Adam May on Overcoming Cancer, Alcoholism, and PTSD, and His New Book "A Fox in a Bear Trap"

Adam May on Overcoming Cancer, Alcoholism, and PTSD, and His New Book "A Fox in a Bear Trap"

Acta Non Verba · 2025-01-15

This week on Acta Non Verba, Adam May discusses his journey of surviving cancer, battling mental health issues, and overcoming addiction. He shares insights from his new book 'A Fox in a Bear Trap,' which emphasizes the transformative power of asking for help and healing through vulnerability. The discussion covers personal development, leadership, and the importance of actionable steps in turning adversity into victory.

 

Episode Highlights:

16:25 The Make-A-Wish Experience and Its Impact

28:30 Struggles with Physical Limitations

31:13 Working with Adolescents and Young Adults

32:42 Personal Journey and Self-Discovery

34:22 Helping Others Navigate Life's Challenges

37:44 Misconceptions and Realities of Mental Health

 

Adam May, MS, is no stranger to life’s grueling battles. Diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2005, he was hospitalized for 344 of 411 days and given just a 25% chance to live. But survival was only the beginning. Confronting survivor’s guilt, PTSD, anxiety, substance abuse, and obesity, Adam embarked on a journey to rebuild his life—body, mind, and spirit.

 

With over a decade of experience as a clinical provider, Adam has dedicated his career to helping others navigate their darkest moments. His struggles shaped a deep understanding of resilience, perseverance, and the power of asking for help. Unable to have children due to chemotherapy, Adam views writing as his legacy—a way to empower others to find strength in adversity.

 

Inspired by thinkers like Dale Carnegie and Viktor Frankl, Adam’s debut book, A Fox in a Bear Trap, explores vulnerability and transformation. Through his journey—including losing 150 pounds and becoming sober—Adam proves resilience can achieve the extraordinary.

 

You can read Adam’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/FOX-BEAR-TRAP-BOOK-HELP-ebook/dp/B0DR32LV3B?ref_=ast_author_mpb

 

Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Acta Non Verba

ACTA NON VERBA is a raw and real podcast with hard hitting interviews featuring people that live by the Ethos of “Actions, not words.”

Join TEDx speaker, Bestselling Author, Veteran, and Leadership & Mindset Coach Marcus Aurelius Anderson as he goes inside the minds and experiences of the world’s most successful Warriors, Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Experts to give you the Philosophies, Concepts, Tactics, and Strategies they use to turn Adversity into Victory and live an EXTRAORDINARY life based on ACTIONS not words.

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