In this raw, unfiltered episode, Jorge Cruise sits down with Khalil Rafati — founder of SunLife Organics to talk addiction, trauma, recovery, and grace. From Skid Row to building a multi-million-dollar global brand, Khalil’s journey is proof that no matter how far you’ve fallen, you can rebuild your life with faith, grit, and relentless honesty.
This conversation dives deep into childhood abuse, heroin addiction, and the pain we all carry — but also shows how healing, forgiveness, and God’s grace can transform a life. It’s powerful, emotional, and not for the faint of heart.
Podcast Notes:
I Forgot to Die – https://www.amazon.com/I-Forgot-Die-Khalil-Rafati/dp/1619613743
Remembering to Live: Lessons I Learned Crawling out of Hell – https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Live-Lessons-Learned-Crawling/dp/1734964200
Official website of the health food and juice bar chain founded by Khalil Rafati → https://sunlifeorganics.com/
Leven Rose 24K Gold Rose Water Spray – A hydrating rose water toner infused with 24-karat gold (mentioned as Khalil’s favorite; available on Amazon) → https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Leven-Organic-Moroccan-Rosewater/dp/B01MV1YWWR
Citrine Crystals – Khalil’s favored healing stones. Citrine is a yellow variety of quartz often associated with abundance and positive energy → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citrine
NAD+ IV Therapy – Intravenous NAD therapy for wellness and recovery; Khalil referenced receiving NAD at Next Health → https://www.next-health.com/category/nad-therapy
Plant Medicine Therapy – Guided psychedelic/plant-medicine ceremonies used for trauma healing and personal growth (Khalil shared his experience; not medical advice) → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychedelic_therapy
Ketamine-Assisted Therapy – Clinically supervised therapy sessions using ketamine to treat certain mental-health conditions (Khalil shared his experience; not medical advice) → https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ketamine-assisted_psychotherapy
Honey Dijon – American DJ, producer, and artist referenced by Khalil → https://www.instagram.com/honeydijon/
Shen Schulz – Malibu-based real estate broker and close friend of Khalil → https://shenrea lty.com/
Bob Forrest – Musician and addiction counselor who helped Khalil access treatment; Co-Founder at Oro House Recovery → https://www.ororecovery.com/bob-forrest/
Musicians Assistance Program (MAP) – The original MAP that funded treatment for musicians; now under MusiCares’ addiction-recovery programs → https://musicares.org/get-help/addiction-recovery
Next Health – Health optimization & longevity center (co-founded by Dr. Darshan Shah & Kevin Peake) → https://www.next-health.com/
Dr. Darshan Shah (team page) → https://www.next-health.com/team/dr-darshan-shah
Kevin Peake (team page) → https://www.next-health.com/team/kevin-peake
Khalil Rafati’s Instagram (@khalilrafati) https://www.instagram.com/khalilrafati/