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Listen "I Got Sober to Survive. I Stayed Sober to Lead with Damon Mitchell"
Episode Synopsis
When Damon Mitchell lost the ability to do a single pushup, it triggered a reckoning—not just with his body, but with his identity as “the strong guy.” In this raw and reflective episode, Damon opens up about the neurological injury that sidelined his body but awakened something deeper. He shares how sobriety, self-trust, and intentional brotherhood became anchors through pain, disconnection, and uncertainty. Now a coach for men navigating the relationships that matter most, Damon offers hard-earned insights on leadership, masculinity, and what it means to fight for something real. If you’ve ever questioned your worth when you couldn’t perform, provide, or push through—this conversation is your invitation to show up anyway.Chapters:00:00:00 - Meet Damon Mitchell: Real Talk Begins00:00:51 - Iguanas, Engagements, and Unlikely Adventures00:01:41 - From Trainer to Coach: Damon’s Backstory00:02:16 - Dogs, Loyalty, and Emotional Anchors00:03:09 - Drinking Days and the Sobriety Decision00:04:40 - Pain, Pride, and Pushing Through00:06:28 - “Something’s Not Right”: The Body Breaks Down00:08:25 - Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, and Running Out of Options00:10:05 - Surgery, Survival, and Mental Battles00:17:51 - Airports, Breakdown, and Emotional Exhaustion00:20:23 - Climbing Back: The Physical and Mental Recovery00:20:55 - “What Can I Fight For Now?”00:21:58 - Regaining Strength—and the Will to Be Independent00:25:05 - Freedom, Movement, and Meaning00:26:29 - Puzzle Pieces and the Nature of Addiction00:28:42 - The Real Story Behind Getting Sober00:30:32 - Business Pressure Meets Personal Pain00:31:01 - Taco Bros Day: Healing Over Tacos00:33:50 - Building Tolomen: Brotherhood with Intention00:39:59 - Lightning Round: What Fuels Damon’s FireLinks And Resources:Official Website – Intentionalize My LifeTolomen's GroupSubstack – Live HappierDamon Mitchell on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!
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