Episode #40 feat. Dean Robertson

What happens when a man carrying a lifetime of process addictions and a fierce "Warrior" ego finally surrenders in the wilderness?

In this deeply moving fortieth episode of Follow Me to the M-R-O-P!, host Brian Mueller sits down with Dean Robertson, a full-time woodworker and mentor in 12-step recovery from Linwood, Washington. Dean discusses his 2022 initiation at Skalitude, Washington, offering a profoundly honest look at addiction, the shadow, and the grueling but beautiful work of the hero's journey.

Episode Highlights

Permission to Surrender: How an anxious, over-prepared man hiding behind process addictions finally let go of his phone and his pride when his wife gave him permission to surrender.
The Alaskan Wilderness: Dean's harrowing and beautiful journey from jail cells and smoking tea bags to a three-year, off-the-grid solo in the Alaskan rainforest to get sober.
Sobriety vs. Recovery: Why simply eliminating substance abuse wasn't enough, and how the rites helped him confront the deadly sin of pride and his "dry drunk" process addictions.
Befriending the Dragon: Dean's incredible insight into the hero's journey—why we must get lost to find our way, and why surrendering to the dragon is more transformative than slaying it.
The Return of the Hero: A beautiful reflection on elderhood and why the true treasure of any initiation is returning to the community to give your story away.

Links & Resources

The Cave & The Fire - Season 1, Ep 5 - Streets to Surrender, with Dean Robertson
Brian Mueller (Host)
BriansPoems.com
Illuman MROP
Choosing Presence
Practicing Presence App
The Universal Christ by Richard Rohr
Adam's Return by Richard Rohr
Breathing Under Water by Richard Rohr
Trust Stillness by Brian Mueller

Credits

First and foremost, thank you to Dean Robertson for sharing his journey and his heart with us today.
Thank you to Fr. Richard Rohr and the men of Illuman who have stewarded the Men’s Rites of Passage since 1996.

Music Credits:

Slow Mo Dreams by Soundroll
Becoming a Legend by Vens Adams

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