In this episode, the importance of gratitude and perspective rule the message throughout as host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes Erik "The Electric" Lamkin.  Erik The Electric has gained a significant following on social media platforms, particularly on YouTube with over 2.7 million subscribers, where he shares videos of his eating challenges, food reviews, and fitness-related content,  as well as his journey through overcoming anorexia. Erik The Electric is known for attempting and completing various food challenges, often involving large quantities of food or extremely spicy dishes. He documents his experiences, provides commentary, and shares his love for food and fitness with his audience. In this episode, Aaron and Erik explore how difficult experiences can lead to personal growth and wisdom. They acknowledge that they could have ended up in much worse situations, such as becoming a drug addict, but they express gratitude for their current circumstances. They convey a sense of happiness and fulfillment in their life, attributing it to the challenges they have overcome. They recognize that trauma can push individuals into dire situations, but they emerge stronger and wiser if they manage to navigate through them. They believe that difficult experiences provide unique insights and wisdom that others may not possess. By zooming out and understanding their relative reality, they maintain a sense of gratitude and perspective.   The Chat Breakdown:  [00:02:00] First food challenge experience. [00:05:27] The big fat fatty sandwich. [00:07:08] Failed food challenge experience. [00:10:40] Stomach capacity and competitive eating. [00:13:06] Competitive eating and Nathan's hot dog contest. [00:16:33] Water intoxication and its dangers. [00:22:27] Obesity and self-realization. [00:24:00] Obsession with weight control. [00:28:52] Gut health and healing. [00:32:29] Psychological impacts of childhood trauma. [00:37:11] Passion for triathlon and cycling. [00:40:11] Fear of swimming and Ironman. [00:44:09] Fear of swimming in the ocean. [00:50:08] Importance of work-life balance. [00:54:01] Finding excitement in extreme eating. [00:57:08] We are born to create. [01:00:27] Gratitude and global inequality. [01:03:02] Letting go of failure. [01:05:26] Tattoos and their meanings. [01:08:58] Fear and anxiety in life. [01:13:59] Commitment in tattoo art.  [01:20:31] Tattooing and Pain Levels. [01:24:27] Creating a signature sauce. [01:26:42] Maggot cheese and travel plans. [01:28:42] Gross foods and eating challenges.    Connect with Erik:  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ErikTheElectric IG: https://www.instagram.com/ErikTheElectric/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eriktheelectric   Connect with Aaron:⁠   Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts  IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠ Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com