In this gripping episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal sit down with Michael Molthan — better known as “M2 The Rock” — to talk about his extraordinary journey from high-profile luxury homebuilder to 27 mugshots, addiction, and incarceration… and ultimately, to recovery, redemption, and purpose.

Michael shares candidly about the spiritual awakening he experienced while in prison, the childhood trauma that fueled his addiction, and the transformational power of service. With raw honesty and passion, Michael challenges the stigma around addiction by making a bold statement: “Everyone is an addict.”

This conversation dives deep into:

• The hidden trauma beneath substance use disorder
• How spiritual disconnection drives addiction
• What recovery really looks like (and why it's not about willpower)
• Why Step 2 may be the most dangerous moment in early sobriety
• How to find peace and purpose on the other side of pain
• Michael’s "spiritual autopsy" and how it led to healing
• Turning pain into purpose — and mugshots into a mission

Michael’s story is proof that nothing is wasted — and that healing is possible no matter how far you've fallen. Whether you're in recovery, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of mental and spiritual health, this episode will move and inspire you.

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn more about Michael Molthan: M2TheRock.com
• Hanley Foundation: HanleyFoundation.org

On this episode of The Hanley Effect, Dr. John Dyben and Dr. Rachel Docekal are joined by Patrick McNamara, President and CEO of Palm Health Foundation—a true champion for community brain health in Palm Beach County.

Join us on The Hanley Effect as we sit down with Patrick McNamara, President & CEO of Palm Health Foundation, to explore the groundbreaking work happening in Palm Beach County around brain health, mental wellness, and addiction prevention.

Patrick shares how Palm Health Foundation is transforming community health through innovative initiatives like the “Brain Coast” vision—a movement to make South Florida a world leader in brain science, research, and healing. Discover the pillars of brain health (sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, and social connection), the power of prevention, and how lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of dementia and support recovery from substance use disorders.

We dive into community-driven solutions with the “Healthier Together” program and the exciting field of NeuroArts, which leverages art, music, and movement to promote mental and emotional well-being. Whether you’re a clinician, a parent, someone in recovery, or simply interested in optimizing your health, you’ll find practical tips and inspiration in this episode.

To learn more about Hanley’s prevention, treatment, and recovery resources, visit hanleyfoundation.org or call 844-502-4673.

Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring conversations on prevention, recovery, and the science of mental health!

#BrainHealth #MentalHealth #AddictionRecovery #Neuroscience #PalmBeachCounty #HanleyFoundation #BrainCoast #NeuroArts #CommunityHealth #SubstanceUsePrevention #RecoveryJourney #Wellness #Prevention #HealthyLiving #Podcast #TheHanleyEffect

In this eye-opening episode of The Hanley Effect, hosts Dr. Rachel Docekal and Dr. John Dyben welcome a pioneer in the field of mental and sexual health, Dr. Rachel Needle, for a refreshingly candid and empowering conversation about sex, addiction recovery and mental health. A licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, educator, and founder of several institutions including Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University, Dr. Needle brings humor, depth, and expertise to topics that are often stigmatized—including sex, trauma, substance use, and recovery.

Dr. Needle shares her personal journey into the field, shaped by her family’s experience with addiction and her early exposure to women’s health education. She dives into the intersections of sexual health, mental wellness, and substance use disorder, highlighting why open communication is critical for healing and connection.

The conversation also covers:

• The importance of starting sex education early and using proper terminology
• Reframing “sex addiction” and discussing compulsive sexual behavior with nuance
• Why therapists need continued education, mentorship, and self-care
• The power of empathy and advocacy in the mental health space
• Dr. Needle’s popular social series Sex Tip Saturday and how she uses social media to destigmatize difficult topics

Whether you’re a parent, professional, or someone on the path of recovery, this episode offers insight, laughter, and a much-needed push toward normalizing conversations around sexual and mental health.

About Our Guest: Dr. Rachel Needle, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, certified sex therapist, author, educator, and the founder of Modern Sex Therapy Institutes and Palm Beach University. She specializes in trauma, sexual health, substance use disorder, and relationship wellness. Dr. Needle is also known for her engaging and educational social media content and has been featured in national media outlets including Glamour, Men’s Health, and The Washington Post.

📍 Learn more about Dr. Rachel Needle’s work at modernsextherapyinstitutes.com

📍 Discover Hanley Foundation’s programs and resources at hanleyfoundation.org

📞 Need help? Call us at 844-502-4673