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Season 22 Episode 4

Michael
Age: 35
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Addiction: Meth

Official Synopsis: Michael moved to Las Vegas to work with the world-famous hip-hop dance troupe “Jabbawockeez,” but years of family betrayal caught up with him and after turning to meth, he’s lost everything.

What’s Memorable:  “I don’t reach out to the people close to me because they don’t get high.”  So simple, so resonant. This was a really interesting intervention – no blood family members invited, just his chosen family that he had long distanced himself from and didn’t think he’d ever see again. When he saw them, hugged them tight, realized that they had all come so far to just let him know much they love him and that they were still there for him, it was really powerful and inspiring. That love that he felt was missing from his own family was there in that room with them and he felt it hard.  Good stuff.  And the follow-up! So lovely. Michael seems like a really wonderful and likable guy, I’m fully expecting he’ll get his life back and do well in recovery.

Date Aired: April 5, 2021

Interventionist: Michael Gonzales, killing it.

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Comments

  1. Muffie

    I’m an interventionist and this episode made me cry with joy at the end.
    Michael Gonzales is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been doing this for a minute !

  2. Kitty Katt

    He cut off all ties with all of them because he loved them too much. They came together to find him to let him know they love him too much.
    Great cast all around. I cried for most of it. I see that Ken has his own rehab now. Maybe I knew this but just forget but either way it was cool to see.
    Good call on leaving his mother out of the intervention itself but it was also nice to see she was involved in the show too.

  3. Lauren

    This episode really got to me. You could sense what a good man he is and the love he had for his son and his fiancé. I hope all of the addicts on this show stay clean but I really feel emotionally invested in his recovery. I think he will do big things with his life if he stays on the party of recovery.

  4. Marianna

    This episode – and quite frankly pretty much every episode I watch – is PROOF that (for whatever reason, justified or not) addicts don’t feel loved, or don’t feel worthy of love so they push it away and punish themselves. The interventions themselves prove otherwise though – that they are usually surrounded by love – even if they can’t see it at the time. Once convinced of how loved they truly are and that they are worthy and deserve this love and gift of treatment, they understand and find the power to agree to treatment, go, and stay sober. This episode is proof of that. I truly wish Michael, Estee & their children all the best. PS – When his son came through the door and said “HI!” and opened up his arms as wide as he could to hug his dad, I bawled my eyes out! He’s right – he’s the only one that can end the cycle of absent fathers for his son. Happy to hear he and his mother are working on their relationship as well.

  5. Hannah

    Wow. Wow wow wow. I’ve seen nearly every single episode of Intervention, but I seldom ever get emotional over an episode, but the intervention made me tear up. Feeling how much his family loved him, how likable Michael is, how aware he was of his struggle, his clear love for his son… what a powerful episode. I have so much hope for Michael and I hope he keeps up the good work! He deserves sobriety, and he deserves a relationship with his son just as his son deserves a relationship with him. What a great guy.

  6. Chirag

    One of the best episodes I’ve seen in a while. Michael is such a likeable and talented person. His friends, grandmother, and ex fiancée (hopefully back together) at the intervention were so calm and understanding. No judgement from any of them. Michael Gonzales is definitely my favourite interventionist.. He adapts so well to all situations. Rooting for Michael to stay sober!

  7. Sakina

    I’ve never commented before but this one really touched me. I felt as if I learned some things about life by watching this episode. When his son told him what he missed most was his hugs, that was everything. I think that helped to put a lot into perspective for him. Michael I wish you the best. You are loved by so many! Including folks that have never met you. 💜💜💜

  8. Lisa

    Wow! It took me a while to get into this episode but I was really moved (and cried at the end!) I’m rooting for Michael. Definitely one of the most likeable people on this show!

  9. Andrea

    Omg! I watch the show all the time, but this episode had me in tears. I pray that he stays clean bc his son needs him. I felt the love ❤️! LORD PLEASE CONTINUE TO GIVE HIM THE STRENGTH!🙏🏾

  10. Chanel Hernandez

    Michael story brought me to tears he wanted help and knew he wanted a better life I’m so happy for him and his recovery.

  11. naciarg

    When his Ex begin to talked about his child I had reached for the box of kleenex. It wasn’t until Michael describe in detail not so much his step dad but how his mother would beat him to the point of embarrassment.. I was taken aback. Then I started crying. And when called on it! His mother laugh and said, “I use to tear that azz up”. I was done.

    However, I really broke down at the end with joy and happiness.

    1. Stefan

      Yah it was definitely a good call for her not to participate in his intervention. I’m glad they’re talking again and hopefully will repair their relationship will heal with time.

  12. Tammie

    Michael I love you and I don’t know you. I wish you and Estee and your children all the best. Thanks to his friends and grandma for not giving up on him. I want nothing but the best for him. I want to see him in movies, hear him on the radio; and dance to his choreography. Be the father you never had. Hayden needs you. The world needs your light. Estee…you are nothing short of amazing; beautiful outside but apparently on the inside too. Much love, success, and happiness to all. ❤️

  13. Tori

    I started watching this episode last week, but I don’t see this episode available on A&E anymore. Does anyone know what happened, or where I can finish it?

    1. Dizzy

      I saw that too, so odd. It is still available on Philo though, and maybe other streaming services. But not even mentioned on A&E.

      1. Stefan

        His episode is still on Xfinity.

      2. Tori

        Just tried a Philo free trial and they took it off of there too … something must be going on with his episode

      3. Stefan

        I just checked Xfinity again before I started Lexi’s episode and his episode is still listed but it requires one to be logged into their in-home wifi, which is typically the sign of a copyright issue of sorts. Perhaps one of the songs used during Michael’s dance numbers hadn’t been cleared yet?

      4. Stefan

        I reached out to Michael directly on Facebook and he said that his episode was removed due to a requested edit to be made. It should be available again momentarily. He also says he’s grateful for all of the kind words on here.

      5. Dizzy

        NICE! Thank you!

      6. Emily

        I’ve been trying to find him on social media ! What’s his last name ? I’m dying to see how he’s doing now ! This episode made me cry like a baby !

    2. Kitty Katt

      His episode can be seen On Demand Xfinity. It’s been up since it played.

      1. CECE ANDERS

        Hey I’m responding do you’re reply on my comment. CECE ANDERS. I’m usually pretty good at looking people up using the internet but like I said I couldn’t find anything on him. Especially since he was a dancer, I was looking for his dance videos. And I wanted to see what Este was up to. That’s not a very common name but there was literally nothing online about her or him. The only things I found were linking to the episode.

    3. Chance and Destiny

      for some reason Discovery Plus (which now has A&E) for some reason only has seasons 15 – 21. 1 -14 and 22 and up are on Amazon Prime

      1. BK

        It’s on Netflix

  14. Nurse BJ

    Michael (Estee and Hayden) was the most heart touching Intervention I have ever seen. To not have biological family there but to have men from his life who call him family because he made such an impact in their lives shows that Michael truly is a good soul who just lost his way because of his past that was not of his doing but of trusted people in his life. I have no doubt he will remain clean and sober because he realized that people do love him. His smile was absolutely infectious! And Estee, she is just stunningly beautiful on the inside and outside and they made such a handsome young man together. May God Bless all of the “family” in this episode.

    1. Stefan

      Indeed. Believe it or not, Michael is one of only three people profiled on Intervention who had no family present at the intervention. The only others are Vanessa from season 1 and Annie from season 2.

  15. Pang

    I hope his episode goes back on A&E soon, if that is indeed the plan. 9ver a month since it was taken off.

    1. Stefan

      Indeed. I should check in with Michael to see if there are any updates on that. Dizzy, when you have time could you upload the synopsis for this episode?

      1. Hailey

        Does Michael have any social media? I would love to continue following him and his story. I rarely get emotional or feel connected to the episodes, but his was nothing shy of amazing! He and his support system are an absolute inspiration.

  16. Stefan

    His episode is available once again!!!

    1. Tori

      On what platform? I don’t see it on A&E

      1. Kitty Katt

        Do you have cable? It’s On Demand on mine.

  17. Natalie

    I’m with everyone else here: cried so much in this episode! Happy tears at the end, so much relief. Michael’s friends at thar intervention is the perfect example of the family you choose. It says a lot about Michael that those people choose to love him. I’m happy for him and his son.

  18. Chris.

    To whomever may read this, I understand you may not know what I am saying,

    Michael you are a mighty man of God, don’t let anyone ever put that light out. The devil will try to stifle you but your relationship with the Lord will get you through. Everyone’s comments on the show and on here prove your light shines bright and I’m sure one day when your ready many, many people such as Toby Mack would love to have you on his team preaching the gospel through music and movement. As Toby Mack says…”Light Shines Bright Everywhere You Go” (make music for the people, music for thier souls) May God Bless You And Keep You Now And Always.

    Great Job to everyone that surrounded this young man and keep the love alive!

  19. sav

    any updates on him & his family ?

    1. Cece Anders

      I can’t find anything on this guy. You’d think it would be easy to find since he was a pretty public person but there’s literally nothing. Was this episode fake? Lol

      1. Kitty Katt

        No, previous posts show that someone did reach out to him on FB and his video was also being edited as per his request. The episode is now showing on my TV. What exactly are you looking for that you can’t find? Perhaps someone can guide you with their own information (Look at all of Stephen’s comments on here about him).

  20. L. Carifi

    Hope your still clean bro. It’s almost your one year. You have one hell of a mother of your child. If that’s how you say that lol. God bless. You’re inspiring. Don’t quit on the ones you’ve inspired like others that have you. You got this.

  21. Ava Williams

    Michael – i hope you are well, and happy. An entire group of people who have never met you are rooting for you

    1. Michael Benson

      I am I am!!! Thanku

      1. Nina

        MICHAEL! I just started your episode but I can see your energy on it and was hoping for the best!!! I’m so glad to see you comment on here. Keep up the amazing work and the journey you’re on!

  22. Michael Benson

    Wow it’s so crazy. So much love and encouragement. Today I have a year and 25 days sober. I’m reconnected with my family. I’m working. I’m blessed. I had so much guidance along the way. I am grateful to the team at A&E , Ken Seeley Communities, and of course my loved ones. I distinctly remember not knowing how I could ever escape the pit I was in. I distinctly remember saying “God I don’t know what to do” ….. I remember waking up at Ken Seeley’s rehab and watching the sun rise over the mountains and I knew I was safe. Since that moment I’ve been working a program taking it one day at a time beyond grateful. Everyday I wake up the first words out my mouth ar 🙏 Thank you. PS. nothing fake about this show. Everyone apart cares. I shed tears with these people . So much went into this and it saved my LIFE.

    -Michael from season 22 episode 4

    1. Dahlia

      My god, what a genuine and kind man you are. I love your dedication to recovery and your honesty about it. Inspires me to be a better person. Much love 💙💙💙

      1. Michael Benson

        Thanku so much🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

    2. Paige

      So happy to see your still on the right track. All us addicts are in this fight together. Stay blessed. 💚

    3. Mr B

      God Bless You, Michael. Thank you for posting here, that takes courage. I’m just a stranger on the Internet, but know that I and many other people pray for you and people like you. Good people make bad choices, and they can be saved. God is great, and love conquers all. With all the garbage in society and bad nonsense in the news… Your story is truly uplifting. Thank you for posting here. All the best to you and your family.

    4. Sara

      God bless you and your family always, Michael! You all touched my heart today. Thank you. Praying for the best for you all ❤️

    5. Marie A

      Michael, I was brought to tears, your ex fiance and her grandmother are incredible. Your so loved by so many, what a inspiration.i hope your staying strong.

    6. S

      Hoping that you are continuing to stay strong! Rooting for you!

    7. Ingeborg

      I hope you and your wife and children are all doing well Michael. You DESERVE to be happy. We are all still rooting for you.

    8. Stephanie

      You may never see this but I, too, cried watching your episode because you have so many people who love you and you were so gracious accepting treatment. I hope this finds you well and happy. Thank you for sharing your story. Godspeed.

  23. Kerri

    Are they back together!??? I hope so! So, so, so much love. This episode made me cry harder than any other. So insanely happy to see him with his son in the end. I hope they were able to rekindle their relationship. You can obviously see how much she loves him!

  24. Gretchen

    This is the first intervention that brought me to tears. You can do this Michael! You are an inspiration.

  25. Tammy Eiseman

    I have a brother with alcohol and prescription pain problems. He keeps it a secret, but we all know. I have tried to breach the subject with him, but he just lies and denies. I’ve watched many episodes of intervention, but this episode with Michael touched me like no other. What a beautiful soul he has and such a loving group coming together to save his life. Michael, if you read this, you are a champion! Some people just have that light about them, and you detinitely do. From reading all of the comments here, I’m not alone in seeing something so very special about you. I pray for your continued sobriety and that you will put all of your effort into being a present and loving father to your son. Yes, you fell, but the beauty is that with the love and encouragement from your loved ones, you got back up. I hope to hear your music some day!

  26. Corina

    Michael was such a sweet, loving and extremely likable person to me. You could tell he really wanted to get better and he deserves it. He is a really strong person especially dealing with an abusive mother growing up. His mother just made my blood boil as she didn’t come across as someone who was sorry for what she did to her son and even laughed talking about it. Anyway I’m just so happy and proud of Michael for his sobriety and I have a lot of faith in him going forward.

  27. Ally

    That was such a moving episode! A very likeable fellow with a and I wish him all the best.

  28. Tracee B

    Omg Este and Michael were married 3 days ago and how beautiful they are! So healthy and happy looking! Just warms my heart! Truly so happy for them. That boy is a lucky kid to have him as his father. He is such a good man
    https://m.facebook.com/1820314865/

    1. Dizzy

      THIS IS SO AWESOME

      1. intervention enthusiast

        michael is easily one of the most genuine, likeable dudes on this show ever! i am so happy for him and his family!

  29. Emmett Theodoran

    I liked Michael from the beginning, and was rooting for him from the beginning. It really touched my heart when he walked into the intervention and immediately said yes without even having to think about it. Quite possibly my favorite person to ever be on the show. I wish him the very best in life.

  30. Cee Cee

    Just watching this for the first time and I feel that if his mother had of helped her son go back to Seattle, his life wouldn’t of ended up the way it had.
    Everyone in his family let him down, it broke my heart that he had no family at that intervention but then his Navy brothers spoke and I bawled my eyes out.
    I’ve had to pause it and write this comment because I really feel his mother denying him that little bit of help, not even helping her son get back to his fiance and kids really made things 100x worse.
    I’m hoping he gets sober, I guess I’ll find out in a few minutes lol.

    1. Cee Cee

      Ahhhh maaaan, when his son hugged him I ugly cried.
      I’m so so SO happy for Michael and his chosen family.
      I really hope he’s thriving and loving life right now, he truly deserves it.

  31. Brenda A George

    I watch a lot of these programs because I simply want to see how the person’s life turns around. But on this particular episode, from the very beginning, I saw something in Michael that I haven’t seen
    on any other episode. This man has an anointing on his life. The program was so powerful and moving! I can see he has a special call on his life, and I sincerely hope he acknowledges it and follows it.
    It’s been 2 weeks, I think, since I watched the program, and it still stays with me. He made such an impression on me, and I truly hope he finds his way and that God IS the way! May you always have the very best that God has to offer! You deserve it. You will do great things for God. I can’t stop thinking that you have a great anointing on your life. Be true to yourself and be true to God. I wish you well!

  32. mon

    i have seen almost every episode of this show, and this was the only one that has ever made me cry (like a baby, at that). this intervention was absolutely beautiful. no feelings of hurt or resentment, just love. his navy brothers and estee (and her sweet grandma) saved michael’s life that day just by showing him how much they missed him and loved him and were going to be there for him. thinking about seeing him reunite with his son still makes my eyes tear up. michael, as a nurse and a recovering addict, you will stay in my heart for a long time. i am so, so happy for you.

    michael gonzales is the best interventionist this show has ever had. ❤️ he is an absolute treasure

  33. LadyFalcon

    Saw this on Reddit. He married Estee and mentioned children… plural.
    https://reddit.com/r/InterventionTheTVShow/s/h7i0srwWaK

    Best update ever!

  34. Maggie

    I just saw on Estee’s social media (linked in someone else’s comment) that Michael recently celebrated THREE YEARS of sobriety. Such a great update for such a wonderful young man. Wishing all the best for you and your family, Michael!

  35. Mini

    He’s 3 years sober!