30: Starts With Me (with Mike Stroh)

Pop& Down

Growing up in Toronto as a teenager, Mike Stroh became not just a drug user, but also a drug dealer. On top of that, he lives with anxiety, depression, OCD and ADHD and helps act as a caregiver for his brother who lives with schizophrenia. Now Mike uses his vast experiences to help facilitate mental health programs and workshops for youth and beyond through his organization, Starts With Me. He also produces the podcast, State of Mind, as well as the State of Mind Festival. Shaunna and Mike met for coffee to chat about his experiences and the difference he's been making for youth in the Toronto area. Mike talks about seeing him and his old group of friends in high school reflected in the Larry Clark film, "Kids," how much he looks up to pro-skateboarder Rodney Mullen and how much Eminem's music resonated with him when he first heard it. We also get a bit into spirituality and how paramount twelve-step work has been in his personal recovery. Find Mike online! Instagram: www.instagram.com/startswithme_ Twitter: www.twitter.com/startswithme_ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/startswithmementalhealth/ URL: www.startswithme.ca Pop& Down's music is provided by Neil Quin Pop& Down is written, produced, edited and hosted by Shaunna Quin Support Pop& Down on Patreon at www.patreon.com/popanddown and give us 5 stars on Apple Podcasts! ***TRIGGER WARNING: Today’s episode of Pop& Down includes references to depression, anxiety, OCD, OCPD, ADHD, drugs, addiction and schizophrenia. Listener discretion is advised.***