In a riveting episode of the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, comedian Craig Gass engages in a heartfelt conversation with Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael. During the discussion, Kael shares a traumatic experience from his childhood involving a severe head injury that required him to wear a protective helmet to school for several months. This incident not only left a physical scar but also played a pivotal role in shaping his character and resilience throughout his life.

Today, Chris Kael exudes a sense of confidence that is both inspiring and relatable, as he openly discusses his experiences with therapy and mental health. This dynamic self-assurance is often seen as essential for anyone aspiring to join a rock powerhouse like Five Finger Death Punch. His journey reflects how a frightening childhood event, coupled with insightful guidance from his mother, has profoundly impacted his outlook on life.

As a young child, Kael vividly remembers being outside, captivated by his father mowing the lawn, while his mother tended to his younger sister. In a shocking twist of fate, a rock ejected from the lawnmower struck him in the forehead, leading to a cracked skull. He shares, “A rock shoots outside the side of the lawnmower — boom,” while gesturing to the visible scar on his forehead that serves as a reminder of that fateful day.

Upon impact, Kael recalls the moment vividly. “When the rock hit me, my dad said I stumbled back, chuckled for a second, and then saw the blood pouring down my face [screams],” he remembers. Overcome by shock, he instinctively ran around the house twice before finally making his way inside. The memory of his mother’s expression as he entered the house, bloodied and injured, remains etched in his mind.

“Imagine your four or five-year-old son coming in with a gaping head wound while you’re changing your two-year-old daughter,” he illustrates, emphasizing the chaos of that moment.

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It was through therapy that Kael was able to revisit this significant event in his life. “There was a point where I could have gone either way, and my mom said something that really resonated with me and changed my perspective on my circumstances,” he reflects. The experience of wearing a helmet to school could have easily led to feelings of insecurity and inadequacy.

However, his mother reframed the situation positively when she said, “How cool are you that you’re the one kid who gets to wear a motorcycle helmet to school?” This shift in perspective allowed Kael to view his experience not as a burden but as something uniquely special.

He proudly recalls being the kid who got to wear a bright orange motorcycle helmet, which undoubtedly shaped his charm and personality, encouraging him to connect with others. This formative experience laid the groundwork for his social skills and charisma, demonstrating how adversity can foster resilience and personal growth.

This narrative is just one of many candid stories shared on the Beardo and Weirdo podcast, which aims to inspire listeners to reframe their perspectives regarding their own challenging life experiences.

In another segment of the episode, Gass showcases a powerful video from a Five Finger Death Punch concert, highlighting lead singer Ivan Moody’s zero-tolerance policy for harassment against fans, particularly women. “The next guy that I see rip a girl’s shirt off, I will personally kick your fucking ass myself,” Moody proclaimed with conviction on stage. Kael comments, “That’s the father in Ivan coming out right there,” as Gass expresses his admiration for Moody’s protective measures during live performances.

Watch the full clip below!

Discover the Engaging Content of the Beardo and Weirdo Podcast

The Beardo and Weirdo podcast features the comedic talents of Craig Gass and Five Finger Death Punch bassist Chris Kael, who are both passionate about rock and metal music. Together, they share laughter and personal anecdotes that delve into serious themes, including addiction and recovery, providing listeners with both entertainment and insight.

New episodes are released every Thursday, offering fresh perspectives and engaging discussions each week.

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