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What if the thing you're running from is the exact thing holding you back from everything you're meant to be?
In this raw and powerful episode of The Big Silence, Karena sits down with podcast host, author, and co-host of Impaulsive, Mike Majlak. From 10 years lost to heroin and OxyContin to 15 years clean and helping millions navigate their own mental health journeys, Mike's story is one of brutal honesty and hard-won wisdom. He opens up about recognizing anxiety as a teenager, the probation officer who saved his life, and why the path to healing isn't always a straight line. Whether you're battling anxiety, supporting someone through addiction, or just trying to show up for yourself every day, Mike's no-BS approach will remind you that you have something, and you're still here for a reason.
How do you rebuild your life after losing everything to addiction, and learn that taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's survival?
Going back to basics proves that healing doesn't require perfection. It's about sleep, movement, and treating yourself like you matter. Because you do.
(02:39) Anxiety at Age 13
● Feeling like something was always "off"
● Constant questions: Why was I picked last? Do people not like me? Did I say something wrong?
● The onset of the opiate epidemic
● 10 years of addiction
(04:56) His “Aha” Moment
● Getting clean from opiates
● The probation officer who wouldn't be finessed
● Detoxing from methanol, Xanax, heroin, and crack cocaine all at once
● How hurt became fuel
(07:34) Managing Addiction
● The new wave of recovery: showing the journey, the faults, the reality
● Still struggling with gambling and other addictions
● Learning control tactics
● Being curious about mental health instead of seeing it as a detriment
(12:01) Longevity, Biohacking & Why Basic Actually Works
● We're in an era obsessed with optimization
● Nail the basics: sleep, nutrition, movement
● Huberman talks about sleep constantly for a reason
(12:45) Go Towards What Gives You Resistance
● That feeling is showing you where to go
● First episode of Impaulsive: Mike sweat so bad he had a panic attack and walked off set
● When your gut tells you "this isn't for me", it actually IS for you
(13:37) Don't Burn Out: Your Mental Health Is Your Bottom Line
● The most important thing to your EBITA, your ROI, is your own mental health
● Take time for yourself to feel better, to get better
● It will make you a better business person, speaker, human—whatever you're trying to do
● Rest isn't weakness; it's strategy
Reconnect with yourself and your community: We start the New Year, New TI-YOU Challenge January 5th in the Tone It Up App. Just download the Tone It Up App at ToneItUp.com/app and we will see you January 5th!
Episode Resources
● WATCH: The Big Silence and Karena Dawn at the Not Alone Summit
● LEARN MORE: Not Alone Summit & Not Alone Challenge
Make a difference in someone's life today with a donation to help The Big Silence Foundation support mental health in a real, tangible way through therapy, tools, and resources for better mental health. Give now at www.thebigsilence.com/donate
Guest Resources
● Listen to Impaulsive Podcast
● Read Mike's book: The Fifth Vital
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