On episode #29 of the An Evolving Man Podcast I speak with the author, Michael Maisey. Michael is an amazing man and has a truly astonishing story. From sexual abuse, violence, drug and alcohol addiction, attempted suicide and being arrested as a teenager for armed robbery and attempted murder Michael spent several years in prison.

On leaving prison Michael continued struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. At age 25 through the support of the AA and the 12 Step Program he gave up alcohol and drugs. He set up a thriving business in real estate and now teaches others through workshops and talks how to transform their lives.

He has been given awards for his work and has appeared as a contestant on Channel Four's show with Ant Middleton, SAS, Who Dares Win, Season 4.

Today we talk about his journey and the tools he has used to transform his life and those of thousands of others. He talks about what it is to be a man, how to transform even the most horrific abuse and how we support the young people who are struggling with crime and addictions.

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Michael is the Author of the Best-Selling Book 'Young Offender'. He has been sober for 14 years and since his release from prison in 2001 he has been on a journey practicing healing and self-development on himself to improve his life and heal the wounds from his own childhood. He went from a child from an underprivileged background, with zero qualifications to being in a position to retire at the age of 35.

He works with all the tools which he has found to be most beneficial. He brings these tools together to help others reach their full potential and help them to step up and let their own light shine. His core belief is about 100% accountability, giving back, and transforming the lives of others from all walks of life.​

Some questions for Michael:

1. I would love for you to share some of your incredible journey. What was the path that led you to do the work that you now do with men, women and teenagers?
   
   
2. Importance of role models: Looking back at your own life, what do you feel is the importance of having benevolent older role models in your life, especially as a teenager? What happens when we don't have that? In your book you talk about having an older friend called, Jake, who was 3 years older than you and his influence on you. What do you feel young men are lacking in terms of role models? What's the answer?
   
   
3. If your child is struggling: You mention the first time you are arrested that a policeman came to your house. And then the chief superintendent giving you a talking down when you were arrested for armed robbery. Their tactics didn't seem to work for you. What do you feel would have worked for you? And for those who have kids who are getting wayward what is the best way of talking to them?
   
   
4. Giving up addictions: How important was the support of the 12-step program and your sponsors of Sean, and Matt. What else could you share about the journey of healing your addictions?
   
   
5. If there is time I would love you to speak to these subjects:
6. The connection between childhood trauma and struggles later in life.
7. Forgiveness – how did you manage to forgive those like your uncle for what they did when you were younger?
8. 'Creating a tough, scary and mean' persona. How did you start to dismantle it.
9. Rites of passage and initiation.
10. The importance of finding your purpose (P.251)
11. How important has having authenticity and vulnerability been for you? When you were told not to disclose your own history to your clients (P.254) how did that feel?
12. Honesty and integrity: the importance and how it felt to be working in real estate when your colleagues weren't being honest.
13. Tools and processes. What are some of the most powerful and transformative tools that you have used?
    
    
14. What do you feel needs to happen in prison to rehabilitate people? How do we change the current system?
    
    
15. How do people find out more about your work?

#michaelmaisey #youngoffender #overcomingaddictions

To find out more about Michael's work please visit: https://www.thecipproject.com

To buy Michael's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Young-Offender/dp/B07PGB5459/ref=sr_1_1?crid=14976ZG86CUHV&keywords=young+offender&qid=1645097510&sprefix=young+offender%2Caps%2C191&sr=8-1

To visit him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecipproject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmaisey/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michael_Maisey

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An Evolving Man (AEM) Podcast is for men (and women) who want to grow, evolve and want support in learning how to do this.

On a regular basis there will be an interview around men's (and women's) topics ranging from self-development, relationships, spirituality, archetypes, trauma, boarding school and men's work featuring authors and leaders in this field.

The sense with these interviews is to support people during these times of change. What are the teachings, tools and practices that you can use to help you through these turbulent times?