80. Surviving Tokyo: Addiction, Trauma, and a Live Earthquake with David Deane Haskell

"I ended up hospitalized. I was almost dead about eight years ago". Moving abroad is often sold as an escape, but what happens when you bring your demons with you?In Episode 80, I'm sitting down with American drummer David Deane Haskell, who moved to Tokyo to play for Disney and stayed for over two decades. Beyond the pristine image of Japan lies a grueling story of survival. David confronts the 24/7 availability of alcohol that fueled his downward spiral, the devastating reality of codependency, and the intense inner-child trauma he had to face to reclaim his life.Note: This conversation features unedited, real-time audio of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake striking Chiba, Japan during the recording. [Chapter Breakdown]00:00 - The Cold Open01:50 - A Mysterious Fall and a Canceled Flight04:30 - From Boston to Playing Drums at Tokyo Disney16:25 - The 24/7 Alcohol Culture & The Spiral23:00 - Hitting Rock Bottom: "I Was Almost Dead"29:10 - The Truth About Codependency30:30 - Confronting Childhood Trauma56:45 - The Darker Edge of Anti-Foreigner Sentiment01:14:00 - LIVE: 5.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes01:16:15 - Why Japan is Still Home