In Part 2 of this 4-episode series, host Michael Maxwell is joined by two of his closest friends, Donnie Joseph and Max Mitchell, for a raw and inspiring conversation. Together, they open up about confronting health challenges, navigating ADHD diagnoses, and exploring the importance of partnership in life. Whether you’re looking for honest stories, practical insights, or just a genuine connection, this episode offers a rare look into real friendship and resilience. Tune in for laughter, vulnerability, and moments that might just change the way you see your own journey.

#MensMentalHealth

#ADHD

#MentalHealthAwareness

#RealFriendship

#VulnerabilityIsStrength

#Resilience

#MenSupportingMen

#PartnershipMatters

#OvercomingChallenges

#SayItPlainPodcast

Episode 1 of "Brotherhood: The Bonds of Men" lays the foundation for the series by exploring how deep, lasting male friendships form and are nurtured over time. Through candid conversations and personal stories, Michael Maxwell and his closest friends, Donnie and Max, reflect on the pivotal moments, challenges, and shared experiences that have shaped their brotherhood. The episode delves into vulnerability, support, health, and the importance of community among men—setting the stage for future episodes that will further examine how these bonds evolve through life’s changes. This opening chapter invites listeners to consider the value of real friendship and the impact it has on men’s well-being and growth.

You're doing more than most people could handle—so why do you still feel like you're failing? Michael breaks down why perfectionism keeps you stuck and why grace is the tool that moves you forward. You'll get the "Grace Check-In"—a simple framework to stop beating yourself up without losing accountability.

Real talk. Zero fluff. Tools you can use today.

"Perfectionism told me I wasn't enough. Grace told me I was doing my best. One kept me stuck. The other set me free. Here's why giving yourself a break is the smartest move you'll make."

I thought the ADHD test was about my brain. Turns out, it was about my heart too—literally.

When my psychiatrist asked for an EKG and bloodwork before prescribing ADHD meds, I was terrified. I hadn't seen a doctor in years. I was living in blissful ignorance—and that ignorance was killing me.

The results? Pre-diabetic. Dangerously low testosterone. Severe vitamin D deficiency. High cholesterol. Heart concerns. I was heading toward diabetes and heart disease, and I had no idea.

In this episode, I'm sharing what happened when I finally looked around the corner I'd been avoiding—and how taking control of my health changed everything. No meds yet. Just action.

What you'll get:

• Why avoiding the doctor almost cost me my life
• The wake-up call that led to an 18-pound weight loss and a healthier heart
• How I took control: 7-day juice fast, water fasting, cooking, baking, and daily exercise
• The "Peek Around the Corner" tool—how to stop avoiding what you're scared to know

Real talk. Zero fluff. Tools you can use today.

Runtime: ~22 minutes
Best for: Anyone avoiding the doctor, ignoring symptoms, or scared to face what's really going on with their health.

I thought I was broken. Turns out, I was just undiagnosed.

For years, I missed deadlines, forgot commitments, and let people down—over and over. I thought I was lazy, irresponsible, selfish. At 49, I finally learned the truth: ADHD.

In this episode, I'm sharing my diagnosis story—the patterns I missed, the moment everything clicked, and what actually helps when your brain works differently. If you've ever felt like something's off but couldn't name it, this one's for you.

What you'll get:

• The signs of adult ADHD that look like character flaws (but aren't)
• Why getting diagnosed felt like relief and grief at the same time
• The "Get Help Action"—a simple tool to move from chaos to clarity today

Real talk. Zero fluff. Tools you can use today.

Runtime: ~20 minutes
Best for: Anyone navigating ADHD, late diagnosis, or wondering why the same patterns keep showing up in their life.