Corey McCarthy: Vulnerability, Starting Over and Checking Your Ego

“ I’m going to be as honest as possible so that the relationships I do have in my life are as meaningful as possible. So that I’m no longer like with you but alone. Right. That’s how you end up feeling lonely in a room full of people.” — COREY MCCARTHY In this conversation, we are joined by Corey McCarthy. I wanted to have a conversation with after watching the film Just Mercy. At the time, I was interested in learning more about the prison system and someone who was a part of the prison system. After setting up to record, COVID-19 swept the world in about a week. This shifted our discussion to talk around the work Corey has done to change his mindset and, in many ways, start over. Corey McCarthy lives in Buffalo, New York with his girlfriend and three children. He is the founder and owner of McCarthy, I.E., a company that specializes in the restoration of historic churches and architectural homes. At age seven, Corey was attacked by a stranger in a public place, which altered his life significantly. One traumatic event led to the next, the result being years of addiction, visits in rehab facilities, jails, mental inpatient services, homelessness, and eventually an extended stay of seven-plus years in N.Y.S correctional system. Defying the odds, Corey has endured and overcome. He embraced a new narrative of gratitude and hope. Because of the changes he’s made, he has built a strong business with a family of employees. He has built a loving home. His life’s work is most certainly the time he spends on a daily basis doing whatever he can to help others change their narrative, anyone who feels damaged, dirty, alone, or just plain not good enough. This is where he derives true meaning and purpose. Show notes: (00:06:29) The Choice to be busy (00:08:58) Alienating people and being in places of Fear (00:13:06) Action Words - Mindfulness and Meditation (00:15:47) Exploring mindfulness and connecting to others (00:18:29) Definites and Absolutes (00:20:25) When you feel overwhelmed and unfocused what do you fall back on? (00:23:44) Stopping the negative spiral or starting over (00:25:01) Most worthwhile investments outside of money? (00:26:05) Cultivating deep relationships (00:28:02) How do you become vulnerable? (00:33:40) Releasing emotions (00:35:54) Who do I want to be? (00:38:28) Esteemable Acts and being of service (00:41:36) Sharing knowledge for everyone (00:45:30) The good and the bad of COVID-19 (00:47:07) Shared global experience (00:48:40) The power of reflection (00:52:26) Getting started (00:54:44) How do you know you should try? (00:56:54) Keeping the ego in check (00:58:53) Gifted books or recommended books (01:00:48) Since getting out of prison what new belief or mindset has positively impacted your life? For transcripts and links to learn more here: https://feedingcuriosity.net/podcast/corey-mccarthy