Beyond The Mud

On this episode of Beyond The Mud, Mud (Mike) gets brutally honest about what it’s like to look “put together” on the outside while feeling like a complete imposter on the inside. Four days into a new antidepressant, juggling ADHD meds, sobriety, single fatherhood, and a nonstop grind, he talks about the days when the tools stop feeling like they work the writing, the therapy, the medication, the gratitude, all of it. Mud opens up about anxiety, social anxiety, trauma, addiction, neurodivergence, and fatherhood, and what it’s like to still feel broken even after doing “everything right.” No highlight reel, no fake positivity just a real conversation about living with a brain that was rewired by years of alcohol, prescription drugs, instability, and emotional neglect… and still choosing to fight for a better life anyway. You’ll hear about the lonely road where he takes his guilt, pressure, and anger so his kids don’t have to carry it. You’ll feel the tension of trying to be a present dad while battling imposter syndrome, overthinking, and the fear that you’ll become the person you swore you’d never be. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I still feel like this after all the work I’ve done?” this episode is for you. Topics: mental health, depression, anxiety, neurodivergent, ADHD, antidepressants, therapy, sobriety, addiction recovery, single dad, healing journey, imposter syndrome, childhood trauma, inner work, faith, self-doubt, nervous system, healing while parenting. Listen, share with someone who’s struggling in silence, and remember: you’re not alone

In today’s raw and unfiltered journal entry, I reflect on the past few weeks of mental burnout, parenting struggles, identity shifts, sobriety challenges, and awkward public moments (including that time I accidentally sent 30 personal photos to the wrong person yeah, that happened). From waking up at 5AM to keep my mind in check, to feeling like a stranger in social settings, I open up about what it really means to be a high functioning human just trying to hold it together. This episode dives into anxiety, personal growth, fatherhood, loneliness, and what happens when life feels like a loop of doing your best but still feeling off. If you've ever questioned your worth, laughed through your breakdowns, or wondered why healing feels like a full-time job this one’s for you. We cry, we laugh, and we keep it brutally honest. Because this isn’t just a podcast it’s a journal you didn’t know you needed. Keywords for discovery: mental health podcast, journal entry, sobriety, anxiety, self-growth, fatherhood, real talk, emotional healing, podcast for healing, raw storytelling, self discovery, inner work, vulnerability, burnout, comedy podcast about life

In this raw and unforgettable episode of the Boardwalk Academy Series, we dive into Michelle’s powerful journey from surviving trauma to becoming a beacon of leadership and healing. Once trapped in a cycle of pain, silence, and self-doubt, Michelle found the strength to face her past, embrace her worth, and rise into her purpose not just for herself, but for others walking a similar path. Through heartbreak, resilience, and self-reinvention, Michelle's story reminds us that true leaders are often forged in the fires of adversity. Her transformation is more than inspiring it’s a call to action for anyone who has ever felt unseen, unheard, or broken. 💥 Whether you’re battling your own demons, supporting someone who is, or searching for stories of real redemption, this episode will shake your soul and lift your spirit. 👉 Tune in and hear how community, courage, and connection at Boardwalk Academy helped Michelle turn her wounds into wisdom and how her voice is now helping others rise beyond the mud.

Ever felt like you’re carrying on a sitcom inside your own head—your brain playing the uptight accountant while your heart barges in like a DJ cranking the volume? This is an episode you need to hear. First, you’ll jump into my car on a Sunday afternoon and eavesdrop on a raw, unfiltered journal entry. I’m talking about everything from teenage road trips and Crumbl cookie runs to basketball meltdowns and crying in the middle of JCPenney. It’s messy, it’s honest, and it’s the kind of story that will make you feel a little less alone. Then we pop the hood on the constant tug‑of‑war between logic and emotion. You’ll learn why your brain and heart are always competing for control—and how to make them partners instead. This isn’t just woo‑woo talk; it’s grounded in science about heart–brain communication and practical tools that actually work. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your brain keeps replaying mistakes while your heart begs you to move on—plus the research that explains it. The surprising ways your heart sends signals back to your brain (hint: it’s not all in your head). How breathing, movement and a few simple “mind–heart check‑ins” can quiet mental chatter and tap into your intuition. Small daily practices to stop self‑sabotage and bring your whole body into harmony—so your mind, heart and gut finally get on the same team. How understanding this connection can improve your relationships, help you make better decisions and give you real peace of mind. Whether you’re an overthinker, a feeler, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you stop fighting yourself and start feeling whole. Tune in to laugh, cry, learn, and walk away with a game plan to make your mind and heart work together—because when they do, everything changes.

🎙️ Beyond The Mud: Season 2 – The After Growth It’s been almost a year since I dropped my first episode. A year of raw confessions, ugly truths, goosebump moments, and one huge milestone: I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since the day this podcast was born. 💥 This episode is different. I went back and re-listened to Season 1 for the first time—and hearing my own story gave me chills. The tears, the laughter, the growth—it all hit harder than ever. And now? We’re stepping into the after growth. 👉 From surviving sobriety to joining a leadership academy I never thought I’d belong in. 👉 From friend groups that were dead to finally rebuilding real connections. 👉 From being broke as hell to learning how to fix my finances (and finding the comedy in every dollar I don’t have). This isn’t a “look at me, I’ve figured it out” podcast. This is a real-time blueprint for growth—with all the screw-ups, breakthroughs, and savage comedy along the way. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the mud, this episode will remind you: the mud is where the lotus grows. 🌱 Hit play. Laugh. Reflect. Get inspired. Then go make your own story worth re-listening to a year from now.

Ever notice how we’re all great at asking dumb questions like “Why does my phone battery die so fast?” but never stop to ask the questions that actually matter? That ends today. In this episode of Beyond The Mud, I’m flipping the script and handing YOU 5 brutally honest questions that could actually change your life (or at least make you stop scrolling for 20 minutes). We’ll dive into the stuff nobody likes to admit—comparison, decision-making, relationships, anxiety, family drama—and why adults basically walk around acting like oversized toddlers who just pay bills. By the end, you’ll have five questions to slap yourself with whenever you’re stuck, overthinking, or feeling like life’s a cosmic prank. This is self-growth with zero sugarcoating, a ton of laughs, and some actual science sprinkled in so you don’t feel like you wasted your time. 🚨 Share this with a friend who needs it (translation: we all know that one person), drop a rating, follow the show, and if you want to tell me your story or just roast me, email me at beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com or hit me up on Facebook: Beyond The Mud .

In Journal Entry 38 of Beyond The Mud, things get real. This is the episode for anyone who's ever been loved for their authenticity and hated for the same reason. I open up about the emotional cost of this podcast — the anonymous death threats, the desperate messages from listeners on the edge, and the burden of being told, “You saved my life.” But we don’t end there. Thanks to the incredible support from Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and iHeartRadio — and the 25,000+ who listened to the meditation episode — we’re now introducing a moment of peace at the end of each entry. This is where healing begins. Stay for the story. Stay for the silence. Stay for the real.

No matter where you are in your day work, home, or somewhere in between this guided meditation is your invitation to pause. In this special episode of Beyond The Mud, I’m stepping into something new with you: a 15-minute guided meditation to help you breathe deeper, feel lighter, and remember that you’re enough. Whether you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a reset, you’ll be guided through simple breathing, visualization, and mindfulness practices that anyone can do no experience required. We’ll learn together how to slow down, let the mud settle, and find a little clarity in the middle of life’s chaos. You deserve this moment. Press play, breathe, and let’s do this together.

🎙 Stop overthinking it. Start doing it. Welcome to Beyond The Mud, where dreams don’t sit on vision boards collecting dust — we drag them out, give them a reality check, and kick them into motion. In this laugh-out-loud but painfully real episode, I’m giving you 5 things you can do TODAY to start chasing your dreams (or get unstuck if you’ve been in dream limbo for way too long). No fluff. No “just manifest it” woo-woo. Just real actions you can take before the sun goes down. We’re talking: ✅ How to stop planning yourself into a coma and actually start ✅ The “I Did” list that’ll keep you fired up ✅ How to start before you’re ready (because you’ll never be ready) ✅ Why overthinking is the ultimate dream-killer ✅ Small wins that lead to big momentum Whether your goal is to start a business, write a book, get fit, or finally launch that side hustle you’ve been talking about for five years — this episode is your permission slip to start NOW. So grab your coffee, grab your pen, and let’s get your dreams out of your head and into reality. 📲 Follow, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs a kick in the ass (or a gentle nudge — we do both here).

You’ve made it out of the chaos. You’ve fought your demons. You’ve stopped drinking. You’re healing. But now what? In Journal Entry 36, I get brutally honest about the most misunderstood stage of growth: the quiet middle. That strange space where you're no longer drowning in trauma, but you're not thriving yet either. You’re just… in the in-between. And it feels weird. Lonely. Like maybe something’s wrong. But guess what? Nothing’s wrong. You’re rebuilding. You’re becoming. And this episode is for you. This is for the person who’s sober, healing, and doing the work—yet still feels stuck. It’s for the ones walking alone, wondering if it’s all going to pay off. I talk about my personal journey, being a single father, the long walks with no destination, and the raw truth of staying consistent when nobody’s watching. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “What now?”—this one’s for you. 👉 Real talk. No fluff. No fake motivation. Just truth, transformation, and a reminder that this part of the process matters. 📩 Contact me: beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com 📲 TikTok: @mudshuvel.rants 📘 Facebook: Beyond The Mud

Welcome back to Beyond The Mud, where we keep it raw, real, and ridiculously honest. In this powerful episode, we go straight into the heart of what it means to hit rock bottom, screw up royally, and still claw your way back into the light. Whether you’ve made mistakes you can’t stop replaying, hurt people you wish you hadn’t, or feel like your past is dragging your future down — this one’s for you. We dive into: ✅ How to forgive yourself (even when others don’t) ✅ Real stories of redemption and transformation ✅ Why shame keeps you stuck — and how to break the cycle ✅ The psychology of rebuilding your life after failure ✅ How to turn pain into purpose and regret into fuel This isn’t therapy — it’s truth served with humor, metaphors, a little edge, and a whole lot of hope. 🔥 If you’ve ever felt like a piece of sh*t but still believe you’re meant for greatness — press play. 📲 Follow, rate, and share this with someone who needs to hear they’re not done yet.

In Journal Entry #36, I open up about the side of growth nobody talks about — the loneliness, the mental battles, and the silent struggles of becoming a better person. Being a single father, breaking generational cycles, and rebuilding life after addiction isn’t just motivational quotes — it’s nights staring at the ceiling, wondering if you’ll ever feel whole again. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your past and your future, this episode is for you. I talk about parenting while healing, the realities of staying sober, and what it’s like to live through a full mindset transformation… and still feel alone sometimes. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about growth, healing, self-worth, and fighting to keep going when no one’s cheering for you. ✅ If you’re someone rebuilding their life, or just starting over — I promise you, you are not alone. 💥 LISTEN NOW and take your power back. 📧 Got feedback or just wanna talk? Email me at: 👉 beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com 📲 Follow me on TikTok for raw, funny, and honest videos: 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@mudshuvel.rants?_t=ZT-8yDinjgx8qN&_r=1 📣 Connect with me on Facebook: 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/16cq26ZYTE/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Welcome to Beyond The Mud where we don’t tiptoe around haters… we call them out, break them down, and leave them speechless with success. In this episode, we dive headfirst into why haters exist, how to deal with jealousy from friends, family, and online trolls, and most importantly — how to keep winning while they keep watching. Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a better life, this episode is your ultimate blueprint to stay focused, stay motivated, and silence every doubter without saying a word. You’ll learn: ✅ The psychology behind why people hate ✅ How to mentally destroy jealousy without engaging ✅ Why family and friends can be your biggest haters ✅ How to handle trolls and passive-aggressive people ✅ The secret to turning hate into fuel for your comeback story We’ll keep it funny, raw, motivational, and brutally honest because you didn’t come here to play small. 🎯 Listen now, follow the podcast, and don’t forget to rate, share, and comment. Share this episode with someone who’s doubting themselves… or maybe send it to that one “friend” who low-key hates on you. 🎧 Full episodes available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. 📧 Want to share your story? Hit me up at beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com

In this brutally honest episode of Beyond the Mud, I open up about something real—what it feels like to look at your life and see the echoes of your parents’ past… but decide to do it different. I’m a single dad, just like my father was. He drove a cab. I drive Uber. He survived. I’m trying to live. This episode dives into how I’m raising my kids with structure, emotional awareness, and love breaking cycles, building routines, and trying like hell to not let history repeat itself. If you’ve ever caught yourself becoming your parents, wondered if you’re doing enough, or felt scared to change the script you need this one. This is for the cycle breakers. The parents trying to raise kids better. The ones healing trauma while still packing lunches. We talk fear, family, mental health, growth, and why rewriting your story isn’t easy but it’s worth it.

In this raw, funny, and wildly relatable episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive into the art of communicating with difficult people — and not just strangers, but your kids, your ex, your boss, and that one person who always sends 10-paragraph texts. If you've ever found yourself shutting down, blowing up, or bottling it in, this episode is for you. Mike gets honest about his own past struggles with emotional outbursts, the silent treatment, people-pleasing, and straight-up terrible communication, especially as a parent and partner. But this isn’t just a vent session — it’s a transformation. Backed by science, psychology, and real-world tools, this episode gives you: How to communicate with someone who shuts down Why arguments escalate — and how to stop the cycle The neuroscience of defensiveness and emotional hijacking How emotional intelligence plays into every conversation Real tools for active listening, de-escalation, and connection Plus: the hilarious ways grown adults act like toddlers in conflict You’ll leave this episode laughing, learning, and finally understanding how to break toxic patterns and actually connect with people you care about — without losing your mind. Listen now, share with someone you care about, and let’s break the cycle — one conversation at a time. 📧 Contact: beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com 🎙️ Full episodes: Spotify: Beyond The Mud Apple Podcasts: Beyond The Mud

In this raw, unfiltered episode of Beyond the Mud, I dive into the real impact of holidays like the Fourth of July on adults—especially those of us dealing with loneliness, grief, addiction recovery, financial stress, or just the everyday burnout of being a parent. From Walmart firework bundles to the unexpected sadness that creeps in on “happy” days, this journal entry is a mix of Bill Burr-style rants, Daniel Tosh-level humor, and the kind of emotional truth-telling you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re celebrating with family or sitting alone in silence, this episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’re just going through the motions. You’ll laugh, you’ll probably cry, and you’ll definitely feel seen. If you’ve ever asked: Why do holidays make me feel worse instead of better? Am I the only one struggling with joy? How do I heal while the world celebrates around me? …then this one’s for you. 💥 Topics Covered: The truth about adulting and holidays What to do when you feel alone on the 4th of July Addiction recovery during family-centered seasons Why we need a national “Adult Day” just to breathe Mental health, parenting, purpose, and raw reflection 📌 Listen now if you're looking for real talk, healing, humor, and a reminder that your story isn’t over yet.

Let’s get real comparison is the silent killer of dreams. In this raw, hilarious, and soul punching episode of Beyond The Mud, Mike Siam unpacks the emotional landmines of comparing your life to others. Whether you're side eyeing strangers on Instagram or secretly resenting your friend’s glow-up, this one’s for you. Mike opens up about his own struggle with jealousy—watching others succeed while he felt stuck, bitter, and convinced he was failing. Sound familiar? That’s because it’s more common than you think. But here’s the twist: comparison isn’t your enemy—it’s a tool. You’re just using it wrong. 🔥 Learn how to stop letting envy crush your confidence 💪 Discover how to flip the script and let comparison teach you 🧠 Get science-backed strategies on self-talk, jealousy, and rewiring your brain 😂 Laugh through brutally honest metaphors, savage comedy, and real-life stories 💔 And understand why men compare just as much as women—and how no one talks about it Whether you’re in a relationship, chasing a dream, or just trying to survive another Monday, this episode will shift your mindset and give you practical tools to stop scrolling and start evolving. 👉 If you’ve ever looked at someone else’s success and felt like a failure—listen to this. 📩 Want to share your story or get in touch? Email Mike at beyondthemudpodcast@gmail.com Follow & message him on Facebook: facebook.com/share/1B5caVPGzH 🎧 Hit play. Heal loud. Laugh louder.

Ever feel like you’re just a big kid in an adult body trying not to scream at your microwave when it beeps too loud? Yeah… same. In this powerful, hilarious, and eye-opening episode of Beyond the Mud, Mike breaks down emotional intelligence in a way that finally makes sense. We’re talking about the real difference between emotional maturity and just reacting like a 5-year-old with a mortgage. From the silent treatment to full-blown emotional tantrums, Mike opens up about how unchecked childhood trauma kept him emotionally stuck — and how he finally started climbing out of it. Expect laughs. Expect science. Expect to see yourself in this. Whether you’re a parent trying to raise emotionally intelligent kids, a partner tired of toxic patterns, or just a grown-ass human trying to stop acting like a walking red flag — this one’s for you. 🔥 We cover: How men, women, and kids process emotions differently Why kids need adult guidance to learn emotional regulation How the silent treatment is actually emotional warfare The real reason most adults never learned this stuff And Mike’s raw, funny story about transforming from emotionally reactive to emotionally aware (finally). 🎯 Plus, you'll walk away with insights backed by psychology, neuroscience, and real-life reflection — all wrapped in Mike’s brutally honest, Bill Burr-meets-Daniel Tosh style. 📣 Wanna talk about it? Tell your story? Or just say this hit different? Mike responds to EVERY message. Hit him up: 📧 Email: BeyondTheMudPodcast@gmail.com 📱 Facebook Page: Beyond the Mud 🎧 Full Podcast: → Spotify → Apple Podcasts

In this bonus episode, I open up Journal Entry #33 and take you inside one of the most chaotic, powerful, and transformational weeks I’ve had in a long time. From dealing with panic and old habits creeping back in, to standing up for my daughter in a way I never thought I could—I’m laying it all out. I talk about what it’s like to go from emotional shutdowns and substance abuse to making decisions that actually protect the people I love. This is real growth. Not the pretty kind—the kind that hurts, humbles you, and heals you at the same time. If you've ever wondered how to turn your pain into strength, or how to show up when your past keeps trying to pull you back, this one’s for you. No script, no filter—just truth from the mud.

They don’t scream. They don’t hit. Hell, sometimes they even smile while they’re tearing you apart. This episode of Beyond The Mud dives headfirst into the world of covert narcissists—the wolves in sheep’s clothing who gaslight you so well, you start apologizing just for existing. Whether it’s a partner, a parent, or that “nice” family member who always plays the victim—this episode unpacks how emotional abuse can go unseen for years and leave invisible scars that take even longer to heal. Backed by science, neuroscience, and psychology, and delivered with raw honesty and sharp humor, I’ll walk you through the red flags, the psychological patterns, and how I broke free from it—not just for me, but for my kids. We’ll talk family, fake apologies, denial disguised as advice, and how to protect your peace like your life depends on it—because it does. 💥 If this episode hits home, share it with someone you care about. It might be awkward, but it might save a life. 📬 Want to tell your story? Or just need someone to talk to? I read every message. Email me at: BeyondTheMudPodcast@gmail.com Or connect with me on Facebook: Beyond The Mud You’re not crazy. You’re not overreacting. You’re waking up.