Ep. 33 Surviving w/ Michael C. Bryan

✨ Episode Summary:

In this deeply personal and powerful episode, Angela Goodman welcomes author, speaker, and life coach Michael C. Bryan to share his extraordinary journey of resilience, healing, and spiritual awakening. With honesty and humor, Michael opens up about his early life in Washington State, where he faced significant emotional challenges and instability within his family. Raised in a home marked by dysfunction and a lack of emotional safety, Michael learned early on to navigate life independently.

After being rejected by his family as a teenager, Michael found himself in survival mode, facing life on the streets. It was during this darkest season that he heard a quiet but unmistakable voice within — one that told him, “You’re going to be okay.” That moment marked the beginning of his spiritual journey and a lifelong connection with God that would guide him forward.

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This episode explores:

• The complexity of growing up in a turbulent home environment

• How creativity, storytelling, and music offered escape and expression

• The long journey from pain and shame to healing and self-worth

• Michael’s rediscovery of faith and the voice of God at pivotal moments

• The importance of using past experiences to help others heal

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Today, Michael works with clients across the country, offering deep insight, empathy, and encouragement. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how broken things may seem, hope, healing, and purpose are always possible.

With warmth, grace, and authenticity, Angela and Michael’s conversation highlights the truth that God’s love meets us exactly where we are — not just in our triumphs, but in our trials.

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🧡 Key Themes:

• Listening for God in life’s hardest moments

• Letting go of shame and embracing healing

• Turning personal struggles into service to others

• Reimagining faith as relationship rather than ritual

• Finding light through truth, love, and perseverance

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🔔 Stay Tuned:

This is Part 1 of Michael’s inspiring story. In Part 2, he shares the more recent spiritual revelations that have shaped his current work and deepened his connection with God.

 

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WHO IS MICHAEL C. BRYAN?

Michael is a professional coach, mentor, writer and performer and has spent more than 25 years working with the heads of network, media and entertainment organizations as well as numerous investment banking firms and private education companies. He has spoken at off-sites for many global companies and worked with professionals worldwide, specializing in high-achieving individuals and companies seeking balance and equilibrium as they continue to create and expand their already-accelerating careers and organizations.

As an executive coach, Michael helps executives connect with their emotional lives so then can lead with compassion and clarity. He helps leaders understand that environments are now more dynamic and fluid than ever, and he guides them through the need to shift from a ‘reactive’ to ‘responsive’ approach to effectively engage and lead their teams. Michael shows professionals there is no one, correct path and supports their individual journeys to find personal and professional balance.

Noted Accomplishments

• Advised the President of an American broadcast television network, and worked with key on-air talent and executives associated with their network broadcasts, cable media, digital and online properties, to support their tremendous growth.
• Served as senior consultant and project manager with the former COO & General Manager of a world-renown entertainment firm, helping the company achieve unparalleled ratings and ad sales success through effective talent acquisition and impactful training.
• Partnered with the Director of Faculty and seven Professors of an upscale research boutique at a world-renown university to create successful logistical systems to support executives and students.
• Guest Speaker at the Worldwide Summit for WeWork, working with over 1,200 professionals on staying focused and driven in the face of tremendous company change.
• Published writer for the Huffington Post and Hearst Media regarding experiences working as a conduit for conscious businesspeople.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Visual and Performing Arts from New York University

Additional Information

Studied extensively with The Hoffman Institute and the Carl Jung Foundation, as well as with graduate-level programs in human psychology at Columbia University. Leader volunteer at New York Cares.

 

Follow Michael on Instagram @wakeupwithmichael