In this episode of The Grass Gets Greener podcast, I'm joined by survivor, speaker and child sexual abuse advocate, Mike Pistorino. Mike joins me to share his story of transforming his life after growing up abused and how he's using his voice to change the world when it comes to child sexual abuse.
Click the play button below to check it out!
The Details
Traumatic experience:
Mike was raped hundreds of times by a neighbor from the ages of 6-12.
Effects of the traumatic experience:
The abuse led Mike to feel shame and anger, which led to drug addiction for 16 years. During this time he was in and out of prison, homeless, and had many failed relationships.
Overcoming the traumatic experience:
Rehab, being told he was loved, and getting the appropriate counseling helped Mike turn his life around. The biggest factor in his recovery has been talking about what happened to him.
What Mike does today:
Mike is a public speaker, vice president of a multi-million dollar company, and marathon runner.
Final Question:
Given what you know now, if you could go back to when you were going through the tough times and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?
Mike's Answer: Tell someone.
Links Mentioned
MikePistorino.us - Mike's website where you can find out more about the work he's doing
Facebook - Mike's Facebook page
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center - The place where Mike received the counseling that turned his life around
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Please leave a comment and let me know if you have any stories or questions.
A note about comments:
Please keep in mind that all comments are moderated to ensure mutual respect. Let's have a personal and meaningful conversation.
As always, thank you Melissa. Mike is a hero of mine. This episode is so valuable… I am proud to know both of you.
Thanks, Athena! I’m glad that the episode was valuable to you. Mike is awesome!
Thank you for sharing Mike!! You turned your horrible experience into one that could be used for good to help and save others!!
God bless you and those you save.
#asurvivor
I have been following Mike on FB, but this is the first time I have heard him live. So important that this is talked about. What a brave man Mike is and I have great respect for him. Sounds like he is almost fearless and would do anything to help any child regardless of what it takes. I hope he does speak on Ophra, Ellen. Schools, churches. We also need to educate parents, teachers and children and have programs that are mandatory in schools. I used to work with the Assault and Abuse in San Francisco and we went into schools and did role plays to show kids “good and bad touching” and how to stay safe and strong. Kibby would then talk with them and if she suspected anything was going on, she would report it.
Hi Deb, thanks for listening and leaving a comment. Mike is definitely brave and I hope that he gets to share his mission on Oprah and Ellen and everywhere else, too.