In this powerful episode, host KL Wells welcomes the extraordinary Mike Pierce, also known as "Antarctic Mike." Mike shares his incredible life story, from conquering the Antarctic Ice Marathon to navigating the profound challenges of his late wife Angela's 36-year battle with chronic pain and opioid addiction. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a raw and honest look at the parallel journey of loving someone through addiction and loss. Mike's story is one of turning pain into purpose, finding strength in the darkest of times, and learning to embrace life's most difficult moments as opportunities for growth and connection.

Antarctic Who?

Mike Pierce, better known as Antarctic Mike, works with organizations that want to find, engage and keep the best performing people. Mike’s background professionally started in the recruiting business in 1997, working specifically to show managers and leaders exactly how to identify and recruit the best people. He now speaks across the US and Canada to executive teams, organizations, associations and sales teams about how to lead people so they are fully engaged in what they do.

Mike is an avid fan of polar expedition history and is an endurance athlete. In 2006, Mike became one of 9 people to run the first ever Antarctic Ice Marathon and a year later became the first American to run the Antarctic 100k, a grueling 62 miles on an ice shelf 600 miles from the South Pole.

His flagship program, Leading at 90 Below Zero, connects the drivers and principles of Antarctic expedition history stories to the real world of finding, engaging and keeping great people in today’s business world.

Mike has a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and resides in Encinitas, California.

Key Discussion Points

• Mike's journey to Antarctica and how it prepared him for life's greatest challenges.

• Angela's battle with chronic pain and subsequent opioid addiction.

• The family's journey through the cycles of addiction, recovery, and relapse.

• The emotional and psychological toll on the caregiver in a relationship with an addict.

• The power of mindset and perspective in navigating trauma and loss.

• The importance of letting go and embracing the present moment.

• Finding hope and new beginnings after profound loss.

Some Questions I Ask

• How did you navigate holding the space for her suffering?

• What are the gifts and lessons embedded in this experience for you?

• How do you reconcile the difference between quitting and surrendering?

In This Episode, You Will Learn

• How to find strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.

• The importance of viewing difficulty as a teacher and an opportunity for growth.

• How to support a loved one through addiction while also caring for your own well-being.

• The power of letting go of resistance and embracing the present moment.

• How to find hope and purpose after the loss of a loved one.

• That pain is inevitable, but suffering is a choice.

Resources

Connect with Mike Pierce: You can find more about Mike's incredible story, his speaking engagements, and his book by searching for "Antarctic Mike" on Google. You can also find his TED Talk on YouTube.

Social Links

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antarcticmike/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Antarctic-Mike-Speaks-1617958015119843/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AntarcticMike/

TED Talk: https://youtu.be/SzscWpdmIdg?si=HzUS_qK2iy_9UhDa