Eric Nies was once the face of reality TV. As one of the original cast members of MTV’s The Real World and the host of The Grind, he skyrocketed to fame in the early ‘90s. But behind the camera-ready looks and dance-floor charisma was a young man grappling with trauma, self-doubt, and the weight of a fast-moving, fame-fueled life.In this deeply personal and revealing episode of the Flexwork Podcast, host Ludwig Araujo sits down with Eric to trace the arc of his extraordinary transformation—from Jersey Shore athlete to TV heartthrob to spiritual guide and ancestral healer. Now based in Kauai, Hawaii, Eric opens up about the moments that nearly broke him and the spiritual awakenings that ultimately saved him.From childhood in Ocean Township, New Jersey, surrounded by sports and competition, to his unexpected foray into modeling, Eric shares what it was like to grow up in the shadow of a powerhouse older brother and a father who spent 30 years as an NBA referee. Sports was the plan—until it wasn’t.Instead, Eric entered the entertainment world, landing on the first season of The Real World without any idea of how revolutionary the format would become. He talks candidly about his time on The Grind, the allure of fame, and the toxic relationships that left lasting scars—including a manipulative manager who introduced him to the darker side of the industry.But this conversation is not about scandal. It’s about healing.Eric recounts a pivotal moment on the edge of the Hudson River, contemplating ending his life, and how a prayer—and a single cloud—pulled him back. That moment sparked a spiritual journey that would lead him into Reiki, fasting, ayahuasca, and over 700 plant medicine ceremonies. Eventually, it led him to a Grand Master in California who helped him begin the long, deliberate work of spiritual reconstruction.Topics covered in this episode include:The behind-the-scenes reality of The Real World and The GrindThe long shadow of childhood trauma and substance useWhat really happened with the “manager” who derailed his lifeHis first spiritual awakening: watching himself on reality TVLife with a Grand Master and what it meant to “train to remember”Ayahuasca, Reiki, and the science of ancestral healingHow a 40-day fast changed his spiritual trajectoryWhy he sees himself not as a healer—but as a guideThe origins of his practice, The Beauty Way, and how he works with clients todayEric is no longer chasing cameras or red carpets. Instead, he guides others toward their own inner liberation. Through his work as an ancestral lineage healer, he supports clients as they unpack trauma, reclaim agency, and reorient their lives around truth and transformation.This is an episode about resilience—but it’s also about courage, clarity, and the long road to becoming.Whether you're drawn to the story of a cultural icon or curious about the depths of healing and plant medicine, this conversation offers an unfiltered look at what happens when you stop performing and start remembering who you are.To connect with Eric Nies and learn more about his work, keep an eye out for his upcoming documentary and book, both in development.For more conversations like this, subscribe to the Flexwork Podcast on your favorite streaming platform. New episodes drop regularly with creators, changemakers, and culture-shifters. Want to join the community or suggest a guest? Visit www.flexworkstudios.com to get involved.We’re here to build stories that matter—and we’re just getting started.

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