117. Reinvention and Resilience: Tom Matlack's Tale of Transformation

Warriors Unmasked

Welcome to another episode of Warriors Unmasked. Tom Matlack's life journey is as compelling as it is tumultuous. From facing death twice—once through addiction and later on the brink of suicide—to ascending the corporate ladder as the CFO of a Fortune 500 company, Tom's story is a testament to resilience and determination.

Behind every accolade lies a tale of inner conflict. By 2018, despite a storied professional life, Tom felt a spiritual void so profound that it pushed him to the precipice of despair. But through sheer willpower, by 2021, he pivoted to dedicating his life to assisting men in overcoming addiction. Observing the wider mental health crisis affecting males in America, he's now on a mission to uplift and support them.

In this episode, Tom opens up about these trials, reflecting on the duality of professional success and personal struggle. While Tom acknowledges his imperfections as a father, he's steadfast in his commitment. His children are a testament to his efforts, each forging their own path of success. He recalls moments, like feeding his newborn son, that brought clarity to his life.

Tom's journey is a beacon for all who face life's adversities. It serves as a reminder that with introspection, perseverance, and support, one can rise from the depths of despair to the pinnacle of success. Eager to dive deeper into his story? Hit play now for more on this incredible journey.

Trigger warning: In this episode, our guest shares his journey with alcoholism and suicide. If you or someone you love has recently experienced the tragic loss to suicide, please feel free to skip this episode during your healing process. We have 100+ other powerful conversations to enjoy at www.warriorsunmasked.com

GUEST LINKS:

• Tom’s Substack: https://tommatlack.substack.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1361992037943173

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasmatlack/

LINKS:

• malarchuk.com/book

• malarchuk.com

• www.thecompassionateconnection.com

• www.warriorsunmasked.com

• Join Chuck’s Text Community: 251-418-7966

• Follow us on Instagram

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• My Community Contact

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:00 Introduction from Chuck + messages from our sponsors

• 02:36 Welcome special guest, Tom Matlack

• 03:52 Dive into the backstory of Tom’s life and where his journey began

• 05:35 The beginning to a life of addiction for Tom

• 07:19 The consequences of becoming an alcoholic

• 08:19 Alcoholism acts as a bandaid for anxiety and shame and becomes a vicious cycle

• 09:42 A look into Tom’s life after school and into his career

• 11:21 Tom talks about his draw to the business world and the success that came with it

• 12:49 How the struggle with alcoholism began to impact Tom’s life and family

• 15:04 Tom’s realization of being an alcoholic and deciding to change his life for his kids

• 16:51 Tom talks about what it’s like to have a hole in your soul without spirituality

• 18:51 Tom shares his journey of becoming sober again and the desire to be a good father

• 21:43 Tom talks about being transparent with his kids and helping them walk through life

• 24:30 Tom’s journey back to success and fall back into anxiety and suicidal thoughts

• 25:10 At the lowest point of his life, Tom shares a spiritual experience that broke his ego

• 26:26 Tom’s experience at the mental hospital and love for the people who saved his life

• 28:50 Tom’s journey back into society after mental health care

• 30:27 Tom has a spiritual awakening that brought on permanent change in his life

• 32:35 Working with young men in addiction and the bond that Tom has formed with them

• 33:45 Tom talks about the gratitude that he has today from all of his experiences

• 35:28 The journey of self reflection and the emotions that come with that

• 38:49 Tom shares more about the work that he does today with young men who are in danger

• 41:26 The impact of men becoming more self aware and willingness to reconnect

• 45:31 Tom shares how he keeps his mind healthy and in good spirits today

• 48:51 Tom gives his final advice to young men who are struggling in life