Episode 70 – Michael Kannady: Past, Present, and Future (Hosted by Tim Hanner)
We've got a deep one in this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, where Tim Hanner sits down with Mike for the most vulnerable conversation to date, tracing the full arc of his life: the past that shaped him, the present that grounded him, and the future he’s intentionally building.
Mike and Tim’s relationship began years ago in a unique way. Tim became principal at Piner Elementary the year after Mike had moved on to Twenhofel, yet their paths would eventually cross—marking the start of a mentorship that would quietly influence Mike’s growth as a person, leader, and man.
Mike opens up about growing up on a farm, his deep love and respect for his parents, and the values instilled through hard work, school, sports, and community. He reflects on his social life, his passion for basketball, and his genuine love for people—traits that fueled both his success and, later, his struggle.
As a collegiate athlete, a serious injury led to prescribed opiates—marking the beginning of a long, quiet battle with addiction. What followed were years of overdoses, hospital visits, lost jobs, and losing everything… twice. On the outside, business success kept him afloat. On the inside, mental health and emotional pain went unaddressed, buried beneath achievement and appearances.
Mike shares the darkest moments with raw honesty—including his final stretch before recovery after COVID, when he entered treatment after taking 53 shots of Fireball, being physically held up by nurses, fully ready to die—but too afraid to take his own life.
From there, the conversation shifts to the turning point: doing the work. Mike walks through the moment he finally took a hard look at himself, completing a 43-page personal inventory to uncover his true identity, patterns, wounds, and authentic self.
That work became the foundation for FocalFlip—why it was created, what it stands for, and how flipping perspective quite literally saved his life. Mike explains the mission of FocalFlip today: helping others reframe pain, build self-awareness, and find clarity through perspective—especially when life feels unbearable.
This episode isn’t about inspiration—it’s about truth.
Not about perfection—but about ownership.
Not about success—but about becoming real.
Mike closes by sharing what the future holds for both himself and FocalFlip—and why the work is only just beginning. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt lost, high-functioning but hurting, or unsure who you really are—this episode is for you.
This episode is SPONSORED by our incredible friends at Better Blend in Independence, KY! Many people don't know this, but at one point I was 371 lbs at my heaviest. I've struggled with my weight for years but this past year was the year I was going to take my fitness and nutrition to another level. I joined a gym and immediately after my workouts I wanted to recover and replenish with something that was actually good for me... so I ran across the street and started my relationship with Better Blend. It's clean. It's healthy. It tastes great. The people are awesome!
Big THANK YOU to their team for supporting the mission that is FocalFlip!
