Normal Friday programming today, some real-world challenges submitted by listeners. 1. A father reflects on losing his cool with his kids in a chaotic Costco moment and seeks advice on managing stress and anger under pressure. 2. A jiu-jitsu practitioner questions his skill level and gym promotion practices—wondering if he's ahead of the curve or just a product of attendance-based promotions. 3. A young federal law enforcement officer opens up about the mental toll of confronting humanity's worst while grappling with the decision to start a family.

Chris Skates is a man whose life journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of storytelling. Starting as a coal plant worker for 30 years, Chris harbored a dream of becoming a writer, keeping a journal of short stories since the 1980s. His persistence paid off when he published a heartfelt story about his grandfather in 2000, leading to over 200 published pieces and a career that took him from the coal mines to the corridors of political power. Chris shares how he wrote his way out of the plant to become an advisor and speechwriter for Governor Matt Bevin of Kentucky, and eventually penned speeches and tweets for President Donald Trump. But his journey took a harrowing turn in 2020 when he collapsed on a D.C. sidewalk and was diagnosed with the deadliest form of leukemia. Defying medical odds, Chris not only survived but was dubbed "the toughest SOB" by his oncologist at Johns Hopkins. Chris shares the inspiration behind his latest book, Moonshine Over Georgia, a riveting account of his grandfather's fight against the deadly moonshine epidemic during and after Prohibition. Armed with unparalleled courage and tracking skills, his grandfather was a legendary Revenue Agent who, according to a 93-year-old moonshiner he once arrested, "shut down the whiskey business pretty much by himself." Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/

We return to our Andy Vs. Michael series, but first, we open with a discussion on the ginger's first trip outside of the United States, and his unwillingness to hit on any Italian women. We (mostly me) have decided to solicit for help from the audience, please submit any and all suggestions for Michael's companion here: sheltonm204@gmail.com The remainder of our episode was the traditional A V M format, discussing some politics, current events, social commentary, and just general jackassery. Enjoy Check out the newest Cleared Hot Gear here: https://shop.clearedhotpodcast.com/