E56 - To Live outside the law with Simon McCoy.

In The Shed with Ryan

Join us on a transformative journey as we welcome Simon McCoy, a man whose life story reads like an epic adventure novel. From his early days in the merchant navy to hitchhiking across America and getting entangled in smuggling rings, Simon's path has been anything but ordinary. Now a practicing Buddhist and insightful author, Simon shares his incredible experiences and discusses his upcoming book, "Finding Peace," to add to the series "To Live Outside the Law." We kick off with a grounding meditation exercise, setting the stage for Simon's riveting tales of risk, resilience, and transformation.

In our exploration of the mind, we guide listeners through a psychological exercise that uncovers deep personal insights. Picture your dream house, walk through serene woods to a Caribbean beach, and discover what these symbols say about your inner world, personal relationships, and problem-solving approaches. Simon participates too, revealing his own contemplations and memories, including reflections on his father and youthful adventures. This segment promises to be a reflective and enriching experience, offering listeners a unique way to understand themselves better.

The episode crescendos with gripping stories from Simon's life, from his rebellious youth and time in the merchant navy to his smuggling escapades and the trials of evading law enforcement. We also tackle contemporary issues like the inefficiencies of the banking system and the opioid crisis, exploring the potential benefits of drug legalization. With humor, honesty, and a touch of irony, Simon's anecdotes paint a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge, ultimately finding solace in spirituality and writing. Don't miss this captivating episode—it’s an unforgettable ride through meditation, memory, and meaning.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:03) - Journey Through Meditation and Memories

(0:06:49) - Journey of Psychological Understanding

(0:14:13) - A Life of Smuggling and Adventure

(0:23:35) - Life of Risk and Success

(0:35:23) - Banking Frustrations and Delays

(0:40:23) - Smuggling and Dodging Authorities

(0:50:17) - Cocaine and Recreational Drug Use

(1:04:12) - The Opioid Crisis and Legalization

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS WITH SHORT KEY POINTS ---------

(0:00:03) - Journey Through Meditation and Memories

Mindful breathing, Simon McCoy's adventurous past, his book series, and a guided visualization exercise exploring his inner world.

(0:06:49) - Journey of Psychological Understanding

Imaginative exercise reveals insights into relationships, problem-solving, and inner happiness through dream house, nature, and a ceramic mug.

(0:14:13) - A Life of Smuggling and Adventure

A rebellious youth's journey through defiance, adventure, and pursuit of freedom, marked by smuggling, anti-apartheid stance, and dismissal from the Merchant Navy.

(0:23:35) - Life of Risk and Success

Personal anecdotes, career transitions, college life, substance experimentation, job struggles, success in sales, financial crises.

(0:35:23) - Banking Frustrations and Delays

Banks' inefficiencies and frustrations, complicated transactions, historical scandals, and persistent challenges in the financial sector.

(0:40:23) - Smuggling and Dodging Authorities

Navigating banks and using modern solutions, transitioning to smuggling and its risks, strategies, and acceptance.

(0:50:17) - Cocaine and Recreational Drug Use

Unexpected encounter leads to cocaine use, discussing personal responsibility and respect for the substance.

(1:04:12) - The Opioid Crisis and Legalization

The rise of fentanyl-laced drugs and the opioid crisis in America, the aggressive marketing of OxyContin, Portugal's successful approach to drug regulation, and the need for better mental health support.

Check out Simons links below:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7CFQTHN?ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_CAXWJ85DT1M9BC9PPF6N&tag=kp025-21&linkCode=kpe https://www.toliveoutsidethelaw.com/