In my recent conversation with Michal LeBaron, Iwas struck by how her story embodies what I call a pivot point—that moment when a person takes radical ownership of their healing. Michal shared that her journey began in an unexpected way: a quiet decision, made whilesitting in her recliner, to simply say to herself, “I am choosing toheal.” It wasn’t dramatic, but it was powerful. That inner commitment became the turning point that changed everything for her. Before that moment, she described feeling defeated and even betrayed by her body. For years, she’d been locked in a battle with symptoms that seemed to signal breakdown rather than communication. But as we spoke,Michal reflected on how learning to interpret those signals differently transformed her experience. Once she began to view her body as a messenger instead of an enemy, everything softened. Her symptoms becamefeedback—information guiding her toward balance rather than proof of failure. As she put it, her body became “a partner, a friend, a teacher.”

A central part of our discussion focused on the nervoussystem and its profound role in healing. Michal realized that her challenges weren’t just about external triggers like food or environment—they were rooted in an overworked regulatory system. The body, she explained, hadbeen doing its best to keep her safe, even when it looked like it was breakingdown. By tending to her nervous system, she discovered a more empowered way toapproach her well-being—one built on trust, not control.

We also talked about the mindset shift that made thishealing possible. Michal described moving from a place of frustration andself-blame to one of compassion and curiosity. She began to ask herself, “Howam I caring for myself through this? Do I truly support myself when things gethard?” That self-inquiry opened a door to deeper self-nurturing,turning her inner dialogue into a practice of partnership rather than punishment.

As our interview closed, Michal spoke about gratitude—anemotion she never expected to feel toward the challenges that had once caused her so much suffering. She now sees her symptoms as allies, guiding her to realign with health, awareness, and authenticity. At one point she wonderedaloud, “What happens when I no longer need my symptoms to alert me?” It was such a powerful reflection—one that stayed with me long after our conversation ended.

Michal’s story is a beautiful reminder that healing oftenbegins not with a treatment or diagnosis, but with a decision. It’s the quiet pivot from fear to trust, from resistance to listening. Her journey shows that the body, when approached with respect and curiosity, has a remarkable way ofguiding us back to ourselves.

Pivot Point Strategy For Change. Why do so many men wait until they’re at a breaking point before seeking help—or never seek help at all? In this powerful episode, we uncover the deep emotional, cultural, and psychological forces that keep men silent, suffering, and isolated, even when they’re surrounded by people who care.We explore the “Man Box”—the invisible prison of expectations that tells boys and men to stay tough, hide emotion, and never ask for help. You’ll learn how these early messages shape lifelong patterns: emotional shutdown, anger, withdrawal, substance use, workaholism, and even physical symptoms like headaches, chest tightness, and chronic fatigue.This episode dives into what male depression really looks like, why men often minimize their pain, and how untreated emotional struggles can escalate into serious health risks, broken relationships, and—in too many cases—suicide. We break down the biggest barriers men face when trying to access support, including shame, stigma, fear of judgment, fear of being labeled, and discomfort with vulnerability.But we don’t stop at the problem. We offer the roadmap.Listeners will learn strategies that actually help men engage in therapy and emotional support: using performance-focused language, starting with concrete questions, offering practical entry points, leveraging role models, and removing friction around scheduling or finding help. We discuss how to keep men engaged beyond crisis management and how to support them with compassion, boundaries, and respect throughout their healing journey.Whether you’re a partner, family member, therapist, or a man struggling silently yourself, this episode is a deeply human, research-supported guide to understanding male mental health in a way that finally makes sense.This conversation is raw, honest, and full of practical insight. It sheds light on the masks men wear, the reasons they stay silent, and the path forward—toward connection, vulnerability, emotional safety, and real healing.If you love a man who’s hurting…If you are a man who’s hurting…Or if you simply want to understand the inner battles so many men face—This episode is essential listening.

Male Code: The Hidden Emotional Rules of Men. In this episode of Pivot Point Strategy for Change, Nik Michael explores the themes presented in Dr. Robert Garfield's book, 'Breaking the Male Code.' The conversation delves into the hidden emotional rules that shape men's lives, the impact of emotional isolation, the importance of male friendships, and the urgent need to rethink masculinity. Garfield argues that the traditional male code restricts emotional expression and connection, leading to loneliness and mental health issues. The episode emphasizes the need for men to develop emotionally intimate friendships and to embrace vulnerability as a strength.