From "Slide Singing" Beyoncé to battling autoimmune disease—this is the wildest journey of healing you'll hear this year.

Patrick sits down with viral comedian Andi Marie Tillman (and her alter-ego Aunt Pam) for a masterclass in satire and survival. We laugh at the absurdity of religious performance ("Belinda the Interpreter") so we can heal from the trauma of it.

We Cover:

1. The Comedy of Dogma: Why we laugh at the culture we grew up in.
2. The "Victorian Woman": Andi’s hilarious take on chronic illness.
3. Reconstruction: How to keep your faith when the system breaks.
4. Sobriety: The reality of facing life without a buffer.

Mentioned in this Episode:

1. "All Her Fault" (Peacock)
2. The "Skibidi Toilet" Phenomenon

We dive into a hilariously candid conversation with comedian Andi Marie Tillman, who joins me, Patrick Custer, for a wild ride through her comedic journey and the ups and downs of life. Right off the bat, we chat about her unique approach to comedy, including her quirky tales of having a tongues interpreter who hilariously flips the script, interpreting her everyday chat into something utterly nonsensical. We also touch on her experiences with gratitude, health challenges, and the rollercoaster of recovery, all while keeping the laughs rolling. Andi's vibrant personality shines through as we explore her adventures in navigating life, relationships, and the struggle between public persona and personal reality. So, grab your favorite snack, kick back, and get ready for some belly laughs and heartfelt moments that remind us all that life is a beautifully messy journey! Diving into the vibrant world of comedy, this episode features a delightful chat between host Patrick Custer and the witty Andi Marie Tillman. From the get-go, the banter flows like a refreshing glass of lemonade on a hot summer day, as they explore the ups and downs of life, laughter, and everything in between. The conversation kicks off with Andi’s humorous take on the intricacies of life’s everyday challenges, including her witty commentary on being a mother and the delightful chaos that comes with it. With her unique perspective, Andi shares anecdotes that have the audience chuckling, all while weaving in meaningful insights about gratitude and resilience. “We have no idea what our life is going to actually look like,” she remarks, reminding us all to embrace uncertainty with a smile. As the episode progresses, Patrick and Andi delve into the nuances of self-identity, the importance of authenticity in comedy, and how humor can be a powerful tool for healing. Andi’s candidness about her own struggles with addiction and mental health adds depth to the conversation, making it not just a light-hearted romp but also a heartfelt exploration of overcoming adversity. She shares her journey of personal growth, emphasizing that while laughter is essential, acknowledging our struggles is equally crucial. “I want to cross between the Wiz and, like, gutter slut,” she quips, showcasing her ability to blend humor with real talk effortlessly. Listeners are treated to an emotional rollercoaster as Patrick and Andi navigate topics like societal expectations, the often unrealistic portrayal of life on social media, and the pressure to maintain a certain image. The episode wraps up on a high note, leaving audiences not only entertained but also inspired

"They showed up at my house and told me I was no longer in the group." In Part 2, Michael Passons reveals the failed "cure" that cost him his career and the 17-year battle to reclaim his life.

For nearly two decades, the official story was that Michael Passons left the multi-platinum group Avalon to "pursue other interests." Today, the silence ends.

In this conclusion to our interview, Michael takes us inside the room on June 30, 2003, detailing the unannounced "intervention" at his home that erased him from the band he helped build. He opens up about the industry ultimatum - "get cured or get out" - and the reality of the "reparative therapy" sessions that failed to change who he was, but succeeded in breaking his spirit.

But the trauma is only half the story. This episode is a masterclass in survival and healing. Michael shares how he navigated the "dark night of the soul" after being muzzled by NDAs and management , how he deconstructed the narrative that he was "broken," and how he finally made peace with the "boy in the mirror."

The truth was brutal, but the healing is beautiful.

Chapters & Timestamps:

00:00 - "The Cure Failed": The Chattanooga Therapy Sessions

04:15 - June 30, 2003: The Day Avalon Came to My House

12:30 - The Ultimatum: "Either He Goes or I Go"

18:45 - "Muzzled": The NDA and the 17-Year Silence

26:20 - The Erasure: Being "Thrown Off the Bus"

35:50 - Deconstructing the "Conservative Narrative"

48:10 - The Boy in the Mirror: Reclaiming Identity

56:00 - Message to the Industry: "We Are Not Broken"

About the Guest: Michael Passons is a founding member of the Grammy-nominated group Avalon. After being forced out of the group in 2003 due to his sexuality, Michael spent nearly two decades out of the public eye. Today, he is reclaiming his voice as an advocate for "Exvangelicals" and LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith spaces, sharing the untold story of the machinery that tried to erase him.

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Are you ready to heal and grow? Start your journey with me by signing up at thepatrickcustershow.com 👈 for exclusive updates, resources and behind‑the‑scenes insights from each episode. It’s your invitation to experience “entertainment that heals,” where vulnerability becomes strength and hope is contagious.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Whether you’re here for your own growth or because someone you love shared this conversation, I’m grateful you’re listening and want to welcome you to The Patrick Custer Show family. Please pass this episode along to friends, family and anyone who might need a lift. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we remind each other that we’re not broken, we’re becoming.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

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Part 1 of 2: Discover the untold story behind one of Christian music’s biggest voices. In his most in‑depth interview ever, Michael Passons, founding member of the GRAMMY‑nominated group Avalon, sits down with Patrick Custer to share the highs, lows and hidden battles that shaped his journey. From singing hymns as a toddler in Yazoo City, Mississippi, to being discovered by Sparrow Records and launching Avalon in 1995, Michael takes you behind the scenes of the group’s meteoric rise. Hear how hits like “Testify to Love,” now considered a gospel classic, nearly didn’t make the cut, and why the band’s ABBA‑inspired sound stood out in the CCM world.

This rare conversation explores themes of mental health, faith and resilience without shying away from the pressure of fame, imposter syndrome and the weight of carrying a secret. Michael reflects on his connection to his mother, the power of music as therapy, and what it felt like to juggle creative success with personal turmoil. If you’ve ever struggled with perfectionism, wondered what happens backstage, or simply need encouragement on your own healing journey, this episode is for you.

And the story isn’t over - Part 1 ends just before a life‑changing revelation that will forever alter Michael’s path. In Part 2 we’ll dive into that revelation, the fallout that forced him out of Avalon, and how he rebuilt his life and faith while preparing to return to music after nearly twenty years away from the spotlight. Make sure you’re subscribed so you don’t miss it.

Takeaways:

• In the podcast, we dive into how Avalon went from being unknown to winning an American Music Award, which was a total game changer for us!
• Michael Passons shares his journey of stepping into the spotlight, facing challenges, and navigating the complexities of fame in Christian music.
• We discuss the evolution of Avalon's sound and how our management played a crucial role in shaping our success during the 90s music scene.
• The episode highlights the importance of being true to oneself while managing public expectations, especially in the Christian music industry.
• We explore the rollercoaster of emotions that come with fame, including the struggle with imposter syndrome and the pressure to maintain a certain image.
• Michael's heartfelt stories remind us that behind every successful artist, there are personal battles and moments of vulnerability that shape their journey.

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Are you ready to heal and grow? Start your journey with me by signing up at thepatrickcustershow.com 👈 for exclusive updates, resources and behind‑the‑scenes insights from each episode. It’s your invitation to experience “entertainment that heals,” where vulnerability becomes strength and hope is contagious.

Please click Follow on this page so you never miss an episode (and help us continue to change lives) — I appreciate every single one of you for joining this community.

Whether you’re here for your own growth or because someone you love shared this conversation, I’m grateful you’re listening and want to welcome you to The Patrick Custer Show family. Please pass this episode along to friends, family and anyone who might need a lift. When we open up about our struggles and triumphs, we remind each other that we’re not broken, we’re becoming.

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for video versions of the show 👉 here.

Follow me on

Instagram