I Got Sober to Survive. I Stayed Sober to Lead with Damon Mitchell

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 Begins
• 00:00:51 - Iguanas, Engagements, and Unlikely Adventures
• 00:01:41 - From Trainer to Coach: Damon’s Backstory
• 00:02:16 - Dogs, Loyalty, and Emotional Anchors
• 00:03:09 - Drinking Days and the Sobriety Decision
• 00:04:40 - Pain, Pride, and Pushing Through
• 00:06:28 - “Something’s Not Right”: The Body Breaks Down
• 00:08:25 - Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, and Running Out of Options
• 00:10:05 - Surgery, Survival, and Mental Battles
• 00:17:51 - Airports, Breakdown, and Emotional Exhaustion
• 00:20:23 - Climbing Back: The Physical and Mental Recovery
• 00:20:55 - “What Can I Fight For Now?”
• 00:21:58 - Regaining Strength—and the Will to Be Independent
• 00:25:05 - Freedom, Movement, and Meaning
• 00:26:29 - Puzzle Pieces and the Nature of Addiction
• 00:28:42 - The Real Story Behind Getting Sober
• 00:30:32 - Business Pressure Meets Personal Pain
• 00:31:01 - Taco Bros Day: Healing Over Tacos
• 00:33:50 - Building Tolomen: Brotherhood with Intention
• 00:39:59 - Lightning Round: What Fuels Damon’s Fire

Links And Resources:

• Official Website – Intentionalize My Life
• Tolomen's Group
• Substack – Live Happier
• Damon Mitchell on LinkedIn

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