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Mike Bayer

Mike Bayer, widely recognized as Coach Mike, is a life coach, author, and CEO of CAST Centers, a treatment and wellness center in West Hollywood, California, and Alamosa, Colorado. Mike gained visibility through his work with several notable celebrities and his regular appearances on the Dr. Phil show, where he also serves on the Dr. Phil advisory board.

Citation: https://coachmikebayer.com/about-coach-mike

Early Life

Mike Bayer was born on September 19, 1979, in Long Beach, California. He grew up as the youngest of three siblings in Laguna Hills, California. Basketball was a significant focus growing up. Mike attended the prestigious Mater Dei High School, where he served as team captain and was first team All-CIF for both his junior and senior years of high school. Mike was accepted to play basketball at Fordham University but sat out due to personal reasons. Bayer has spoken publicly about his struggles with addiction and mental health issues during his youth, which later inspired his career in helping others with recovery.

Education

Mike dropped out of Fordham University and sought inpatient alcohol and drug treatment in Center City, Minnesota. He then earned a degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from Metropolitan State University while interning at both Hazelden Center for Youth and Families and Progress Valley Treatment Center. He spent several years as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC II) and interventionist before becoming a life coach. Mike then worked for Addiction Intervention Resources, where he was trained as an interventionist and became a board-registered interventionist and supervisor (BRI II).

Career

Mike Bayer has been working in the field of substance abuse and mental health since 2003, starting at The Retreat Center in Wayzata, Minnesota, and Twin Town Treatment Centers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a resident technician. From the age of 24 to 26, Bayer worked for Addiction Intervention Resources in St. Paul, Minnesota, and eventually opened his first Southern California office in 2005. In 2006, he left AIR and founded CAST Centers to spread the importance of dual diagnosis treatment. He also hosts the podcast "Always Evolving with Coach Mike Bayer," where he discusses personal development and mental health topics with a range of guests.

Celebrity Clients

Many popular celebrities, like Joe Jonas and Dr. Phil McGraw Show, spoke positively about Mike. McGraw was attracted by his smooth approach to treatment, which helped countless individuals tackle personal challenges and achieve their goals. In addition to television, Coach Mike has also contributed to various media outlets, sharing his expertise on personal development and mental health.

Citation source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/mike-bayer

Published Works

Mike Bayer is a two-time New York Times best-selling author. His New York Times Best Selling book "Best Self: Be You, Only Better," was published in 2019 by Harper Collins Dey Street. "Best Self" has been published in over 20 countries and received a Nautilus Award, taking silver in the Inner Prosperity/Right Livelihood category.

His follow-up book, "One Decision: The First Step to a Better Life," released in 2020, further explores the concept of making impactful decisions that drive personal growth and fulfillment. "One Decision" was published through Penguin Viking and also made the New York Times Best Sellers List.

Personal Life

Mike Bayer is known for his private nature regarding his personal life. While he maintains a public presence through his professional work and media appearances, he keeps details about his family life, including information about a spouse or children, largely out of the public eye. In his free time, Mike has gained a real passion for jiu-jitsu, where he won double gold as an Ultra Heavy Blue Belt III at the North American Masters IBJJF Championship on May 29, 2024.

Legacy and Impact

Mike Bayer’s impact extends beyond his immediate clients and readers. Through CAST Centers, his books, and his appearances on the Dr. Phil Show, he has become a leading voice in the field of personal development and mental health. His holistic approach and dedication to empowering others continue to inspire and transform lives, cementing his legacy as a life coach.