Andrew Williams shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Andrew, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
The first 90 minutes of my day are pretty structured now, which is a big change from how things used to be. I wake up, make my bed, and spend some time in quiet reflection and gratitude. I check my phone for any urgent messages, but I try to avoid getting sucked into social media right away. Then, I usually watch a 20-30 minute motivational video or listen to a podcast related to recovery or personal growth. After that, I make breakfast and get dressed for the day. It’s a routine that helps me start the day grounded and focused on my goals, especially my commitment to sobriety and helping others.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Andrew, and I’m an artist and entrepreneur who’s been through a lot in my life. I’ve faced health challenges since childhood, struggled with mental health and addiction, and made some mistakes that led to legal troubles. But I’m also a survivor. I found an outlet in music production, creating a “cinematic hip-hop” style that reflects my experiences – the pain, the resilience, and the hope. I’ve released a new song called “Sober Living Pain” by CloudRipper. I recently was selected to be apart of Alive Shoes, and will be designing shoes that are 100 percent Italian handmade. I also have my own company, Lightning Productions, which I initially started as a non-profit to raise money for a friend’s heart transplant. Now, it’s an LLC, and I plan to use it to support other artists and music production. What makes my story unique, I think, is my journey through adversity and my commitment to using my experiences to help others. In 2025, I went through a 60-day treatment program at Holland Pathways and embraced sobriety. Now, I’m living in sober living in Wichita, Kansas, and I’m determined to become a pillar in the recovery community. I want people to know that no matter what they’ve been through, recovery is possible, and they’re not alone.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful comes from when I was six years old and was diagnosed with SMA Syndrome, a rare, life-threatening illness. I spent months in the hospital, starting in October and staying until January, and I was on an IV all the way through May. Facing that challenge at such a young age was intense; I remember how everything changed, the uncertainty, and how much I had to fight just to get through each day. The experience made me realize I had more strength within me than I ever could have imagined. Surviving that and eventually regaining my health left me with a sense of resilience that has shaped how I approach every obstacle since. That period stands out as my earliest memory of real power, not in the traditional sense, but in the ability to endure, persist, and come out stronger on the other side.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been many times, honestly. My life has been a series of challenges, from dealing with SMA Syndrome as a child to the mental health struggles and legal issues I’ve faced as an adult. The abusive relationship with Randi was a particularly dark period. I was physically and emotionally broken, and I even attempted suicide twice. But I think the lowest point was probably in 2025, before I went to Holland Pathways. I had lost everything – my home, my job, and I was facing serious jail time. I felt completely hopeless. But something inside me, a tiny spark of resilience, refused to let me give up completely. That’s what pushed me to seek help, to go to treatment. And now, looking back, I’m so grateful I didn’t give up. I’m living proof that even when things seem impossible, there’s always hope for a new beginning.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m completely committed to becoming a pillar in the recovery community. It’s more than just a project; it’s a belief that people can change, that they can overcome even the most difficult circumstances. I know this firsthand. I’ve been through addiction, legal troubles, mental health struggles, and even an abusive relationship. There were times I honestly didn’t think I’d make it. But in 2025, after hitting rock bottom and facing a potential four-year sentence for child support delinquency, I made the decision to go to Holland Pathways in Wichita. That 60-day program changed my life. I’m now living in sober living, employed, and completely focused on staying sober and helping others find their way. I want to show people that recovery is possible, no matter how far down they’ve gone. It might take years, but I’m in this for the long haul.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
That’s a really profound question. For a long time, I think I was doing what I felt forced to do, or maybe what I thought I should be doing. There were expectations, both from my family and from myself, that didn’t quite align with who I truly am. I bounced around a lot of jobs – from manual labor at Bennett Packaging to managing at 54th Street, even serving at Texas Roadhouse and Jose Peppers. None of those felt like me. But then I found music. Making beats, creating something from nothing, that felt like a calling. Even through the darkest times, like when I was in an abusive relationship with Randi or facing legal troubles, music was my escape, my way of processing everything. Now, after going through treatment at Holland Pathways in 2025 and embracing sobriety, I feel like I’m finally on the path I was meant to be on. I want to use my experiences, the good and the bad, to help others in the recovery community. That’s what I feel born to do – to create music that connects with people and to be a symbol of hope for those who are struggling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/lightningproductions
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogcloudripper/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-williams-6505aa229/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ogcloudripper
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightningproductionsllc/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPRwxIlnQ37DQaAFssjtxyw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cloudripper-music
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5XReDXzoAsueq1jECtDTv6
Image Credits
Andrew Williams
