The Mike Posner Podcast

In today's episode, we delve deep into a topic that touches every one of us: pain. Not just the physical kind, but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of pain that are an inescapable part of the human experience. The truth is stark yet unavoidable – pain is a part of life, and there's no journey through this existence that doesn't encounter it in some form.

So, what do we do with this pain? For much of my life, particularly through my 20s and into my 30s, I was under the illusion that there was a destination in life—a sort of end zone—where pain no longer existed. This belief persisted even after walking across America, selling billions of records, and even summiting Everest. Yet, sitting in my house in Michigan, the realization hit me hard. Despite these achievements, I was still in so much pain. Depression and illness became recurring themes in my life, exacerbated by my attempts to conceal my true feelings. The more I hid, the more I suffered.

The coping mechanisms many of us turn to—overeating, pornography, drugs, drinking—are misguided attempts to distract ourselves from our pain. But the truth is, we engage in these behaviors to avoid feeling what's truly going on inside us. However, through my journey, I've come to understand that pain is, in fact, my greatest teacher. It's the harbinger of major breakthroughs, a gift waiting to be opened.

Life hands us pain not as a punishment, but as a lesson. The key is to learn what this pain is trying to teach us. This realization doesn't come from external sources; you don't need a book, a documentary, or even a podcast to find out where you need to grow. The answer lies in looking at where it hurts the most.

Opening this gift of pain means embarking on a deep, spiritual journey to uncover the lessons it holds. The first step is asking ourselves, "What am I supposed to learn from this?" The answer forms an action plan, setting us on a path toward healing. Just asking this question can provide a sense of relief, akin to unwrapping a gift and seeing the potential it holds.

Will you dare to open this gift? If you do, I promise you, the transformation will be profound. You will emerge not just as a new version of yourself but as a more beautiful you. This journey is deep and spiritual, and it starts with a simple yet profound step: embracing your pain to uncover the growth and learning it offers.

On this episode, we welcome Alex Banayan, celebrated as the youngest bestselling business author in the U.S. for "The Third Door," which details his quest to learn from luminaries like Bill Gates and Lady Gaga. Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and named one of Business Insider’s “Most Powerful People Under 30,” Alex brings unparalleled insights into achieving success.

In a heart-to-heart conversation, Alex confronts a common illusion—that happiness is our ultimate goal, suggesting that what we're actually seeking is fulfillment. He explains how we often prioritize what brings us happiness incorrectly, offering insight on how to lead a more happy and fulfilling life by reshuffling our focus in life.

Highlighting pain as a crucial teacher, Alex encourages us to ask, "What is this pain teaching me?" This mindset shifts our approach to pain from one of avoidance to one of learning and growth.

Moreover, Alex debunks myths around success, challenging the "work hard, play hard" mentality and the notion that one must "pay their dues" to succeed. He offers a more thoughtful path to achieving our dreams.

This episode is especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed by pain or circumstances that seem out of control. Alex's message is clear: by taking ownership and learning from our challenges, we can turn our pain into power and our obstacles into opportunities for growth. Join us for an inspiring journey towards empowerment and fulfillment with Alex Banayan.

In this episode, I delve into the transformative power of beliefs and the process of altering those limiting beliefs that restrain us from reaching our full potential. I hold the conviction that beliefs are essentially thoughts that have been reaffirmed over time. By changing your beliefs, you initiate a domino effect: altering your actions leads to changing your habits, which ultimately paves the way for a new life.

I reflect on my college days and my friendship with Big Sean, whose success in the music industry shattered a limiting belief I harbored: the notion that securing a record deal was a one in a million chance. Following this, I share my top advice for transforming limiting beliefs, introducing a technique I like to call BRAINWASHING— a literal cleansing of the mind.

If you're on a quest to discard limiting beliefs and cultivate habits that will steer you towards the life you dream of, then this episode is tailor-made for you.

In gratitude,

MP

On this episode, we explore the essential role of adversity in personal growth. Adversity acts as a sculptor, shaping us into improved versions of ourselves. I share insights from my journey of walking across America, emphasizing how facing challenges invites us to expand our capabilities and resilience. These experiences are not mere obstacles but opportunities for profound development.

This dialogue considers adversity not as a hindrance but as a preparatory ground for revealing our true potential. We discuss how life's difficulties polish us, uncovering the genuine self within. This conversation marks the beginning of a deeper exploration into how our most challenging moments are often veiled opportunities for breakthrough and beauty.

If you are currently experiencing hardship, this episode encourages you to persist.

Break throughs always hide themselves in adversity.

Beauty always hides itself in pain.

If you’re going through pain right now...

KEEP GOING

In gratitude,

mp

In this episode, we delve deep into the dual nature of sadness: the crippling kind that shadows our self-perception, and the clarifying kind that lights the path to our true selves. I recount a deeply personal journey, starting from a childhood shadowed by profound sadness, to a pivotal moment that reshaped my entire outlook on life – the day we lost Avicii. This episode isn't about dwelling on sorrow; it's a call to awaken to the fleeting nature of our existence and the clarity that can spur us into action. It's what drove me to chase an extraordinary dream: walking across America.

Joining us are remarkable individuals from our community, sharing their raw, transformative stories. They speak of struggles, epiphanies, and the intricate dance of fatherhood. Together, we explore how embracing our sadness can unveil our strongest, most authentic selves, inspiring us to step boldly toward our dreams. This is more than a conversation; it’s a journey to uncover the profound power within us all to transmute sadness into a clear vision for our lives, propelling us toward fulfillment and beyond.

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Morgan Erwin, whose life is a testament to the transformative power of faith and an intimate relationship with God. A creative director, fine artist, and pastor, Morgan opens up about his path from a challenging childhood and deep-seated addiction to a profound spiritual awakening catalyzed by faith. Through his story, Morgan embodies the essence of redemption and the remarkable role of divine intervention in human transformation.

Morgan’s candid account reveals addiction not merely as a battle with substances but as an attempt to fill deeper spiritual voids. His insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of trauma, life's adversities, and the belief systems that bind the spirit, underscoring the liberating power of faith and God's love in overcoming these obstacles. 

Morgan’s narrative is a compelling invitation to explore the depths of one’s own faith and the potential for personal rebirth through divine grace and perseverance.

On this episode, former NHL defenseman Stephen Johns shares his journey of triumph over adversity, delving into his battles with post-concussion syndrome and the profound loneliness it brought into his life. He candidly discusses a moment of despair—a suicide attempt—and how he emerged from the darkness with newfound resilience.

In a touching revelation, Stephen reflects on the pivotal role rollerblading across America played in his healing process. Through this daring expedition, he found not only solace but a profound sense of purpose. He shares how the journey, initially a personal quest for peace, evolved into something much greater, as he discovered he was touching the lives of countless others along the way.

During our interactive session with the live community, we explore themes of leadership, personal growth, and the transformative power of finding purpose amidst adversity. Stephen's story serves as a beacon of hope, illustrating the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.

On this episode, Chris Wark, the Wall Street Journal best-selling author of Chris Beat Cancer and a speaker, patient advocate, and wellness crusader, shares his remarkable journey of beating cancer holistically. Chris was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2003 at 26 years old. Despite undergoing surgery, he opted out of chemotherapy, instead choosing to use nutrition and natural therapies to heal himself. One pivotal moment in his journey was discovering "God’s Way to Ultimate Health" by George Malkmus, which opened his eyes to the cancer industry, nutritional therapy, juicing, and the raw vegan diet.

Through his experience, Chris emphasizes the power of belief in healing and the necessity of holistic change. He advocates for taking responsibility for one's health, fostering gratitude, and cultivating a positive mindset. Chris's message resonates beyond cancer patients; it speaks to anyone seeking transformation and wellness.

His story of overcoming adversity is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and renewal.

Author of "Chris Beat Cancer," Chris's insights offer valuable lessons applicable to all stages of life. 

Curious about reclaiming your health and vitality? Dive into his episode with us!

In this episode of the Mike Posner podcast, we delve into the practical wisdom of nurturing cherished relationships through four essential keys. From forgiveness to gratitude, these keys offer pathways to deeper connections and understanding in our lives.

Following this discussion, we turn to questions from our community, exploring topics such as knowing when to move on from friendships, finding presence in the moment, and persevering through challenges.

Additionally, I guide one of our guest speakers through a transformative breathwork exercise. Through the power of breath, we can cultivate inner calm and clarity, enhancing our ability to engage authentically with ourselves and others. Please join in if possible during this part of the show. Your participation during this segment of the show is greatly encouraged and welcomed.

Together, we navigate the complexities of human relationships and personal growth, drawing insights from shared experiences and collective wisdom. Join us as we uncover the power of authentic connection and resilience in the journey of life.

On this episode, I'm joined by my mountaineer coach Dr. Jon Kedrowski to share the gripping tale of our training and expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest, and delve into much more.

Dr. Jon Kedrowski is the founder of Dr. Jon's Adventures.  Jon has a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography, Weather, and Climate.  He grew up in Vail, Colorado where he has climbed over 1,200 different Colorado peaks, including hundreds of ski descents, skiing each of Colorado's 14,000' peaks and about half of the 637 CO 13ers. He has climbed 6 of the 7 continental summits, including 6 expeditions to Mt. Everest in 2012, 2015, 2018,  2019, 2021, & 2023.

In our discussion, we revisit the moments when we braved storms, encountered unforeseen challenges, and narrowly escaped an avalanche that almost took our lives. It goes beyond merely listing accomplishments; it's a candid and unfiltered dialogue about the physical and mental hurdles we confronted.

But that's not all – we bring in live guests to tackle life's other mountains. Ever wondered how to save money or budget for an epic adventure or cross continent walk? Curious about avoiding complacency in your daily routine? Struggling to pick the right ambitions when you have a plethora of goals? Tune in as we unravel these questions and embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience together.