The Death Before the Rebirth

Season 2 Episode 63

From addiction and bipolar disorder to building one of the most powerful Black male mental health movements in America — George P. Brooks has lived the full spectrum of survival and resurrection. He opens up about the insanity of addiction, the lack of compassion in recovery, and how accountability became his lifeline. This episode isn’t just about recovery — it’s about rebirth. It’s about death — death of denial, of blame, of old identities — and the courage to rebuild what survival once destroyed.

🎙️ What We Talk About:

The real root of addiction: unresolved childhood trauma
How the world’s “lack of compassion” keeps people stuck in shame
Radical accountability and what it actually looks like
The hidden cost of recovery: death of old identities, old friends, old lives
Managing bipolar disorder while rebuilding a new one
The cultural silence around Black men’s emotions
Why healing requires both safe spaces and self-responsibility
How the Meta Association is helping Black men heal through representation

🔑 Key Takeaways:

“Every time you pick up the drug, you’re really just picking up your pain.”

“Addiction isn’t about getting high — it’s about trying not to feel.”

“Accountability isn’t punishment. It’s power.”

“Healing requires a death before the rebirth — the death of blame, of excuses, of pretending.”

“Be patient with yourself. But keep moving.”

🙌 Why This Episode Matters:

Because healing in the Black community can’t happen without honesty — and honesty can’t happen without safety. George’s story is proof that survival mode doesn’t have to be your forever story. He’s redefining recovery, fatherhood, and masculinity by making vulnerability not a weakness, but a revolution. If you’ve ever loved an addict, battled mental illness, or carried trauma in silence — this episode will remind you that compassion heals what shame hides.

💬 Connect with George:

🌐 Website: www.mettaassociation.org

📱 Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn: Meta Association

💬 Public Speaking & Advocacy: Contact via website

🔗 Resources & Links:

💣 Download the Survival Mode Exit Blueprint
👉🏾 Join the Survival Mode Exodus Membership
🎧 Subscribe to Survival Mode Disrupted: The Podcast on YouTube
✍🏾 Subscribe to Survival Mode Disrupted: The Newsletter on LinkedIn
💬 Book a 1:1 Session with Leticia
📖 Order Survival Mode Exit Plan Book
😉 Join the free FB Group Disrupting Survival Mode