Explore every episode of the podcast The Vic Mensa Show

Vic kicks off the series with the one person who's known him longest, Chance the Rapper, his brother since they were 13. They get into everything: their mentor Brother Mike and the YOUmedia scene that raised half of Chicago's greats, the making of "Cocoa Butter Kisses" (and the “trip” that fueled it), the falling out neither of them ever fully talked about, and the road back to real brotherhood. (00:00) Welcome to The Vic Mensa Show (03:31) Two 14-year-olds at an open mic (08:48) The first studio session (18:47) Brother Mike put the battery in our backs (24:20) A million dollars to Chicago public schools (31:15) Old photos, weed money and a duct-taped gun (43:36) How "Cocoa Butter Kisses" got made (51:06) The falling out (01:07:55) Ghana, Nkrumah and the birth of Star Line (01:23:59) The season of Job (01:35:15) No more old men (01:41:53) Vic converts Chance to Islam

To honor five years of sobriety, Vic sits down with licensed therapist Kier Gaines for a conversation on how we heal. Vic and Kier explore the addiction, the shame that fed it, and the therapy, faith, and meditation that pulled him out. From there, the two of them talk about fatherhood, about choosing joy on a hard day, and about why the work doesn't stop at five years. Kier's new book, It All Starts When You Do, is out now. 📱 Follow @vicmensa · @kiergaines 🎤 Guest: Kier Gaines This episode touches on mental health and addiction. If you're struggling, you're not alone. In the US, call or text 988 anytime, or reach SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. (00:00) Five years sober: the cold open and where it started (14:00) Kindergarten, labels and the school-to-prison pipeline (23:19) Anxiety, shame and the lowest point (39:25) Joy, gratitude and the therapist who showed up (53:04) Meditation, the 12 steps and staying present (01:05:12) Toxic positivity, affirmations and the books that rebuild you (01:22:11) When politics strains the people you love (01:32:16) Fatherhood, weather vs. climate and learning to say no (01:46:06) Choosing joy and diversifying your pillars (01:55:30) "It All Starts When You Do": Kier's book, self-love and neutrality