In this first episode of Built, Not Broken, we introduce ourselves - Max and Matt - and share our stories of addiction, recovery, and what led us to create this podcast.

Max is a 22-year-old from Grand Forks, North Dakota, sober from alcoholism and drug abuse for over a year. Matt is a 34-year-old who was released from prison in 2024 after years of battling meth addiction. We come from completely different worlds, and met in the most unexpected way. We connected instantly, and found a friendship rooted in honesty, healing, and showing up as our full selves.

This episode is about more than just who we are. It’s about what we’ve been through, how sobriety and vulnerability have transformed our lives, and why we’re committed to talking about the things most men keep buried.

We cover:

• What addiction looked like for both of us

• The role shame and denial played in our pasts

• Body dysmorphia and eating disorders in men

• Matt’s time in prison and the unexpected lessons it brought

• How a salad bar and a conversation sparked a movement

• Why we believe vulnerability is strength

This podcast isn’t about perfection, and it isn’t polished. It’s real. We’re not therapists or going to pretend we’ve got it all figured out. We’re here to heal out loud, and to give other people tools to do the same.

Because you’re not broken. You’re just being built.