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Papa Joe DeMaio is a Vietnam Veteran Living His Dream as a Musician

Singer-songwriter Papa Joe DeMaio interview on the Hustle & Motivate podcast presented by Joker Mag, the home of the underdog
Credit-Papa Joe DeMaio/Kerry Quinn/Joker Mag Illustration

“Don’t take your first disappointment and say, “I give up.” Don’t even take your thousandth disappointment and say, “I give up.” Just look at it as – it’s not how many times you’ve failed, it’s actually how many times you saw the wrong way and you’re gonna find the right way. Don’t ever give up.”
Papa Joe DeMaio

Papa Joe DeMaio (@PapaJoeDeMaio1) is a singer, songwriter, actor, and speaker. A Vietnam veteran, he’s battled PTSD and addiction on the way to living his dream.

Ever since he can remember, Joe wanted to be a performer. However, faced with the many challenges of growing up in poverty, he didn’t get that chance.

That is, until one special night many years later when he rediscovered his love for music.

Since then, Joe and has toured with the likes of Eddie Money, Pat Travers, Randy Jackson (Zebra), and many other legendary musicians. Today, he’s the lead singer of his band, The Papa Joe Show.

Listen to Joe’s amazing story by tapping the play button below. Or tap the icon of your favorite podcast platform to listen on the go!

Show Notes

[3:45] What it’s like having your dreams squashed at a young age

[5:55] Returning home from Vietnam

[8:40] The night that changed everything — coming back to music after a 27-year hiatus

[15:16] The perils of being a singer with COPD and a guitarist with arthritis

[19:00] Joe’s piece of advice you need to hear

After Listening…

You can keep up with Papa Joe DeMaio on his personal Facebook page. You can check out his music over on his band page.

Thanks for tuning into the show!

Check out these related episodes:

Why Suicide is The Secret to My Success with Frank King

From Homeless Teen to Young Australian of the Year with Zack Bryers

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Written By

Division III baseball alum (McDaniel College), founder of Joker Mag, and author of The Underdog Mentality: Sports Stories That Will Change How You See the Game (And Yourself). Since launching in November 2017, my stories have been featured on platforms such as FOX Sports, SB Nation, and The Sporting News, reaching over 1.5 million readers worldwide. The seed was planted way back in 7th grade when I got cut from the baseball team. Instead of giving up, I found hope and inspiration in stories of undersized athletes who defied expectations. I ultimately played baseball through college, earning Honorable Mention on the All-Centennial Conference team in my senior season. Today, my mission is simple: To share stories that give people the same feeling I felt when I was that undersized ballplayer searching for hope, inspiration, and evidence that my dream was possible. Like my mom always told me, you can do anything you set your mind to. Sometimes we just need a little extra push. And that’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these stories with the world.

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