From Head to Heart; Mike V. on Sobriety, Self Worth and Finding Meaning

Standing over frozen water, he made a deal. One call… if he answers, he lives. If not, he jumps. For the first time on The Cup of Joe Show, we’re going international. Mike V joins us from Samara, Russia, with a story that proves addiction does not care where you come from, how intelligent you are, or how your life looks on the outside. Mike grew up in a home without drinking, convinced he was different. Smarter. Immune. But alcohol gave him something he had been searching for his entire life. Connection. Relief. A way to escape the anger and isolation he carried inside. Over time, that solution became his prison. Despite having a loving wife and a young daughter, Mike found himself sinking deeper into depression, convinced his life had no meaning and that the people he loved would be better off without him. That belief led him to a frozen embankment near his home. Standing over the ice, ready to jump, he made one final decision. One last phone call. If the man on the other end didn’t answer, it was over. But he did answer. In this powerful episode of The Cup of Joe Show, Mike shares how that moment changed everything. How he went from isolation to connection, from self-hatred to self-acceptance, and from living in his head to finally living from the heart. “The longest journey I ever made was from my brain to my heart.” Today, Mike is a grateful husband and father, a sponsor, and a man living with purpose, helping others find the same solution that saved his life. 📌 If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. Help is available 24 hours a day. 🙏 Please like, share, and subscribe to The Cup of Joe Show so more people can hear stories of hope and transformation. 🌟 For daily encouragement, visit Daily Ponderables — your source for inspiration 365 days a year. The Cup of Joe Show explores the journey of recovery from alcohol and drug addiction—one story, one conversation, and one step at a time. New Episode Every Thursday at Noon.