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June 4, 2025 68 mins

"I resolved that it was time to go." - Michael Tallon


In this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom Podcast, host ⁠Janet Sandberg⁠ speaks with ⁠Michael J Tallon⁠, who shares his profound journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Michael recounts his experiences leading up to his diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis, the emotional turmoil of facing mortality, and the pivotal moment in the bathtub that led him to choose life. He reflects on the importance of love, connection, and the purpose of life, emphasizing that despite the challenges, there is always hope and a reason to keep going.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Michael Tallon

02:43 Michael's Journey to Guatemala and Writing Career

05:19 Health Crisis Begins: The Warning Signs

09:34 Diagnosis and Hospitalization: A Life on the Edge

14:43 The Genetic Condition: Understanding Hemochromatosis

18:58 The Emotional Toll: Family and Spiritual Awakening

25:02 The Bathtub Incident: A Moment of Despair

32:58 Confronting Reality: The Impact of Illness on Identity

33:26 Confronting Vulnerability and Identity

36:45 The Edge of Despair

41:39 A Moment of Clarity

46:55 The Decision to Live

49:57 The Purpose of Life

56:56 The Importance of Connection and Community



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Follow the podcast on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


*****

In Crisis?

Canada:

Talk Suicide Canada call 1-833-456-4566 available 24/7. Between the hours of 4pm-midnight (Eastern time) you can text 45645 or text 988

In Quebec call 1-866-277-3553. Contactez un intervenant par texto au 535353. Service offert 24/7 partout au Québec

If you are under 18, call Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868. They offer 24/7 text service. You don’t need a data plan, internet connection or an app to use it.

If you’re in imminent danger call 911 or go to Emergency.


USA:

Call or text 988 (para ayuda en español, llame al 988). The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

Call 911 in life-threatening situations.



Keywords: health crisis, memoir, personal growth, resilience, love, life lessons, spirituality, recovery, emotional journey, transformation, suicide, hemochromatosis


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