I’m confident I can survive my newly diagnosed cognitive decline. Watching this Chicago #Cubs lineup every night, on the other hand…
I’ve survived cocaine addiction, HIV, diabetes and the 2003 Chicago Cubs. Public radio host. 5-time Edward R. Murrow award winner and the 2020 Colorado Media Person of the Year. Deadhead💀⚡️ My nonprofit helps people struggling with addiction: TheBFBF.org
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I’m confident I can survive my newly diagnosed cognitive decline. Watching this Chicago #Cubs lineup every night, on the other hand…
From the Greatest Hits collection…
From the Greatest Hits collection…
❤️🙏🏼
“Because of you, I started my sobriety journey.” “Your openness inspired me to get clean and stay clean.” These are just a few examples of the many incredible messages of support I’ve received since opening up about my recent health issues. This is all the medicine I need. Thank you. 🥹❤️
27 years ago, two years after the introduction of effective HIV treatment, the Bay Area Reporter, San Francisco’s lesbian and gay community newspaper, ran ‘No Obits’ as its headline. It was the first edition not to report an AIDS death in almost 15 years.
Two beautiful beings who I can count on to be there for me when I’m down and out, every single time. God only knows what I’d be without you.
My friends, you may have heard the news by now: I’ve been diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s taken some time, but I’m at peace with it. I’m gonna thread some background now, but first, since many of you have asked how you can help, a friend has organized this: gofund.me/c7d78380
I’m gonna focus on things that matter from here on out: I’m gonna finish the manuscript I’ve been working on for years (it’s already so good! I’m so proud of it), I’m gonna put out new episodes of Back From Broken soon, and I’m gonna hug friends, family and dogs every day. I love you guys. VV
I’ve lived the lives of 10 people. I’ve sat across from presidents and governors and entertainers and people from all walks of life. I’ve been in love and others have loved me. I’ve told stories that have made people smile and moved them to tears. I’ve been to places— Oh, the places I’ve been!
Besides, it’s a miracle that I’m even still alive! I’ve survived overdoses and nearly developed full-blown AIDS and once nearly fell into a diabetic coma. The last 10 years since I embraced sobriety and recovery from my crack cocaine addiction have been a bonus— Gravy. I’m so grateful for my life.
I’m doing ok, really. Maybe it’s because I’m already living with heavy duty health issues like HIV, diabetes and drug addiction (studies have tied drug abuse to dementia), but I’m not scared. I may have finally met my match, but I’m not gonna live in fear. I’m going to fucking live my life. Period.
Alzheimer’s runs in my family. Early-Onset Alzheimer’s is rare and can progress more quickly. But, aside from the symptoms I’ve mentioned, I’m not currently experiencing symptoms that would prevent me from living independently. In fact, if you were to sit with me, you may not even realize I’m sick.
Over the last couple of years and in recent months, I’ve gone through a battery of cognitive tests, bloodwork and brain imaging. A while back, I was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment, which can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s. Now, doctors say my symptoms have become consistent with it…
I pause conversations because my train of thought runs off the tracks… I struggle with simple instructions and often ask people to slow down because I’m slow to process information… I’ve always been moody and can be irritable, but those swings have become more pronounced of late; I’m easily agitated
I’ve had memory issues for as long as I can remember (Yes, this is a joke. They can take my mind, but not my wit!). But things have gotten worse of late. When I text a friend, I sometimes freeze because I can’t remember their name… I’ll forget the name of objects in front of me, like the TV remote…
My friends, you may have heard the news by now: I’ve been diagnosed with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease. It’s taken some time, but I’m at peace with it. I’m gonna thread some background now, but first, since many of you have asked how you can help, a friend has organized this: gofund.me/c7d78380
Pushin’ 50. Still got moves. Sorry, ladies— I’m gay. 😘
I used to hunt for coke at Dead shows. Now I hunt for Diet Coke. One show at a time. 😇✌🏼
35 years ago today, Elton John checked into rehab in Chicago for alcoholism, cocaine addiction and bulimia. This was a city rehab, no fancy place. Elton mopped floors. His sponsor was a garbage truck driver. He checked his ego and fame at the door. He’s been sober ever since. We can recover.
Elton’s recovery journey motivated me to get the help I needed. A few years ago, when the biopic “RocketMan” was released, I wrote this deeply personal essay on what Elton’s story meant to my own recovery from cocaine addiction. Thank you, Elton. You are my hero. www.cpr.org/2019/06/13/c...
35 years ago today, Elton John checked into rehab in Chicago for alcoholism, cocaine addiction and bulimia. This was a city rehab, no fancy place. Elton mopped floors. His sponsor was a garbage truck driver. He checked his ego and fame at the door. He’s been sober ever since. We can recover.
When I was a kid, from T-ball, on traveling little league teams and beyond, I wore number 23 and played second base because of Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs— he meant that much to me. Growing up, long before MLB came to Colorado, I became a Cubs fan watching day games at Wrigley on WGN TV…
The Cubs often fielded lousy teams over the years— but they were never lousy at second base. Not when Ryne Sandberg was on the team. Thank you for everything, Ryno. You meant the world to me.
When I was a kid, from T-ball, on traveling little league teams and beyond, I wore number 23 and played second base because of Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs— he meant that much to me. Growing up, long before MLB came to Colorado, I became a Cubs fan watching day games at Wrigley on WGN TV…
Getting a little teary eyed as I post this: This week, for the first time in 2 years, I will resume production of my recovery podcast, now branded as, “Vic Vela’s Back From Broken.” The YouTube show will feature guests who share their recovery journeys through the biggest challenges of their lives.
Look for new episodes of “Vic Vela’s Back From Broken” in late August. In the meantime, you can help ensure the future of my podcast, and our nonprofit work at the Back From Broken Foundation, by giving whatever you can right now at TheBFBF.org. And remember: We can recover. 😉✌🏼❤️
A lot has happened in my life over the last two years— some it rejuvenating, some of it painful, all of it educational. Now, as I lead a nonprofit and a revitalized podcast, I enter this new chapter hopeful and proud of the fact that, when I get knocked down— I Get The Fuck Back Up.
We’ll talk about drug addiction, alcoholism, mental health issues, physical impairment, disease and grief and loss. Interviews will be taped inside my living room studio, creating a cozy and comfortable space for people to open up about their profoundly personal experiences…
Getting a little teary eyed as I post this: This week, for the first time in 2 years, I will resume production of my recovery podcast, now branded as, “Vic Vela’s Back From Broken.” The YouTube show will feature guests who share their recovery journeys through the biggest challenges of their lives.
You should go! It’s gonna be a truly special evening. Josh is such a great human being, I am so grateful to have his support. 😇 The Back From Broken Foundation Presents: An Evening With Josh Ritter www.eventbrite.com/e/the-back-f...
😊❤️🙏🏼
This pretty girl I tell ya.
Tom Fox worked in accounting for the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper. When he tested positive for HIV in 1988, he allowed photographer Michael Schwarz to document his battle with AIDS. He bravely wanted to show people the ravages of the AIDS epidemic— one that the federal government ignored.
I’ve been living with HIV for 19 years now. I stay on top of my disease and my medication as a tribute to those who never had that opportunity. Never, ever forget.
These were the last photos taken of Tom Fox, moments before his death. He was surrounded by people who loved him— people who were clearly in agony over losing him— as he succumbed to AIDS complications on July 11, 1989, 36 years ago today.
Tom Fox worked in accounting for the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper. When he tested positive for HIV in 1988, he allowed photographer Michael Schwarz to document his battle with AIDS. He bravely wanted to show people the ravages of the AIDS epidemic— one that the federal government ignored.
Get yourself a rescue dog and love the heck out of it.
I love this!!
Get yourself a rescue dog and love the heck out of it.
August 2025 😉 YouTube: @vicvela1
❤️❤️❤️ #NFA
❤️❤️❤️ #NFA
In case you missed it, here’s the footage from today’s vote in Congress on Trump’s tax bill.
In case you missed it, here’s the footage from today’s vote in Congress on Trump’s tax bill.
I don’t wanna hear anymore bullshit about Jesus Christ from a Republican Party that steals from the poor to make the rich richer.
#MileHighBasketball
#MileHighBasketball
Breaking my social media fast for one moment to say: It’s a good day to be a fan of the Denver Nuggets. #MileHighBasketball
Eight years ago today, I met a shy and scared little girl at a Denver shelter and asked if she’d like to come home with me— And she’s been my perfect little Lovelight ever since. Now, through my nonprofit, I want to help people in recovery from addiction connect with their own furry companions.
Eight years ago today, I met a shy and scared little girl at a Denver shelter and asked if she’d like to come home with me— And she’s been my perfect little Lovelight ever since. Now, through my nonprofit, I want to help people in recovery from addiction connect with their own furry companions.
Got some folks together to talk about addiction and mental health recently. Our panelists got deeply personal talking about some painful experiences they’ve gone through and how they recovered. I want to take these events across Colorado. With your support, I can: TheBFBF.org/Donate We Can Recover.
The video from our June 12 panel is now on my YouTube channel! While you’re there, please like and subscribe to Vic Vela’s Back From Broken. This will be home to the rebooted Back From Broken podcast very soon!
Got some folks together to talk about addiction and mental health recently. Our panelists got deeply personal talking about some painful experiences they’ve gone through and how they recovered. I want to take these events across Colorado. With your support, I can: TheBFBF.org/Donate We Can Recover.
“It was not until I tried to kill myself that people were like, ‘Woah, you’re really depressed.” Former Rep. Yadira Caraveo made headlines discussing her mental health at last night’s event hosted by me and my nonprofit, the Back From Broken Foundation. #coleg #copolitics
A big shoutout to the folks who made my job easy: The outstanding panelists who engaged in a vibrant discussion about addiction and mental health. With your support of the Back From Broken Foundation, we can host these kinds of events across the state! TheBFBF.com/donate
“It was not until I tried to kill myself that people were like, ‘Woah, you’re really depressed.” Former Rep. Yadira Caraveo made headlines discussing her mental health at last night’s event hosted by me and my nonprofit, the Back From Broken Foundation. #coleg #copolitics
Carnie Wilson told me in a 2023 interview that it was hard growing up with her famous and infamously troubled father Brian Wilson, the musical genius who led the Beach Boys. “He was definitely drinking alcohol, taking cocaine, pills and LSD. The household was so unpredictable.”
The Denver event is being hosted by my new nonprofit, the Back From Broken Foundation, which aims to ignite hope for people struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Ticket info here. All proceeds benefit the Back From Broken Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Hope to see you there!
It’s not every day that you see folks on the left, right and middle get together to talk about much of anything these days. But tomorrow, these prominent Colorado political voices will join me to talk about the painful trauma of addiction and mental health.
Seeing her dad’s spiral from drug use and mental health issues “was a horrible thing for a child to go through,” Carnie said of the brilliant but troubled Brian Wilson, who died today. Listen to my Back From Broken conversation with Carnie Wilson here: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Carnie Wilson told me in a 2023 interview that it was hard growing up with her famous and infamously troubled father Brian Wilson, the musical genius who led the Beach Boys. “He was definitely drinking alcohol, taking cocaine, pills and LSD. The household was so unpredictable.”
I appeared on conservative radio today to talk about addiction, mental health and my work at the Back From Broken Foundation. People struggle with addiction and mental health in blue areas and red areas. I don’t care if you have a D or an R after your name— I care that you’re a human being.
We gotta be able to talk about things like addiction and mental health— matters of life or death—together. We don’t have to agree on everything, but we certainly don’t have to fight over everything either. You can listen to my appearance on “The Jeff and Bill Show” here:
I appeared on conservative radio today to talk about addiction, mental health and my work at the Back From Broken Foundation. People struggle with addiction and mental health in blue areas and red areas. I don’t care if you have a D or an R after your name— I care that you’re a human being.
I’m thrilled to report that the Back From Broken Foundation has been granted tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status from the IRS— We are now officially a public charity organization. 😇 If you’ve already given, thank you. If you haven’t had a chance yet, here’s how you can ignite hope for people struggling:
I’m thrilled to report that the Back From Broken Foundation has been granted tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) status from the IRS— We are now officially a public charity organization. 😇 If you’ve already given, thank you. If you haven’t had a chance yet, here’s how you can ignite hope for people struggling:
Like many of us, the people who craft our laws or drive conversations around public policy struggle with things like addiction and mental health issues. On June 12, Coloradans from across the political spectrum will join me for a frank and raw conversation about pain, recovery and, above all, hope.
The panel will mark the first event from my new nonprofit the Back From Broken Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring hope for people struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Tickets can be purchased here. All proceeds benefit our nonprofit. I hope to see you there! #copolitics
Like many of us, the people who craft our laws or drive conversations around public policy struggle with things like addiction and mental health issues. On June 12, Coloradans from across the political spectrum will join me for a frank and raw conversation about pain, recovery and, above all, hope.
I held a child today— and neither of us cried!
I held a child today— and neither of us cried!
Released 50 years ago today, an album made in little Nederland, Colorado would go on to make history. Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy", recorded at Nederland’s Caribou Ranch, became the first album in Billboard history to enter the charts at number one…
Elton was the world’s biggest artist then. Nederland’s population at the time: 700. Elton recorded three albums at Caribou Ranch in Nederland, CO in the mid 1970’s. All three reached number one in the Billboard charts. Here’s a picture of Elton John at Caribou, sitting with a honky cat.
Released 50 years ago today, an album made in little Nederland, Colorado would go on to make history. Elton John's "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy", recorded at Nederland’s Caribou Ranch, became the first album in Billboard history to enter the charts at number one…
One day at a time, Joe.
Nuggets fan… Forever. See ya next year.✌🏼❤️ #milehighplayoffs
Aaron Gordon is showing the fight of champion just being out on the court today. But his teammates are failing him. Jamal Murray is failing him. It’s entirely up to the Nuggets how they want to finish this game. Stop complaining about the refs and do your goddamn jobs! #milehighbasketball
AGGAHGHGzhHGHGEWGHGTE-!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This guy. #milehighplayoffs
“Look at me, I’m daddy! I listen to the Grateful Dead, I yell at the TV during Nuggets games, ‘I’m getting too old for this shit!!! AGHGH!!’” #milehighplayoffs
“Look at me, I’m daddy! I listen to the Grateful Dead, I yell at the TV during Nuggets games, ‘I’m getting too old for this shit!!! AGHGH!!’” #milehighplayoffs
I’m getting too old for this shit. 😂😭
I’m getting too old for this shit. 😂😭
JULIAN STRAWTHER!!!!! THERE WILL BE A GAME SEVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LETS GOOOOOO NUGGETS!!!!!!!!!!!! AGHGHHHHHGHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭✌🏼🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀🏀😭😭😭😭❤️
JULIAN STRAWTHER IS PRESENT!!!!! LETS GOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #milehighplayoffs
JULIAN STRAWTHER IS PRESENT!!!!! LETS GOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #milehighplayoffs
It’s Game Six. Do or die. You’re damn right I’m in the building. Not tonight, OKC. Not here. THERE WILL BE A GAME SEVEN! LET’S GOOO NUGGETS!!! #MileHighPlayoffs 😤✌🏼🏀
I’m getting too old for this shit. #milehighbasketball
NIKOLA JOKIC IS PLAYING LIKE NIKOLA JOKIC AGAIN!!! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 #milehighplayoffs
Let’s F*cking go, Nuggets. #MileHighPlayoffs
I had to cancel a trip this weekend because I was stricken by a migraine that kept me in bed for two days— It was awful. But I fought through the pain just long enough to dance with my mom in front of the great Al Hurricane Jr.— and it was totally worth it to see her so happy. I love you, mom.
This pretty girl I tell ya.
I had to cancel a trip this weekend because I was stricken by a migraine that kept me in bed for two days— It was awful. But I fought through the pain just long enough to dance with my mom in front of the great Al Hurricane Jr.— and it was totally worth it to see her so happy. I love you, mom.
This pretty girl I tell ya.
Former Rep. Yadira Caraveo’s mental health struggles have made news of late and have sparked broader discussions around mental health support, ethical governance and the toll of public life. On June 12, I’ll sit down with Caraveo and other prominent voices to talk about mental health and addiction:
The #Rockies have fired manager Bud Black. If you ask me, the problem lies with their owners, but I digress. Let me tell you about Bud Black, who I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing several times: Bud Black is an easy guy to like, always approachable no matter how bad things were for the team…
