In this episode of Beyond The Mud, we explore the power of connection and gratitude. Mike reflects on the importance of community, personal growth, and staying consistent in the face of challenges. With heartfelt honesty, he shares insights from his journey, offering listeners inspiration to find strength in their own paths. Whether you're navigating struggles or simply seeking a moment of reflection, this episode is a reminder that none of us are alone in the mud—we're all pushing forward together.

Listen now for a real and relatable conversation that encourages hope and resilience.

47 days. That’s the record I just broke the longest I’ve been sober in the past five years. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But here I am, standing stronger, clearer, and more determined than ever.

This is Beyond The Mud: Part 9 The Rise. It’s about breaking through the struggle, shaking off the past, and stepping into the light. Whether you’re in the fight of your life or just looking for inspiration, use this as your tool. Let this be the spark that reminds you what’s possible.

It’s your turn now. The rise starts with a single step. I hope this finds you well, and when you’re ready—let’s rise together.

Day 46: Journal Entry 29

Forty-six days. That’s how long it’s been since I took off the mask I’d been wearing for years maybe decades. Forty-six days of sitting with the raw, unfiltered truth of who I am. Of who I’ve been. It’s not a clean, easy process. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it’s real.

When I first started this journey, I thought the hardest part would be saying goodbye to the things that kept me numb. I didn’t realize that the real fight would be saying hello to the parts of myself I’d been avoiding. The brokenness. The guilt. The dreams I let slip through my fingers.

Today, I can’t help but think about the people who were part of my life the ones I let down, the ones who left, and the ones I pushed away. I wonder if they ever knew the version of me that I’m becoming now. Did they ever see glimpses of him through the cracks? Or was the mask I wore too thick, too convincing?

This isn’t a post about regret it’s about reflection. I know we don’t always get forgiveness. I know some bridges can’t be rebuilt. But if you’re reading this, I hope you know this much: every sacrifice, every moment of patience, every ounce of love you gave wasn’t wasted. It helped build the foundation of the person I’m working so hard to be.

Life has a way of surprising us. It doesn’t give us all the answers, but it teaches us to keep moving forward even when we don’t know what’s ahead. And that’s where I am walking forward, one step at a time, through the mud, toward something better.

To those who’ve been part of my story, whether you’re still here or not, thank you. And to those who feel like they’ve been carrying their own weight for too long don’t give up. The road might be messy, but it’s worth it.

Forty six days down. A lifetime still ahead. Let’s see where it leads. 🌱

#BeyondTheMud #JournalEntry29 #46DaysSober #GrowthInTheMess

In this gripping and raw episode, we dive into a deeply personal battle—a story of resilience, fear, and the relentless fight for justice. When the safety of my daughter is threatened by bullying and violence, I’m met with a system that hides behind bureaucracy and dismisses my pleas for protection. This episode lays bare the painful reality of navigating a broken system that prioritizes policies over children’s safety.

I share my journey of standing up to the indifference, documenting every word, challenging every excuse, and refusing to be silenced. It’s a fight for my daughter, for every child who’s been ignored, and for every parent who’s felt powerless. This isn’t just a story; it’s a rallying cry for change, a testament to the power of persistence, and a call to stand together for what’s right.

Listen as I turn pain into action, shed light on the truth, and demand accountability. This is a story of struggle and strength, of refusing to let fear win. Join me on this journey, because together, we can ignite a fire for justice.

Reach out to me at [email protected]

In this raw and unfiltered episode, Mike dives deep into his complex relationship with anger—exploring everything from explosive outbursts that could rival a volcanic eruption to the hard-won battles of self-control and healing. With humor, brutal honesty, and powerful storytelling, Mike takes listeners on a rollercoaster through his past filled with broken doors, flying chicken wings, and the struggle to tame his rage. This episode isn't just about anger; it’s about transformation, redemption, and finding laughter amidst the chaos. Buckle up for a journey that’s equal parts hilarious, heartbreaking, and inspiring. Whether you’ve wrestled with your own demons or just enjoy a wild ride, this episode will leave you reflecting, laughing, and eager for more.

I want to take a moment to recognize something truly special happening here. I’ve heard from so many of you—people who aren’t alcoholics, who’ve never battled addiction the way I have—but still, you’re connecting with my journey. It blows my mind and reminds me that even though our circumstances may differ, the human experience—the grind, the struggle, the fight for something better—is universal. Maybe for you, it’s not sobriety you’re chasing. Maybe it’s self-worth, a better life, a dream you’ve put off for too long, or just the strength to face another day. Whatever your fight is, know that you’re not alone.

My story is just one thread in this web of struggle and resilience we’re all tangled up in. Together, we’re building something real—a community that grows stronger every day. A space where vulnerability isn’t a weakness, and where every step forward, no matter how small, matters.

And hey, before you go, don’t forget to hit that subscribe button, leave a review, and join this journey with me. We’re building something powerful here, and I’d love for you to be a part of it. Together, we’ll reach more people, share more stories, and keep grinding for those moments that make it all worth it. Thank you for being here. I’ll keep you posted on whether I break that 47-day record. I’m 100% sure it’s happening—but you’ll just have to stick around to see. Let’s celebrate it together. Peace, love, and cat poop vibes to you all.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Beyond The Mud, we delve into the raw and often chaotic journey of early sobriety, where every moment is a battle and every decision shapes the future. I share two unforgettable encounters while driving for Uber: a young man whose heavy confession and pain mirror a familiar past and another rider who, in his drunken swagger, offers both temptation and a test of strength.

We explore the power of saying no—not just as a single moment of resistance, but as an act of self-empowerment that can redefine who you are. It’s more than just refusing a drink; it’s standing up against every whisper from the past, every urge to slip, and every familiar vice that tries to drag you down. Saying no is a declaration, a shield, and a sword that can carve out a new path in the midst of life’s trials.

With humor, vulnerability, and hard-earned wisdom, this episode shows how each “no” is a small victory that builds into something greater—strength, resilience, and the undeniable belief that you are more than your past mistakes. Tune in for a story that blends laughter, grit, and inspiration. If you’re in recovery or simply trying to change your life, this is a reminder that real power comes from every small choice to stay strong. You are not alone in this fight, and together, we can rise above.

If you want to share your own wild, messy, beautiful story, hit me up at [email protected] or find me on Facebook at MUDSHUVEL. Let’s give your story the stage it deserves. Because every single one of us has a journey worth telling, and together? We can laugh, cry, and push through the mud—one badass, inspiring step at a time.

So until next time, keep fighting the good fight. Keep saying no. And don’t just survive—thrive. You’ve got this. Now go out there and be so strong that even your demons say, “Damn, they really don’t want us back.” Peace, love, and a whole lotta “no.” I’ll see you in the next one. Stay muddy. Stay strong. Stay you.

Ever find yourself staring at life and wondering, “What the hell just happened?” In this raw and hilarious episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive deep into one man’s journey from reluctant journaling skeptic to finding salvation through words—and walking three miles, rain or shine, just to keep his sanity. Along the way, there’s laughter, ugly cries, and even a rabid squirrel (yes, you heard that right).

It’s a story of addiction, sobriety, parenting chaos, and finding hope in the messiest moments. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll nod along as you hear about silent streets lit by rain-soaked reflections, slippery snow escapades, and the kind of powerful realizations that come from taking out life’s emotional trash. This is more than just a story—it’s a reminder that we’re all walking through the mud, and we don’t have to do it alone.

So grab your headphones, lace up your metaphorical walking shoes, and press play. Trust me—you don’t want to miss this one.

In this deeply moving and raw episode of Beyond The Mud, we take a heartfelt journey through the trials, triumphs, and moments of reflection that have shaped a life reclaimed from the depths of addiction and despair. This episode is a powerful ode of gratitude—an unfiltered thank-you to every person, every challenge, and every moment that has molded the present self. From the friends and family who stayed through the storm to the ones who left, from the silent struggles to the loud battles, every soul who has touched this path is honored.

Listeners will be moved by stories of pain and redemption, tears and laughter, failures and resilience. It is a confessional, a celebration of transformation, and an invitation to find strength in vulnerability. Gratitude is given not just for the triumphs but for the struggles themselves—the sleepless nights, the setbacks, the judgments and rejections—each one a brick in the path forward.

This episode is for those who fight their own darkness, for those who have seen the light, and for everyone in between. Beyond The Mud reminds us that our stories, no matter how messy, are worth telling—and that hope is never out of reach. Take a breath, step into the mud, and walk forward with gratitude. Together, we rise.

🚨 Warning: This Podcast Is Not for the Faint of Heart 🚨

Don’t listen to this podcast if you think you’re perfect. Don’t press play if you’re just here for feel-good soundbites or motivational quotes you found on Google. This isn’t about easy answers or pretty speeches. This is for the people who are in the trenches, fighting battles most people can’t even imagine.

This is Beyond The Mud, and it’s not for everyone. It’s for the ones who know what it’s like to wake up every day and face a world that doesn’t let up. It’s for those who don’t need another sugar-coated story but need the brutal, unfiltered truth of struggle, grit, and survival. I’m talking real strength—the kind that doesn’t come easy, the kind that’s fought for in the darkest hours.

So if you’re ready to hear what it really means to be human, to walk through the fire and come out the other side, then hit play. This isn’t a story; it’s real life. And it might just be the most powerful thing you’ll ever hear.