Isaac Fitzgerald’s Family Story of Substance Use, Violence, Mental Illness, and, Ultimately, Love

Content Warning: This episode discusses suicide, self harm, substance abuse, and violence. You may have seen Isaac Fitzgerald in one of his frequent appearances on The Today Show, cheerfully sharing his latest enthusiastic recommendations for books. And the acclaimed author of the memoirs Dirtbag, Massachusetts and the forthcoming American Rambler really is a cheerful person. But it’s a long way from a stormy childhood in Massachusetts marked by drugs and alcohol from the age of 12, violent conflict between Isaac and his parents, and mental health struggles that ultimately led to his mother’s suicide. Through it all, however, Isaac was guided by a few pillars to lean on: the genuine love his parents had for him and each other throughout their lives, a love of literature that was always a presence in Isaac’s life, and a sense of community and working together with others to build a better life. Isaac Fitzgerald joins us to talk about his long road to a better life.