EP 50 – MJ Gottlieb’s Transformation: From Substance Abuse to Sober CEO

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In this riveting episode, Gary Menkes sits down with MJ Gottlieb, the co-founder and CEO of Loosid, a transformative app providing a sober social network and dating platform.

MJ opens up about his personal journey, marked by a fear-filled childhood, substance abuse struggles, and his path to sobriety that began on March 21st, 2012. With raw honesty, he delves into his experiences with trauma, anger, and addiction, revealing how these challenges led him to create Loosid.

This episode is a deep dive into overcoming fear, anger, and self-perception, with powerful insights from influential books like “The Four Agreements” and “The Untethered Soul”. MJ’s story is a testament to his resilience, and his message is clear – it’s okay not to be okay, and it’s crucial to ask for help. His journey is an inspiration to all those battling addiction, and his work with Loosid has reached over 214,000 members, providing a beacon of hope in their recovery journey.

Tune in to hear MJ’s compelling story of transformation and the lessons he’s learned on his path to sobriety.

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed by our guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the stand or beliefs of the host or the podcast. We aim to provide a diverse range of perspectives and ideas, fostering open and respectful discussions. We encourage critical thinking and forming your own conclusions. Enjoy the show!

About Our Guest (MJ Gottlieb)

MJ Gottlieb is the co-founder and CEO of Loosid, a revolutionary app that provides a digital platform for sober social networking and dating. His journey from a fear-filled childhood, through substance abuse struggles, to the path of sobriety and success is nothing short of inspiring. His life experiences have not only shaped his personal growth but also fueled his mission to support others battling addiction.

MJ’s powerful story of transformation is a testament to his strength and resilience. He has turned his struggles into a message of hope and healing, advocating that it’s okay not to be okay and encouraging individuals to seek help. Today, MJ is a beacon of hope for many, sharing his insights and lessons through his work and the Loosid app, which has seen impressive growth with over 214,000 member installs and more than 11 million login sessions.

Follow MJ Gottlieb on his journey and stay updated with his inspiring work through his social profiles. Check out Loosid app at https://loosidapp.com/. You can also follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mjgottlieb/ for more insights and updates.

Show Notes

  • [01:17] Gary Menkes interviews MJ Gottlieb, the co-founder and CEO of Loosid app, a sober social network and dating platform, where they discuss recovery, the importance of humility, and the strength of individuals in recovery. 
  • [06:37] MJ shares his personal journey from a fear-based childhood, marked by overprotective parents and bullying, to his struggles with substance abuse as a coping mechanism, and finally his path to sobriety, starting on March 21st, 2012. 
  • [08:48] MJ discusses his struggles with trauma from bullying, which led to anger and violence when under the influence of alcohol, resulting in multiple arrests. 
  • [11:57] MJ shares his personal journey of dealing with anger and addiction, discussing his legal troubles, his realization of the disease concept of addiction, and his unconventional method of dealing with rage by provoking fights without throwing a punch. 
  • [14:26] MJ shares about using basketball as a coping mechanism, to battling addiction following a career-ending injury, and his ultimate path to sobriety.
  • [20:44] MJ discusses the dangers of using substances like weed or crack as a means to escape reality, he also shares his personal journey of overcoming fear and bullying, referencing influential books like “The Four Agreements” and “The Untethered Soul”. 
  • [24:12] MJ discusses the concept of self-perception and personal agreements based on experiences, emphasizing the importance of self-love and breaking negative self-beliefs.
  • [28:29] MJ Gottlieb discusses overcoming fear and anger stemming from childhood bullying, and how he applies the lessons learned to navigate challenges in business and life, striving to quickly transition from initial fear and defensive reactions to thoughtful responses. 
  • [31:39] MJ shares his personal strategy for overcoming anger and resentment through daily reading and reflection on specific pages of the Big Book, likening the process to a ‘Miyagi-like’ discipline.
  • [35:19] In this vivid recounting, MJ shares his intense experiences with substance abuse, the dangerous situations it led him into, including fights and endangering children, and the eventual realization that led to his sobriety. 
  • [40:05] MJ talks about his near-death experiences, and his life-changing encounter with AA and his sponsor, Jimmy The Rock, emphasizing the critical role of service in his recovery process. 
  • [42:15] MJ discusses the creation of Loosid, a digital platform aimed at supporting individuals struggling with addiction, and Loosid Sober Dating, a safe platform for sober singles to connect, highlighting their growth to over 214,000 member installs and more than 11 million login sessions.
  • [45:33] MJ emphasizes the importance of acknowledging it’s okay not to be okay, and encourages individuals to ask for help, underlining that your past struggles can become your message to help others.

For more incredible and inspiring stories of those who have overcome alcoholism and addiction, tune in to the next episodes of The Begin Again Podcast through:

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About Gary Menkes

Gary Menkes was born and raised in Port Washington, NY and struggled with alcoholism since his early teens which took him to places he never wants to go again and which took a toll on his health, relationships and professional endeavors. However, Gary completely transformed his life when he was given the gift of sobriety on May 13, 2006. Determined to break free from the cycle of self-destruction, he embarked on a remarkable journey of recovery.

Today, Gary is an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous in New York, married to the love of his life and father of two amazing children of which he owes all to his sobriety. Gary is now launching his own podcast, The Begin Again Podcast.

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