From Cocaine to Christ with Brian Mohika

BusinessPodcast

Feb 16

Brian Mohika is CEO and inventor of CathWear, and a US Air Force veteran. CathWear is a medical form of underwear that has improved patient experience when wearing a leg bag. Throughout the time spent patenting his idea, Mohika struggled for 20 years with a cocaine and alcohol addiction. This is the inspiration behind his book, "From Cocaine to Christ." Since overcoming this addiction, he has found Jesus, changed his life around, and launched his company. Brian gives all the credit to the glory of God.

TWO HALVES OF A BRAIN

Mohika is a registered nurse with multiple science degrees. After being in and out of operating rooms, Brian knew there had to be a better way to accommodate patients with catheters and leg bags. He was in the operation room when Jesus gave him a vision. That night when Brian came home, he began drawing up prototypes for CathWear.

Throughout getting the product just right, Brian knew he has to develop a team. He gives Mike and the audience a crucial piece of advice on how to put together the perfect team. Start writing down things you like to do and want to do, then a list of things you don't want to do. For instance, Brian was not looking forward to the business aspect of launching a company. This is when his childhood friend and business partner, Edwin Alvarez took over. It turns out, the stuff Alvarez didn't like to do, Mohika loved. Brian describes this team as two halves of a brain. They were later able to hire others to cover the marketing aspect of the company.

COCAINE TO CHRIST

When asked how he went from struggling with an addiction to becoming an entrepreneur, Brian simply states "the grace and mercy of God." Some people might hear this and think it's a cliche; that's understandable seeing as how Jesus is given credit for many people's success. Mohika used to be one of those people himself. He even remembers laughing at the people who lean on God or seek his help. However, he recounts the day everything changed for him.

He describes addiction as "being in the dark", and God-fearing people as "being in the light". He knew people like this his entire life, for instance, his mom. It wasn't until he was suffering a divorce and patchy relationship with his mom when he realized this addiction was ruining his life. He spent the last 3 years of his addiction, miserable and depressed; even suicidal. The breaking point for him was when he experienced the Lord's spirit. As he was sitting in his living room, crying, and contemplating suicide, Jesus gave him a vision.

GRASPING THE LORD'S VISION

In this vision, Jesus spoke to him and said, "Brian, I am going to give you another opportunity. But you have to quit drinking and doing drugs, I won't do it for you." Brian recounts promising him many times that he would quit drinking and doing drugs, so what would make this time any different, he wondered. Then Jesus placed his finger around Brian's face and spoke "It's going to work now. I've given you my spirit Brian. Now you are going to be able to do it." Brian then saw a figure he knew was Him across the street, and the figure spoke "You've just got to cross the street." From then on, life was different for Brian. He has made peace with his past and pledged to move forward with the spirit of Jesus in him. He reminds everyone:

"Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength."

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY

Throughout this time of dealing with addiction, Brian struggled with depression. He found that through partying and being loud, he was masking how he felt insecure and wanted attention. He needed help. The stigma that surrounds the phrase, "boys don't cry," is vicious. It is a cruel stigma placed on men all around the world. The thought that men have to be Vikings and show no compassion is barbaric. Like women, men have feelings. They deserve to let those feelings out, free of judgment. They deserve to be vulnerable. Brian has found that through Christ he can be himself; he can be vulnerable. For Christ loves you exactly the way you are, judgment-free. He speaks more about this in his new upcoming book, "Let it Flow". It is due to launch later this year.

KEY NOTES

-An introduction to who Brian Mohika is and what he does. How his story came about.

-Mohika struggling with cocaine and alcohol addiction. How this addiction leads to ruining his life. How this leads him to need help from Jesus.

-The vision Jesus gave him and how it helped him move forward.

-Explaining that Mohika and his business partner are like two halves of a brain. His formula to creating the perfect team.

-The depression that many men face and how they are told it shouldn't affect them, simply because they are men. They need to be strong. However, through Christ, men and women can be vulnerable.

QUOTES

"If it happens, all glory be to God. If it doesn't happen, all glory be to God."- Brian Mohika

"The love that I have for solving a problem for patients is my drive, my motivating factor. If you do anything for a monetary gain, that's all you get; money."- Brian Mohika

"The world has put a measuring stick on what a man is supposed to do, and not do. This is why I have found immediate freedom through Christ, because I know I will never have to meet His measurement. He accepts me for who I am."- Brian Mohika

"Depression comes from looking in the past. Anxiety comes from looking toward your future. That's why the Bible says "be still". You need to be in the present."- Brian Mohika

"I am comfortable speaking about my past addictions and the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. In transparency, there is growth. Not only for me but others as well."-Brian Mohika