In this episode, Michael shares the hard-won lessons, habits, and insights that helped him break the lifelong cycle of addiction that haunted him since adolescence. Even if you’re not struggling with addiction, his advice will help you dismantle negative patterns in your thinking and behavior — and replace them with much healthier and more wholesome alternatives.
For the full list of everything we cover in the interview, check out the show notes below!
What you will hear:
[00:18] Introducing Michael
[04:53] Michael’s 7-year spiral into addiction
[07:39] Michael’s “wakeup call” at the hospital
[08:22] “Everybody was using something” — the true extent of the addiction problem
[10:38] How the dominant culture sets entrepreneurs up to become addicts
[15:01] Gambling: Michael’s first addiction, and how he overcame it
[19:52] Why many entrepreneurs are struggling with multiple addictions
[22:00] A $10,000 mistake that helped Michael stop using cocaine
[23:08] How Adderal warped Michael’s relationships with employees and his kids
[26:36] “Filling the buckets” — how Michael stays sober
[30:58] Two powerful stories from Michael’s new book, “Chasing the High”
[38:22] Where to learn more about Michael and get his book
Resources:
“Chasing the High: An Entrepreneur's Mindset Through Addiction, Lawsuits, and His Journey to the Edge” — pre-order Michael’s book