The Matt King Show

Episode 035: Mike Brockway | The Truth Netflix Didn’t Show About Mike From Love Is Blind
Date: October 27, 2025
Host: Matt King (GoBundance)
Guest: Mike Brockway

Overview

In this episode, Matt King sits down with Mike Brockway—best known as “Mike from Love Is Blind”—to unpack the untold realities behind his representation on the hit Netflix show. Peeling back layers of internet criticism, viral TikTok accusations, and show editing, Mike opens up about the personal growth he’s undergone, the misconceptions about GoBundance, the realities of entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of a life defined by purpose and simplicity. This frank, vulnerable conversation highlights how media narratives, public judgment, and real-world relationships intersect, and how navigating them can lead to deeper clarity and fulfillment.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Public Perception, Hate, and Resilience

• Media Backlash and Viral Criticism
  • Mike addresses being publicly criticized by a TikTok user who labeled GoBundance a “cult” and accused him of unethical business practices ([00:00], [15:49]).
  • He describes how stories get twisted:

    "It is just insane to me how something can snowball and get twisted and shape into this crazy, you know, story." – Mike ([00:33], [33:46])

• Impact of Hate and Navigating Negativity
  • Mike candidly discusses the emotional toll of online hate:

    "Being someone that probably cares too much about what other people think, it was definitely brutal at first." – Mike ([17:45])

  • Matt and Mike agree on the importance of not letting strangers' opinions define your self-worth:

    "For better, for worse, if I don't know you and I don't know the values you stand for, your opinion doesn't matter to me." – Mike ([18:40])

2. Behind the Scenes – The Love Is Blind Experience

• How Mike Got on the Show
  • Mike was recruited by producers on Instagram, did not apply, and almost quit during the lengthy vetting process ([02:47], [04:22]).
• The Reality of Filming and Relationships
  • Contestants are isolated from outside distractions—no phones, work, or access to information—immersing them in the pod experience ([07:18]).
  • Mike approached the process analytically, rating each contestant on core values, compressing years’ worth of dating into two emotionally-intense weeks ([08:02]).
  • On the lessons learned:

    "It's basically imagine...Take those two years of dating and getting to know yourself and other people and just really compact that down to only, you know, one to two weeks." – Mike ([08:50])

3. Personal Growth and Alignment

• Growth Through Vulnerability
  • Mike reflects on being more emotionally open and vulnerable due to both GoBundance and the show's immersive process ([10:05]).
• Redefining Alignment in Relationships
  • Pre-show, Mike sought partners who were similar to him; now, he values complementary traits:

    "I've realized since that I can get there with someone that's complimentary to me and that's actually more in alignment..." – Mike ([13:13])

  • The focus has shifted from tangible external goals (“power couple, financial milestones”) to internal fulfillment, happiness, and enjoying the journey ([13:27]–[14:39]).
• The Trap of Chasing the Next Goal
  • Matt brings up the “what’s next?” problem, with high achievers constantly resetting the bar:

    "We all learned the hard way that once you get there, it's very short-lived. ...You set that next goal. And okay, when I hit this next goal, I'll definitely be happy." – Mike ([14:00])

4. Handling Controversy and Misconceptions

• Edit, Perception, and Confirmation Bias
  • They explore how reality TV editing and online narratives create a confirmation bias against participants ([19:29], [21:03], [29:05]).
  • Mike recounts backlash he received for comments about diabetes, set in a context of ignorance, not malice:

    "I truly did not understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. ...I misspoke about that. ...I do apologize if that hurt anyone in any way." – Mike ([21:03])

  • He emphasizes direct communication, integrity, and silent charitable actions in response ([22:57]).
• Judgment in the Entrepreneurial World
  • Matt and Mike discuss business disputes being misconstrued as wrongdoing:

    "If someone doesn't perform or doesn't do the job or doesn't follow the process, like...you don't get paid for that." – Mike ([30:30]) "It's insane to me how something can snowball...I've never been sued, never misrepresented financials..." – Mike ([33:46])

5. Shifting to Simplicity and Vision for the Future

• Business Lessons and the Pursuit of Simplicity
  • Mike aims to control business complexity, focus on select markets (San Diego next, eventually Hawaii), and build a simpler, more fulfilling life ([35:36]).
  • He discusses strategic risk-taking in real estate and the importance of diversification ([38:42]–[41:50]).
• Reframing Abundance and Health
  • Health, longevity, and biohacking are priorities, influenced by GoBundance’s “age-defying health” philosophy and his relationship ([42:13]–[43:41]).
  • He addresses being misunderstood for prioritizing health on the show:

    "It's not because I'm in there trying to figure out if that girl is attractive or not or if she's in shape. It's because that's important to me." – Mike ([43:41])

6. Lessons from the Experiment on People and Relationships

• Bonding and Diversity
  • Mike built unexpected connections with men from various backgrounds and ages, leading to personal and peer growth ([44:43]).
  • He values the supportive community of GoBundance and credits it for fostering both giving and personal development ([17:24], [53:32]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Media & Perception:
  "The concept of media controls your mindset, and whatever you consume is going to control your mindset. ...I had to quickly put a boundary up and say, hey, I'm not going to consume this media. ...My friends, my family, those close to me. Those are the opinions that matter to me." – Mike ([18:20])
• On Taking Responsibility:
  "I signed up for the show. I take full responsibility for that. I knew that ...it could be heavily edited. ...But I've definitely seen some growth because I'm highly visible." – Mike ([25:12])
• On Responding to Online Hate:
  "At the end of the day, like, I don't owe that person anything. ...I don't think it makes me a bad person when I decide that I don't want to respond to every negative comment..." – Mike ([50:05])
• On Leading with Curiosity:
  "The same way you got into this experiment, Love is Blind is leading with curiosity. Leading with an open mind is the same thing you would encourage others to practice..." – Matt ([49:33])
• On Brotherhood and Support:
  "It's easy to bail on people when the noise gets loud. I think it's hard to lean into them when the noise gets loud. Stand by their side in the fire..." – Matt ([53:55])
• On Focusing on Simplicity:
  "I'm searching for simplicity now. I want to control every aspect of the business. ...That's going back to fulfillment and happiness and, you know, hitting goals but, and living life to the fullest..." – Mike ([35:36])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Dealing with Hate & Public Scrutiny: [00:00], [15:49], [17:15], [18:40], [25:12]
• How Mike Got Cast & Experience on Love Is Blind: [02:47], [04:22], [07:18], [08:02], [10:05]
• Alignment & Relationship Lessons: [11:35], [12:11], [13:27], [14:00]
• Confirmation Bias & Editing: [19:29], [21:03], [29:05]
• Business Backlash & Integrity: [30:30], [33:46]
• Simplicity, Real Estate, and Future Plans: [35:36], [38:42]
• Health, GoBundance, and Personal Priorities: [42:13], [43:41], [44:43]
• Closing Reflections on Growth, Community, and Integrity: [50:05], [53:32], [53:55]

Conclusion

This episode offers a raw, honest look at life behind reality TV's manufactured drama, the psychological weight of public scrutiny, and what it means to stay true to yourself amidst misrepresentation. Mike Brockway emerges as a figure who, despite criticism, is determined to focus on authenticity, integrity, and meaningful connections—lessons that are applicable far beyond the world of Netflix. Matt and Mike’s open dialogue stands as an invitation to approach life (and others) with curiosity, resilience, and empathy.