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How to Move On, Let Go of Past Mistakes, and Reinvent Yourself

2025-07-24 People & Blogs
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Mel Robbins
Mel Robbins
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Order your copy of The Let Them Theory 👉 https://melrob.co/let-them-theory 👈 The #1 Best Selling Book of 2025 🔥 Discover how much power you truly have. It all begins with two simple words. Let Them. — Today’s episode is a deeply honest conversation about what it takes to let go of mistakes, forgive yourself, leave your past in the past, and create a new version of you. In this moving episode, Mel sits down with her friend Carl Lentz, a former megachurch pastor, who watched his life implode in real time. Carl doesn’t dodge the truth: His actions shattered trust, cost him his career, and nearly destroyed his family. But this is not a story about scandal. It’s about what you do after the worst moment of your life. It’s about the courage to face what you’ve done, to stop running, to forgive yourself — and to rebuild something stronger from the wreckage. Carl doesn’t pretend to have it all figured out. What he offers is honesty without excuses, wisdom forged in pain, and a raw invitation to stop letting your past dictate your future. If you’ve made mistakes, if you’re struggling to forgive someone, if you're trying to put the pieces back together, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Because you are not your worst moment. And your next chapter is still yours to write. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode/episode-310/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Meet the Guest 05:31 This Conversation Is About Forgiveness 16:38 The True Cost of Living a Double Life 21:37 The Truth Behind the Infidelity 32:31 The Night Carl’s Life Imploded 46:53 What Real Self-Forgiveness Actually Looks Like 01:01:19 Encouragement to Keep Growing — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah

Top Comments (10)

@KellyScott-sz1kp 2025-07-24

Carl......thank you. My husband cheated many years ago, and we are still together, but not in a good way. He doesn't want to lose me, and I wanted to stay to make him miserable. I absolutely could not forgive him, because I believed "once a cheater always a cheater". Very toxic mess. I'm going to share this video with him, and put down the pitchfork. This video was the nudge I needed. I need to stop "getting even", and let him grow, grow together, and just BE HAPPY again. Thank you dear....you are loved!!!

196 10 replies
@aminabecirovic1662 2025-07-24

I’m a Muslim woman from Bosnia and Herzegovina, and I was raised in a very conservative environment. Even though our beliefs and backgrounds may differ, what touched me deeply is your honesty, courage, and humanity. At the end of the day, beyond religion, status, or past mistakes – what truly matters is that we are human beings capable of change, growth, and grace. There is something profoundly healing in seeing someone fall and then rise again—not with pride, but with humility and love. Thank you for reminding us that shame doesn’t heal, but truth and forgiveness do. May we all find the strength to face ourselves, forgive ourselves, and become a source of light for others. Your story is not just yours anymore—it’s a gift for anyone walking through darkness, trying to believe there’s still hope. With respect and love, A sister in faith and in humanity 🌿

160 10 replies
@TheMrwhitesox 2025-08-02

That quote he said about giving your best self the same amount of time you gave your bad self really hit home

107 1 replies
@nancyfahy7672 2025-07-24

The key for me is that Carl accepted responsibility for his actions and is actively working to change and be a better person. Well done. May we all do the same and take responsibility for our mistakes.

67 4 replies
@ROHNMINDSETS 2025-07-24

The past doesn’t define us—it refines us. Letting go isn’t about forgetting; it’s about learning, forgiving, and choosing growth over guilt. Every mistake is a stepping stone, not a life sentence. The future becomes brighter the moment we decide to carry lessons, not burdens.

64 1 replies
@boitumelomolete5548 2025-07-24

"I am proud of myself I made it through the day. I did not give up". I needed this. Thank you 🎉❤

52 2 replies
@Lindastyle 2025-07-24

For some reason it feels nice when she says "it's your friend Mel" 😂

51 1 replies
@LJH662 2025-07-24

Very empowering, but give credit to his family for being willing to forgive.

24 2 replies
@Dhabiya 2025-07-28

The only shame is not to live your life and change choices as they suits your new stage. There is no ready recipe for life. You are a human evolving all the time.

15
@Brain_Lab_Audiobook 2025-08-02

What truly matters to me is that Carl took ownership of his actions and is putting in the work to grow and become better. That takes courage and integrity. Respect. May we all have the strength to take responsibility for our mistakes and rise above them. Wishing everyone reading this peace with your loved ones, abundant health, and meaningful success in life. 🌟💪💖

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