Episode
EP 42: How to Kill the Old You and Create the Life You Want
- Podcast
- Affirm That Sh!t
- Published
- Aug 27, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 1544
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Some people go on vacation to “find themselves.” Mars Hendrik went all in—moving to Costa Rica at 12, learning a new language on the fly, and stumbling into music at 13 just to connect with people. But his journey wasn’t all sunshine and guitar strings. He grew up deep in evangelical church life—youth leader, worship band, the works—until a scandal blew the whole thing apart. That’s when Mars lost his faith, hit the bottom of depression, and decided truth mattered more than comfort. That decision led him to a 5-day silent meditation retreat where his mind screamed at him for 48 hours straight… until it finally surrendered. What came next wasn’t just quiet—it was an awakening. The kind that strips you down, kills your old identity, and dares you to rebuild from scratch. We talk about what it’s really like to let go of the life you thought you had to live, how meditation isn’t about killing your thoughts, and why reclaiming your name (literally) can be the most punk-rock thing you ever do. Mars also shares how his music—like his first album Explore Your Mind—weaves mental health and spirituality into an experience that makes you feel, think, and travel without leaving your seat. If you’ve ever questioned who you are, battled your own head, or felt the urge to tear your life down and start fresh, this episode will light a fire in you. Connect with Mars: https://www.instagram.com/mars.hendrik/?hl=en