He grew up caught between two worlds, never feeling like he truly belonged. By 14, he had left home. By 17, he was hooked on heroin, overdosing, and waking up in rehab on his 18th birthday. Violence, gangs, and addiction followed him everywhere, and at his lowest point, he walked out the door ready to end it all.
But life had other plans. A chance encounter, what he calls “the sign that kept him alive”, pulled him back from the edge. From overdoses and gang fights to building a new life and reclaiming his purpose, Michael’s story is one of survival, redemption, and finding meaning when it seemed impossible.
In this raw and unfiltered conversation, he opens up about:
Growing up between cultures and never fitting in
Gang life, violence, and addiction as a teenager
Surviving an overdose and turning 18 inside a rehab
The night he almost ended his life, and the stranger who unknowingly saved him
Why he believes he’s still here, and how he carries that forward today
This is not just a story about addiction, it’s about resilience, the power of second chances, and the reminder that even in the darkest moments, hope can break through in unexpected ways.
If you’ve ever battled your own demons, questioned your purpose, or searched for meaning after hitting rock bottom, Michael’s story will stay with you.
EarthMonster is the storytelling podcast that celebrates vulnerability and explores the messy, beautiful journey of being human. Subscribe for more conversations that dig deep into the lies we tell ourselves, the fantasies that keep us going, and the truths that set us free.