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April 24, 2023 42 mins

Mayra Dias Gomes is a bestselling author, journalist, TV host, wrestler, model, and Matt’s neighbor. She shares her struggles with mental health and alcoholism and how becoming sober improved her life.

On this episode, Mayra talks to Matt about:

  • Growing up in Brazil and being a “rock kid” at school
  • How the tragic loss of her father made her so rebellious she eventually got kicked out of school
  • Writing bestselling books as a teenager inspired by her life experiences
  • Moving to Hollywood at 21 and breaking into music journalism in the US
  • Suffering from panic attacks made worse by drinking
  • The many ways quitting drinking improved her mental and physical health
  • Moving to Vegas to go to wrestling school and becoming a pro wrestler for the NWA after meeting Billy Corgan
  • And More

 

This episode is sponsored by The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers – one of the oldest residential drug and alcohol rehab programs. ARC is a non-profit and was hit hard financially as a result of COVID. For more information, and to donate or sign up for their quarterly newsletter, visit thechanceto.org.

About Mayra Dias Gomes

Mayra Dias Gomes is a Brazilian writer, journalist, wrestler, actress, and model. She has written bestselling books including Fugalaça and Mil e Uma Noites de Silêncio and reported for Rolling Stone, VH1, MTV, Hollywood Reporter, and more. As a trained wrestler, she plays May Valentine in the NWA and models for magazines including Playboy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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