Meet Jake Fraczek of Damaged Goods Podcast

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Fraczek.

Jake, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
“Jake The Snake” is what I was nicknamed when I was younger. It stuck, even into my independent musical career, where I would formally take on the moniker “Jake The Snake” or “J The S” for short. Before that though, I grew up on the Island of Nevis & St Kitts, in The West Indies. My father owned a nightclub/music venue with a bar.

Eventually, we moved to the states, to Massachusettes, where my family was all from.

Moving to Boston as a teen, I got into music. I had already been unsuccessfully attempting breakdancing & graffiti since I was much younger, but rapping came more naturally since I always was a strong writer. I had a good run as an independent hip hop artist and as well with my band, Blue Gold, traveling the country playing shows, releasing projects, doing press, radio, etc.

The time spent dealing with everything BUT music in the music industry soured my artistic drive to want to participate in that realm any longer professionally. Upon moving to LA, I began my podcast. I have gone through some dark periods in my life, maybe some of the darkest being the most recent. It sharpened my dark sense of humor and ability to use humor to not only lighten my mood and deal with the shit life hands you but to also comfort myself and others who have had some rough patches.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The streets aren’t made of gold, and you gotta pay the tolls to pave the road. Some things I can’t share. At least not yet. I was certainly exposed to things at an early age many people never see. That set me up for much of the life I would experience later on. This is always a tricky question to answer because I would never want to come off like I am throwing myself or my family under the bus, and am extremely grateful and lucky for everything that people in my life have done for me. But, just like many families, mine has its issues. Substance abuse, fidelity, infighting, those things sustain.

In my younger days in Boston I lived a wild life by most peoples standards, but to us, it just seemed normal at the time. I can look back now and say firmly that it was not. My podcast and the inspiration for my book were partially inspired by some horrible breakups and heartache stemming from a love triangle from hell. Much of what I had done in my life finally caught up and seeped into my conscience and became overwhelming to a point where I made significant changes to my life and outlook.

Damaged Goods Podcast – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Damaged Goods is my weekly podcast with guests from various areas in the arts, and while we laugh at the rough parts and share wild and unique stories & perspectives, we also touch on certain events or moments in the guest’s life that may have left them a little damaged, and that may have affected their profession and life in a significant manner.

I am currently finishing my first book that exemplifies that dark humor. I was one semester away from a Master’s Degree in Psychoanalysis but that didn’t pan out. Life’s favorite pitch is a curveball. So, this is where I get to exercise my skills from that field.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think that definition changes for a person through the course of their life, but for me currently, it would mean the more consistent happiness. Happiness though is not something you obtain once you have got the big job, married, make the big money, get the girl, whatever. It’s a state of mind, one that yo often come and go from.

You will always face adversity and ups & downs, but doing things I love, creating things that leave me gratified and that make the people I love feel good keeps me in that state of mind. Taking chances on my passions with no regrets. And laughing. I try to laugh as much as fucking possible these days.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.damagedgoodspodcast.com/
• Email: jake@damagedgoodspodcast.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jthes/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/damagedgoodspodcast/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jthes
• Yelp: 1982
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/damagedgoodspodcast

Image Credit:
Adam Amengual

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.