A sensitive content warning: this episode includes discussion of substance addiction, mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and recovery.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or use the online chat through the 988 Lifeline. It supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises, and substance use concerns.

To honor May being Mental Health Awareness month we invited Drew Motiv to share his story of transformation through addiction, mental health struggles, and surviving suicide attempts, in this episode. Now a motivational speaker and founder of the Divine Family Movement, Drew opens up about the darkest chapters of his life and how he found his way toward healing, self-belief, and purpose.

We explore what it truly means to hit rock bottom, the isolation that can come with addiction and recovery, and the difficult work of rebuilding your identity after trauma. Drew reflects on the internal battles he faced, the moments that changed his path, and how he now uses his lived experience to help others feel less alone.

Beth and Cathy also talk with Drew about the emotional complexity of recovery, learning to trust yourself again, coping with lingering anxiety and darkness, and turning personal pain into public advocacy. His story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant for anyone navigating mental health challenges, addiction, or the long road back to themselves.

In this episode, we discuss:

Drew Motiv’s journey through addiction and mental health struggles
What “rock bottom” looked like in his life
Surviving suicide attempts and the emotional aftermath
The role of isolation, honesty, and support in recovery
Rebuilding trust in yourself after trauma
How recovery is not linear
Turning painful experiences into purpose-driven advocacy
Founding the Divine Family Movement
Redefining strength, especially for men facing stigma around vulnerability
What Drew wants listeners who are struggling to hear right now

If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the resources below.

Drew’s Links:

Follow Drew Motiv on Instagram @Drew_Motiv

divinefamilymovement.com

Resources:

Need support? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. For substance use or mental health treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). For text-based crisis support, text HOME to 741741. Veterans and service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. For non-crisis support and local mental health resources, contact NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 62640.

Connect With Us:

Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.

“It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.

See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to ItHappenedToMePod@gmail.com.