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April 15, 2025 71 mins

In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Life-Changing Challengers, host Brad Minus welcomes Michael Rosenberg, a transformational coach, speaker, and spiritual traveler behind Wake Up With Mike. Michael shares his remarkable journey from an unfulfilled corporate sales career to a global spiritual quest that led him across continents—and ultimately, back to himself.

Michael opens up about childhood dreams, personal traumas, and the soul-numbing reality of chasing a career that didn't align with his heart. After reaching a breaking point in a high-pressure job, he took a leap of faith: quitting everything, cashing out his savings, and setting out on a four-year odyssey to discover meaning through travel, mysticism, and self-exploration. From Sedona to South America, from Israel to the deserts of Jordan, and even into Krishna temples in Europe, Michael found healing, purpose, and community in the unlikeliest places. This episode is a masterclass in listening to your inner voice and trusting that the universe will catch you when you leap.

Episode Highlights

  • [3:00] – Michael’s childhood, football dreams, and the trauma of letting himself down under Friday night lights
  • [20:00] – Failing forward: from acting dreams in LA to soul-crushing assistant jobs in Hollywood
  • [34:00] – Panic attacks, burnout, and the moment he knew he had to walk away
  • [50:00] – The turning point: a random encounter in an Indian restaurant that led to a spiritual pilgrimage to India
  • [1:05:00] – Swimming with dolphins in the Bahamas and the powerful energetic shift that sparked his global travels
  • [1:45:00] – His transformational time in Bolivia and Peru, working with plant medicine, shamans, and community
  • [2:10:00] – The unexpected depression that led to a powerful encounter with Krishna consciousness in Portugal and France
  • [2:30:00] – Returning with purpose: how Michael now helps others awaken their own inner rhythm and heart-centered path

Key Takeaways

  1. Your Trauma Can Be Your Teacher – Life’s most painful moments often hold the seeds of your transformation.
  2. Faith Begins With a Leap – When you surrender to something greater, the universe starts orchestrating miracles.
  3. Passion Is a Compass – Follow what lights you up, even when it doesn’t make logical sense.
  4. You Don’t Have to Know the How – Start with a “yes,” and let the journey reveal itself step by step.
  5. Spiritual Growth Requires Community – We’re not meant to do life alone—support, love, and connection are essential.

Links & Resources

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Contact Brad @ Life Changing Challengers
Instagram:
@bradaminus
Facebook: @bradaminus
X(Twitter): @bradaminus
YouTube: @lifechangingchallengers
LifeChangingChallengers.com

Want to be a guest on Life-Changing Challengers? Send Brad Minus a message on PodMatch, here.

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