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.

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

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

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!

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

"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.

"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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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 :*

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. 🙏🙏

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 ❤️

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

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!!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Thank you Russel. Keep shining light. Stay Free

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.

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.

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

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 UKposts God bless :)

Doing the ''STEPS'' is like training to become a JEDI Be a JEDI!! Recovery is worth 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 aspire to seek a deeper perspective on life the way Russell has - got to keep going on that journey

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.

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.

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

You give me hope Rus! Keep on keeping on.

Courage, bravery, amazing spirit!

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

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!!!!!

Thanks for sharing, Russell. It's wonderful to see you and hear you. You do much good with your programs.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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! 🙌✌🙋

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

I am addicted to these under the skin podcasts ! Thank you love it.

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.

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

This is such an amazing talk all the way through. Great conversation for people contemplating consciousness and recovery!

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.

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...... Thank you for all you do!

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

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

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

Thanks for your humble words of wisdom! Congrats on your ascension! Thank you for sharing!!!

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. ❤️❤️

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 .

This was so wonderful, thank you. I think your book and your inspiration will help a lot of people.

Well done...I'm glad to see you as well as hear you...my adhd loves the method. Audio had been a challenge. Thanks for the valuable conversation with video so I can stay with you.

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

Love you Russel I'm so glad you are doing this book it needs to be out their

Thanks for this wonderful philosophical chat.

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

Love you Russell,I believe in our future with people like yourself and so many others who are waking up and seeing a different Way is possible.More LOVE

Thanks for this. WE NEED MORE OF THIS!!!👏👏👏 buying the bk

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.

Excellent community service! Uplifting and inspirational!

Loved every bit of this interview Russell. Thank you. Really looking forward to reading your book. I know you get hundreds and thousands of messages every day. Someone i know has been suffering from depression because of childhood experiences for a really long time now. He really looks up to you. As naive as this request may sound - but hey, sometimes you just gotta take the plunge right - if there is any way i could get you to reach out to him.... Naive i know but worth a shot

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

You are basically already my sponsor coz if I have a challenge, what I do is search a video of yours and somehow which ever one I pick in that moment, helps me deal with what I am facing at that time. 👐 Your words take me beyond all my challenges 🙌 Viva le Russell Brand and my connection to you.

Thank you for keeping it REAL

So excited about coming to the launch next week!

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

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.

This new Russell brand is an inspiration I haven't read his book yet but I'm going to very soon! And Russell if you should read this comment thank you for your story it has opened my eyes to everything I've done wrong in my eternal battle within and has helped me push the boundaries of addiction and overcoming it

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

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 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.

Love your honesty Russell, your words are well chosen

Bloody awesome interview 🙏🙏

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 loved this! Eye opening

Thank you for acknowledging this notion of really having to do the work on a very conscious level to see relationships and people in a different way. I have an incredibly addictive personality and I am highly impulsive. I thought I was just having a good time, I thought it was innocent, drinking too much and smoking pot and having one night stands. It's taken me almost a whole year of being sober to realise how much I was using my addictions to cover up so much. Dealing with these issues, without the aid of a substance, is incredibly challenging! But it's challenging in an amazing and beautiful way, shedding layers and layers of toxic behaviors to uncover the bright shiny crystal within :) I feel like I have to put in far more effort than the average person just to hold onto sanity and function in life, every interaction with another human requires deep thought and introspection whilst remaining present and listening to a voice outside of yourself.

Half way through your book - excellent - thank you!

I think most of us have some sort if addiction to different levels. His conversation makes a lot of sense. I have been in therapy for a year now and I can see a big difference in my life. One of my good friends is going through rehab and I started to listen to podcast not knowing I was gonna find interesting points😃🙌💖

Beautiful Russell, “ all one garment” ~thank you

Russ, u ROCKED MY SPIRIT IN THIS VIDEO, UR DOING GREAT! #ROLEMODELROCKSTAR 🤘🖤🌙