'Found a lot of peace': Oliver Anthony shares life-changing journey of faith with Joe Rogan on 'JRE' podcast
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Viral Musician Oliver Anthony opened up about the profound impact of faith on his life during a recent interview on the widely popular Joe Rogan podcast.
In a candid conversation, Anthony shared his personal journey, which took a transformative turn shortly before gaining fame for his hit song "Rich Men North of Richmond."
Oliver Anthony finds transformation through faith and wisdom
The singer explained to Rogan that his life took a remarkable shift when he made a heartfelt commitment to his faith, dedicating himself to God.
This spiritual awakening, which occurred just one month before his song became a sensation, brought about significant changes in his life.
During the interview, Anthony said "I’m telling you, again… I’m not anybody special, and I’m certainly not here to preach to anybody… but coming from somebody who was just in a really f***ed up place, and I used that word with discretion, but it just describes where I was," Anthony told Rogan. "That guy found a lot of peace from [the Bible]."
Oliver Anthony's viral sensation, "Rich Men North of Richmond," has risen to the top of music charts, resonating deeply with Americans across the country.
The song's poignant lyrics touch on the challenges faced by the working class, who often feel marginalized and overlooked by politicians in Washington, regardless of their party affiliations.
Virginia native recently shared the deeply personal details of his mental health struggles in an interview with podcast host Joe Rogan.
Anthony disclosed that he battled anxiety and depression, in addition to experiencing shooting pains in his jaw and throughout his body. These debilitating physical and emotional challenges led him to a point where he believed suicide was the only escape.
"I just felt hopeless, like almost the way a child feels hopeless when you can’t find your parent or something. Like a 4-year-old who can’t find his parents, I didn’t have anything left in me," he said.
"I just decided right then and there, I know I can’t do this anymore, but I know there are things I need to do," he added.
"I just told God, let me do it and I’ll give all this s--- up. I’ll give up the weed, and I’ll quit getting drunk, and I’ll quit being so angry about things… and I’ll start over again and make Him the focus and not me," he continued.
Joe Rogan criticizes billionaires in support of Oliver Anthony
In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, viral musician Oliver Anthony, known by his real name Christopher Lunsford, shared how a profound transformation in his life was sparked by his faith and a passage from the Bible.
Lunsford, who gained fame for his song "Rich Men North of Richmond," described how his decision to embrace faith and turn his life around was motivated by a desire to focus on what truly mattered.
Lunsford emphasized the universality of human experiences, acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and faces challenges.
He underscored the idea that no one is inherently special or righteous and that all individuals serve some "master," whether they are aware of it or not. For him, this "Master" is a higher power.
"We all sin, and we all do stupid things; we’re all just people. Nobody’s special or righteous," he said. "People sometimes act like they’re special and righteous, but we’re all just the same thing… We all serve some master whether we realize it or not, so why not let it be the Master that is above all."
"And I’ll be very brief with this, I promise, but ironically, it’s Proverbs 4:20, which I thought you would like … ‘My son, pay attention to what I say, turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight. Keep them within your heart, for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body."
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it," he continued reading. "Keep your mouth free from perversity, keep corrupt talk from your lips, let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you, give careful thoughts to the paths for your feet, and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left, keep your foot from evil."
"That’s pretty f---ing profound," Rogan said in response. Anthony described Proverbs as "not preachy," but "good guidance that you would want a father to give to his son."
During the interview, Rogan also mocked liberal billionaires who criticize Anthony's music.