Episode 7: Andrew Irving on Childhood Alcohol Addiction and Overcoming the Challenges of a Rockstar Career Path.
In this powerful episode of Shit My Dad Taught Me, musician Andrew Irving shares his raw and emotional journey through addiction, redemption, and self-discovery. As an adopted child, Andrew struggled with identity and belonging, which contributed to his early battles with drugs and alcohol. He opens up about the life-changing moment when his son gave him an ultimatum, how music became his saving grace, and the lessons he learned from his grandmother and father. From his early days in church performances to touring the world as a musician, Andrew reflects on the highs and lows of his career and the personal growth that shaped him. This episode is filled with deep insights, hard truths, and inspiring messages about resilience, family, and finding purpose.
Topics Discussed in This Episode:
How addiction nearly cost Andrew his family—and how he turned his life around
The moment his son told him to stop drinking or lose him forever
The lessons grandmother taught him about resilience and grace
His journey from church performances to international music tours
Why music became his purpose and how he uses it to help others
The emotional struggles of being adopted and how it shaped his life
The importance of leading with grace and pushing past self-doubt