EP 222: Mike's Story

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Mike recounts early exposure to pornography, shame shaped by church messaging, family dynamics, and later learning his biological father’s sexual addiction, then baptizing him before his mission. He describes a canceled temple wedding due to church discipline, continued struggles after marriage, and his shift toward inner work, self-compassion, and a reframe of repentance as metanoia—a fresh view of self, God, and the world—emphasizing wholeness over perfection and connection as the antidote. He recommends “Lean on Me” as his recovery song. He discusses his pivot from branding and graphic design into men’s work, retreats, and breathwork, including co-founding the HEARE Brotherhood.

Connect with Mike and get resources here:
- www.thelightinus.org
- www.hearebros.com
- LinkedIn

Timestamps:
01:11 Making Repair Story
03:05 Meet Mike Allen
03:20 Career Pivot and Purpose
06:32 Family Crest Breakthrough
07:41 First Mens Retreat Leap
10:05 Breathwork Heart Opening
12:22 HearBrotherhood Origin
13:46 Early Porn Exposure
14:39 Family Context and Masculinity
17:28 Shame and Church Messages
20:43 Bio Dad Addiction Reveal
23:11 Baptizing His Dad
23:48 Engagement Secrets
25:02 Recommend Taken Away
27:40 Wedding Canceled
30:28 Marriage Did Not Fix It
31:24 Beyond Twelve Steps
34:51 Metanoia Not Shame
37:30 Opposition And Shadow
40:04 Golden Nuggets
45:06 Find Mike Online
45:47 Lean On Me Finale