My Real Story of How I Beat Addiction Through Fitness
Marcus, founder of Mean & Clean, joins PT Launch Lab to share his real story of addiction, recovery, and transformation through fitness. In this emotional and powerful episode, he opens up about the struggles he overcame and how he’s now helping others break the cycle.
My Real Story of How I Beat Addiction Through Fitness Marcus from Mean & Clean | PT Launch Lab Podcast Ep. 15
In one of the rawest and most honest episodes to date, Ryan sits down with Marcus, founder of Mean & Clean, to share the real story behind his battle with addiction – and how fitness helped him take back control of his life.
This isn’t a highlight reel. It’s the truth about hitting rock bottom, what recovery actually takes, and why Marcus built a movement to help others break the cycle too.
From martial arts and weight training to complete addiction and mental health collapse, Marcus opens up about his full journey – including:
Losing everything and choosing recovery
Rejecting traditional rehab paths and building his own
Using training and nutrition as a foundation for sobriety
Going viral with his story (2.4M views)
Launching Mean & Clean and coaching 1,000+ clients
The power of fitness in mental and emotional recovery
Why ex-addicts can make the best personal trainers
Building community and purpose through business
“Addiction isn’t a disease, it’s energy. If you can channel that addictive energy into something positive — training, business, helping others — you can change your life.”
The conversation also dives into personal growth, spirituality, fatherhood, and how Marcus went from nearly losing everything… to creating a global message of strength, purpose, and redemption.
🔥 Top Quotes from the Episode:
“I didn’t want medication. I wanted natural dopamine. I wanted to move again, to train, to feel like me again.”
“We don't need more charities. We need people with real experience helping others break the cycle and take action.”
“Fitness builds discipline. And discipline gives you control over your health, your money, your relationships — your life.”