After nearly two decades in the high-pressure world of hospitality and music festivals, Mikey Tableman knows what it’s like to struggle in silence. His journey through burnout and mental health challenges led him to create Chaos Controlled, a podcast that’s become a lifeline for listeners seeking honest conversations about what it means to be human. The show serves as the foundation for his 501(c)(3) nonprofit mental wellness organization, A Mind’s Pursuit, which focuses on emotional stability, healthier coping mechanisms, and creating a more purpose-driven mindset. As Season 3 launches with new episodes every Wednesday on all streaming platforms, we sat down with Tableman to discuss his mission to remove mental health stigmas and build genuine community.
Q: What inspired you to start Chaos Controlled?
Tableman: I got involved in this work because I know what it feels like to be quietly falling apart while the world applauds you for holding it together. For years, I chased success in high-intensity environments, and from the outside, it looked like I was thriving. Behind the scenes, I was burning out, breaking down, and questioning my purpose. What saved me was realizing that healing doesn’t happen in isolation, but rather in conversation, in community, in knowing you’re not the only one.
Q: How has your personal experience shaped the podcast’s approach?
Tableman: My personal background is anything but ordinary, and that’s exactly why Chaos Controlled exists. I spent nearly two decades operating in environments where burnout was almost a badge of honor. I almost didn’t survive through the chaos, the breakdowns, the rebuilding. That lived experience shaped my perspective and fueled my commitment to creating spaces for honest conversations about what it really means to be human.
Q: What makes Chaos Controlled different from other shows in this space?
Tableman: What sets this podcast apart is that we’re not chasing clickbait, we’re chasing honesty. Many shows highlight success stories once the struggle is over. We sit down right in the middle of the mess and talk about what it’s like to be human while you’re still figuring it out. We don’t just interview people for their resumes. We talk to them about the chapters they almost didn’t make it through.
Q: Tell us about your co-host, Danny Gomez, and the rest of your team.
Tableman: I don’t do this alone. My co-host, Danny J. Gomez, is truly the heart of this show. His compassion, humor, and lived experience bring so much depth to every conversation. Behind the scenes, we have an incredible team, including Executive Producer Sofia Monroe and DP Ben Meredith, who create a welcoming studio space where our guests can be their whole selves. That energy changes everything, and people open up here in ways they never expected because they can feel that it’s real.
Q: Why is addressing mental health stigma, particularly for men, so important to your work?
Tableman: These stigmas are real and deeply affect men. Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression or anxiety, but less than half will receive treatment. More than 4 times as many men as women die by suicide every year. Over 6 million men suffer from depression annually, but male depression often goes underdiagnosed. We need to change the conversation.
Q: What’s next for Chaos Controlled and A Mind’s Pursuit?
Tableman: Season 3 reflects how far we’ve come as a community—not just surviving the chaos, but learning how to take control of it. This winter, we’re launching our second series, ‘Conversation with the Boys,’ a men’s mental health roundtable. We’re aiming to keep expanding verticals under the A Mind’s Pursuit 501(c)(3) umbrella to really see this all come to life in a bigger way. The goal is to keep building spaces where vulnerability isn’t seen as weakness, and where stories can change lives.
Chaos Controlled Season 3 is now available on all major streaming platforms, with new episodes released every Wednesday.