Todd Sylvester: Addiction Recovery Coach on Self-Belief and Purpose

Todd Sylvester: Addiction Recovery Coach on Self-Belief and Purpose

Addiction recovery coach Todd Sylvester joins Making a Man to talk about addiction, identity, self-belief, discipline, and how young people can take control of their lives. Todd shares how taking a drink at 11 years old led him down a destructive path, cost him a basketball scholarship, and eventually became the foundation for his life’s work helping people struggling with addiction, anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem, and lack of purpose.   This conversation gives practical life advice for young men, parents, and teens who want to build stronger self-belief, avoid destructive choices, and understand why identity matters before real change can happen. Todd Sylvester is an addiction recovery and personal development coach who has been clean and sober for 36 years and works with teenagers, parents, and adults through coaching, speaking, and his podcast.   On Making a Man, we have honest conversations about what it takes to grow, succeed, and become a well-balanced person. Kevin and Axel sit down with men who have done meaningful things in their lives and learn from the experience, perspective, mistakes, and wisdom they have earned along the way.   Timestamps 0:00 - Introduction 0:36 - Todd’s Story 3:27 - How Teens Can Avoid Addiction 5:31 - Replacing Limiting Beliefs 7:54 - The Impact of Optimism 10:04 - How to Take Control of Your Life 12:04 - How Do I Know If I'm an Addict? 15:31 - Shaping Future Generations 17:01 - Creating Positive Habits 19:11 - Creating Daily Rituals 20:55 - Closing Thoughts Key Topics - Addiction recovery coach - Todd Sylvester addiction recovery - Mental fitness for teens - Life advice for young men - Self-belief and identity - Addiction prevention - Morning routine for success - Personal development for teens About Making a Man On Making a Man, we have honest conversations about what it takes to grow, succeed, and become a well-balanced person. Kevin and Axel sit down with men who have done meaningful things in their lives and learn from the experience, perspective, mistakes, and wisdom they have earned along the way. We talk about discipline, confidence, responsibility, leadership, purpose, family, success, and the lessons that help young people become more capable adults. The goal is not hype or quick motivation. It is practical wisdom, real conversation, and perspective that can help the next generation grow into stronger, more grounded people. Subscribe for more in depth conversations like this one!

2.1 Kevin & Axel: Confidence Through Identity, Emotions as a Guy, and the Fishing Trip Disaster

In the first episode of Season 2, Kevin and Axel talk about confidence, validation, emotions, goals, and the pressure young guys feel to figure themselves out early. What starts with fishing trip stories, golf, and losing phones turns into a real conversation about identity, self-worth, and becoming a man. Full Episode Description Season 2 opens with Kevin and Axel catching up after the break and talking through some of the stuff most fathers and sons never really say out loud. They get into confidence, insecurity, emotions, self-worth, and the pressure a lot of young guys feel to already have life figured out. Along the way, they tell stories about disastrous fishing trips, losing phones in ponds, golf tournaments, favorite movies, and why confidence usually has a lot more to do with identity than people think. One of the biggest conversations in the episode centers around validation — why so many people look to other people for approval before they ever learn to be proud of themselves first. They also talk about emotional honesty, masculinity, learning how to communicate, and why being confident doesn’t always mean being loud. The conversation shifts naturally between funny and serious without forcing either one — which is what makes the episode feel real. This episode is for dads raising boys, teenagers trying to build confidence, and honestly anyone still figuring themselves out a little bit. Timestamps 0:01: Introduction to Season 2. 0:26: Excitement about the new season and lineup. 1:04: Discussion about braces and retainers. 2:06: Funny story about wearing the wrong underwear. 3:28: Recap of a fishing trip and mishaps. 4:26: Losing a phone in the pond and learning poker. 6:14: Goals for 2026 and personal growth. 7:09: Desire to learn new skills like backflipping. 8:12: Family updates and reflections on past year. 9:37: Discussion on natural gifts and confidence. 11:25: Favorite movies and TV shows. 13:13: Enjoyment of romantic comedies and reality TV. 14:31: Staying motivated and expressing emotions. 15:38: Importance of identity in achieving goals. 16:27: Upcoming interviews and plans for Season 2. 17:17: Closing remarks and reflections. About the Podcast Making A Man is a father-son podcast about confidence, discipline, masculinity, identity, emotions, and growing into the kind of man you actually respect. Through real conversations, stories, and lessons learned the hard way, Kevin and Axel talk through the stuff most people avoid — without pretending to have everything figured out.

Episode 31. Raise Your Game: Communication Strategies That Actually Work

In this episode of Making a Man, communication coach Don Weber shares his journey from government operations to coaching CEOs. Discover insights on leadership, empathy, youth communication challenges, and the power of long-term thinking. A must-listen for aspiring leaders and young men seeking personal growth.

Episode 30. The Mindset That Builds Champions with Kris Gethin

In this episode of Making a Man, fitness icon Kris Gethin shares his journey from motocross racer to global transformation coach. Discover expert tips on bodyweight training, discipline, clean eating, and why accountability is the key to lasting change. A must-listen for anyone serious about fitness, mindset, and self-improvement.

Episode 29: Faith, Franchising & Fortunes: How John Hewitt Built Loyalty Brands

Think you’re cut out to be an entrepreneur? Think again. In Episode 29 of Making a Man, legendary business leader John Hewitt—founder of Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax, and Loyalty Brands—reveals hard truths about success, faith in business, and why most people fail at franchising. A must-listen for anyone serious about building a business that lasts.