#36 From Australia's “Most Wanted List” to Redemption: Mat Steinwede’s Journey Through Addiction, Loss, and Gratitude

On this episode of Curveball, host Scott Reich sits down with Australian real estate powerhouse Mat Steinwede, whose incredible journey from addiction, homelessness, and the underworld to personal redemption is as dramatic as it is inspiring. In a deeply honest and raw conversation, Mat shares how a single act of mercy from a judge gave him a second chance—and how he rebuilt his life, step by step, after hitting absolute rock bottom.

But Mat’s story goes beyond just survival and success. He opens up about the devastating loss of his son, Logan, to suicide, and what it means to find resilience in the face of unimaginable grief. The episode explores themes of addiction, the power of second chances, vulnerability in fatherhood, and practical steps for building a life of meaning—even when life throws its most brutal curveballs.

If you’ve ever wondered whether meaningful change is possible after your darkest moments, this conversation will challenge, move, and give you hope.

Listeners Will Learn:

1. Mat Steinwede shares that addiction, when harnessed properly, can become a "superpower."
2. Early in the episode, Mat talks about wanting to be "feared" and respected in the underworld.
3. Mat mentions sliding door moments—unexpected chances that changed his path.
4. The episode touches on themes of grief and parenting after unimaginable loss, especially with the passing of Mat’s son, Logan.
5. Mat brings up the power of consistent, positive habits, like doing “11 burpees a day.”
6. The episode highlights the importance of support networks—friends, family, teachers. Mat mentions how living a healthy "peak state" lifestyle helped him move forward.
7. At the end of the episode, Matt invites listeners to pick one thing to change in their lives today.

Key Moments:

(00:00) Matt's Redemption

(05:30) Journey into the Underground Scene

(08:11) Drug Habit and Crime Spiral

(10:26) Rock Bottom and Rescue

(14:46) Redemption and a Judge's Mercy

(17:19) Power of Second Chances

(19:43) Father Reflects on Loss and Regret

(23:22) Struggles, Guidance, and Redemption

(27:01) Compassion and Showing Up

(30:55) Building Discipline and Self-Growth

(33:38) Act Now: Choose Just One Thing to Conquer

(36:39) Truth and Hope