Igniting Resilience: Yankel Meislin's Journey From Addiction to Coaching

The Teaching Journeys Podcast

In this episode of the Teaching Journeys Podcast, host Dave Roberts interviews Yankel Meislin, a former drug dealer who turned his life around and became a coach for men and young adults. Yankel shares his story of overcoming addiction through rehab and a spiritual journey in Judaism. He emphasizes the importance of 'being' as an action word and explains his individualized approach in coaching to help clients find their true identity and life's mission. The discussion covers the challenges of addiction, the role of support systems, and how failures can be reframed as opportunities for growth. Yankel's book, 'The Journey to Oz,' serves as a foundational guide for his coaching practice, encouraging clients to embrace all aspects of their life experiences.

Yankel's Bio and Contact Information

Yankel was a secular Jew growing up who was active in sports and his community until the temptations of the streets led him astray at 14. He became a drug dealer who, at the age of 19, was selling a high volume of narcotics to the extent that he hired his own gang-affiliated bodyguard. After numerous attempts by his family to save him, he ultimately turned his life around when given an ultimatum to leave the life or be on his own. He currently has 17.5 years of sobriety!

Yankel's next stop took him to a rehab facility in Florida, where he became acquainted with the 12-step programs. Realizing how precarious a situation he was in, he decided to give his all to his recovery. This included a spiritual journey that led him to find his "G-d of his understanding" in his native Judaism.

Through some serendipitous meetings with a Chassidic Rabbi, Yankel was drawn into this lifestyle. Slowly but surely he took on more and more traditions until he himself would be counted as a Chassid.

Today, Yankel works with men and young adults to discover their true identity (whatever that may be) and "ignite" a spark for his clients to truly be themselves and live what they consider to be their life's mission. Yankel does this by coaching them, questioning them, and supporting them in whatever way serves them best. His clients have gone on to discover their true passions and identities and create amazing results in their own lives!

Contact Info: igniteyourflamecoaching.com

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To find out more about Dave , please go to www.davidrobertsmsw.com and his author page, psychologyprofessorandminister.com