Chapter 46: The Shawn Ryan Podcast Interview
Michael sat in a comfortable chair, large headphones around his neck and the microphone in front of him, in the Shawn Ryan Podcast studio. He had accepted the invitation with some hesitation, knowing that it would be a space to talk about his career, but also knowing that some parts of his life would be difficult to revisit. However, he felt that now was the right time to share his story.
Shawn Ryan, a former Navy SEAL and one of the most respected podcast hosts in the world of elite operators and veterans, stood in front of him, ready to begin the recording. They had exchanged a few words beforehand, and Shawn had made it clear that he wanted to explore both the glories and the struggles that Michael had faced.
The signal was given, and the recording began. Shawn smiled in a friendly way, but with the intensity of someone who knew the importance of what was about to be discussed.
"Well, folks, we have a very special guest today. Michael Baldwin, former Navy SEAL from Team Three and later DEVGRU, is with us today. Mike, thanks for being here and sharing your story."
Michael nodded, trying to relax. He was used to the spotlight, but something about talking about himself so deeply and publicly was different from what he had faced on the battlefield.
"It's an honor to be here, Shawn. I've heard a lot of powerful stories on this podcast, so I hope I can contribute in some way."
"You certainly will. Let's start at the beginning of your career. I know you were in SEAL Team Three before joining DEVGRU, the famous SEAL Team Six. What was that transition like for you?" Shawn asked, getting right to the point.
Michael smiled a little, remembering the long, hard hours of training, the missions in the Middle East, and the men by his side. "Yes, SEAL Team Three is where I learned most of my skills and gained a lot of experience. It's a place where you are forged. When I was selected for DEVGRU, I already had several combat missions under my belt, but nothing quite prepares you for what it's like to be part of an elite unit like that."
Michael began to tell stories about operations he had served around the world, without going into too much detail due to confidentiality concerns. He talked about the frantic pace of deployments, the life-or-death decisions he had to make, and how each mission shaped who he was.
Shawn listened intently, knowing that behind the stories of action there was something deeper that had yet to be unearthed.
"Now, Mike," Shawn said after a pause, "I know that life in DEVGRU can be incredibly intense, mentally and physically. Many operators face their own demons when they return home. Was there a time in your career when things got really tough for you?"
Michael looked down at the floor for a second, gathering the courage to say something he rarely said in public.
"Yeah, I did," he began, his voice a little heavier. "I… almost lost it. After years of deployments, at one point in my life, I was on the verge of suicide."
Shawn fell silent, surprised and respectful, letting Michael continue.
"After I came back from one of my deployments in Afghanistan, I started to feel this emptiness… a kind of disconnect from civilian life. I couldn't sleep, I couldn't adjust. I felt like everything I did on the battlefield didn't make sense here anymore. And one night, I really thought the only way out was to end it all."
The studio went silent. Shawn was clearly touched by Michael's honesty, and the weight of this revelation seemed to hang in the air.
"Man…" Shawn began, but let Michael continue.
"It was a night I'll never forget," Michael continued, never looking away. "I was sitting on my bedroom floor with my gun in my hand. I was ready to do it, to end it all. But then I thought about the guys I served with, all the guys I lost. And I realized that if I did that, I would be disrespecting the struggles they went through. That's what stopped me. The thought that if they fought to survive, I couldn't just give up."
Shawn took a deep breath and shook his head. "That's powerful, Mike. A lot of people don't talk about this, and I think it's exactly the kind of story that needs to be heard. Because, man, so many veterans go through this. And here you are, alive today, sharing your story, which is a real testament to strength."
Michael smiled slightly, feeling the weight lift a little from his shoulders. "I think the most important thing is that there is hope. I wasn't alone, and it was important to realize that I had a support network, even when I thought I had nothing left."
Shawn continued the interview, taking the conversation to other areas of Michael's life, including his surprising new career as a role model, the revelation about the night he nearly lost everything left a powerful mark.
The interview was more than just stories of war and glory. It was about the inner struggles that Michael and many other veterans face in silence. At the end, Shawn was deeply grateful for Michael's openness and vulnerability, and they both knew that the episode would help illuminate a path for those still trapped in the darkness.
When the recording ended, Michael felt relieved. He knew that telling this part of his story could save other lives, just as remembering his fellow soldiers had saved his.
Chapter 47: Close Friends React
The sun had already set in Los Angeles, and the video of Michael's interview on the Shawn Ryan Podcast was quickly spreading across social media.
Meanwhile, at Michael's house, he was relaxing on the couch, still reflecting on the depth of the conversation he had had on the podcast. He knew that the revelation about his darkest moment would resonate with many people, but what he didn't expect was the reaction from his closest friends.
His phone began to vibrate with messages and notifications, and he knew they had already seen cuts of the interview.
Hailey was the first to call. Her voice was thick with emotion and concern.
"Mike… I just saw a clip of your interview. Did you almost…?" Her sentence hung in the air, incomplete, as she tried to process what she had heard.
Michael sighed. "Yes, Hailey. It was a very difficult time, something I never shared with many of you. But looking back, I knew I had to tell you."
Hailey paused, taking in the magnitude of what her cousin was saying. "I wish I could have been there for you back then. I knew you had been through some really hard stuff, but I never imagined it would get to this point. I just wanted to say I love you so much, and I'm so proud of you."
"Thank you, Hailey," he replied, feeling the warmth in his words. "It was tough, but I got through it. And today, I'm stronger because of it."
After they hung up, it was Justin's turn to text.
"Man, I had no idea. You're one of the strongest guys I know, and to know that you went through this all by yourself… I'm speechless. I just wanted to tell you that I'm here for you if you need anything, always. Your story will help so many people."
Michael smiled, touched by Justin's support. He knew the singer had also faced his own struggles with mental health, so the message of solidarity was especially meaningful.
A message then came in to the group chat he had with the Hadid sisters. Gigi sent a link to an excerpt from the interview, followed by a flood of supportive messages.
"Mike, we are speechless here. Seeing you open up like this was so powerful," Gigi wrote. "You've always been a rock for all of us, but now I see that even rocks can crack. I'm so glad you've overcome this and are here for us."
Bella soon followed up with: "I admire you even more now, Mike. It's not easy for anyone to talk about these things, but knowing that you've been through this and are still here, inspiring us, means so much. You know you can count on me and Gigi for anything, right?"
Michael responded with a simple: "I know, and I appreciate you both for always being there for me."
Amidst all the messages, Kendall finally called. Her face on the video call looked serious, but there was a glimmer of love and concern.
"Michael, I can't believe you've never talked about this," she said, her voice breaking. "I knew your career in the Navy was tough, but I never thought you'd come so close to—"
"It was a really dark time, Kendall," he interrupted softly. "But I came out of it stronger. Part of what got me through it was thinking about the people I love, like you."
Kendall was silent for a moment, clearly overcome with emotion. "I just wanted you to know that I'm so proud of you. And if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here, okay?"
"I know, Kendall. Thank you for always being there."
After the call with Kendall, Gigi, Bella, Justin, and Hailey began sending screenshots and videos of themselves watching the interview, with words of encouragement and jokes to ease the tension.
As Michael responded to the messages, he realized that although he had faced this internal battle alone, he was no longer alone. His closest friends were by his side, and even though the past still weighed heavily, the future felt lighter, surrounded by people who truly cared about him.
Late that night, as he was getting ready for bed, Michael opened Instagram and saw the outpouring of public and private support he was receiving from friends and strangers alike. It gave him a renewed sense of purpose. The interview was not only a personal revelation, but an opportunity to help others who might be struggling with the same silent battles.
The phone buzzed one last time. It was a message from Shawn Ryan.
"Mike, this episode is getting a lot of attention. Thanks again for opening up. Your story is helping so many people."
Michael smiled, closed his eyes, and felt at peace. The pain of his past was still there, but the support of his friends and the community around him made him realize that, just like his military deployments, he would never have to face this fight alone again.
Chapter 48: Media Reactions to the Interview
Michael's interview on the Shawn Ryan Podcast quickly became one of the most talked about topics in the media and on social media. Audiences who already knew Michael Baldwin as the former Navy SEAL who was now a model were taken aback when they heard his profound revelations about his military career and the struggles he faced after retiring.
The physical scars he had always proudly displayed now had an emotional context, and people began to see a much more vulnerable and human side of Michael.
News outlets, blogs, and entertainment outlets quickly began sharing excerpts from the interview, highlighting in particular the part where he spoke candidly about his struggles with depression and how close he came to taking his own life.
"Former Navy SEAL and Model Michael Baldwin Opens Up About Mental Health Battles" was the headline of major outlets such as TMZ, People, and E! News. Everyone praised Michael's courage in sharing his story, emphasizing how he was using his platform to address important mental health issues, especially in the context of veterans.
GQ ran a special feature highlighting how Michael was challenging stereotypes. The article delved into how he, who had started to gain notoriety in the fashion world for his commanding looks, was now gaining respect for his authenticity and willingness to speak out about the traumas that many veterans endure in silence.
"Michael Baldwin: The Man Who Faced the Enemy on the Battlefield and the Demons Within Himself," was the headline of a feature in Men's Health, which also made a point of mentioning the impact the interview was having on veteran communities and the conversation around mental health.
Social media was flooded with support from fans, fellow veterans, and celebrities. Many shared excerpts from the interview, including the part where Michael revealed the Navy SEAL motto: "The Only Easy Day Was Yesterday." This particular excerpt resonated with many people, both within and outside the military community.
Veterans and military mental health support organizations began sharing the interview, praising Michael for bringing visibility to such an important issue. Comments like "You are an inspiration to us all" and "Thank you for sharing your truth, brother" began appearing on their social media accounts.
Influencers and celebrities were not left out either. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who has always been vocal about mental health, shared an excerpt from the interview and praised Michael for his strength and resilience:
"This is the kind of courage that goes beyond physical battles. Thank you for sharing your story, Mike. Keep inspiring!"
At the same time, fashion outlets like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar also picked up on the news. While it wasn't the type of content they would traditionally cover, the importance of Michael's message transcended his recent runway success.
"Rising Fashion Star Michael Baldwin Shows Strength Comes From Within," read the headline of one such article, discussing how his journey from military hero to fashion icon was bringing a new dimension of depth to his public image.
TV shows and podcasts began to feature the interview, with hosts discussing the importance of shining a light on the struggles faced by veterans.
"It's easy to forget what these men and women go through after their service. Michael Baldwin gave us a powerful reminder that the battle doesn't end when they come home," one host commented on Good Morning America.
Mental health organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Veterans Affairs posted messages of support for Michael, thanking him for giving voice to the struggles faced by many veterans.
The audience's comments also showed the profound impact of the interview. Many veterans shared their own stories of struggle and recovery, inspired by Michael's honesty. Others, who had never been through anything like it, expressed their admiration for his vulnerability and courage in addressing the issue.
"I've always admired Mike for his looks and style, but now I admire him even more for his inner strength. He's proof that even the strongest people face hardships, and that's something we all need to hear," one fan wrote on Instagram.
As the podcast's views continued to grow, Michael Baldwin's name became synonymous not only with beauty and success, but also with emotional courage and resilience.
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