
Mascara Boy
Bullied, Assaulted, & Near Death: Surviving Trauma & Addiction
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Narrated by:
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Brandon Lee
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By:
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Brandon Lee
About this listen
Author Brandon Lee is a two-time Emmy winning journalist for his reporting on the opioid crisis. The irony is that Brandon was also a drug addict. Brandon’s trauma, however, started as a child when he was sexually abused by his piano teacher and youth soccer coach. The tragedy is that Brandon held it inside because of shame and fear. It wasn’t until the age of 37 when Brandon was reporting on a story about sex assault in the #MeToo era when he finally got the courage to break his silence about being a sex victim and how that trauma led him down a dark path of sex and drug addiction.
At age 16, Brandon was snorting cocaine, getting high off whippets, and drinking to blackouts all while attending Catholic school. The drug abuse got worse as Brandon got older. He would attend raves and circuit parties to get high. His drug addiction fueled his sex addiction. Brandon eventually created a double life. One as a professional news anchor. The other as a strung out druggie in the slums of Los Angeles. He describes the moment he took his first hit off the crack pipe. He felt invincible. Unstoppable. He describes it as breathing in the Devil. After nearly dying in a coma after an overdose, Brandon sought out a 12-Step program and has been sober ever since 2-22-2010. His story breaks every stereotype people have of a drug addict.
Brandon’s mission is to give other addicts hope that they can build a new life they never thought possible.
©2019 Brandon Lee (P)2019 Brandon LeeListeners also enjoyed...
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What listeners say about Mascara Boy
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- Kindle Customer
- 03-02-24
Thank You
Brandon Lee I thank you for sharing your story, the way you bring so many painful things to light has given me new perspective
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- Elizabeth Haertel
- 01-03-20
Open, honest, heartfelt
Brandon tells of his experiences in a heartbreaking and brutally honest way. It would be a shame if anyone else had narrated this other than him. His emotion comes through and further explains his points.
I'm glad he remains sober and in control of his life, but also glad he has shared the difficult journey he has taken to be here. Thank you Brandon!
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- Ian H.
- 12-24-19
Brandon has a great life story
I live in AZ and get to see Brandon on the news from time to time. He has a great story and does a great presentation of it. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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- Christine Davenport
- 07-16-20
Great Book!!
I loved this book, I lived in Phoenix and used to watch Brandon on the news all the time. It was awesome to hear him share his story. Thanks for sharing your story Brandon!
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- G. Villacis
- 06-11-20
Definitely one hell of a book. So real, so genuine
Thank you Brandon for writing such a great story of your life. This will help so many of us who need help, Faith, and hope.
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- Clarice Shanks
- 07-25-21
This story is amazing
Totally enjoy this book. Very real and speaks from the heart. So happy you have return to Phoenix. I think this should be a required read
for High School and parents.
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- Anonymous User
- 09-26-22
WOW.
This book bring me to tears and my knees. We never know ones journey. Thank you for highlighting the 12 steps. I find it encouraging, and something great to practice in our daily lives. As someone you called a "normy" in your book. I have never done any form of drugs/substance. However, I always remain humble and vigilant knowing that addiction does not discriminate. Thank you for being so vulnerable. I hope to see you back on the Phoenix News Channel in the near future.
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- Kimberly Caruso
- 09-28-19
Became a BIGGER FAN after finishing Mascara Boy!
What an amazing story of Brandon’s life! I laughed, I cried...so much strength & perseverance displayed throughout each chapter! Many wouldn’t have come out alive after enduring everything Brandon had; he truly has answered his “higher calling”! Much love!
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- Reina
- 03-03-21
no one is alone
After listening to this audio book written by Brandon, I was able to relate and touch issues very similar to how I was living with my AD and how the fight is continuous. We are all struggling in our lives somehow or another. Hiding bad memories or trying to disconnect to be able to flourish. It takes many years for one to find themselves and to know how to fix the problem. When It's discovered one can look back, and hopefully share to assist others who may be in need. Thank you Brandon.
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- Cherie Francis-Boegeman
- 07-14-19
Grateful to hear your story
Some parts were hard to get through but Brandon,s autobiography tells a story of near obliteration to a life with purpose . As I heard your story I saw the hand of God. I am so grateful you not only survived but grew through terrible circumstances to being able to show others a path of recovery and what an abundant life can be. God bless you.
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