How to Let Go of Past Mistakes and Create a New Version of You

In this episode, you’ll learn how to let go of regret, overcome regret, let go of past mistakes, and step into a powerful new chapter.  

Today, Mel is joined by one of the most powerful and honest voices of our time: Charlamagne tha God. He’s a Radio Hall of Famer, a three-time New York Times bestselling author, an Emmy-winning producer, and co-host of The Breakfast Club, one of the biggest radio shows in the world, among many accolades. 

But none of that is why this episode matters. 

This is a raw, inspiring, and deeply personal conversation about redemption, reinvention, letting go of mistakes, and becoming a better version of yourself.  

Charlamagne opens up about childhood trauma, addiction and the moment he finally chose to change his life. He shares how he became a better father, how he broke toxic cycles, and why grace is the key to growth.  

You’ll learn: 

– How one simple decision can set you free 

– How to stop punishing yourself for who you used to be 

– A simple practice to help you find peace, even when life feels heavy 

By the end of this episode, you’ll know that no matter where you come from or what you’ve done, you can reinvent yourself. You can change yourself. Starting today.   

Note: this episode includes open conversation around mental health, including anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Please take care while listening.

If you liked this episode, and want to know more about how to become a happier, healthier you, listen to this next: Why You Feel Lost in Life: Dr. Gabor Maté on Trauma & How to Heal

‍

Connect with Mel: 

• Get Mel’s #1 bestselling book, The Let Them Theory 
• Watch the episodes on YouTube ‍
• Follow Mel on Instagram ‍
• The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram ‍
• Mel's TikTok ‍
• Sign up for Mel’s personal letter  ‍
• Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free‍
• Disclaimer 

‍In this episode:

• 08:51: Charlamagne's Turning Point: Choosing a Different Life Path.
• 23:20: Evolving From Past Versions of Yourself.
• 39:43: How Unprocessed Trauma Impacts the Way You Treat Others.
• 44:12: Finding Mental Clarity Through Grounding and Gratitude.
• 46:53: Learning From the Past Without Judging Yourself.
• 58:42: Cutting the Small Talk and Speaking With Purpose.
• 01:05:12: How Being a Parent Changed Charlamagne.
• 01:08:50: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma.

‍Charlamagne tha God:

• Follow Charlamagne on Instagram
• Find Charlamagne on X
• Follow Charlamagne on Facebook
• Listen to The Breakfast Club
• Visit Charlamagne’s website
• Support The Mental Wealth Alliance, founded by Charlamagne
• Read Charlamagne’s bestselling books, Get Honest or Die Lying & Shook One

‍Additional Resources:

• If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Find a comprehensive list of hotlines and how to get help: HERE

• Greater Boston Behavioral Health: Generational Trauma: Breaking the Cycle for Mental Health
• Ethics, Medicine and Public Health: Ethnic identity and mental health stigma among Black adults in the United States
• Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry: Intergenerational impacts of trauma and hardship through parenting
• Journal of Black Psychology: Stress and Mental Health: Moderating Role of the Strong Black Woman Stereotype
• Current Psychiatry Reports: Community Interventions to Promote Mental Health and Social Equity
• Business Insider: Black men are expected to be not only providers, but emotional support systems too. That's tough if you're drowning in trauma, one author says.
• Nursing Research: African American Men and Women's Attitude Toward Mental Illness, Perceptions of Stigma, and Preferred Coping Behaviors
• Adversity and Resilience Science: The Relationship Between Spirituality and Resilience and Well-being: a Study of 529 Care Leavers from 11 Nations
• Therapy Group DC: Why Self-Compassion Is Essential for Mental Health
• Psychology Research and Behavior Management: The Benefits of Self-Compassion in Mental Health Professionals: A Systematic Review of Empirical Research‍
• Information Matters: Opening Doors to the World: Reading’s Role in Children’s Holistic Growth