Behind the Facemask: A Child's Abuse, a Man's Redemption - Hardcover

by Anthony James Hodel (Author), Tyrone Cassell (Foreword by)

Behind the Facemask - A Gritty Memoir of Trauma, Addiction, Anger, Fatherhood, and Redemption

By Anthony James Hodel

Raw, unfiltered, and ultimately hopeful, Behind the Facemask is a survivor's memoir and a practical field guide for anyone rebuilding after childhood trauma, addiction, rage, and high-conflict relationships. Anthony James Hodel takes you inside the "circus life" years-fast money, faster mistakes-and into the quiet, ordinary work of repair: learning to regulate anger, co-parent without drama, show up for kids, and live with integrity on the days without applause.

Part confession, part playbook, the book weaves street-level stories with short notes from psychologist Dr. Dwyer on trauma, attachment, anger, and repair. Hodel speaks directly to men's mental health and fatherhood: how shame hides, how anger becomes a drug, how dopamine drives the next bad decision-and how exercise, service, accountability, and steady routines create sustainable highs that heal instead of harm.

What readers get inside

- Survivor's truth: candid scenes of abuse, addiction, courtrooms, and consequences-told with compassion, not excuses.

- Fatherhood, real life: love across distance, co-parenting in conflict, and the long work of earning trust back.

- Tools that work: boundaries that hold, repair scripts, emotional regulation, "parallel-parenting" moves that lower heat.

- A psychologist's lens (Dr. Dwyer): why the brain chases relief, what attachment injuries do to adults, and how to repair safely.

- The dopamine chapter: shifting from destructive "hits" (sex, steroids, anger) to sustainable chemistry (training, breath work, service, routine).

- The turning point: "When I Chose Calm"-choosing outcome over ego and proving change under pressure.

Perfect for readers who...

- are healing from childhood trauma or navigating addiction recovery

- want anger management that's practical, not preachy

- are co-parenting or rebuilding trust with kids and partners

- prefer a gritty voice that still delivers concrete, repeatable steps

Benefits you can use today

- Plain-language strategies to de-escalate, apologize well, and set clean boundaries

- A "dopamine menu" to replace destructive habits with training, service, and structure

- Small, repeatable routines that turn intent into trust-one Tuesday at a time

Positioning & comps

Memoir - Men's Mental Health - Substance Abuse & Recovery - Parenting & Co-Parenting - Anger Management - Trauma & Attachment. Readers of The Body Keeps the Score, Can't Hurt Me, Greenlights, and Atomic Habits will recognize the blend of story, science-lite, and actionable steps.

Content note

Includes references to abuse, addiction, anger, and legal conflict. Offers personal experience and practical ideas; not a substitute for professional care.

Quick answers

Q: Is this a self-help book or memoir?

A: Both-a true story with practical tools you can use.

Q: Does it include anger management strategies?

A: Yes-de-escalation, repair scripts, boundaries, and routines.

Q: Is there a psychologist's perspective?

A: Brief notes from Dr. Dwyer explain trauma, attachment, and repair.

Q: What makes it different?

A: Gritty honesty + clear steps (including a dopamine chapter) you can apply today.

Take the mask off. Keep it off. Start again.