We meet all kinds of fascinating people along our journey of recovery. Some are in passing, some are voices of reason, but never get too close. Others become fast friends and fizzle out, and some are friends for life. I wasn’t sure what to make of Michael Molthan when I met him in a 12-step meeting a few years ago. He was charismatic and joyful. But he had just returned from prison and had a wild story that seemed too crazy to be true. But for those of us who know, we believe. We know what God can do for people like us. We’ve seen it and we’ve experienced it ourselves. We are all walking miracles in some way or another. Michael Molthan, aka M2 the Rock, is no exception.

I knew Michael’s story before I sat down to talk with him. He hosts a podcast called M2 the Rock where he shares his story. A charismatic public speaker and a guest on many recovery and motivational podcasts Michael generously shares his story in hopes that it will help others. And it does. Listeners are constantly expressing gratitude for life changing words inspiring healing and recovery in so many suffering from addictions of all kinds. Mi2 The Rock believes we are all addicts and speaks to this often. Michael has a unique way of connecting with people, especially men. He is a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan and worked as a caddy on the PGA tour for years. He’s instantly relatable- a real guy’s guy.

Why M2 the Rock?

My first question was why “M2 the Rock” and what does it mean? There’s the obvious – the 2 M’s in his name for the M2 but what about “the Rock”? As Michael explains it, he kept hitting rock bottom finally realized rock bottom is where God is. He then began focusing on the rock instead of the bottom. And now, God has become his rock and the bottom is where he found Him. It’s beautiful and just down-right poetic considering Michael’s journey.

Michael has been carrying the message of recovery for years. He started in prison when he was locked up on multiple charges. Some he committed and some he did not. Despite the injustice being played out in his life, he was able to find peace through his connection with God. He was then able to turn his focus and energy outward by helping his fellow inmates. This is when the miracles start happening.

Eleven Soups is the title of the episode of Jeremy Lock’s podcast, Last Letters featuring M2 the Rock. The story Michael shares is peppered with phases we don’t normally hear in polite society like catching chain, racking up, chow line, the crow’s nest, bunk and junk, tank boss. He is well-versed in prison lingo from his time in lock up. Michael is one of the most humble and spiritually connected men I’ve met in recovery. Even though his story of redemption is filled with celebrity encounters and unmistakable God moments. He truly seems to practice the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous in all his affairs.

M2 the Rock’s Biggest Transaction

While he is now constantly doing the next right thing, Michael’s street cred is legit and runs deep. Elven Soups is referring to the price he paid for his Bible in prison. A “soup” is a commissary credit. It’s worth more on the inside than any amount of money on the outside. Ask him today and Michael will tell you it was worth everything get that Bible. And that Bible is still one of his most valuable and life-changing purchases- the biggest business transaction of his life.

What’s the price of freedom? For Michael, it was “eleven soups.” It’s representative of the freedom of peace of mind and serenity he received from learning to live in the now. Michael’s story proves that in doing the work, helping others and maintaining spiritual connection, we can access this kind of freedom even when locked-up behind bars. And this kind of freedom is priceless.

Because of the work Michael was doing on himself and with the inmates, people started noticing. He gained respect behind bars by writing letters for those who could not read or write. Michael then became the tank boss and started affecting change from within. He continuously preached the good word from “Rabbit Ramp”. Inmates listened and began changing themselves. Michael was in acceptance of his scheduled sentencing, which would likely send him to prison. However, one of the people who noticed his work was his Judge, The Honorable Jennifer Bennett. And she let him out. Just like that, he was miraculously free to work a self-correct program and go and pay it forward.

From Building Homes to Building A Kingdom

Instead of going to prison, Michael was given a chance to continue his work on the outside. In remaining sober, working the 12 steps and completely surrendering to God’s will, he now has a life he could only dream of. But like most people doing God’s work, the dream does not look like what he thought it would. Before going to jail, Michael was an extremely successful home builder. He built a multi-million-dollar business for himself and even won home builder of the year while incarcerated.

Ministering to The Missing Man

While in the throws of battling his addictions and in dealing with the subsequent consequences he turned his company over to his brother. The agreement they made did not go as Michael planned. And he now goes to his former office to meet with his brother who sits at his former desk discussing the business he built but is no longer a part of in any way. For most this would be too much to handle. But Michael takes it all in stride. His priorities have changed and he still builds houses. But they are houses of God lead by strong men who he has helped through his ministry dedicated to transforming, “The Missing Man”.

For years, Michael was the missing man, unable to show up for his family due to his addiction. He abandoned his wife and children and continued to live the fast life fille with all the fast things. He now uses his past experiences to help other men change their lives and show up for their families. Just this year, Michael has reconnected with his children. The daughter he abandoned reached out to Michael for her brother. As a result of this conversation, and in a beautiful twist of fate, Michael was able to help his oldest son with his addiction. In dedicating his life to carrying the message of recovery, he also met his fiancé, Rachel Stacy, who was a guest on his podcast. God does work in mysterious ways and has provided many gifts of sobriety.

Always Paying it Forward

We can see this and “the promises” (Alcoholics Anonymous p 83) of recovery coming true in Michael’s life. M2 the Rock, is a walking, open “Big Book” with a really intriguing cover. He is an active member of the recovery community and works tirelessly to make a difference by carrying the message, telling his story and MCing recovery events. I urge you to listen to his message of hope on his podcast. And share it with anyone struggling with addiction. You can connect with M2 the Rock in all the places Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube.