“I had to do a 180. I had to completely turn my back on what was. And I still have to kill that little monster every day.” Jelly Roll
We often say, "It's never too late to Pivot." and the epitome of that saying is the journey of Grammy Award Artist and Nashville Native, Jelly Roll, who's pure existence is an inspiration in every way. Opening up on his powerful path from a turbulent past, marked by addiction, incarceration, and emotional struggles to becoming one of the most celebrated and popular figures in music today, Jason DeFord widely known as Jelly Roll, sheds light on the darkness that has helped him rise to stardom.
Ryan, Channing and Fred visit Jelly Roll at his Tennessee farm for a conversation rooted in friendship and acceptance as Jelly shares a message of hope, redemption and healing just as the lyrics of his music resonate with so many, especially those facing hardship.
Together the guys explore Jelly's troubled past, from 15 years of criminal activity to being in jail while his daughter was born, to battling demons to overcoming addiction to the importance of love and healing in personal transformation. He admits he’s not proud of who he was, but those dark times shaped the man he’s become today.
Transparent about his relationship with his wife Bunnie XO, Jelly opens up about the shame they both feel through their past habits and history before committing to one another and elevating each other through forgiveness and fostering a life of harmony and peace.
Faith plays a big role in Jelly Roll’s journey, but he keeps it real. “I talk to God like I talk to everybody. I might even cuss when I pray.” Now, as a husband and father, he talks about his fears of losing the stability he’s built, the impact of therapy on his mental health, and why it was important for his daughter to see him be vulnerable so she could feel safe doing the same.
Choosing to be public about his past, Jelly Roll never expected to be accepted by country music, but from Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton, the legends welcomed him as he transcended culture, he speaks on how Eminem inspired him long before they collaborated and how he now sees his music as a way to heal others while still healing himself.
Jelly Roll’s purpose goes beyond entertainment. He stood in front of the U.S. Senate to address the fentanyl crisis, spoken out about addiction’s impact on families, and dedicated himself to helping at-risk youth. His weight loss journey, his struggles with food addiction, and his fight to replace destructive habits all reflect a man constantly evolving, always trying to be the best version of himself.
This pivotal conversation is proof that no one is beyond saving and through Jelly Roll's vulnerability, his story isn’t just about overcoming the past it’s about embracing purpose, healing, and using pain to inspire others. Keep pushing through, the best is yet to come. Follow us on your favorite audio platform for more stories like this.
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