis. Yet, for some individuals …
Breaking the Stigma: A New Perspective on Strip Clubs In a world increasingly conscious of social justice, equality, and mental health, there remains one domain where stigmatization is rampant and rarely questioned: strip clubs. Often portrayed through a lens of moral judgment or sensationalism, strip clubs are frequently misunderstood and unfairly vilified. To break these …
Read moreBreaking the Stigma: A New Perspective on Strip Clubs
In moments of reflection, I often find myself contemplating the nature of my journey and the forces that have guided me along the way. Recently, I’ve come to realize that my path has been shaped not just by my own choices, but by a higher power’s gentle nudge, urging me to share my stories with …
Read moreAnswering the Call: Embracing A Higher Power’s Invitation to Share My Stories
Let’s talk about one of the less glamorous but crucial aspects of nightlife: tipping. Whether you’re a guest enjoying a night out or a staff member working behind the scenes, understanding the etiquette of tipping can make a big difference in creating a smooth, respectful experience. Here’s a look at tipping practices and expectations from …
Read moreThe Etiquette of Tipping: Best Practices for Guests and Staff in Nightlife Venues
Living with ADHD, particularly the inattentive type, can be a complex and often misunderstood experience, especially when combined with high intelligence or giftedness. The juxtaposition of having a sharp mind yet struggling with focus and organization presents unique challenges. But within these challenges lie opportunities for growth, self-compassion, and acceptance. This article aims to shed …
Read moreLiving with Gifted Inattentive ADHD: Embracing the Journey
There are countless reasons why people choose to write. For me, writing has become more than just a creative outlet; it’s a sanctuary for healing, a path to redemption, and a means to make sense of my own journey. My life has been a rollercoaster, filled with highs and lows, triumphs and setbacks. Through it …
Nightclubs are buzzing hubs of activity where excitement and conflict can collide. Effective de-escalation is crucial, especially when dealing with intoxicated patrons. Here’s a comprehensive guide on managing conflict and keeping the peace in the high-pressure nightlife setting. 1. Stay Calm and Centered 2. Use Active Listening 3. Maintain Open Body Language 4. Establish Common …
Read moreThe Art of De-Escalation: Handling Difficult Situations in a Nightclub Environment
The hospitality industry is a world of its own, filled with behind-the-scenes actions and unspoken rules that can make a huge difference in the guest experience. As someone who has navigated the highs and lows of this dynamic field, I’ve gathered some insider tips and insights that could reshape how you view your next stay, …
Read moreSecrets of the Trade: What Hospitality Professionals Wish Guests Knew
Generational trauma is like a heavy cloak that gets passed down through the years, enveloping each new generation in its shadows. It’s the echo of pain and suffering that doesn’t just disappear with time but instead lingers, often manifesting in ways we might not fully understand. It can be found in patterns of behavior, in …
Read moreBreaking the Chains: The Power of Speaking Up Against Generational Trauma
The strip club industry, often painted with a brush of glamour and allure, hides a darker, less visible side that frequently goes unaddressed. Behind the flashing lights and pulsating music lies a reality that many are reluctant to discuss: the mental health and addiction issues faced by those working within this high-pressure environment. It is …
Even now, as I lie here in the quiet darkness, the echoes of that childhood nightmare still haunt me. The vivid memories of that suffocating dread in my grandmother’s backyard come rushing back with an unsettling clarity. The kiddie pool—meant to be a symbol of innocent play—transformed into an arena of despair. The garden hose …
Suicide remains one of the most taboo and misunderstood topics in mental health discourse. Despite increasing awareness about mental health issues, suicide still carries a heavy stigma that exacerbates the suffering of those in distress and impedes open discussions about prevention and support. To address this issue effectively, we must confront the stigmas surrounding suicide …
Read moreThe Stigmas Surrounding Suicide: Breaking the Silence
Working in a strip club offers a unique lens into an often misunderstood world. Beyond the glitz and glamour, the job involves navigating complex human dynamics and confronting personal challenges. As a bouncer, DJ, or server, your role goes beyond the surface. You manage not just the physical space but also the intricate interactions between …
Read moreThe Realities of Working in a Strip Club: An Unfiltered Perspective
In the haze of addiction, finding a voice often feels like a distant dream. The chaos and numbness of substance abuse can drown out any sense of identity or self-expression. For me, that struggle was all too real—my life as a former strip club bouncer and drug addict was filled with contradictions and confusion. But …
Addiction is a profound and isolating illness. Its solitude begins in the throes of addiction itself, where the world narrows to the single pursuit of the next fix. In those moments, reaching out feels impossible; the very nature of addiction demands secrecy and deception. It wraps you in a cloak of shame and denial that …
Growing up, I was the epitome of a good kid—bright, responsible, and unremarkable in the sense that I never stirred the waters. My grades were consistently above average, and I steered clear of trouble with an almost obsessive caution. High school passed in a haze of straight A’s, extracurricular activities, and a rigidly conservative lifestyle. …
Memoir writing is a unique genre that straddles the line between autobiography and storytelling. It’s not just about documenting events from your life but also about creating a compelling narrative that resonates with readers. Balancing truth and fiction in memoir writing is both an art and a craft. Here’s how to navigate this delicate balance …
Life on the edge of addiction and the strip club scene is a dramatic, often harrowing existence—one where the glitter and glamour frequently overshadow the profound struggles faced by those working within this high-stakes environment. My journey through this turbulent world has been a profound testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the …
Cocaine addiction is a beast that often hides in plain sight, preying on those who may seem outwardly successful, energetic, and in control. As someone who has faced the relentless grip of cocaine addiction firsthand, I want to shed light on this insidious affliction, not just to inform but to offer hope and understanding to …
Read moreCocaine Addiction: Confronting, Understanding and Overcoming
This week, my friend and colleague Taylor and I had lunch. She said, “Ron, you seem ‘lighter’ today, like you’re not as ‘heavy’ in your presence.” I laughed because it felt great to hear that someone noticed. Last week, Carson Daly opened up about his struggles with mental health on the Today show. It felt …
Desperate for solace that eludes me, I lie awake, the ceaseless churn of my thoughts making sleep a distant dream. I toss and turn, shifting from my left side to my right, seeking comfort that never quite materializes. Beneath the covers, my Boston Terrier, Kelvin, curls against my calves, his head resting on my knees. …
My brain relaxed for the first time today. I smoked an hour ago. The house is quiet and everyone’s asleep. For the past several hours I’ve been in a groove, sitting at my desk, rewriting portions of my memoir. In the middle of my writing I felt like I was in a fog, and it …
I sit in my chair, 7 miles above the Earth, soaring through the troposphere at 557 miles per hour. I can’t help but laugh. This is how I’ve lived my entire adult life—at full throttle, high and fast. Since childhood, I’ve carried a deep-seated conviction that I’d meet my end at 36. Despite being a …