Description

This episode of Blissful Connections is one I’ll never forget. My guest, Nick Villareal, shared his raw and courageous journey through addiction, grief, single fatherhood, and living with bipolar disorder — and how he transformed his pain into purpose by creating Back to Wild, a program for men’s healing and transformation.
Nick opened up about:

• His early struggles with addiction and stigma around mental health.
• The heartbreak of losing his wife to breast cancer just two months after childbirth, and becoming a single father.
• Checking himself into the hospital and discovering the right medication that turned his life around within days.
• The stigma men face around vulnerability, and why healing requires compassion, community, and brotherhood.

One of the most powerful parts of our conversation was Nick’s WILD Method, a roadmap he uses to help men move from brokenness to growth:

• W – Wake Up: Recognize what isn’t working and own your emotional state.
• I – Initiate: Take concrete action beyond awareness.
• L – Lead: Guide yourself through discomfort and growth.
• D – Design: Consciously craft the life and relationships you want.

We also discussed practical emotional tools men can use to separate identity from emotion — shifting from “I am angry” to “I am feeling angry” — a simple but profound step toward healthier responses.
Nick reminded us that anger is often a cry for help, not a threat, and that men’s healing truly is a team sport.

🔗 Resources from Nick Villareal

🌐 Website: backtowild.live
📝 Self-Assessment Scorecard: backtowildscorecard.com
📸 Instagram: @BackToWild.live
📘 Facebook: NickVBackToWild.live
📧 Email: Nick@BackToWild.live
💡 Special Listener Offers:

• 60-Day Reset — discounted from $3,595 to $1,524 with promo code GoWild2026
• 3-Day Wilderness Excursions — discounted from $997 to $797 with promo code Wilderness2026
• Scholarships available for qualifying participants

📚 Related Resource from Me

My book A Direction to Bliss: Men Transformed explores breaking cycles of toxic masculinity and stepping into authentic manhood. If Nick’s story spoke to you, you’ll find even more practical wisdom and encouragement here:
👉 Get the book on Amazon

💡 Work with Me

👉 Want to go deeper? Blissful Connections Premium is my personalized coaching program for navigating family dynamics, healing emotional wounds, and building authentic connections. Book a free 15-min call to see if we’re a good fit.
🎧 Listen live every Monday at 7 PM CT: Stream Link
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✨ Thank you to Nick for showing us what courage, healing, and transformation look like. This was an unforgettable conversation that I know will empower men everywhere to rise, heal, and lead with compassion.
— Saylor Cooper
Host, Blissful Connections

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