The ManDate Podcast

"I was not supposed to be a drug addict, I was not supposed to be gay, I was not supposed to be someone who wanted to kill themselves." This was Nathan's thought as he considered suicide to repay his parents for all that he took from them. Instead, Nathan chose to live and this episode is his story.

Nathan bravely shares his story of alcoholism, drug addiction, homosexuality, HIV diagnosis, and redemption. We recorded this episode on the day Nathan celebrated 21 months of freedom from drug addiction and 3 years of freedom from alcohol.

Here are a few quotes that were highly impactful for us as we recorded:

• "I became whoever I needed to be for every situation."
• Speaking on his homosexuality: "No one wakes up asking for this. I was hardwired into this world."
• Praying: "Please don't make me be this way. I will live this perfect life if you will change this aspect of me."
• "I banked at the bank of Mom and Dad for a long time."
• "I had more confidence that the devil was real and that evil was real before I ever trusted God with my life...And that is a very scary place."
• "If the devil isn't after you then you really aren't living as a threat to him."
• "In the bottom of that bag was God."

Resources:

• Suicide Hotline: 988
• Helpline Center: www.helplinecenter.org
• Lost & Found: www.resilienttdoday.org
• Avera: www.avera.org/locations/profile/avera-addiction-care-center-sioux-falls/

KPP (Keep Pressing Play) Please consider sharing if this episode created ripples in your thought process.

Instagram @mandatepod

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://anchor.fm/mandate

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mandatepodcast

Sioux Falls Finest Sanitary Services

Ben: ACE Garbage Service http://acegarbageservice.com/ 605.334.4223 or [email protected]

Ryan: Novak Sanitary Services https://www.novaksanitary.com/ 605.338.7126 or Instagram @novaksiouxfalls

Heather Kittelson is energetic and everywhere! As the Foundation Director for Volunteers of America you have either heard from her or of her if you volunteer in any capacity in the Sioux Falls Region. Heather is a Follower of Jesus, a doting wife, proud mom, and she shares her impactful testimony with us on this weeks' show.

Episode Highlights:

• Heather's Testimony (Alcohol/Postpartum Depression/Attempted Suicide) 10:30
• "The Holy Spirit told him to turn his vehicle around."
• Postpartum Depression Explanation (16:00)
• In-patient Recovery=Leaving Heather's family, telling her employer, and sharing this testimony publicly for the first time. (21:50)
• "I am so proud of you." -CEO and HR with VOA
• The neuroscience behind the brains addiction (29:30)
• Redemption Artistry (35:45)
• What can you do if you are struggling with Alcohol Addiction, postpartum depression, or suicide? (42:00)

Real Estate has been Blake's career since he walked off the stage at SDSU with a Bachelors degree in Entrepreneurship, and a minor in Marketing. It was clear to Blake from day one that he wanted a career that allowed him to optimally utilize his business-driven mindset, and love for helping people. Blake prides himself on his empathetic character, and ability to truly understand needs and wants so that he can work together, with prospective home buyers to provide them with the best possible outcome every single time.

Outside of the office, you can find him training my Drahthaar’s for the Kennel that he co-owns, Vom Ike Kennel.

Themes for our episode:

• Trauma Response - lack of memory
• The emotion of looking back
• Being more authentic
• Alcohol induced abuse
• Homeless at 9 years old
• A full plate of nachos just to feed the family
• Victim Mindset because of upbringing is a choice
• The trauma of moving for young people
• The superpowers of introverts
• Step-dads stepping up!
• Survivor Mom’s are next-level
• Parachute was there but not available
• New Marriage Advice

Google Blake Bohner - Real Estate to find out more.

Thank you to our Patreons and sponsors of this episode. Find out more about Origin Health at originhealthsf.com and tell him we sent you!

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Email: [email protected]

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Reflection on Episode: This episode is where Mandate really started to gain an audience. Not only because Mayor TenHaken and his influence but also Joe and Ben having a clear agenda of where they wanted each episode to go. The moment at the start where Paul is talking about being invited onto Mandate and assuming we were going to talk about a Covid mandate was a real conversation we had with him.

Episode Highlights:

“Leadership – Accept Blame & Deflect Praise”

What is your mission field today?

Good, Bad, & Ugly: The stories of being in the trenches during massive city growth, CV19, & local politics

Two MANDATE listener exclusives: Exciting news about Downtown Sioux Falls & is Paul going to put his name in again for mayor?

Reflection on Episode: Rory is a confident individual, especially when it comes to his vision of fitness. We had a couple listeners not love that confidence but clearly lots of our listeners loved it. Joe gave CrossFit the old college try because of this interview however he left the new gym when Rory stepped away as an owner. Rory is onto some very exciting ventures of his own and we are excited to promote the number of initiatives he is involved with.

Highlights of Episode:

Always work on something that gives you more days.

"If you don't have your fitness in order, it's unlikely you have your life in order."

Mental Toughness - AMRAP Mentality

"Everyone is meant to keep themselves in a physical condition that allows us to do basic human function."

Find functional movements that are going to give you another clockwise tick.

Find Rory at @rorywitt03