'Life Happens' with Michael Maisey

‘Life Happens' is the podcast that helps you build mental fitness, speaking to inspirational people about life’s ups and downs, how they’ve overcome setbacks and what it means to them to be mentally fit.

Michael Maisey’s story is one of profound sorrow but also success.

From childhood abuse, hard drugs, prison time and a suicide attempt to a successful and award-winning business, work with young offenders, transformational workshops and a best-selling book, his ability to turn dark to light is inspirational.

In the latest episode of ‘Life Happens’, 87%’s Marketing Director, James Gwinnett, caught up with Michael to chat about growing up in a community where drugs and crime were the norm.  

With no father figure and a mother who struggled with alcoholism, he was deprived of all the basic nurturing experiences that a youngster should expect, and created a hardened persona to protect himself against the threat of abuse and violence. Neglect led to gang culture, hard drugs and crime, and a series of prison sentences in his teens.

Battling a heroin addiction during his third conviction, and struggling to cope with a rigorous detox, desperation led him to attempt to take his own life in his cell. Rescued by the guards, it was a visit from this mother to the prison and the news that she had managed to find sobriety that allowed him to begin his own journey again. 

What followed has been remarkable; Michael’s story of redevelopment includes 13 years of sobriety, successful businesses, and three daughters who have never seen him drink or take drugs. And he keeps on giving.

Make sure you comment on the video on YouTube to be in with a chance of winning a signed copy of Michael’s book, Young Offender.