If PJ Braun could go back before the trial and prison – would he change anything?
In the fourth episode of A Conversation With PJ Braun, host Vlad Yudin continues his extensive interview with PJ Braun, former owner of Blackstone Labs. This episode delves into Braun’s experiences in prison, his reflections on his personal and professional life, and his perspectives on the bodybuilding industry. With a focus on the realities of white-collar prison, his reading habits, and significant health challenges, Braun provides a compelling narrative of resilience and transformation.
Are White-Collar Prisons Like Resorts?
Vlad Yudin kicks off the conversation by addressing a common perception about white-collar prisons being like “resorts.” PJ Braun dispels this myth, stating that while this may have been true in the past, conditions have changed. He attributes this shift partly to the pandemic and the influx of low-level drug offenders, which has altered the prison environment significantly.
Braun notes that his prison, which was reputed to be nicer in the past, now offers minimal privileges. He mentions the lack of internet access, which prevented him from keeping up with bodybuilding news and trends, although he was able to receive bodybuilding magazines monthly and occasional emails with updates.
RELATED: PJ Braun Tells All On Prison Violence Experiences During His Time Behind Bars
Literary Exploration in Prison
Vlad asks PJ Braun about his reading habits during his time in prison. PJ reveals that he read over 200 books, eventually losing count. He preferred reading to spending time in the TV room, where much of the prison drama unfolded. Braun used his time in prison to better himself, diving into various genres, including psychology and health. He highlights Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged and the Red Rising Series as standout reads that were particularly popular among inmates.
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Returning to Work
Vlad inquires why Aaron Singerman could resume work at Redcon1, while PJ is banned from working in his industry. PJ explains that Redcon1 had no involvement in the case that led to Singerman’s imprisonment, allowing him to continue operating his business.
PJ Braun, on the other hand, is under strict probation conditions, preventing him from working or even leaving his district. He expresses surprise at the leniency shown to Singerman, contrasting it with his own restrictions.
The Joy of Freedom
PJ Braun describes the overwhelming joy he felt upon being released from prison. He emphasizes how the experience has taught him to be more present and patient. Despite the hardships, he views his time in prison as a period of significant personal growth and reflection.
Lessons from Prison
Reflecting on his struggles, including a past battle with alcoholism, PJ Braun shares the biggest lesson he learned from prison. Many people have asked him – if he could go back, would he change anything to avoid going into prison?
Despite all of the struggles and setbacks caused by his recent years behind bars – he does not regret the path that took him there. While he does not regret starting Blackstone Labs, he acknowledges that his relentless drive contributed to his legal troubles. He now understands the importance of balance, patience, and living in the moment while still pursuing success.
He does not regret his years of relentless ambition – because it would not let him become the kind of man he is today. He wouldn’t have had the successes and passions he now has within supplements and bodybuilding. He needed to go through that time in order to eventually learn that he can be more patient and still find success. It was part of his path – and he can’t say that he would want to change anything because he wouldn’t know what kind of man he would be otherwise.
Health Struggles and Overcoming Illness
Vlad brings up an emotional post where PJ Braun discussed a mysterious illness. PJ reveals he suffered from chronic active Epstein-Barr virus, which caused frequent bouts of mono, leading to severe weight loss and chronic fatigue.
He describes an intensive self-treatment regimen involving ozone therapy and IV injections of vitamins C and glutathione. This approach eventually helped him recover, and he managed to maintain his health during his prison sentence. PJ also overcame his dependence on anxiety medication, finding strength in the self-work he did while incarcerated.
Keone Pearson’s Departure
Vlad discusses Keone Pearson, a bodybuilder whose career PJ Braun helped launch. PJ recounts how he wrote to Keone after his release, expressing pride in his achievements.
He speculates that negative comments he made about the protests following George Floyd’s murder led to backlash from black athletes, influencing Keone’s decision to leave. Despite the pain of losing Keone, PJ remains proud of his contributions to Keone’s career.
Wrap Up
Episode four of A Conversation With PJ Braun offers an intimate look into PJ Braun’s prison experiences, personal growth, and reflections on his career and the bodybuilding industry. From dispelling myths about white-collar prisons to sharing his health struggles and discussing significant athletes, Braun provides a candid and compelling narrative. His journey underscores the resilience and adaptability required to navigate life’s challenges and emerge with newfound insights and strength.
You can watch the full episode above. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
