PODCAST · health
Beyond The Mud
by Mudshuvel
Step into the raw and emotional story of a life shaped by hardship, love, and survival. From growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to losing my father—a cab driver murdered in cold blood—this podcast is a heartfelt exploration of family, sacrifice, and finding strength in the darkest moments. Join me as I relive memories, share untold stories, and navigate the journey from loss to resilience. If you’ve ever faced struggles or felt like the world’s weight was on your shoulders, this is for you. Let's walk this road together.
Episodes
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When You’re Tired of Fighting but Still Show Up Anyway
On this episode of Beyond The Mud, Mud (Mike) gets brutally honest about what it’s like to look “put together” on the outside while feeling like a complete imposter on the inside. Four days into a new antidepressant, juggling ADHD meds, sobriety, single fatherhood, and a nonstop grind, he talks...
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I’m Tired, I’m Trying, and I’m Not Giving Up | Journal Entry 39
In today’s raw and unfiltered journal entry, I reflect on the past few weeks of mental burnout, parenting struggles, identity shifts, sobriety challenges, and awkward public moments (including that time I accidentally sent 30 personal photos to the wrong person yeah, that happened). From waking…
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Boardwalk Academy Series: Michelle’s Story of Survival, Self-Discovery, and Stepping Into Her Power
In this raw and unforgettable episode of the Boardwalk Academy Series, we dive into Michelle’s powerful journey from surviving trauma to becoming a beacon of leadership and healing. Once trapped in a cycle of pain, silence, and self-doubt, Michelle found the strength to face her past, embrace her...
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Why Your Mind and Heart Are Fighting
Ever felt like you’re carrying on a sitcom inside your own head—your brain playing the uptight accountant while your heart barges in like a DJ cranking the volume? This is an episode you need to hear. First, you’ll jump into my car on a Sunday afternoon and eavesdrop on a raw, unfiltered journal...
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What Happens When You Re-Listen to Your Own Story
🎙️ Beyond The Mud: Season 2 – The After Growth It’s been almost a year since I dropped my first episode. A year of raw confessions, ugly truths, goosebump moments, and one huge milestone: I haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since the day this podcast was born. 💥 This episode is different. I…
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Your Brain Needs These 5 Questions (Before It Self-Destructs)
Ever notice how we’re all great at asking dumb questions like “Why does my phone battery die so fast?” but never stop to ask the questions that actually matter? That ends today. In this episode of Beyond The Mud, I’m flipping the script and handing YOU 5 brutally honest questions that could...
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Journal Entry 38: Emails, Death Threats, and a Meditation You Didn’t Know You Needed
In Journal Entry 38 of Beyond The Mud, things get real. This is the episode for anyone who's ever been loved for their authenticity and hated for the same reason. I open up about the emotional cost of this podcast — the anonymous death threats, the desperate messages from listeners on the edge…
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Lets Relax, Reset, Refocus – 10-Minute Guided Meditation
No matter where you are in your day work, home, or somewhere in between this guided meditation is your invitation to pause. In this special episode of Beyond The Mud, I’m stepping into something new with you: a 15-minute guided meditation to help you breathe deeper, feel lighter, and remember…
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5 Things You Can Do TODAY to Jump Start Your Life!
🎙 Stop overthinking it. Start doing it. Welcome to Beyond The Mud, where dreams don’t sit on vision boards collecting dust — we drag them out, give them a reality check, and kick them into motion. In this laugh-out-loud but painfully real episode, I’m giving you 5 things you can do TODAY to…
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Journal Entry #37: Too Many Faces – Owning the Real You
They know my name… but they don’t know me." In this raw and unfiltered episode of Beyond The Mud, I strip away the masks and talk about the real me. The me that wrestles with doubt, perfectionism, and the constant pressure to be “on.” The me that hides behind too many faces—until now. This isn’t…
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No More Chaos… So Why Do I Still Feel Lost? | Journal Entry 37
You’ve made it out of the chaos. You’ve fought your demons. You’ve stopped drinking. You’re healing. But now what? In Journal Entry 36, I get brutally honest about the most misunderstood stage of growth: the quiet middle. That strange space where you're no longer drowning in trauma, but you're…
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✅ How to forgive yourself (even when others don’t)
Welcome back to Beyond The Mud, where we keep it raw, real, and ridiculously honest. In this powerful episode, we go straight into the heart of what it means to hit rock bottom, screw up royally, and still claw your way back into the light. Whether you’ve made mistakes you can’t stop replaying,...
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Journal Entry #36: Building a Better Life Can Feel Lonely… But It’s Worth It
In Journal Entry #36, I open up about the side of growth nobody talks about — the loneliness, the mental battles, and the silent struggles of becoming a better person. Being a single father, breaking generational cycles, and rebuilding life after addiction isn’t just motivational quotes — it’s...
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How to Handle Haters: Friends, Family & Internet Trolls
Welcome to Beyond The Mud where we don’t tiptoe around haters… we call them out, break them down, and leave them speechless with success. In this episode, we dive headfirst into why haters exist, how to deal with jealousy from friends, family, and online trolls, and most importantly — how to keep...
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Push Play and Lets Talk About It | Cycles Don’t Break Themselves. You Gotta Shatter ‘Em
In this brutally honest episode of Beyond the Mud, I open up about something real—what it feels like to look at your life and see the echoes of your parents’ past… but decide to do it different. I’m a single dad, just like my father was. He drove a cab. I drive Uber. He survived. I’m trying to...
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How to Talk to Difficult People (Without Losing Your Mind)
In this raw, funny, and wildly relatable episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive into the art of communicating with difficult people — and not just strangers, but your kids, your ex, your boss, and that one person who always sends 10-paragraph texts. If you've ever found yourself shutting down…
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The Truth About Adulting on the Fourth of July
In this raw, unfiltered episode of Beyond the Mud, I dive into the real impact of holidays like the Fourth of July on adults—especially those of us dealing with loneliness, grief, addiction recovery, financial stress, or just the everyday burnout of being a parent. From Walmart firework bundles…
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When Growth Gets Boring (And What Happens Next)
I talk about the death of my favorite open mic (RIP Monday Night Comedy), how I’m dealing with performance anxiety, parenting two hilarious teenagers, and what it’s like trying to grow while you’re broke, busy, and tired as hell. You’ll hear me roast myself, my kids, and life in general—because...
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The Silent Poison That’s Killing Your Confidence
Let’s get real comparison is the silent killer of dreams. In this raw, hilarious, and soul punching episode of Beyond The Mud, Mike Siam unpacks the emotional landmines of comparing your life to others. Whether you're side eyeing strangers on Instagram or secretly resenting your friend’s glow-up,...
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Healing Means Growing the Hell Up – Emotional Intelligence 101
Ever feel like you’re just a big kid in an adult body trying not to scream at your microwave when it beeps too loud? Yeah… same. In this powerful, hilarious, and eye-opening episode of Beyond the Mud, Mike breaks down emotional intelligence in a way that finally makes sense. We’re talking about…
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This Week Tested Me—And I Showed Up Anyway Bonus Episode Journal Entry 33
In this bonus episode, I open up Journal Entry #33 and take you inside one of the most chaotic, powerful, and transformational weeks I’ve had in a long time. From dealing with panic and old habits creeping back in, to standing up for my daughter in a way I never thought I could—I’m laying it all...
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You’re Not Overreacting: How to Trust Yourself Again
They don’t scream. They don’t hit. Hell, sometimes they even smile while they’re tearing you apart. This episode of Beyond The Mud dives headfirst into the world of covert narcissists—the wolves in sheep’s clothing who gaslight you so well, you start apologizing just for existing. Whether it’s a...
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Healing Means Cutting People Off — Even If They're Family
Sometimes healing isn’t pretty. Sometimes it means drawing a line in the sand—even if it’s the people who share your blood standing on the other side. In this raw, unfiltered episode of Beyond The Mud, I’m laying it all out. I talk about how toxic family cycles nearly swallowed my kids and me...
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From Rock Bottom to 5AM: How I Got My Kids, My Mind, and My Purpose Back
A year ago, I was journaling just to get financial aid. Today, I wake up at 5AM, meditate, hit the gym with my son, and write like my life depends on it — because it kinda does. In this episode, I walk you through how I went from emotionally unavailable and overwhelmed to present, sober,...
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What If You’re Not Behind—You’re Just on a Different Path?
Ever feel like everyone else is sprinting through life while you’re over here tripping over your own shoelaces? Yeah… me too. In this episode of Beyond The Mud, we’re tackling one of the biggest peace-stealers of our generation: comparing yourself to everyone and caring way too much about what...
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Anxiety vs. Creativity: Why Your Mind’s at War (and How to Win)
Beyond The Mud, we’re diving into the wild truth: anxiety and creativity are in a full-blown fistfight inside your head. Turns out, science backs this up — anxiety can shut down creativity, but creativity can shut anxiety down. Your brain is basically a working dog. If you don’t give it a job,...
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The Hardest Person to Forgive Is Yourself (Here’s How I Did It)
Feeling stuck? Judging yourself too harshly? Searching for your purpose while silently screaming into a pillow? This episode is for you. In this raw, hilarious, and deeply inspiring episode of Beyond The Mud, I open up about the journey I never expected — from battling fear and self-doubt to...
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How I Learned to Trust Myself (Even When I Was Terrified)
You ever feel stuck between “what if” and “what now”? In this raw and brutally honest episode, I’m unpacking why making decisions—even small ones—can feel like brain surgery with no anesthesia. From the science of overthinking and decision fatigue to what your gut is actually trying to tell you,...
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Five Years Without Sex: What It Taught Me About Shame, Healing, and Control
What happens when you're 45, single, seven months sober… and suddenly realize you haven’t had sex or been in a relationship in five years? In this brutally honest and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Beyond The Mud, Mike Siam opens up about the kind of dry spell nobody talks about but too many...
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Laughter, Anxiety, and 7 Months Sober: The Fight to Keep Going
After months of wrestling with anxiety and self-doubt, I finally stepped back on stage—4.5 minutes of raw, imperfect, real comedy. I didn’t remember every line, but I remembered who I am. This episode isn’t just about performing—it's about surviving. It’s about what it means to stay sober for 7...
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Funny Over Fear Part 1
In this raw and unfiltered episode, I open up about my love for comedy—and the brutal fear that’s been holding me back. From the highs of my first time on stage to the devastating silence of bombing in front of a crowd, I lay it all bare. This isn’t just about jokes. It’s about shame, addiction,...
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Broke But Unbroken: The Chapter Nobody Wants To Talk About
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Beyond the Mud, we dive headfirst into the realities of being broke—without the Hollywood ending. This is not your typical feel-good story; it’s a raw reflection on the shame, the hustle, and the quiet battles that come with financial struggle. This episode…
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Journal Entry 32: Unfiltered and Unbreakable: How to Rise Stronger Through Life's Chaos
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Beyond the Mud, we dive headfirst into the chaos of life and the relentless fight to rise above it. From battling anxiety and juggling multiple projects to overcoming financial struggles and breaking free from societal expectations, this episode is a...
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Through the Mud: 84 Days of Sobriety, Struggles, and Strength Journal Entry 31
In this raw and unfiltered episode of Beyond The Mud, I reflect on 84 days of sobriety and the powerful lessons learned along the way. From rediscovering creativity and confronting family drama to navigating the grind of everyday life, I share the struggles, triumphs, and truths that come with...
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Thanksgiving Eve" Journal Entry 30
In this episode of Beyond The Mud, we explore the power of connection and gratitude. Mike reflects on the importance of community, personal growth, and staying consistent in the face of challenges. With heartfelt honesty, he shares insights from his journey, offering listeners inspiration to find...
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Beyond The Mud: Part 9 The Rise
47 days. That’s the record I just broke the longest I’ve been sober in the past five years. And let me tell you, it wasn’t easy. But here I am, standing stronger, clearer, and more determined than ever. This is Beyond The Mud: Part 9 The Rise. It’s about breaking through the struggle, shaking off...
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Day 46: Journal Entry 29
Day 46: Journal Entry 29 Forty-six days. That’s how long it’s been since I took off the mask I’d been wearing for years maybe decades. Forty-six days of sitting with the raw, unfiltered truth of who I am. Of who I’ve been. It’s not a clean, easy process. It’s messy, it’s painful, and it’s real....
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The Bully Part 2: Journal Entry 28
In this gripping and raw episode, we dive into a deeply personal battle—a story of resilience, fear, and the relentless fight for justice. When the safety of my daughter is threatened by bullying and violence, I’m met with a system that hides behind bureaucracy and dismisses my pleas for...
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The Big Bad Anger: Journal Entry 27
In this raw and unfiltered episode, Mike dives deep into his complex relationship with anger—exploring everything from explosive outbursts that could rival a volcanic eruption to the hard-won battles of self-control and healing. With humor, brutal honesty, and powerful storytelling, Mike takes...
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Beyond The Mud: Part 8 The Weight of One Day and The Strength of Another
I want to take a moment to recognize something truly special happening here. I’ve heard from so many of you—people who aren’t alcoholics, who’ve never battled addiction the way I have—but still, you’re connecting with my journey. It blows my mind and reminds me that even though our circumstances...
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When You Say "NO" You Will Grow: Journal Entry 26
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Beyond The Mud, we delve into the raw and often chaotic journey of early sobriety, where every moment is a battle and every decision shapes the future. I share two unforgettable encounters while driving for Uber: a young man whose heavy confession and…
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How My Podcast Helped Save My Life: Journal Entry 25
Ever find yourself staring at life and wondering, “What the hell just happened?” In this raw and hilarious episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive deep into one man’s journey from reluctant journaling skeptic to finding salvation through words—and walking three miles, rain or shine, just to keep his...
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Beyond :The Mud Part 7: The Big Thank You
In this deeply moving and raw episode of Beyond The Mud, we take a heartfelt journey through the trials, triumphs, and moments of reflection that have shaped a life reclaimed from the depths of addiction and despair. This episode is a powerful ode of gratitude—an unfiltered thank-you to every...
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Day 31 - Walk the Walk - Journal Entry 24
🚨 Warning: This Podcast Is Not for the Faint of Heart 🚨 Don’t listen to this podcast if you think you’re perfect. Don’t press play if you’re just here for feel-good soundbites or motivational quotes you found on Google. This isn’t about easy answers or pretty speeches. This is for the people…
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Through The Voice Of Others: Journal Entry 23
Prepare yourself. This isn’t just any episode of Beyond The Mud—this is a journey into someone else’s shadows, a story that is raw, unfiltered, and deeply moving. For the first time, I’m sharing a voice that isn’t my own—a story of resilience, survival, and the courage it takes to confront life’s...
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Beyond The Mud Part 6: Stability? What's That?
“Stability? Oh, you mean that mythical creature everyone talks about but no one’s ever seen! In this episode, we’re diving into my very personal and often ridiculous journey from bouncing around like a stray ping-pong ball to finally finding some solid ground… or at least learning how to stay...
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I am was The Hero and The Villain: Journal Entry 22
What if the person who hurt you the most…was you? This episode, I’m tearing down the walls and exposing the darkest parts of my past—things I’ve never admitted out loud, not even to myself. The pain I caused, the people I broke, and the control I craved. This is more than a confession; it’s a...
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THE MOVEMENT: Journal Entry 21
Listen up, because this isn’t just another podcast episode. This is the gut-wrenching, soul-shaking truth that most people are too afraid to face. This episode dives into the depths of regret, redemption, and raw transformation—the kind of journey where you walk through fire and come out the…
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MEN-tal HEALTH: Real Men Feel: Beyond The Mud Special
"In this powerful episode of Beyond The Mud, we dive into one of the most misunderstood parts of men’s lives—the silent pain so many carry alone. For too long, society has taught men that feeling pain is weakness, that real strength means burying emotions deep. But today, we’re here to redefine...
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The Blessings and Curse of Anxiety: Journal Entry 20
Imagine a battle fought not with fists or weapons but in the silence of your own mind. Anxiety isn’t just a feeling; it’s a force that can tear you down or drive you forward. This episode is the raw truth of what happens when we choose to face our darkest parts and transform them into power. In...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Step into the raw and emotional story of a life shaped by hardship, love, and survival. From growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to losing my father—a cab driver murdered in cold blood—this podcast is a heartfelt exploration of family, sacrifice, and finding strength in the darkest moments. Join me as I relive memories, share untold stories, and navigate the journey from loss to resilience. If you’ve ever faced struggles or felt like the world’s weight was on your shoulders, this is for you. Let's walk this road together.
HOSTED BY
Mudshuvel
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Beyond The Mud have?
Beyond The Mud currently has 74 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Beyond The Mud about?
Step into the raw and emotional story of a life shaped by hardship, love, and survival. From growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods to losing my father—a cab driver murdered in cold blood—this podcast is a heartfelt exploration of family, sacrifice, and finding strength in the...
How often does Beyond The Mud release new episodes?
Beyond The Mud has 74 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Beyond The Mud?
You can listen to Beyond The Mud on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Beyond The Mud?
Beyond The Mud is created and hosted by Mudshuvel.
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