Normalize PTSD: Recent Episodes
Jonathan
Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Peer Support and Wellness Advocate
Social Media:
- Website
- About Matt Domyancic
Today we're diving deeper into what spirituality is with our friend Matt Domyancic, the Tactical Chaplain. A medically retired police officer with patrol, SWAT, peer support, and academy instructor experience (plus time as a D1 strength coach at Yale and Georgetown), he now serves as a chaplain, spiritual director, and wellness advocate for first responders. Matt brings a proactive, no-nonsense approach to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health: think breath work, cold plunges, journaling, and building resilience before the breakdown hits. His insights on discipline, self-awareness, and viewing challenges as growth fuel are exactly why he's a recurring voice here on Normalize PTSD.
In this episode, Matt and I dug into spirituality, which is probably my weakest area and exactly why I love wrestling with it. We unpacked the difference between clergy, chaplains, spiritual directors, life coaches, and how wildly the training and depth varies between them - so you actually know what to look for (and the red flags to avoid) when searching for someone safe to guide you.
Matt broke down spiritual pride, spiritual bypassing, and why the loudest, most credential-flexing "fixers" are usually the ones who haven't done their own work. I also shared the practical stuff I implemented since our last talk, and Matt closed us out with a simple "armor down" routine you can start this week. We got into why the word "love" makes guys like us so uncomfortable, and why we need 3 AM friends who'll just listen without trying to fix us. Thank you all for listening and the support.
Resources Mentioned:
- People / Clinicians
- Dr. Jamie Lusk – Psychologist with the VA, Naval Academy grad, former Marine officer, endurance athlete; does surf therapy and outdoor adventure therapy; writes for Psychology Today
- Michael Branch – Former California Highway Patrol, then Navy SEAL, then therapist
- Father Jim Clark – Retired theology professor, expert in masculine spirituality and psychology; associated with Richard Rohr
- Retreats / Programs
- Modern Elder Academy (MEA) – The retreat Matt just returned from
- Illuman – Men's Rite of Passage – Retreat in Illinois this August (led by Jim Clark)
- Stillpoint – Two-year spiritual direction school Matt attended
- Veteran/first responder retreats mentioned: Boulder Crest, Mighty Oaks, Protectors Peak, Save a Warrior
- Books / Articles / Media
- "Helping, Fixing or Serving" by Rachel Naomi Remen, MD
- "Through the Dark Wood" by James Hollis (audiobook on Audible)
- "In Waves and War" – Documentary on veterans and psychedelic therapy
- The Chosen – TV series (referenced for its portrayal of the disciples and Nicodemus)
- Mark Gladman – Content on the Insight Timer app
- Blue Grit Radio (Eric Tong) – Episode with Matt and Chaplain Jared Altic on first responder chaplaincy
- "Armor Down" Routine
Follow along on our social media for a deep dive into resources discussed in this episode!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Peer Support and Wellness Advocate
Social Media:
- Website
- About Matt Domyancic
Welcome back to Normalize PTSD. Matt Domyancic is back in the chair, and we're going deeper on the question we only started cracking open last time: what actually is spirituality? Not the Sunday-morning version but the kind that holds up when life's falling apart. Matt's bringing his usual mix of no-nonsense, proactive wellness: breath work, cold plunges, journaling, the real internal work and his perspective on discipline, self-awareness, and turning pain into growth.
We got into why "discipline equals freedom" can become its own kind of self-medication, why guys like us hide in the gym or the grind so we don't have to sit still and feel our feelings, and Matt dropped some lines I'm still chewing on: "pain that's not transformed is transmitted" and "if you don't heal what hurt you, you will bleed on people that did not cut you."
We talked practical tools, got into the trickier stuff around close relationships and why you can't logic someone out of an emotion, and wrapped with the reminder that this is a lifetime gig - no guru, no magic bullet, just companioning each other down the road and leaving a few breadcrumbs for the next guy walking it alone.
Resources Mentioned:
- Data & Biometric Tools
- Healthcare Providers & Services
- Body-Based / Somatic Modalities
- Movement & Practice
- Contemplative & Spiritual Practices
- Therapeutic Modalities
- Apps & Digital Tools
- Recommended Reading
- Educational / Community Resources
- Frameworks & Concepts
Follow along on our social media for a deep dive into resources discussed in this episode!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Dr. Charlie Powell, MD, is a decorated former U.S. Naval Lieutenant Commander and war veteran who practiced medicine for over 25 years as a clinical physician, medical innovator, multiple-patent holder, former Chief Medical Officer, and co-founder of Healthcare Associates of Texas (which he later sold). After returning from service, he personally endured severe PTSD including chronic insomnia, night terrors, depression, alcohol dependency, and a nervous system locked in survival mode for decades despite his own medical expertise and conventional treatments that offered little relief. The turning point came in August 2023 with a 10-day inpatient psychedelic therapy program that delivered breakthrough healing in days rather than decades, prompting him to pivot his life’s work. In 2024 he founded Solo Vive™ (“Just Live”) as the parent company to Solo Vive Studios™, Saint Charlie Resorts™ (named after his special-needs son Charlie, who inspires much of his advocacy), Vive Scientific™, and Squared Away Nation™ a national veterans-focused media platform.
Today, as executive producer and director, Dr. Powell is launching the groundbreaking documentary Healing Heroes: No Mind Left Behind, which follows six veterans and first responders confronting PTSD through alternative treatments unavailable in the U.S., while building a broader ecosystem of media, clinical innovation, and global healing initiatives to break the silence on trauma and expand real recovery options for veterans and first responders.
Business Social Media:
Solo Vive™
Saint Charlie Resorts™
Healing Heroes Social Media:
TikTok
YouTube
X/Twitter: @HealingHeroesTv
LinkedIn Showcase
Media Contact: media@healingheroes.com, info@solovive.com
Dr. Powell's Social Media:
Instagram: @drcharliepowell & @charlesdrcharliepowellmd
LinkedIn (Personal)
LinkedIn (Company)
I had such a fun chat with Dr. Charlie Powell! After decades battling PTSD, night terrors, and opioids, one 10-day ibogaine retreat in Mexico completely changed his direction in life and now he’s laughing about singing love songs to himself in the mirror and introducing his scene-stealing special-needs son mid-interview.
Packed with gratitude, cold plunges, breathwork, and pure hope, this episode left me smiling and excited to check out his documentary!
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Matt Domyancic a Medically Retired Officer, SWAT and Chaplain
Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, Peer Support and Wellness Advocate
Social Media:
- Website
- About Matt Domyancic
Today we're checking in again with our friend Matt Domyancic, the Tactical Chaplain. A medically retired police officer with patrol, SWAT, peer support, and academy instructor experience—plus time as a D1 strength coach at Yale and Georgetown—he now serves as a chaplain, spiritual director, and wellness advocate for first responders. Matt brings a proactive, no-nonsense approach to mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health: think breath work, cold plunges, journaling, and building resilience before the breakdown hits. His insights on discipline, self-awareness, and viewing challenges as growth fuel are exactly why he's a recurring voice here on Normalize PTSD.
We dove into the tough-guy stigma around actually feeling your feelings and how I've been learning to cut myself some slack instead of chasing perfection every day, and why surrendering control during life's curveballs can lead to weigh more meaning than grinding harder.
I shared how Matt's wisdom flipped my rucking walks from "not hard enough" into mindful adventures (like spotting a legit shooting star that lit up the entire sky), and we swapped stories on ditching old self-medication habits for proactive stuff like breath work, nature, and jiu-jitsu that actually lightens the load instead of piling on more "emotional baggage."
We wrapped up teasing monthly check-ins, deeper dives into spirituality, and Matt's dream of building chill retreats where high-achievers can go to slow down, get vulnerable, and just be because turns out, the real win isn't always flooring the gas in the Ford Raptor; sometimes it's cruising in the Jeep and enjoying the view.
Resources Mentioned:
- Therapy/Spiritual Direction: Psychoanalysis, contemplative prayer, mindfulness practices.
- Wellness Tools: Meditation, breathwork, journaling, cold plunges, saunas, sensory deprivation floats, fasting (water fasts), nature immersion, jiu-jitsu/yoga for tension training.
- Retreats/Programs: Boulder Crest (post-traumatic growth), Save A Warrior, Protectors Peak, Mighty Oaks; silent retreats; non-medicine warrior retreats; faith-based options.
- Books/Concepts: Carl Jung's depth psychology; "How to Talk to Your Angels" (inspired Matt's surrender); Lt. Col. Grossman's "Pain shared is pain divided."
- Lifestyle Shifts: Cut toxic habits (e.g., alcohol, over-training); prioritize family, community over resume-building.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
It’s the holiday episode, and this is one of my favorites. It gives me an opportunity to reflect on all the episodes of this year. It’s so much fun spending time looking at where this journey has taken me this year.
2025 has been a transformative year marked by profound growth, unexpected connections, and powerful stories from hammers out there crushing it in veteran and first responder mental health. I had some remarkable guests: from TBI pioneer Dr. Mark Gordon and psychedelic therapy advocate Jeremy Hudec to music healer Jon Foti and childhood trauma survivor Lauren Burns each sharing innovative approaches like plant medicine, art therapy, jiu-jitsu, and faith-based resilience. The season highlighted cutting-edge treatments, systemic change, and personal redemption, while reinforcing community, purpose, and hope. Fueled by listener support and lifelong friendships, the podcast continues to break stigma and inspire healing, setting the stage for an even bolder 2026.
I've had another incredible year of learning, blessed with opportunities to connect with amazing people doing impactful work for veterans and first responders. Every year brings experiences I never thought possible, and it’s freakin awesome. I still hear from old friends who are absolutely crushing it. I appreciate all of you and the new friends reaching out and staying connected. I love hosting this podcast. It’s truly an honor to share the stories of these badass hammers.
I’m deeply grateful for my support unit and for all the uplifting, positive feedback from everyone listening. Without you all it would feel like I am talking to myself in a mirror and that would be uncomfortable. You are all greatly appreciated. Here’s to an even more impactful year in 2026!
Resources Mentioned:
- Millennium Health (Dr. Mark Gordon)
- VET S.O.S. Podcast (Shawn Welsh)
- Operation Song (Jon Foti)
- Wounded Warrior Project (Jon Foti)
- The Kinetic Man Mastermind (Stuart Grazier)
- The Ageless Call to Serve (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass)
- Free Arts for Abused Children (Matt Sandoval)
- SAMHSA (Matt Sandoval)
- Achilles in Vietnam (Matt Sandoval)
- Project Life Spark (Jeremy Hudec)
- University of Regina RCMP Mental Health Studies (Jeremy Hudec)
- Mission Within (Jay Kopelman)
- Redeemed Podcast (Lauren Burns)
- Master Resilience Training (Shawn Welsh)
- EMDR Therapy (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass; implied in broader episodes)
- Music Therapy (Dr. Lanny Snodgrass; Jon Foti)
- Jiu-Jitsu/Breathwork (Sonny Gerber)
- Peer Support & Faith-Based Initiatives (Sonny Gerber; Stuart Grazier; Lauren Burns)
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Monica Robbins, LMSW, is a social worker and spiritual coach who guides clients in healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction, using spirituality, mindfulness, and EMDR to help them connect to their true nature and overcome limiting narratives.
Monica Robbins, LMSW, began healing from complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) through a spiritual awakening at age 16. This transformative experience sparked her interest in the intersection of spirituality and healing, inspiring her to explore how to live from an awakened perspective. Through this journey, Monica successfully healed from C-PTSD and no longer meets the diagnostic criteria for the condition.
Monica is dedicated to guiding others toward healing and awakening by helping them consciously connect with their true nature and overcome the limiting narratives that keep them stuck. As a licensed social worker, she integrates spirituality, mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and addiction recovery. For non-clinical clients, Monica offers coaching and mentoring to those seeking to awaken to their true nature or navigate the stories that hinder their self-realization. She also provides support for individuals who have experienced a spiritual awakening but need guidance to remain present through challenging narratives and experiences.
I had an awesome conversation with Monica Robbins, a licensed social worker who's turned her own journey through complex PTSD and a profound spiritual awakening at 16 into a passion for helping others heal. We dove into how spirituality intersects with mental health, exploring her path from chaos and abuse to finding inner peace. Monica shared practical tools like mindfulness, EMDR, breathing techniques, and self-compassion practices that she uses with clients dealing with trauma, anxiety, and addiction.
It was inspiring to hear about her favorite teachers like Eckhart Tolle and Adyashanti and how true healing comes from letting go of limiting stories and embracing the present moment. She's excited about guiding more people toward awakening and deep recovery, blending clinical work with spiritual coaching. What a uplifting episode!
Resources Mentioned:
- Spiritual Awakening and Exploration
- Therapy
- Mindfulness Practices
- Meditation and Guided Mindfulness
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Inquiry Practices
- "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle
- Books by Adyashanti
- Hindu Teacher Texts (e.g., "I Am Not The Body")
- YouTube Spiritual Teachers (Adyashanti, Alan Watts, Ram Dass)
- RAIN Technique
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) Informed Work
- Somatic Work and Body-Based Therapies
- Shamanic Work and Ayahuasca Ceremonies
- Psilocybin Microdosing
- Lion’s Breath
- Sighing Out
- Parasympathetic Breathing
- Box Breathing
- Shaking the Tree (Qigong)
- Sound as an Anchor
- Distress Tolerance and Window of Tolerance
- Jiujitsu
- Letting Go of Stories and Identities
- Polyvagal Theory by Stephen Porges
- Trauma Healing Concepts by Peter Levine and Daniel Siegel
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Lauren Burns, host of the Redeemed Podcast, survived a childhood kidnapping by her Jordanian father, a story dramatized in the 1993 TV movie Desperate Rescue: The Cathy Mahone Story. She now shares her journey of healing through faith, inspiring others to overcome trauma on her podcast and through public speaking.
Social Media:
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/laurenbredeemed
Lauren Burns endured a harrowing experience at age seven when her Jordanian father abducted her and took her to Jordan, prompting her mother, Cathy Hopkins, to orchestrate a daring rescue with ex-military help, crossing a militarized border into Israel. This dramatic chapter of her life, later portrayed in the 1993 TV movie Desperate Rescue: The Cathy Mahone Story, shaped her perspective on resilience and faith. Today, Lauren channels her story into the Redeemed Podcast, where she explores her healing journey, emphasizing how her mother’s unwavering faith in God and proactive efforts saved her. Motivated by what she perceives as divine intervention, she now uses her platform to inspire others facing mental health challenges, blending her past adversity with a message of hope and redemption.
Lauren Burns shares her wild experience of being kidnapped at age seven by her Jordanian father in 1987, who tricked her into a trip to Jordan instead of Halloween trick or treating, leading to months of isolation and cultural shock amid family tensions. The episode's impact lies in her transformation of pain into purpose reconnecting with rescuers after 37 years via her Redeemed Podcast, inspiring others to overcome adversity through redemption stories, and emphasizing that faith plus proactive steps can restore broken lives, as she prepares a book to encourage resilience in facing challenges.
Resources Mentioned:
- Church small group meetings: Attending these as a teenager served as a turning point, providing community support, accountability, and a space to process anger, depression, and trauma through shared faith and discussions.
- Faith in God combined with action: Emphasized through prayer, obedience to divine callings (like starting her podcast and book), and Biblical references like "pick up your mat and walk," which encouraged proactive steps toward healing rather than passive faith alone.
- Community of friends: Supportive friends who "circled around" her during rebellious teenage years, offering love, guidance, and help to redirect her path away from destructive behaviors.
- Redeemed Podcast: Hosting and producing it allowed her to share her story, reconnect with rescuers after 37 years, interview others with redemption stories, and receive positive feedback that affirmed her purpose and reduced self-doubt.
- Writing her book: The process of researching and writing helped her confront and process past trauma, including listening to emotional cassette tapes, while giving glory to God and encouraging others.
- Cassette tapes and journals from her mother: Listening to these recordings of her mother's desperate phone calls and reading daily notes provided insight into the events, evoked emotions, and aided in understanding and healing from the kidnapping's impact.
- Public speaking and listener feedback: Sharing her story publicly led to connections with others who had similar kidnapping experiences, reducing isolation and reinforcing her resilience through messages of hope and action.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us.
Jay Kopelman is a retired Marine lieutenant colonel with 21 years of service and two combat tours in Iraq. He endured multiple TBIs and severe PTSD. After participating in a Mission Within retreat involving plant medicine, he overcame his PTSD and became deeply committed to helping others heal from TBI and PTSD.
Social Media:
The Mission Within:
- Website
- Foundation Website
Jay Kopelman:
- About.me Profile
- Speaker Booking Profile
Jay Kopelman is a retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel with 21 years of service and two Iraq combat tours, where he trained Iraqi Special Forces, fought in Fallujah, and embedded with joint operations, always showing compassion for the vulnerable. A dedicated advocate for underdogs, he has moved from military command to health care innovation, veteran entrepreneurship advising via the Semper Fi & America’s Fund, and now leads the Mission Within Foundation as Executive Director, fundraising for psychedelic-assisted therapy to treat PTSD, TBI, and traumas in veterans and first responders. He authored two bestselling memoirs on his war experiences and dog rescue, speaks on defense, terrorism, veteran mental health, and psychedelic benefits, and is a competitive jiu-jitsu athlete, outdoors enthusiast, and father.
The Mission Within aims to end veteran suicide through a 6-week psychedelic program featuring online therapy, coaching, and a 4-day retreat with substances like Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and Psilocybin. It heals veterans and families from PTSD, mTBI, depression, and anxiety via clinical pathways, treating over 1,000 special operations members and spouses since 2017, with 80% PTSD recovery. The focus is on fostering purpose and growth in the veteran community.
In this episode I had the absolute honor of chatting with Lt. Col. Jay Kopelman, a retired Marine with an awesome career, combat tours in Iraq, and mentoring Iraqi forces. We covered his bestselling books about rescuing a puppy named Lava during the war, his post-military path in healthcare and veteran entrepreneurship advising with Semper Fi & America's Fund, and his raw experiences with PTSD, TBI, anger, hypervigilance, and sleep issues that strained his relationships—until psychedelic-assisted therapy changed everything. Jay's now the Executive Director of Mission Within Foundation.
The Mission Within is doing great things: they're revolutionizing healing for veterans and first responders with safe, clinician-led retreats using Ibogaine, 5-MeO-DMT, and psilocybin, boasting an 80-90% success rate in reducing PTSD symptoms. They've treated over 1,000 special ops vets and spouses since 2017, with comprehensive pre-retreat medical assessments, on-site cardiologists and nurses, and post-journey integration like coaching, meditation, and functional medicine testing to ensure lasting results. It's not just medicine—it's a full reset fostering purpose, self-love, and growth, and it's saving lives where traditional therapies fall short.
I'm incredibly grateful to Jay for sharing his personal experience so honestly and joining the podcast!
Jeremy, a medically retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer and PTSD survivor, is the founder of Project Life Spark, a future charity dedicated to funding psychedelic therapy retreats, advocating for their legalization, and supporting research for Canadian veterans and first responders.
Social Media:
- Website
- X
- YouTube
Jeremy, a spirited former Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer turned PTSD advocate, brings a pilot’s precision and a father’s heart to his mission with Project Life Spark. After a decade of frontline policing left him grappling with trauma, he found healing through psychedelic therapy in Mexico, a journey that transformed his life. Now, as an Aviation Advisor and founder of a future charity, he’s on a mission to fund retreats, push for policy change, and back research on ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT for Canadian veterans and first responders. From small-town Alberta to the skies and back, Jeremy’s story of resilience, hope, and open-mindedness—fueled by his love for Seinfeld reruns and marathon running—shows how embracing new paths can spark profound change.
This episode was incredible. I forgot I was recording more than once. It was a man’s journey to healing told in a way that kept me engaged from start to finish. I’m deeply grateful to have connected with Jeremy and have the chance to hear his story. Psychedelics carry a stigma, and I hope to change that by sharing stories like his. They’re not a simple or easy cure for all mental health challenges, but for PTSD they’re a powerful starting point. This experience gave me a perspective that changed my life, which I believe is the purpose of therapy: to shift how we view the things causing us stress. I used to hate therapy because like most EOD people I know, I thought I was smarter than the person talking to me. The one I wasn’t smarter than was myself—and my ego. It convinced me that seeking help was weak, that those who got help weren’t as strong as me, and that drinking to blackout to sleep was just what ancient warriors did. Psychedelics showed me I was an idiot; those were weak, pathetic attempts to justify my poor behavior. It’s so much easier to lie to myself than to admit I’m failing myself and everyone in my orbit of destruction. More than that, psychedelics taught me compassion. I felt compassion for the version of me who did his best with what he knew.
Resources Mentioned:
- University of Regina Study on RCMP Mental Health
- OSI Clinics (Operational Stress Injury Clinics)
- No Fallen Heroes (Connected via Wiz Buckley)
- Stanford Study on Psychedelic Therapy for Veterans
- Alberta Blue Cross Funding for Psychedelic Treatment
- Veterans Affairs Canada
- Weekly Integration Calls and Breath Work (Post-Therapy Support)
- The Mission Within
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter would mean the world to us.
Matt Sandoval is the CEO of Free Arts, a nonprofit organization in Arizona that provides trauma-informed expressive arts programs for children, teens, and families who have experienced abuse, neglect, or homelessness.
Social Media:
- Website
- Podcast: Canvas of the Heart
- Matt's LinkedIn
Matt Sandoval is the spirited CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, where he channels his big heart and creative zest into helping kids heal from trauma through art and mentorship. An Arizona native with a knack for storytelling, he’s spent over 15 years leading nonprofits, wielding his Master’s degrees in Social Work and Educational Leadership like a superhero’s cape. Whether he’s hosting the Canvas of the Heart podcast, sharing wisdom on LinkedIn, or reminiscing about his dad’s days as a Phoenix police officer, Matt’s infectious passion for resilience and self-compassion lights up every room—proving that even in tough times, a splash of art and a dose of kindness can work wonders!
I do not have an artistic bone in my entire body, but this was a great episode. I had the pleasure to chat with Matt Sandoval, the CEO of Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona, who shares how art and mentorship work magic to build resilience in kids facing trauma. With humor and heart, Matt, an Arizona native shaped by his police officer father’s career and family challenges, dives into Free Arts’ mission to serve over 7,000 kids annually with trauma-informed programs, emphasizing the mantra “no mistakes in art.” From group mentoring to rigorous volunteer vetting, he explains how creative expression fosters safety and self-compassion, drawing parallels to the trauma experiences of veterans and first responders. Touching on systemic issues like poverty and his vision for statewide impact, Matt inspires with stories of hope and a call to join the movement.
Resources Mentioned:
- Arizona ACEs
- SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
- Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona (Consultation and Programs)
- Book: Achilles in Vietnam
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. A like and share on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and X would mean the world to us. I’m always looking to connect with veterans and first responders with PTSD who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
DM me or comment below to connect. Thank you for being part of this mission!
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Dr. Lanny Snodgrass, a veteran psychiatrist, became the oldest American to join the U.S. Army at 62. His book, The Ageless Call to Serve, challenges age-based military recruitment policies while advocating for psychological resilience and improved veteran mental health support.
Contact Information:
- Book Website: agelesscalltoservebook.com
- Publisher's Website: https://www.casematepublishers.com/9781636244174/the-ageless-call-to-serve/
- Media Inquiries: jpmark@icloud.com
Dr. Lanny L. Snodgrass, MD, PhD, is a distinguished psychiatrist and U.S. Army veteran who made history as the oldest American to join the Army and complete Officer Basic Training at age 62 during the Iraq War. With over four decades of experience treating veterans and active-duty military personnel, he is a leading expert on PTSD and military mental health, having served as a Lieutenant Colonel and Gulf War veteran. His forthcoming book, The Ageless Call to Serve, published in 2024, challenges conventional military age restrictions and advocates for enhanced psychological resilience and mental health support for service members. Dr. Snodgrass’s unique journey from civilian psychiatrist to soldier at 63, coupled with his extensive expertise, offers profound insights into rethinking military recruitment and veteran care, making him a compelling voice in both military and mental health discussions.
When Dr. Lanny Snodgrass invited me for an in-person podcast episode, I sounded like a cartoon character talking a big swallow, convinced I’d botch it—and yep, I fumbled the video! Thankfully, the audio was saved, and what a blast this turned out to be! Lanny and Dave were an absolute delight to meet and chat with. It was a thrill picking the brain of this psychiatrist and U.S. Army veteran, who, at the ripe young age of 62, joined the Army and later penned The Ageless Call to Serve. Lanny shared tales of his pre-military days as a civilian psychologist in Bangkok during the Vietnam War, his bold 2003 decision to enlist despite a heart condition, and the real-deal challenges of military mental health. He passionately called for better mental health screening, early PTSD treatment, and training for commanders to grasp trauma’s impact. Plus, he threw shade at military age limits, cheering for the wisdom of older recruits & stressed how resilience, mentorship, and tight-knit units can curb PTSD and spark post-traumatic growth, drawing from his work with veterans and first responders like nurses. What a wild, wonderful ride this episode was!
Resources Mentioned:
- Screening:
- Pre-enlistment psychological interviews/tests
- Post-deployment one-on-one specialist interviews
- Therapies:
- EMDR for PTSD
- Music therapy (e.g., piano playing)
- Jiujitsu for focus
- Existential/maintenance therapy
- Programs:
- Pre-enlistment resilience training
- Commander mental health training
- Resilience Activities:
- Group classes for positive mindset
- Hobbies (meditation, golf)
- Intervention:
- Early PTSD treatment
- Crisis intervention for depression/anxiety
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of this community and would love your help in growing our reach. I’m always looking to connect with those who have found ways to improve their quality of life—your story could help shorten that journey for others. If you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of available benefits, I’d love to chat and share your insights with the community. Let’s work together to make a difference.
Stuart Grazier is a retired Navy officer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Kinetic Man Mastermind, dedicated to helping men, military veterans, and Christian business owners flourish by aligning their lives with their highest purpose through faith, leadership, real estate, and personal growth.
Social Media:
- Storehouse Mastermind - The Kinetic Man Movement: https://youtu.be/d4_E1Eq3W68
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/fillingthestorehouse
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/militaryinvestornetwork/
Stuart Grazier is a retired Naval Officer who served for 20 years, flying helicopters and C-40 aircraft before transitioning into entrepreneurship and leadership development. As a devoted husband, father, and Christian, he co-founded The Kinetic Man Mastermind, a community focused on helping men become better fathers, husbands, and leaders through intentional action and accountability. He also co-hosts The Kinetic Man Podcast, where he explores topics such as faith, service, financial literacy, real estate, and entrepreneurship, particularly for veterans and business owners seeking purpose and adventure.
Recognizing the need to realign his own priorities, he pivoted his career to focus on building financial freedom through real estate investing, launching Storehouse 310 Ventures to fund nonprofit initiatives. With a passion for servant leadership, personal growth, and empowering others, Stuart continues to guide men toward discovering their best selves through mastermind retreats, real estate investment strategies, and purpose-driven living.
Stu is a positive and inspiring person, and it was a great experience getting to pick his brain and hear his story. Born and raised in Texas, his childhood dream of flying led him to the Naval Academy, where he became a pilot, flying helicopters and later C-40s. After serving 20 years in the Navy, he transitioned into real estate, flipping houses and building a successful passive income stream.
But despite financial success, he found himself feeling disconnected from his family, faith, and personal well-being. He co-founded The Kinetic Man Mastermind, a community dedicated to helping men become better husbands, fathers, and leaders through accountability, self-improvement, and faith-driven growth. Through retreats, coaching, and a structured curriculum, he empowers men to live intentionally, focusing on family, fitness, faith, and financial freedom. Now, with a thriving podcast and a strong community, Stu continues his mission of service, helping others find clarity, balance, and their highest purpose in life.
Resources Mentioned:
- Community & Accountability
- Mental & Emotional Resilience
- Physical & Mental Wellness
- Faith & Spirituality
- Avoiding the “Hustle Trap"
Key Takeaways:
- Build a strong community – Avoid isolation after military service.
- Prioritize mental & physical health – Exercise, mindfulness, and reflection.
- Have a structured routine – Stability leads to growth.
- Live with purpose – Success is more than financial gains.
- Stay accountable – Through masterminds, mentors, or partners.
Outline:
- 00:00 Intro to Stuart Grazier
- 00:25 Military Background
- 15:40 The Road to Real Estate
- 10:29 Challenges and Changes
- 36:30 Daily Routines and Balancing Life
- 47:01 KineticMan Curriculum and Leadership
- 01:07:24 Impactful Stories and Testimonials
- 01:02:19 Retreats and Their Importance
- 01:10:42 Final Thoughts and Contact Info
26 years of law enforcement experience spanning corrections, probation, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and detective work
Social Media:
- https://www.instagram.com/punk_rock_son/
I’m honored to introduce a man cut from the same cloth as Steve Odom—another absolute warrior with an incredible journey. Meet Sonny Gerber, a patrol sergeant on the central coast of California with 26 years of law enforcement experience spanning corrections, probation, patrol, narcotics, SWAT, and detective work. A former instructor at a California police academy, Sonny is a court-recognized expert in defensive tactics and holds master instructor certifications in ARCON (arrest and control), baton, taser, tactical communication, active shooter response, and firearms. He’s also a BJJ black belt under Chris Lovato with Paragon BJJ in San Luis Obispo and has tested his skills in Muay Thai, boxing, and MMA. Beyond the fight, Sonny is a certified critical incident stress debriefing mentor and peer support specialist, dedicated to guiding fellow officers through high-stakes and high-stress careers.
As Sonny approaches retirement from law enforcement, Sonny remains focused on pushing for better training and wellness in the profession. He has long advocated for incorporating BJJ fundamentals into defensive tactics programs, and after years of effort, departments across the country are finally adopting this essential training—though there is still much work to be done. He has also witnessed firsthand the lack of mental health resources and wellness support for officers, despite the overwhelming evidence on divorce rates, suicide, and addiction in law enforcement. Thankfully, change is happening, and departments, including his own, are beginning to implement officer wellness programs. Looking ahead, Sonny’s plans to retire healthy, open his own Paragon BJJ school specializing in training law enforcement, and continue mentoring young officers while remaining actively involved in officer wellness initiatives. His journey is one of resilience, dedication, and a relentless commitment to making law enforcement safer and stronger—both on the mats and in life.
Today, we dive deep into the intersection of mental health and law enforcement with Sergeant Sonny Gerber, a 26-year veteran who’s seen it all—SWAT operations, high-stakes encounters, and the personal toll of a life dedicated to service. But this episode isn’t about war stories—it’s about resilience, growth, and breaking the stigma around mental health in policing.
Sonny talks about his own struggles, the lessons he’s learned the hard way, and the powerful toolsthat helped him turn things around—everything from jiu-jitsu and peer supporttobreathwork, journaling, and faith-based programs like Mighty Oaks. Whether you’re a first responder, a veteran, or just someone looking tobuild a stronger mindset, this episode is packed with insights on how to train your body, sharpen your mind, and take back control of your well-being.
Resources Mentioned:
- Mighty Oaks Warrior Program – A faith-based program for first responders and military personnel that provides tools for personal resilience and healing.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Tapping – Techniques used for processing trauma and reducing stress.
- Journaling – Used for processing thoughts, setting goals, and practicing gratitude.
- Biweekly Men’s Group (Mighty Oaks Outpost Meetings) – A support group for public safety professionals that includes Bible study and discussion.
- Breathing Techniques – Includes box breathing, four-count breathing, and guided breathing apps to manage stress and anxiety.
- Dr. Kevin Gilmartin’s Book: Emotional Survival for Law Enforcement – A recomme
Jon Foti is a U.S. Army Veteran and the CEO of Operation Song.
Social Media:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfoti01/
- Operation Song: https://linktr.ee/operationsong
I’m honored to introduce an incredible guest who embodies leadership, resilience, and dedication. With over a decade of experience leading teams in government, non-profit, aviation, and military environments, he’s a natural mentor and communicator.
Jon is U.S. Army Veteran and former helicopter pilot. Beyond his impressive military and leadership background, he’s now the CEO of Operation Song, an amazing organization using music to tell the stories of veterans, first responders, and their families.
This was such a fun episode! If you have questions about opportunities for veterans or the organizations out there that support them, look no further. Jon Foti is truly a Yoda of knowledge. Even after recording, I’m still researching the incredible resources and insights he shared during this episode and in our previous conversations.
Jon’s vision with Operation Song is nothing short of powerful. At a time when support for our veterans feels like it’s at an all-time low, this episode made me take a step back and really reflect on that reality. Operation Song is doing something extraordinary taking each individual, unique story and transforming it into something beautiful.
This work shines a much-needed positive light on our veterans, ensuring their sacrifices are not forgotten and that a support structure is in place for the challenges of today and whatever the future holds.
Resources Mentioned:
- Networking
- Get out of your comfort zone
- Dale Graham Veteran Foundation: https://www.dalekgrahamveteransfoundation.org
- Wounded Warrior Foundation: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- Supporting your fellow veterans
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If this podcast has impacted you, a friend, or a loved one, and you want to help us support those struggling with PTSD, please consider making a donation today at www.normalizeptsd.com. 100% of all donations go to sponsor veterans, first responders, and organizations supporting them.
Shawn Welsh is the Founder and Co-Host of the VET S.O.S. Podcast.
Social Media:
- Website
- YouTube
- X
- TikTok
Podcast Platforms
- RSS.com
- Spotify
- Apple
Shawn is a retired U.S. Army veteran with over twenty years of experience as an intelligence professional. As a senior noncommissioned officer, he was dedicated to taking care of his Soldiers and continues that mission today with VET S.O.S. Shawn holds several advanced degrees including a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Oklahoma. A member of the Maxwell Leadership Team, Shawn is also a certified resiliency trainer who lives in Jacksonville, Florida with his wife and their two children.
Their mission at VET S.O.S Podcast is to educate veterans, service members, and spouses about the various resources available to them to assist with life’s transitions. They offer a military transition focused podcast and have now added a Veteran Entrepreneurial Spotlight and Veteran Educational Resources Spotlight to highlight those resources for our community. We are working to launch a nonprofit organization to capture every veteran and veteran spouse’s transition story and create a sortable database that can be sorted by demographic and psychographic to enable our community to find and watch the stories that will directly help them.
I have no idea how Shawn keeps up, but he’s absolutely crushing it with Vet S.O.S.! It was such a pleasure having him take time out of his busy day to talk about his podcast and the incredible direction it’s heading. If you’re a veteran or first responder navigating a life transition, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss—they’ve got an episode for just about every challenge you might face.
I’m especially excited about the nonprofit they’re launching, Veterans Sharing Our Stories. It’s going to be a powerful collection of stories by veterans for veterans. Your journey is uniquely yours, but how great would it have been to have had a roadmap or even just a few shortcuts along the way?
I hope this episode brings you something valuable, and as always, thank you for your continued support.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Master Resilience Training (MRT) course in the U.S. Army
- Positive Psychology Program
- Hunt the Good Stuff
- Keeping a positive mindset
- Do challenging things and get out of your comfort zone
- Good support group
- Operation Song https://www.operationsong.org
- Veteran’s last patrol https://www.veteranlastpatrol.org
- 988 and Kristen Christy
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
2024 has come and gone, and what an incredible year it has been. I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing people and collaborating with truly inspiring individuals. Looking ahead to 2025, I’m excited about the opportunities to continue building these connections and growing together.
To everyone who has been a part of this journey—whether you’ve listened, subscribed, shared an episode, connected me with a guest, donated, or simply shared something positive you gained from the podcast—I want to express my heartfelt gratitude. Your support has meant the world to me and has been a constant reminder of why I started this podcast in the first place.
This year has been not only a fun and fulfilling adventure but also a deeply meaningful exploration of my own mental health journey. Sharing that with all of you has been an honor, and I wouldn’t be here without the incredible support of so many people along the way.
As we move into the holiday season, I hope you have a blessed and joyful time filled with love, connection, and peace. Thank you for being a part of this community and for inspiring me to keep going.
2025 is going to be amazing, and I can’t wait to see what it brings. Let’s keep building, healing, and growing together. Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and here’s to an incredible new year!
Lessons learned this year:
- Listen to your intuition. It often knows the right path even when your mind is full of doubts.
- Keep challenging yourself. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Consistency builds discipline. Small, steady efforts lead to big changes over time.
- Surround yourself with people who inspire you to be better. The right environment can shape your mindset and your future.
- Don’t sweat criticism from those you wouldn’t seek advice from. Trust your instincts and focus on feedback that truly matters.
- Trust yourself. You’re capable of more than you think.
- Do hard things. Facing challenges head-on prepares you for when life throws something truly difficult your way.
- Be ready for opportunities. If you’re not prepared when they come, they’ll pass you by.
- Find balance and have fun. Life isn’t all about grinding, joy and presence matter too. I’ve struggled with living in the moment, often chasing a “perfect” life just around the corner that never seems to arrive. Take time to live now.
- No one knows the best way to live your life. Only you can figure that out.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Social Media:
- New YouTube Channel: Mark L. Gordon
- On-Line 7-part TBI Lecture Series
- www.MillenniumHealthStore.com
- Latest Podcast with Montel Williams
- Latest Podcast with Joe Rogan and Andrew Marr (700, 1056, 1589, 438, 574)
- Quiet Explosions; Healing the Brain – The documentary film
- http://www.tbimedlegal.com
Dr. Mark Gordon has spent over 35 years pioneering the use of natural ingredients to enhance memory, mental energy, cognition, and physical performance—all without the use of banned or restricted substances. A true thought leader, he has been instrumental in advancing the fields of Interventional Endocrinology and Neuroendocrinology, particularly in addressing the symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). His work has had a profound impact on conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, dementia, Parkinson's, post-concussion syndrome, and more.
As the founder of Millennium Health, Dr. Gordon leads a team of experts in Naturopathic Medicine, Nutrition, Endocrinology, and Complementary Medicine, offering natural, clinically tested products designed to support healthy brain function and psychological well-being. These products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and crafted with natural ingredients, utilizing Liposomal technology for enhanced absorption.
Through the sale of these products, Millennium Health funds the Millennium-Warrior Angels Foundation TBI Project, a groundbreaking initiative that provides critical support to veterans suffering from symptomatic traumatic brain injury.
This episode was especially meaningful for me. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is something that impacts my life every single day, and I know it’s a challenge many in my EOD community face as well. It was an absolute honor to have Dr. Mark Gordon join me to discuss TBI and share his expertise.
This conversation with Dr. Gordon was incredible because I finally had the chance to ask someone knowledgeable about TBI. It was a much-needed dialogue, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Resources Mentioned:
- Neuroinflammation, Oligodendrocytes and Multiple Sclerosis: https://youtu.be/m5GTF9E6q28
- Peptides for Health Series: https://youtu.be/0uM77nPq9Wc
- Quiet Explosions TBI Therapies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X35-SjnJ0ZE&t=681s&authuser=0
- Free TBI Lecture
- Having a healthy lifestyle. (alcohol is horrible for brain health)
- Meditating at least 3x a week for at least 15mins
- Exercising
- No drugs
- Some SSRIs and injectable testosterone can negatively impact your body’s ability to naturally produce hormones.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
&
Dr. Cherylynn Lee is a First Responder Psychologist specializing in Police Psychology.
Social Media:
- Website: https://thecounselingteam.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cherylynn-lee-6a1420120
Dr. Lee is a Police Psychologist and a full-time employee of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office, overseeing the Behavioral Sciences Unit (BSU). The BSU houses four mental health co-responder teams, provides Crisis Intervention Training, engages in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM), and oversees the department’s wellness unit and peer support team. Dr. Lee serves on the crisis negotiation response teams for both the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office and the Santa Barbara Police Department, and she is a member of the Association of Threat Assessment Professionals (ATAP).
Dr. Lee is contracted with The Counseling Team International as both the Clinical Operations Director for the Tri-Counties and as a practitioner. She offers individual counseling and emergency response services across the state of California and has led dozens of critical incident stress debriefings for officer-involved shootings (OIS), line-of-duty deaths (LODD), and natural disasters for local and state agencies. Dr. Lee maintains a private practice in the Santa Ynez Valley, where she exclusively works with first responders, specializing in trauma and post-traumatic stress injuries.
Dr. Lee is a subject matter expert with California Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST), teaches officer wellness in the basic academy, and is a volunteer instructor for the FBI's 40-hour negotiators course. Dr. Lee was named one of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) 40 Under 40 award recipients for 2023, and she has been recognized as Crisis Intervention Training International’s (CIT) Behavioral Health Practitioner of the Year for 2024.
I absolutely loved this conversation with Dr. Lee. She is so busy out there making a positive impact in our first responder community. So much of what we discussed is being integrated into how I now think about mental health challenges for first responders. If you’re not yet implementing some of her recommendations into your wellness programs, I encourage you to reach out to her.
I really appreciated how real Dr. Lee is. She has a realistic viewpoint on how trauma will—not can—impact the lives and mental health of police officers. We can’t expect our police and first responders to be superhuman. It really resonated with me when Dr. Lee spoke about being purposeful with exercise and lifting. That, along with eating healthy, were the two most important and impactful things I did for my mental health journey. I feel like those two habits gave me the emotional space to then address the deeper struggles in my mind that needed to be resolved.
I hope you all find something rewarding in this episode.
Resources Mentioned:
- Educate yourself on mental health
- Resilience building
- Keep realistic benchmarks for mental health
- Working out and having physical standards
- Healthy eating - Fuel your body properly
- Wellness checks are working
- Only way you fail is if you stop showing up
- Discipline
- Lift heavy shit
- Invest in yourself first
- Spend time in a world that has nothing to do with your job, detach.
- Writing and journaling
- Helping others
I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr. Erica Zelfand specializes in integrative mental health and functional medicine. Dr. Zelfand is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, trainer of psychedelic facilitators, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer.
Social Media:
- Website: https://ericazelfand.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzelfand/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrZelfand
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLf-uE2JAoUVRVoXMy26LCA
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzelfand/
Dr. Erica Zelfand is the CEO of Right to Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering people around psychedelic healing and other life-saving techniques that conventional medicine has ignored.
Dr. Zelfand's expertise covers a wide range of both conventional and natural medical approaches. She treats patients of all ages, from newborns to those in their final stages of life. Her family practice focuses on areas such as autoimmunity, endocrinology, and integrative mental health with a strong dedication to patient-centered, root-cause-oriented, and nature-based healing methods.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Zelfand facilitates therapeutic psycho-spiritual experiences and is a frequent lecturer on psychedelic science at medical institutions worldwide. She also offers in-person and online training for practitioners and has been recognized by the Portland Business Journal as a pioneer in psilocybin therapy.
Dr. Zelfand enjoys sharing her knowledge, her deep respect for nature, and her lively sense of humor with colleagues, patients, and global audiences. A lover of dark chocolate and group hugs, you can learn more and connect with her at www.DrZelfand.com.
Dr. Zelfand is so much fun to talk to. I love how she is able to simplify the complexities of the science in a way that makes it digestible for those out there like myself who are just beginning to get more curious about psychedelics and their positive impact on those with PTSD and other mental health challenges.
I feel like my favorite part of this episode is when she is speaking about crosstalk. I really enjoyed how she broke that down. It was fun being able to apply more context to my personal experiences and those my friends have expressed. I used to always try and explain how it would remove my ego and I was able to see the stories I was telling myself. Almost like playing a hidden object puzzle but only the items you are looking for have color. It helped me see there were very obvious things in my life I was lying to myself about to justify why I should change. And it also showed me that the change would only provoke challenge and change. It did, and now I’m slowly moving toward my goal and purpose.
Resources Mentioned:
- Stament Stacking
- Stacking (combining positive mental health practices with microdosing)
- ‘A Really Good Day’ by Ayelet Waldman
- Hikes or being outdoors
- https://psychedelic.support/education/
- Meditation, mindfulness practice
- Religious or spiritual practice
- Therapy, group therapy
- T’ai chi, yoga, qi gong
- Joyful movement, exercise
- Journaling
- Making, appreciating art
- Volunteering, helping others
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully sh
Lieutenant Sarko Gergerian is a distinguished member of The Winthrop Public Safety and Health Departments and holds a pivotal role as the outreach, peer support, and health & fitness officer.
Links:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarko-gergerian-818967233/
- Email: Speakers@LawEnforcementAction.org
- Email: Media@LawEnforcementAction.org
- Website: http://www.lawenforcementaction.org
I'd like to introduce Lt. Sarko Gergerian, an individual deeply committed to reimagining the structure of law enforcement within their community. Lt. Sarko aspires to become a Deputy Chief, where they envision a police department that balances both enforcement and guardianship. Their innovative approach includes an enforcement arm connected to the courts and a guardianship arm integrated with the public health department. This dual structure aims to create lasting, systemic changes that outlive their initial implementation, ensuring that the benefits remain accessible to all who need them.
At the heart of Lt. Sarko’s work is a mission to humanize every individual involved—both civilians and officers. They recognize that the systems we operate within often dehumanize, objectify, and commoditize suffering. Lt. Sarko reminds us that behind every call for service, there is a human being in need, and behind every badge, there is a human being responding.
As Massachusetts prepares to vote in November on joining Oregon and Colorado in reforming certain laws, Lt. Sarko is actively involved with grassroots and national groups working to correct injustices that have been ingrained in the system for decades. They are a strong advocate for MDMA-Assisted Therapy, believing it will profoundly impact how we serve those struggling with PTSD by enhancing therapeutic engagement and enabling deep psychological processing of trauma.
It’s not every day you meet a psychotherapist trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy who also happens to be a peace officer. Chatting with Lt. Sarko Gergerian was a real eye-opener and honestly, a lot of fun. I never thought of police departments as potential hubs for mental health information, but Lt. Sarko really made me rethink that.
One of the wildest stats they shared—something they mentioned in a previous conversation—is that 60-70% of all 911 calls are related to mental health issues. That really highlights just how widespread our society’s mental health challenges are. Lt. Sarko brought up the idea of being proactive, suggesting that law enforcement could start proactively helping people with possible mental health struggles before things escalate to an emergency.
It got me thinking—if I’m all about being proactive with mental health for first responders and veterans, why not extend that same approach to everyone else? Lt. Sarko made a strong case for why we should, and I think it is an awesome idea.
Resources Mentioned:
- Psychedelic Assisted Therapy
- Understanding your spirituality
- Martial Arts
- Blue Courage
- Learning where your baseline is and how to come back to it
- Educate yourself, challenge your mind
- Find your purpose
- Observation based therapy
- Meditation
I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr. Nick Carleton is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Regina whose work focuses on supporting first responders and other public safety personnel.
Links:
- Website: http://www.rcmpstudy.ca/
Dr. Carleton works to build evidence-based solutions that can help mitigate the impact of the numbers and varied stressors on the mental health and wellbeing of first responders and other public safety personnel.
This episode resonated with me. I appreciated the extensive data provided in the study and admired the proactive approach to mental health. Normalizing it from the outset, like any other skill—starting with the basics and gradually advancing—reminded me of my early days in my EOD career. Just as I didn’t begin by learning about IEDs but first had to grasp the fundamentals like explosives, switches, and triggers, there’s a necessary progression in understanding and addressing mental health.
The episode presented numerous striking statistics, one of which stood out: while an average civilian might experience five or fewer potentially traumatic events in their lifetime, police officers and other first responders may encounter hundreds, even thousands, of such events throughout their careers.
Resources Mentioned:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
- https://div12.org/psychological-treatments/disorders/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/
- https://www.cipsrt-icrtsp.ca/
- Approaching mental health is like learning a new skill. (crawl, walk, run)
- Evidence based coping skills
- Practice skills before you need them
- Mindfulness
- Cognitive challenging
- Go to a mental health professional like you would a physician. Don’t wait until there is a problem, be proactive.
- Exercise
- Meditation or stop and take a 60 second break
- Stopping internal dialogue and challenge if there’s truth to it.
- Identify if you are using avoidance coping strategies (alcohol abuse, denying an emotional response, behavior avoidance)
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Gina Gratza, MS, LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Psilocybin Facilitator, and Psychedelic Educator and Researcher.
Social Media:
- Websites: www.ginagratza.com & www.lookingglasscounselingpdx.com
- Instagram: @gina.gratza
- Affiliated Websites: https://www.chrisstauffermd.com/, https://www.innertrek.org/, & https://www.coracenter.org/
Gina is the owner of Looking Glass Counseling, which supports individuals with complex trauma and eating disorders. She also operates a coaching practice where she practices legal psilocybin facilitation and leads women's empowerment groups supporting preparation and integration practices. Gina teaches at InnerTrek, a psilocybin facilitator education program. And she also supports psychedelic research as a study therapist with the Social Neuroscience and Psychotherapy Lab. Gina works with the Cora Center, InnerTrek Services, and Chariot in offering psilocybin facilitation in Portland, Oregon.
One of the coolest things that jumped out to me about MDMA assisted therapy was how it removes the fear aspect of historical trauma or memories and allows you to go into those spaces with compassion and love. That’s probably as hard to read for some of you as it was for me to write. I am not a super lovey-dovey or overly expressive person. I will often say a dumb joke to avoid direct expression of my deeper feelings. I have talked to several people now who have first-hand experience with this therapeutic practice, and they all said the same: so much love and compassion.
I know for me I went a decade without feeling those kinds of feelings. I went so long that I began to think that how I felt was normal. Dark, irritated, uncomfortable, easily annoyed, numb, and so on. If I could have tried this type of therapy, I believe it would have expedited my healing process. I would have been more motivated because it would have been more obvious that I was not okay. I feel like the changes within myself were so subtle that I wasn’t aware how bad it had gotten. I was so far off baseline and for so long that when I began to heal the good feelings coming back felt wrong. I would pick fights or create problems to have those negative feelings come back. I felt uncomfortable when I was not in a dysfunctional state.
Resources Mentioned:
- Somatic psychotherapy (sensorimotor psychotherapy)
- Internal Family Systems
- Therapeutic Relationship
- ‘The Language of Emotions’ - Karla McLaren
- ‘Trauma and Recovery’ - Dr. Judith Herman
- ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ - Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
- ‘Waking the Tiger’ - Dr. Peter Levine
- ‘How to do the work’ - Dr. Nicole LePera
- ‘The Myth of Normal’- Dr. Gabor Mate
- 'My Grandmother's Hands’ - Resmaa Menakem
- ‘In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts’ - Dr. Gabor Mate
- Psychedelic assisted therapy
- EMDR
- Meditation
- Learning to trust yourself and building that self-trust
- Be in relation with your nervous system
- Painting
- Inner healing intelligence
- Self-compassion practices
- Socializing
- Support structure
- Human interaction
- Developing your internal dialogue
- Kundalini yoga
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Rob Sanderson is the Founder and Director of SWEL which provides a positive setting for Veterans and First Responders to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate through the sport of surfing.
Social Media:
- Website: https://www.theswel.org
- Facebook and Instagram: @theswelmission
SWEL hosts free, all inclusive, weekend-long guided surfing “missions” for deserving first responders and veterans where participants learn how to surf as a new way to decompress, disconnect, and reinvigorate themselves away from the stressors of their demanding careers.
For first responders and veterans, physical separation from a world of hyper-vigilance, high personal risk, adrenaline spikes, and unpredictable encounters is key to the ability to manage stress. SWEL uses a pairing of therapeutic sport, primarily surfing, and skills-based learning to promote healing through improving one’s self-efficacy.
Travel, lodging, meal costs, and equipment associated with SWEL Surf Missions are fully funded through the generosity of donors, partners, and sponsors, allowing participants to be fully present without the worry of financial burdens often associated with traditional therapy programs.
SWEL uses volunteers in the local community who are passionate about surfing to further create a robust and community-connected impactful program. Surf coaches are formally vetted prior to participation, and many have their own experience finding refuge in the ocean to relieve stress. Other SWEL Surf Mission volunteers include yoga instructors to teach and provide participants with another way to connect and align their bodies and minds, Chaplains who provide a supportive, participant-led listening ear, and other empathetic civilians who assist with mission logistics.
I have no idea why I was so pumped in this episode. I think it has a lot to do with the passion of those I’ve been talking with behind the scenes. Rob is one of those. He is so passionate about what he is doing, and I just love seeing that and having the chance to talk to those like him, Matt, Steve, Abigail, John, and so many more.
If you are a vet or first responder out there, get back in touch with the crew. There must be one or two of them that are on the right path that you can chat with. I isolated myself for so long. I just sat quietly in mixed groups or parties.
Have you ever answered the questions too honestly? Haha I had one just the other day. The response, “Why do you suck the air out of every conversation? Everything is about death with you.” They were joking, but it feels true sometimes.
I was speaking with an upcoming guest, and I mentioned to him that I loved those times me and the boys got together around a bar and just talked story. It was so nice to get those thoughts out and in an environment where death wasn’t a conversation stopper but the start of an even better story. He said, “That’s not all good and not all bad.” It’s healthy to have those chats.
Rob has created a healthy environment where these hammers can get together and have those kinds of conversations again. The one he shared about the two officers that haven’t seen each other since the one saved the other after he was shot in the face still gives me goosebumps. I loved this episode, as I do most of them. I hope you find something rewarding in it also.
Resources Mentioned:
- “The Impact of Ocean Therapy on Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)” by Dr. Russell Crawford
- Surfing
- EMDR
- Meditation
- Eating right
- Hiking
- Tactile Meditation
- Physical fitness and staying fit
- Do challenging things
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
Steve Odom is the Owner/Operator of Spartan Tactical Solutions, a Former Marine, Former Sergeant, and SWAT Team member for San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
Social Media:
- Website: https://www.spartanshooting.com/
- Instagram: @spartan_steve_odom
Steve Odom is owner/operator of Spartan Tactical Solutions firearms training company located in San Luis Obispo. He served four years in the United States Marines as an Infantryman, fireteam leader, and squad leader. He was meritoriously promoted several times and awarded the “Navy and Marine Corps Medal” for heroism. He recently retired at the rank of sergeant after serving 29 years at the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office. He spent 17 years on the SWAT Team and was twice awarded the “Medal of Valor”. He has been a law enforcement firearms instructor for over 29 years and rose to the position of Senior Range Master for the sheriff’s office.
Steve is a lifelong martial artist and LAPD certified Arrest and Control Instructor. He has studied various traditional martial arts, Muay Thai, western boxing, and Brazilian Jui Jitsu. He has boxed and grappled competitively at the amateur level and holds a blue belt in BJJ.
Steve spent the latter years of his career developing a wellness program for the sheriff’s office to help other deputies deal with the impact of life as a first responder.
I really enjoyed talking with Steve. His approach to being prepared really resonates with me. I see some people in this space accept being a victim or accept being “broke”. When I started this journey, I noticed I had issues related to being insecure. That was a huge ego check for me. I was living a life and projecting an image of a person who was so confident. I was very confident while still running ops back in the day but somewhere along the way I lost some confidence. I think it had a lot to do with me not challenging myself anymore. I stopped pushing the limits of myself, and then I started doubting myself and what I was capable of doing or being. I started listening and believing those barking dogs. Ha, that’s a reference to a book by Rickson Gracie. He says, “Never lose sleep over the barking dogs. They are dogs, that’s what they do.” Talking to doctors at the VA saying that my TBI/PTSD was like a child touching a hot stove. Or being villainized for seeing life through a lens that’s not all rainbows and sunshine. There is nothing wrong with struggling with a traumatic situation. It’s not weak; it’s really freakin' normal.
I felt alone in the civilian word with my struggles. I notice when I tried to talk about the real stuff around some groups it would completely kill the vibe in the room or party. I just stopped talking about those things. It wasn’t until I reconnected with the boys that I found a big resource that I was missing: Reach out to those who have been there and done it with you. They are most likely having some of the same struggles you are and won’t judge you for asking for advice or just venting.
Resources Mentioned:
- Martial Arts
- Discipline
- Being a servant leader
- Having people in your life that hold you accountable
- Surround yourself with the people you want to be like
- Leadership courses
- Working out
- Sobriety
- EMDR
- Brazilian Jui Jitsu
- Peer support training to help identify problems early
- Warrior mindset
- Box breathing
- OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide and Act)
- Stress Inoculation (Exercise, combative, martial arts)
- Building resilience
- Build confidence
- 75 Hard Challenge
- Self-care (sauna, cold plunge)
- Journaling
- Eating well; properly fueling your body
Peter Forcelli is a 9/11 Survivor, Retired ATF Executive, and former NYPD Homicide Detective
Social Media:
- Website: www.peterjforcelli.com
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/peterforcelli
- Purchase His Book: https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Path-Operation-Furious-Lawyers/dp/B0CCMMQKCQ
In retirement from his role in law enforcement, Peter Forcelli now focuses his time and energy on coaching law enforcement leaders and in speaking out about the importance of self-care, resilience, understanding, and dealing with both PTSD and survivor’s guilt. He also speaks about law enforcement accountability and his role in blowing the whistle on Operation Fast and Furious, which he did while battling PTSD. He is also a recurring guest speaker at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
This was an unexpected pleasure. I say that because I heard of Operation Fast and Furious, but I was so consumed with deploying, then chasing money and adrenaline that I didn’t realize it had happened in my old stomping grounds. It was fun reading a book about places and events I have a memory of instead of imagining where this all took place.
That aside, the man who is telling the story, Peter Forcelli, was an awesome guest. He is so passionate and genuine. I really enjoy talking with him. It was so cool hearing his story, struggles and triumphs.
There were a few moments that popped out to me personally. In his book he is mentioning being able to tell that someone was likely dead due to the amount of blood he saw while entering a scene. This jumped out to me because knowing that is not a normal thing. The cues that first responders have stored in their minds to help them quickly assess a situation is wild. This reminded me of a chat I had with a medic. He knew before anyone else that the child he was looking at would not survive; he didn’t need to spend any time on her and moved on. Or how an EOD tech can smell sulfur in the air or white phosphorus from a mile away (sarcastic mile). Sound of an explosion to know if it’s incoming or outgoing. Sound of a bullet zipping past or a mortar coming in.
A person learns a lot and retains a lot from their life experiences. First responders and some combat veterans sometimes have years of learned lessons that help them be better in chaotic situations. I just find it interesting that people who know these things and have them so quickly accessible to be successful are then demonized or looked down on by others for later struggling with the weight of those learned lessons.
Resources Mentioned:
- Meditation with Anthony Profeta ( https://www.youtube.com/@AnthonyProfeta)
- Walking, being outdoors
- Support Structure
- Medication
- Doing challenging things
- Get those dark thoughts out, with a friend, a therapist, spouse, journal…
- Spending time with family or loved ones
- Helping other and giving back to your community
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Robin Collins is a certified Health Coach and the founder of Pathway To Wellness With Robin. She educates, empowers and encourages Veterans and First Responders to learn ways they can support and balance their mind and body.
She knows firsthand what it's like when the brain and body are not functioning optimally. During the process of healing from a TBI, Robin became inspired by the science of Neuroplasticity and Posttraumatic Growth.
As a result of learning different ways to retrain her brain, she learned about and experienced both and this is some of the important information she wants to educate others about. Her goal is to help fill some of the gaps that Veterans and First Responders are experiencing in standard treatment options with compassionate coaching utilizing Holistic Health principles.
Social Media:
- Website: http://www.pathwaytowellnesswithrobin.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathwaytowellnesswithrobin/
If you didn’t hear our first episode together, please go back and checkout episode 45. I was so pumped to have the opportunity to be the first guest on Robin’s podcast. I have not really checked in with my audience and given a status update and loved the challenge of being the one being interviewed. After this episode I spent days - that's a lie, weeks - reflecting on how I could have said things differently or better. This really gave me a chance to appreciate those who have joined my podcast.
In addition to that I feel like this gave me a chance to have a hard look at myself. I noticed that I am giving myself excuses to prioritize my professional career over my mental health. I justified it by saying it was okay, “I was too strict”, “needed to loosen up”. I do not agree with that after giving it some thought. The ego is a sneaky beast. It is as clever and smart as I am. I’m being lazy and justifying it how I need to while I allow myself to slip back into some old habits that are comfortable but lead me in a direction I do not want to be going in. This was an amazing experience, and I think I want to get out there and talk to more. I want to be held accountable.
Robin did an amazing job as a host on her new podcast. It was such a pleasure to be part of it. If you haven’t seen her website and podcast, I hope you go check it out.
I hope you all enjoy her episode! She is such a positive and uplifting person to speak with.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr. Erica Zelfand specializes in integrative mental health and functional medicine. Dr. Zelfand is a ketamine prescriber, facilitator of therapeutic psychedelic experiences, trainer of psychedelic facilitators, acclaimed international speaker, and medical writer.
Social Media:
- Website: https://ericazelfand.com
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrZelfand
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drzelfand/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drzelfand/
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLf-uE2JAoUVRVoXMy26LCA
Dr. Erica Zelfand is the CEO of Right to Heal, a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering people around psychedelic healing and other life-saving techniques that conventional medicine has ignored.
Dr. Zelfand’s training and skill set span the spectrum of both conventional and natural approaches. She treats people of all ages and stages of life, from newborns to those approaching the end of life. Areas of focus within her family practice include: autoimmunity, endocrinology, and integrative mental health. She is deeply committed to patient-centered, root-cause-oriented, nature-honoring approaches to healing.
Dr. Zelfand loves sharing her knowledge, her reverence for nature, and her zesty sense of humor with her colleagues, her patients and clients, and audiences of all sizes worldwide. She is also a fan of dark chocolate and group hugs. To learn more and connect, please visit www.DrZelfand.com.
A zesty sense of humor is an understatement - Dr. Zelfand was so much fun to talk with. She is such a positive person and had what seemed like an endless amount of information on this topic. I really enjoyed her passion in the science behind how these chemicals work in our body to help and in some cases, it could lead to a bad experience or even a worse situation.
Dr. Zelfand and I are on the same page in not believing in a magic pill. The big takeaways for me are stacking and 1A/2A receptors. Stacking (adding positive mental health practices with micodosing) is something I have done and others have talked about doing, but it was by accident. It has me wondering what other coping mechanisms or positive life practices I can stack to make those moments and experiences better.
The 1A/2A receptors is a cool concept too. I am still reading about how these compounds attach to the 2A and assist with unlearning or learning new ways around psychological problems instead of connecting to the 1A. Most SSRIs are compounds that will attach to 1A receptors. They will help you endure more discomfort or increase your psychological resilience.
I hope you all find this chat interesting and informative!
Resources Mentioned:
- Class on Microdosing: https://psychedelic.support/education/microdosing-psilocybin-lsd-what-we-know-so-far/
- Stament Stacking
- Stacking (combining positive mental health practices with microdosing)
- ‘A Really Good Day’ by Ayelet Waldman
- Hikes or being outdoors
- https://psychedelic.support/education/
- Meditation, mindfulness practice
- Religious or spiritual practice
- Therapy, group therapy
- T’ai chi, yoga, qi gong
- Joyful movement, exercise
- Journaling
- Making, appreciating art
- Volunteering, helping others
Matt Domyancic is a Medically Retired Officer, SWAT, Chaplain, Former Police Officer and Strength Coach, Police Chaplain, Spiritual Director, & Peer Support and Wellness Advocate.
Social Media:
- Website: https://www.tacticalchaplain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinbluelinespirituality/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-domyancic-b7203b6/
- Profile: https://www.globalassociates.org/matt-domyancic/
Matt Domyancic is a medically retired police officer that worked patrol, Peer Support, SWAT, and as full-time police academy instructor for fitness and officer survival. While a police officer he was also concurrently a D1 strength and conditioning coach at Yale and Georgetown universities and led campus ministry for athletes. After his retirement, he was a strength coach and sports psychology consultant for professional and Olympic athletes at Velocity Sports, including NFL combine preparation for top round draft picks.
Now Matt is also a Chaplain and Peer Support for various nonprofits that proactively support first responders dealing with stress and trauma. Police psychologists refer officers to Matt to do wellness activities along with peer support such as cold plunge, sauna, breath work, and sensory deprivation float tank. His approach integrates fitness, nutrition, sleep, self-regulation, and holistic self-care as a path to proactively grow mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually - rather than the common reactive-only approach to after someone has begun experiencing breakdown with PTSD, addiction, divorce, or suicidal ideation.
This is a cool story. I’m so grateful to have been connected to Matt. His father challenged him academically and athletically growing up, leading to him developing discipline and structure that would become the core of what is Matt. This led him to be a D1 football player at the Air Force Academy, later graduating from Colgate. Then forensics, SWAT, strength and condition coach at Yale, chaplain and now a mentor and advocate for our first responders.
I love it when I meet someone who has a life I admire. I want to know how they did it. What cheat code did they use? The more people I talk to that have lives I admire the more I realize the cheat code is simple: Being disciplined, prioritizing mental and physical health, being mindful of what you fuel your body with, and having a goal. The other little commonality is how they view challenges. The cheat code is to see challenges as a positive thing - don’t fear failure. If you fail, you still learn, you still grow, and you become more enlightened or knowledgeable. Chase those dreams. The more I talk to the amazing people, the more that I’m only afraid of living an unchallenged life.
Resources Mentioned:
- Meditation
- Discipline, consistency, and passion in the things you do
- Have goals
- Working out
- Journaling
- Having someone you trust to talk with
- Therapy or a spiritual leader…have an objective perspective to check you and tell you when something seems off or is off
- Train your unconscious competence
- Have the tools to endure rough waters in place before you find yourself in rough waters. Be proactive.
- Artwork
- Dancing
- Get outdoors
- Fast from technology
- If something resonates with you, write it down and do more of it tomorrow
- Breath work
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life t
I wanted to thank everyone who has helped with the podcast this year and since the beginning. If it wasn’t for the hard work and awesome support of Adore Digital Marketing, I would have reached only a fraction of the supports that I have. I have crushed all the expectations I had for the size of this podcast and the reach. I just assumed it would be my family and a few of those EOD brothers and sisters.
Thank you to all the first responders, NGOs and leaders that have joined the podcast to share their stories and resources out there to help others find peace or raise the quality of their lives. I cannot wait until this podcast is my only job because it has been so much fun and has allowed me to connect with people really changing the landscape of mental health.
I hope you have the most wonderful holiday season. If you are feeling isolated, alone, or depressed, reach out to friends and family that you haven’t talked with in a while. If no one pops to mind, feel free to shoot me a DM or email. Next year is looking to be another impactful year for the podcast and me personally.
Happy holidays; see you next year!
Resources Mentioned:
- Social network that allows you to talk openly and freely about mental health. I have a group of people I text, video chat with that help me stay accountable, as well as allows me to bounce my ideas off them to develop my internal dialogue better. Helps me challenge my perspective and become a better person.
- Educating myself on topics I want to learn more about. Gives me confidence and helps me feel like I’m not wasting my time.
- Challenging myself. When I challenge myself, I realize that I am not as sensitive to discomfort. The things that once felt challenging are no longer intimidating.
- Being companionate with myself. It has been a challenging year. I have had moments this year where I really struggled to stay on the path. I have been in a few high-pressure situations and found myself slipping into old habits. Becoming a better person isn’t like turning on a light switch. It’s a constant disciplined approach toward betterment.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Deborah Green is a retired 911 dispatcher, mental health advocate, and memaw of 10.
Social Media:
- LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-green-202781237/
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/d911green/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/deborah.green.790/
- TikTok: Deborah Green (@d911green)
Deborah Green is a former 911 dispatcher who developed PTSD after a horrific call where she lost her officer. She is now a mental health advocate hoping to change the support provided to first responders. When she is not wrangling one of her TEN grandchildren, she is on a podcast or talking to all that will listen about her story and those like her.
Deborah was a wonderful guest. My mother was a dispatcher. I remember we were too small to stay at home and babysitters were not free. Thankfully my mother was able to take us to work when she worked the night shift. We would sit there and listen to her officers get into some hairy situations. I was pretty good at looking up license numbers on the microfiche. I still remember how she would end a transmission: KR441. Talking with Deborah had me walking down memory lane. Even back then I would worry for the officers, and when the silence was over and they came across the radio saying all was good to go, it was such a relief. I hope you enjoy her story as I did and find something positive to take with you.
Resources Mentioned:
- Meditation
- Exercise, going for walks outside
- Being outside
- Be present in the moment
- Therapy
- Gratitude posts every day on Facebook for two years
- Discipline and holding herself accountable
- Positive support structure
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to hopefully shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Matt Quackenbush is a trauma therapist, public speaker, researcher, a writer, and a teacher. Matt is the Director of Education and Training for Deer Hollow Recovery and host of the Finding Strength Podcast.
Social Media:
- Website: https://deerhollowrecovery.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deerhollow/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/57638957/admin/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deer_hollow/
- Matt's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattquackenbush.lcsw/?ref=py_c
- Finding Strength Podcast Instagram: https://instagram.com/findingstrengthpodcast
Matt has been a prominent advocate for change within the mental health community for nearly two decades, an exceptional public speaker with over 300+ hours of on-stage speaking experience. Renowned for his captivating presence, thought-provoking ideas, and impeccable delivery, Matt has become a sought-after expert. He is currently engaged in a national speaking tour with Deer Hollow Recovery & First Watch Wellness, where he educates First Responders, Veterans, & their families on the profound impact of stress, trauma, & PTSD. This highly requested training program showcases the most up-to-date best practices that are currently being utilized to address the mental health crisis within the First Responder and Veteran Communities.
In addition to his speaking engagements, Matt serves as the esteemed host of the critically acclaimed Finding Strength Podcast. Through this platform, he explores various topics related to mental health, resilience, & personal growth, providing valuable insights to thousands of listeners.
Moreover, Matt holds the distinction of being a Certified Mind-Body Bridging Therapist, specializing in a diverse range of evidence-based trauma treatment models. With extensive experience encompassing over 15,000 hours of trauma-focused therapy, he employs therapeutic approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Psychodrama, & mindfulness techniques.
Matt's dedication to his field and his extensive expertise makes him a highly respected professional within the mental health community. He was recently honored at the Health 2.0 International Healthcare Conference receiving the "Outstanding Leadership Award" due to his innovative work that is creating wide-spread change across the landscape of healthcare.
Matt Quackenbush, The Quackstack, Sir Quackattack, The Quack is back… I had so much fun meeting Mr. Quacktastic, and it wasn’t just because he has such a fun name to say. This guy is knowledgeable and passionate. It was an amazing combo. Addiction has been a topic I wanted to discuss, and I hope to discuss more. I find it interesting how we can grab onto things for comfort and ignore the consequences that are sometimes deadly. I really enjoyed how Matt broke addictions down and put it in a perspective that clicked for me. I have always been fascinated on how an addiction isn’t always drugs, it can be an action like too much working or excessive exercise. It could be eating or most popular in the Veteran and first responder community…. alcohol. You can, and many do, love an addiction to death. Matt breaks down ways to identify if you are struggling, steps and resources to try if you are struggling and lets you know there is hope. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter.
‘Tall’ Tim is a retired firefighter with 44 years in the fire service. Married 29 years, two adult kids, and now the Director of First Responders for Stronger Families, a non-profit that does relationship work for military, veterans and first responders.
Social Media:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strongerfamilies/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strongerfamilieslive
- Podcast: Heroes at Home Podcast
- Website: www.strongerfamilies.com
- Tim's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.sears.92
- Tim's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timgsears/
Stronger Families helps departments strengthen marriages, families, and personnel. They understand how important it is to have a strong support system, especially in the workplace and at home, there to provide that support.
The support they provide is Department Wellness Block Training. This is 6 sessions, available in both on-site training and online training through their Dashboard, which includes videos, PowerPoint slides, scripts, and materials needed for the training.
For First Responders at home, they offer customized 8-hour Couples Retreats for departments, unions, and guilds. A Stronger Families OXYGEN Retreat is an experience designed for First Responder couples to receive life-changing relationship skills so they can be strong and thrive at home and at work. This weekend includes tools and opportunities for couples to connect with their partners and to laugh, learn, and become empowered to better navigate their relationships.
They also offer Date Nights where they help customize 6 different topics, each lasting about 90 minutes that you can bring to the couples in your department. These can be taught as “train-the-trainer” as well, so your own people from your department can host the events.
They have a newly created Spouse Support Network, where they assist in building a custom online dashboard for the PARTNERS of First Responders. The dashboard provides access to videos, podcasts, articles, and book suggestions, with new material added each month.
They are a non-profit organization whose goal is to bring life-changing relationship skills to military, first responder, and veteran families so they can be strong and thrive both at work and at home.
I really enjoyed talking with ‘Tall’ Tim. I know I say that about every episode, but I really do enjoy these stories. It reminds me of when I felt alone and isolated. I was trapped in my own mind assuming that everyone was judging me and seeing me in the warped negative light that I saw myself in. Hearing Tim’s story about getting help and not just getting it but wanting it. Wanting to be a better person - a better spouse - is so cool. Stories like these are my favorite to share because I know there’s a ton of us out there that feel exactly like he did. I know I did. Hopefully you all find something in this that is motivating and helpful.
Resources Mentioned:
- Deer Hallow https://deerhollowrecovery.com
- First Watch Wellness , https://1stwatchwellness.com/
- Warrior’s Rest Foundation, https://warriorsrestfoundation.org/
- Mighty Oaks https://www.mightyoaksprograms.org
- No Bad Parts by Richard C. Schwartz
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter.
Robert N. Cuyler, PhD serves as Chief Clinical Officer of Freespira, Inc. Dr. Cuyler supervises clinical operations of the company, heads research initiatives, and represents Freespira in conference, publication, and media outlets. His research on real world outcomes with Freespira was published in 2022 in Frontiers in Digital Health. Dr. Cuyler received his Ph.D. in Psychology from Louisiana State University and Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Menninger Foundation.
Social Media:
- Dr. Cuyler's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-cuyler-phd-0618a62b/
- Freespira's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Freespira
- Freespira's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/freespira
- Freespira's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@freespirainc
- Freespira's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Freespira_
- Freespira's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freespira/
Robert N. Cuyler, PhD's consulting and management activities have focused on solving access problems in behavioral health, with a concentration on incorporating telemedicine and healthcare technology into clinical practice. He is the author (with Dutch Holland, PhD) of the book "Implementing Telemedicine: Completing Projects On Target On Time On Budget". He has authored or co-authored four textbook chapters on telemedicine, including the recent editions of Emergency Psychiatry and Textbook of Community Psychiatry.
As Freespira's Chief Clinical Officer, he is involved in their research activities. They have a randomized clinical trial underway at the University of Texas using Freespira as a treatment for a range of anxiety conditions. They are collaborating on a grant that will gain additional evidence on effectiveness with PTSD in veterans and active-duty military. They are also collaborating with a VA psychologist looking at sleep apnea in veterans to determine if Freespira will help participants use CPAP therapy more effectively.
It was such a pleasure speaking with Dr. Cuyler. I love talking to people who are passionate about what they are doing. You can hear his enthusiasm as he talks about helping others. I always find myself learning something new when I have the opportunity to speak to these individuals with so much experience and knowledge working with people with PTSD. This was no different.
I think the one that stood out the most to me was that deep breathing meditation may not be the best tool to use in a situation where you are being triggered or during a panic attack. This lines up well with what the doctor from Ukraine said to me. She mentioned that meditation can sometimes make the symptoms worse. I am not suggesting mediation is bad at all. I find that it is the best way to set me up for a successful day; I love doing a quick session following my cardio in the morning. I have noticed that if I’m in an intense situation I can maintain my calmness with controlled breathing. I would like to explore that topic more. Staying calm in highly stressful situations. Well, until next time…
Resources Mentioned:
- Freespira
- Learning to breathe properly and importance of your breath
- Doing things that make you feel uncomfortable.
- Don’t avoid or allow avoiding behaviors to take control
- Talk therapy
- Prolonged exposure therapy
- In-Vivo therapy
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter.
Andi Ward, former Construction Electrical with the Navy Seabees; Director of Training and Resources for the non-profit Merging Vets and Players; Fitness coach and all-around health and wellness enthusiast
Social Media:
- Andi's Instagram: @andi.ward64
- Andi's Facebook: Andi Ward
- Andi's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andi-ward/
- Website: https://vetsandplayers.org
- MVP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mergingvetsandplayers/
- MVP Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MVPMergingVetsandPlayers
- MVP LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/merging-vets-and-players/
- MVP the Movie: https://vetsandplayers.org/mvp-the-movie
- Watch now on iTunes, Prime Video, Verizon, Google Play, DirecTV, Microsoft Movies, Showtime and more!
Andi served as a Construction Electrician with the Navy Seabees and did deployments to Iraq and Africa. Knowing first-hand what it was like to struggle with the transition after leaving the service, Andi was drawn to working with other veterans and has been in the veteran non-profit space since 2017. In her role as the Director of Training and Resources for the nonprofit Merging Vets and Players, Andi designs and delivers training plans for staff, coaches and volunteers and connects members to resources in their area. She also co-authors MVP-PRO, a collection of concepts, topics, questions, and practices designed to move us all forward, increase our wellness, and build a stronger foundation of the people we deserve to be and the lives we deserve to live.
Andi has a Bachelors in Kinesiology with an emphasis on Active Lifestyle Development and is a strength coach at Unbreakable Performance in West Hollywood, CA. In her free time, Andi enjoys working out, snowboarding, scuba diving, working with horses, and adventuring with her partner and their 90 lb. pit-bull.
I always like to try and formulate a concept of someone prior to recording or really starting to talk with a guest. I have heard of MVP but never really dove into the organization before. When I was first connected with Andi, I had a much different idea of the person as to the one I soon discovered.
If you would like more info on her story, go check it out on the MVP website. She’s a real badass. I really enjoyed this conversation and talking with someone who is so passionate about what she does. I mean, she literally took time out her freakin WEDDING DAY to speak with me and share the awesomeness MVP is doing in our community. I hope you enjoy this chat as much as I did.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Body Keeps the Score – Bessel Van Der Kolk
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts – Dr. Gabor Mate (anything by Dr Maté)
- Chasing the Scream – Johann Hari
- What Happened to You – Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah
- Anything by Brené Brown
We would really appreciate a share and lik
Brainspotting and GHP with Dr. David Copeland, Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor in Florida, Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist, and Brainspotting Practitioner; Author of God’s Healing Process: An Everyday State of Grace ExistenceSocial Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHPCounselingServices/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavidicopeland/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/dicopeland
- Website: https://www.ghpcounselingservices.com
Dr. David Copeland is a retired USAF veteran: started off front line Cold War, fall of the wall, Desert Shield/Desert Storm, over to the desert a number of times to include Kobar towers, and a remote tour at Kunsan Korea. After retiring from the USAF, he entered Youth Ministry for four and a half years and became a mental health counselor.
His work has included both individuals & families with experience ranging from infants, children, & adolescents to Special Forces Combat Veterans (men & women). He's a former counseling director at Genesis House, where he worked with addiction issues and individuals coming out of prison or addiction centers. He has experience working in a clinical setting with a Medicated Assistant Treatment (MAT) program for opiate addictions.
Currently, Dr. Copeland is providing mental health counseling services in his private practice in Niceville, FL near Eglin AFB. His work includes helping individuals with trauma issues from adverse life experiences. His experience includes working with Combat veterans and their families on marital and attachment issues created from adverse conditions aka trauma. He has had several years of experience as a child and youth behavioral counselor with military families.
Dr. Copeland is also a Christian Life Coach helping individuals with spiritual formation and has developed a unique and practical approach to trauma treatment by integrating science and faith that he calls God's Healing Process (GHP).
I have always enjoyed my conversations with Dr. Copeland. I understand why people may have approached him with their problems in the days before he became a counselor. He is very approachable and has a depth of understanding that is easy to follow.
I listened back to our episode, and I noticed I didn’t ask a ton of questions in the early stages of the episode. I felt like every time I had a question, he just naturally transitioned into explaining that specific question I had. I feel like we could have talked for hours. I'm looking forward to the next time we chat and getting some experience trying brainspotting and self-spotting.
Resources:
- Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change by David Grand, PhD
- The Power of Brainspotting: An International Anthology by Gerhard Wolfrum Ed.
- This is Your Brain on Sports: Beating Blocks, Slumps, and Performance Anxiety for Good! by David Grand, PhD and Alan Goldberg, EdD
- Brainspotting with Children and Adolescents, An Attuned Treatment Approach for Effective Brain-Body Healing by Monika Baumann
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- Having connection with others
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, please reach out. I would love to have a chat.
John H. is Former EOD, a Combat Veteran, & the Author of Awakening of a Foot Soldier. He is a friend, father, soldier, sailor, and lover of life with a dash of pessimism and a hankering for shit-stirring.
John served in the military in Somalia and Bosnia and has worked on the contracting side in the Middle East, East Europe, and Asia.
In Iraq, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening which altered his life trajectory and consciousness.
This was a fun episode for me. It was my first video recording; I don’t have the video, or I would post it. It was fun having a conversation about PTSD and life with a friend in a real setting. I enjoyed listening to how he identified internal signs that he was heading back to a war zone prior to his departure to Ukraine. I had also been identifying some changes within myself prior to coming to Ukraine.
It was also interesting hearing him explain his personal journey to understanding his psyche, understanding it in his own way and in his own time. It may be hard to pick up on John's sarcasm, but it is so thick and constant. That is one of the reasons I find him hilarious. It really made for a fun episode. I remember when it ended thinking to myself, "how was that two and a half hours?" It felt like it went so quick. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.
Resources Mentioned:
- Exercise
- Outdoors
- Acupuncture
- Cranial Sacral
- Rolfing
- Meditation
- Energetic Therapy
- Shamanism
- Psychedelics
- Pursuing Truth
- Living open, real, and true to yourself
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Robin Collins is a Health Coach and founder of Pathway To Wellness With Robin.
Robin educates, empowers and encourages Veterans and First Responders to learn ways they can support and balance their mind and body.
Her passion is to help fill some of the gaps Veterans and First responders are experiencing in standard treatment options with compassionate coaching utilizing Holistic Health Principles.
Social Media:
- Website
Robin was such a lovely guest. She mentioned something that took me back to thoughts I had before seeking help for my mental health issues. I clearly remember thinking to myself that I wouldn’t get help for what I assumed was this PTSD thing everyone spoke about. I was so mad at myself for being weak and not being able to handle war better. I saw so many other guys who were over there with families, kids, normal lives and no anger issues or drinking problems. My pride kept me from healing for so long. Almost like if I pretended I didn’t need help then I wasn’t weak, and I didn’t have PTSD. Seeking help was the hardest thing I ever did. I believe it was so hard because it was the death of the idea of who I wanted and thought I should be. The projection of me I wanted others to believe was the real me. By getting help I was finally free to just be me. The peace that comes with just being free to be you and being a version of you that you are proud of, I cannot articulate accurately enough to give justice.
Resources Mentioned:
- Dynamic Neural Retraining System
- Neuroplasticity Coach
- Structure
- Nutritionist
- Meditation by Joe Dispnza
- Breathing Exercises
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Rob Hollingsworth is a co-founder of Plant Your Flag and former Navy K9 handler and police officer in Henderson, NV and Tacoma, WA.
Social Media:
- Website
- Linktree
Rob is a veteran and former law enforcement officer. Through his service his assignments included K9 and SWAT. Unfortunately, he had the misfortune of responding to multiple heinous events in his career. These included just about anything imaginable and unimaginable. Through these experiences he developed PTSD that took him years to "admit". Also, during these times, he would hear military veterans and law enforcement officers express their desires to change the trajectory of their life but say things like: "but what else would I do". As someone who is constantly striving for growth, to build an empire, and live how he wants to live, he realized that there was a dire need to help these individuals.
He now seeks to help people from these communities to think big, get healthy physically, mentally, and spiritually, and to learn how to live the life that they want. They do this all in their community: Plant Your Flag.
Since exiting LE, he has started a roofing consultant company & engaged in conducting roofing inspections, insurance claim consulting, and other aspects of the industry. He is an open book when it comes to speaking about PTSD and the effects on both veterans and law enforcement officers.
Rob is someone I really wished I had met when I started transitioning out of the military. My first job after active duty was Home Depot. Rob’s introduction to new members is asking if they wanted to work at Home Depot. I, for one, did not .
I feel like Rob is on an awesome path connecting with transitioning police officers and veterans to civilian life. The progression of my civilian career was mostly built on who you know and friends introducing you to others. That’s the impression I got from talking with Rob. This is the first introduction to a friend who wants to help others with educating them on lessons learned through trials and errors he’s made in life to make that transition easier for you.
Resources Mentioned:
- Healthy Eating Habits
- Keeping Your Body Fit
- EMDR
- 22Zero
- Networking
- Short Realistic Goals
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Ray is a US Marine veteran 0331 who served with the 1st Battalion 2nd Marines STA platoon during Operation Desert Shield / Desert Storm. After the Marines, Ray attended Illinois State University, where he graduated with a BS in Criminal Justice Sciences.
Social Media:
- Website: https://warriorshealingnetwork.org/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Warriors-Healing-Network-103865162334905
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warriorshealingnetwork2022/
Ray is the owner and founder of Koru K9 Dog Training and HRD Police K9, serving as a trusted advisor and trainer to some of the most elite law enforcement K9 units across the country. The focus of HRD Police K9 is to create intense scenario-based training to help save lives on the street.
Ray has first-hand knowledge with complex PTSD and the short falls of existing treatment options, especially within the VA system. He has personally attended Rythmia Life Advancement Center in Costa Rica and can speak to the use of Ayahuasca Ceremonies as an effective treatment for PTSD as well as the importance of set and setting when choosing a safe treatment option.
Knowing what is expected from our men and women in the military and/or law enforcement, he felt more needed to be done to help them deal with the crushing symptoms of PTSD - so he started Warriors Healing Network to give those in need the opportunity to get back in the fight for their lives.
In his spare time, he enjoys heavy metal, shooting, fine dining, horseback riding, and caring for the many animals that reside on his farm. He lives just outside of Charleston, SC with his wife, Bridget.
The Warriors Healing Network was founded to help facilitate psychedelic treatments to combat veterans and police officers who have been diagnosed with PTSD and require financial assistance to get the help they need to fight for their lives.
I really admire Ray and what his organization is doing. There is a lot of talk about the legalization of psychedelics, and with that there will be more opportunities for people to have access to them. I really appreciate how Ray elaborated on integration work. This is why I believe psychedelics were beneficial for me. I felt like psychedelics gave me a window of opportunity where I was emotionally disconnected from past trauma and old patterns. I used that window to add healthy habits like exercising regularly, eating better, and meditation. I have never regressed back to where I was before trying psychedelics.
I do want to add that I also think it’s important to be in the right mindset before trying psychedelics. There is tons of research out there. My personal go to is the MAPS organization. Episode 21 with Dr. Feduccia is a great episode. She made a comment that has also stuck in my mind: “It’s important for someone to work with a therapist if the intention is to work through past traumatic experiences or if they have PTSD. Because if they [trauma] come up [during an experience on psychedelics] and a person doesn’t have support or someone there to help them work through what’s going on, it can be re-traumatizing.”
Resources Mentioned:
- Psychedelics
- Psychedelic assisted therapy
- Integration work
- Integration coach
- Ayahuasca retreat
- Lifestyle changes (being uncomfortable and vulnerable)
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Cold plunge
- Breathing exercises
- Wellness practices
- Documentary ‘How to Change Your Mind’
- Documentary ‘Awaking Soul’
- Documentary ‘Heal’
Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of DOHP.net.
Social Media:
- Website: DOHP.net
- Instagram: @thatsdohp
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekohanley
- SF Chronicle feature: https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/art-exhibits/photographer-documents-alameda-county-first-responders-in-time-of-pandemic-protest
- EMS World feature: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature-story/your-job-captured-photos
- Link to book materials: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/gf609gsaq6wbru7/AAA0YtGRDLc6HUmpQhlle0OLa?dl=0
Derek O. Hanley is a paramedic and prior military combat medic, author of the book Photos From The Front Lines, and the founder of https://www.dohp.net/. Derek endeavors to increase honor and respect for medics in society through photography and visual media. After serving in the US Air Force as a paramedic and instructor, he worked as a civilian paramedic in New York and served a tour with the Army National as a combat medic and instructor. During his service, Derek received many commendations, including the Army Achievement medal, and a nomination for division soldier of the year. He has feature-length credits for cinematography, photography, and sound. Derek’s photos have also been heavily published in EMS World Magazine.
I saw so many similarities with Derek’s journey and my own. I really enjoyed this conversation. I could have chatted with him for hours longer I feel like. He articulates his journey so well. Listening to him describe the feelings of being burnt out and how he was fearful of it having a negative impact on his ability to operate resonated with me. It reminded me of that conversation I had with myself in Afghanistan after hitting our third IED in a few weeks. I remember something broke inside and for the first time ever I felt fear creep in. That fear never left. Like most fear in my life, I was able to move past it but it was always subtly nagging at me. I often wondered if it was also subtly influencing my decisions I made and if it would negatively impact my process in disarming IEDs.
Resources Mentioned:
- The Body Keeps The Score - Bessel Van Der Kolk (A game changing book on trauma)
- The Brain That Changes Itself - Norman Doidge (An amazing book on neuroplasticity)
- ‘Liberated Mind’ Steven Hayes
- ACT therapy
- Neurofeedback therapy
- RTMS
- Consistency with a hHealthy Routine
- Good Support Structure
- Getting Out of the Four Walls (Get Outside)
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
This month is PTSD Awareness month and the 1-year anniversary of attempting a podcast. When I started this journey, I was unaware of all the groups and organizations that are out there helping other humans. Then I found out there seems to be a new modality or type of therapy popping up all the time. It can really be overwhelming trying to figure out, if you need to work on mental health, what might work for you, where to get more information, and who to reach out to for help. I do not feel like I have sufficiently touched on those, so I hope to improve that next year. I do feel like I am better informed now than I was last year, and I hope you all are also. I am starting to evolve my understanding of my own mental health and see that my questions are changing a bit. It has been such a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with so many people. I never would have thought I would have had the chance to speak with professors, doctors, owners of huge companies, and inspirational leaders. I am so blessed.
It has been an interesting year. This podcast experience was terrifying at first but has evolved into something I look forward to recording. You can ask the social media team that I am less enthusiastic about the editing side of things haha. Thankfully they are awesome and have really helped with the creatives and getting the voice of everyone I have talked to out there for you all to hear. I thought it would be fun to do a quick little episode on some of my favorite experiences, quotes that stuck, and sometimes moments where my perspective was changed to see something completely different.
Resources Mentioned:
- EMDR
- Meditative breathing
- https://eodwarriorfoundation.org
- https://lonesurvivorfoundation.org
- https://bouldercrest.org
- https://hiddenbattlesfoundation.org
- https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/aboutface/
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/decisionaid/index.aspx
- Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma by Ken Falke/Josh Goldberg (book)
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Franki (book)
- https://vetsandplayers.org
- https://semperfifund.org
- https://www.outwardbound.org
- https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org
- https://psychedelic.support/education/free-courses/
- https://maps.org
- https://projectnewday.foundation
- https://sarahschlote.com
- https://22zero.org
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abigail-g-manning-915ab2154_thinksaydo
- strongertogether-whatif-activity-6990628185075838976-hy2-/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
- https://abigailgmanning.com
- https://mental
Kateryna Katerynchuk: Psychologist, Psychotherapist specializing in treating depression, anxiety disorders and trauma
Social Media:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kateryna.katerynchuk
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateryna.katerynchuk/
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kateryna-katerynchuk-8754ba236
Kateryna used to work as a therapist in a psychological center based in Kyiv. After the full-scale war began, she had to relocate and now works with clients in private practice. She works with individuals and as a couples’ therapist. The methods she uses are CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy), Schema-therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and RTM (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol). She specializes in treating depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma. In these hard times Ukrainians need psychological help and support, and as a psychologist she does her best to be helpful. Recently she has also joined a project providing psychological support for journalists. She believes in Ukraine’s victory and wants to contribute to it as much as she can.
What a unique and interesting story! Often when I meet people, we discuss topics that we are interested in, and the list can be long sometimes. Kateryna has a great deal of experience and knowledge in PTSD and dealing with trauma. While listening to her talk about her experience and how well she could express it, I had an idea. It was talking with her that sparked my interest in discussing personal experiences of the psychologist in Ukraine. I cannot think of anyone who could articulate and identify their shifts in mental state during an acute stressful situation than a psychologist who has lived through one. Not only did Kateryna live through an invasion and relocation, but she taught her children resilience through her example. She shares what she learned that helped her and what she saw that helped others that were struggling, and I hope you find it as interesting as I did.
Resources Mentioned:
- Healthy Routine (Exercise, quality sleep, healthy lifestyle)
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy)
- Schema-therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- RTM (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories Protocol)
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Svitlana Tarasenko, Ukrainian psychologist working in a positive and transcultural psychotherapy approach; Member of National psychological Association in Ukraine and American Psychological Association; Volunteer in the project "Psychosocial support service for families of military personnel" founded by the NGO “Public movement for Empowering Women in Ukraine”
Social Media:svtarasenko.com
instagram.com/svtarasenko?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
At the moment, Svitlana has a private practice as a psychologist. She provides online consultations to clients with various requests, ranging from problems with self-esteem or personal relationships to the consequences of PTSD or experienced traumatic events. For almost a year, Svitlana has been volunteering for a project where she and her colleagues, as psychologists, provide psychosocial support to military personnel and their family members in the format of phone consultations or messenger chats.
Svitlana’s story and personality is the encapsulation of a comment she said to me during one of our conversations about the struggles of negative situations. I am paraphrasing, but she mentioned it is powerful when positivity comes from negative situations. I see her as that positivity. I really enjoyed her uplifting nature and positive outlook on her situation in Ukraine. That’s not to demean or diminish the realness of the dangers of a war - but staying positive is powerful. She is making such a positive impact for so many, and it’s awesome I got the opportunity to talk with her.
Resources Mentioned:
- Healthy Routine
- Controlling the controllable
- Getting enough sleep
- Exercise
- Psychoeducation - educate yourself about mental health
- Svitlana's volunteer project: pidtrymka.in.ua/
- veteranhub.com.ua/
- vvybir.org.ua/
- vtprostir.com.ua/
- ukraine.iom.int/uk/haryacha-liniya-emotsiynoyi-pidtrymky
- lifelineukraine.com/
- bit.ly/414Kpls
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Anton Kurapov, Assistant Professor, Department of experimental and Applied Psychology, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv; post-Doc researcher, Department of Psychology, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, founder of PsyRoom Online
Social Media:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anton-Kurapov
https://psyroom.online
During the first month of the war (March 2022), Антон and colleagues conducted a study on the overall impact of war on students and academic personnel.
Right now, he mainly works on the assessment of mental health of Ukrainians - in particular, PTSD, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Growth; they will launch a second wave of the research soon.
They assessed the impact of explosions, air raid alarms, and blackouts on mental health of Ukrainians in a longitudinal study (obtained daily data within 14-20 days). After quick data analysis they can confirm that air raid alarms and explosions, even heard in a distance, increase situational anxiety and reduce overall well-being and arousal; on the days with no alarms, explosions, and blackouts, overall wellbeing of participants is higher, and anxiety is lower than if at least one air raid alarm was present. Note they have assessed only subjective perceptions that might not be fully accurate.
Also, they work on the assessment of mental health of Ukrainian refugees in the European Union.
Finally, they developed a huge project related to the assessment and enhancement of sleep quality of Ukrainians based on the online cognitive-behavioral therapy intervention. They named it Nukkuaa4Ukraine.
This was an interesting chat with Anton. This situation in Ukraine is a unique one. You can see the evolution of mental health and awareness and the importance of good mental health. I can only imagine what the conversation would have been having this type of conversation 10-15 years ago. I did a poor job of asking the question, but one thought I would like to explore more of is something that was noted in the early stages of the war: the bad coping mechanisms were higher than normal. It is still a bit too early to see elevated PTSD, I believe. I mean it took me 10 years to admit to having PTSD. I am very curious if there is a commonality between adapting bad coping mechanisms in the early stages and if those become systemic, does this lead to elevated levels of PTSD.
This was a really great conversation, and I am looking forward to seeing the results of future work completed by Anton. He is such a positive individual to discuss this topic with and very passionate about helping those negatively impacted by the current situation in Ukraine.
Resources Mentioned:
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Anton-Kurapov
- https://psyroom.online
- Meditation
- Breathing techniques
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, YouTube, and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally, if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
37_Combat Brain Training with John Kennedy Director of Mental Performance Institute
John Kennedy, Neuroplastician, Director of the Mental Performance InstituteInternational Best Selling Author, john@combatbraintraining.comSocial media:
Websites: https://community.thriveglobal.com/how-navy-seals-and-4th-graders-alike-train-their-brains/ & http://www.mentalperformanceinstitute.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kennedycg/
John’s program was developed at the request of the Marine Corps in 2007 to improve focus, situational awareness, and faster and better decision making under stress. The goal was to improve Warfighting and reduce casualties, but we found it was also a significant accelerator of recovery from PTS and TBI. It spread to Snipers, pilots, Navy SEALs, and EOD, as well as Wounded Warrior units.
I really enjoyed my chat with John. You can tell that he genuinely cares about helping others. The exercises that he provided to me were not complicated or hard. It reminded me of swimming. Go with me for a second…. When I think about swimming I would think about the days when I was on the swim team when I was a kid. I just assume when I jump in a pool I am going to frolic through that water like a fish. I do not anymore. It’s more of a fight to not drown. It’s because I might have swam 10 times in the last 20 years. When John gave me a sheet of paper and told me to read it aloud left to right, it was going to be as easy as it sounded. I was so fascinated by how sleepy and sluggish my mind felt. When we added fruits to colors and tapping….my mind was blown by how quickly my mind caught up to the complexity of the tasks being asked. It really was a cool experience and also showed me I need to do more to challenge my mind. I hope you all find this as interesting as I did.
Resources Mentioned:
- ‘The Brain That Changes Itself’ by Norman Doidge (book)
- Cognitively Primed Decision Making
- Combat Brain Training
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
36_What is Equine with Sarah Schlote founder of EQUUSOMA
Sarah Schlote, MA, RP, CCC, SEP, Registered Psychotherapist, Canadian Certified Counsellor, Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner
Social media:
Websites: http://www.sarahschlote.com & https://equusoma.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/equusoma/ & https://www.facebook.com/therefugecentre/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahschlote/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1rXGxRtVOQ65_XidtX5Wxw
Sarah is a bilingual trauma therapist in private practice who integrates a number of approaches in her work, including Somatic Experiencing®, parts work, EMDR, Brainspotting, Deep Brain Reorienting, various forms of somatic touch work to support nervous system regulation and relational repair, and equine-facilitated wellness, among others. She is also the founder of EQUUSOMA® Horse-Human Trauma Recovery, a paradigm shift looking at how human and equine trauma intersect and how to support healing for both species on a bodily and relational level in a variety of equine-related professions.
I am still pretty new to some of the nonconventional psychotherapeutic practices. I was struggling to wrap my head around equine. I knew equine was really close to the Latin word "equinus" and had something to do with horses. Obviously someone mentioned this to me, I was not googling Latin words for fun on a Sunday evening just to do it. Sarah did an amazing job breaking down this concept and helped clarify what it was in a simple and comprehendible way.
It makes so much more sense to me know how equine assisted therapy can be used as a tool to give us a way to become aware of our subconscious mannerisms - ways we are holding stress, built up tension, or fear. A horse lets you know when it is uncomfortable and then you have to evaluate what you are doing that could be causing that.
I have not used equine assisted therapy but can see how it would have been a useful tool to help me become more introspective and aware of how my deeper feeling manifests themselves in my body language, tone of my voice, or by being uncomfortable in a situation. I also enjoyed how Sarah highlights the importance of the horse and that they are treated well and are in a healthy environment when assisting in this type of service.
Resources Mentioned:
- Animal assisted play therapy
- Equine assisted therapy
- Brainspotting
- Talk therapy
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Episode 36_36_What is Vasper with Chelsea of Waimea Yoga
Chelsea Morriss, owner of Waimea Yoga
Social media:Email:https://waimeayoga.com
FB:https://www.facebook.com/waimeayoga/
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/waimeayoga/?hl=en
Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ZBA92YQTJVXSU
Chelsea is the owner of Waimea Yoga and is a huge support to the veteran and first responder community. She was previously on the podcast on Episode 9 and 9.5. That episode was on iRest meditation. She graciously reached out to me to try out a new piece of equipment she is using to help veterans and first responders. It is called the Vasper. I hope you enjoy the quick episode on how to try it and support those looking to get an opportunity to use it.
I have been getting organized to head off island for a bit and this was a blessing. I was a bit stretched thin and was neglecting my normal workout routine and then walked in Vasper. It was so nice, it was easy but about 30 mins I felt like I did a solid workout. My favorite part after the exercise was sitting on the cooling table and doing a quick 10 minute session of iRest. After that I was ready for my day and everything it brought my way. This opportunity really helped remind me, for the millionth time, how valuable exercise is each day. It seems like almost everyone who jumps on here to share their story is doing the same. I hope you found something useful in this episode.
Resources Mentioned:
Vasper
iRest https://www.irest.org/about-irest
Meditation
Being introspective
Nidra Yoga
Daily exercise
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Quotes:
"It's simple, but it's not easy". Can apply to almost all normal problems in our life. Simple to know what to do but when emotions, egos and stubbornness get involved, it's no longer easy.
This has been such an awesome adventure. I have met so many interesting people with unique perspectives. Being able to openly discuss the real issues I have faced and listen to others talk about theirs, it has helped me understand myself better. It has made me more comfortable discussing it in public and has led to some really cool conversations. The holiday season can be tough for some. Please reach out to your friends, family and loved ones to let them know you are thinking of them, they are loved and appreciated. Thank you for everything and excited to see where this adventure goes.
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Abigail Manning, Founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc.
Abigail’s Areas of Expertise Include:
Think = Cognitive Skills
Say = Social & Communication Skills
Do = Behavioral Skills
Social media/Links to work:
- Website: www.AbigailGManning.com
- Speaker Highlight Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q10p3KfyVt4
- Air Force Academy National Symposium Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Acfg5zZ-VrQ
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-g-manning-915ab2154/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGklJkeLs-KP1XgLTWACSag
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abigailgmanning/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AbigailGManning
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abigail.g.manning/
Abigail Manning, Founder of Create Awareness...Change Lives, Inc., is an innovative voice in enhancing healthy workplace cultures & dynamic leadership. Through international workshops, keynotes & retreats, she delivers professional & personal development programs to companies, U.S. Military & Veteran non-profits.
Abigail combines an Indiana University double major (Cognitive, Social & Behavioral), mental health studies, healing modalities research, and resiliency skills learned from overcoming childhood abuse, domestic violence and Post Traumatic Stress. She is an outdoor sports enthusiast who lives in Colorado, proud mom of U.S. Marines, and has a heart-felt passion for serving others.
It was such a unique connection that led to this chat with Abigail but by this time in this journey I have to believe there is a higher purpose to all this. I really enjoyed this chat. Abigail has spent a long time researching and speaking to her story. She was able to articulate things in a way that really helped translate, for a lack of a better word, the dialogue within myself. She was able to express and articulate how she is thriving and that articulation helped me understand and connect pieces of thoughts and emotions within myself and understand myself better. I always try to grab a good quote here or something I find impactful to share but I would just put my quotations around the entire episode. I hope you find something impactful and meaningful in this chat.
Resources Mentioned:
- To sign up to be a WWP alumni you need to go here:
https://lnkd.in/gXeY5xF6
Once you are signed up as an alumni, you'll be able to register for WWP events, including the one Abigail co-facilitates monthly.
- "What if" Monster: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/abigail-g-manning-915ab2154_thinksaydo-strongertogether-whatif-activity-6990628185075838976-hy2-?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the commun
Daniel Jarvis is a retired Army SFC and Deputy Sheriff. Following a heartbreaking deployment and the loss of his mother he found himself struggling with suicidal ideations and substance abuse. He would find himself contemplating suicide but stopped due the pitter patter of tiny feet of the children in the apartment above him. He would look away from the rifle in the corner of his apartment and pick back up the bottle to continue drinking until he passed out. Following one of these nights he received a call that one of his former soldiers had taken his life. When trying to process the why and how, Dan noticed that he too had all the signs of someone that was at high risk of suicide. His life all started to turn around after he met his wife and she encouraged him to seek help. He was diagnosed with PTSD and started prolonged therapy treatment. He found the process to be just as traumatizing as the events themselves. It wasn’t until he tried an alternative treatment, a variation of Neuron-Linguistic Programming (NLP) that he found a process that allowed him to disconnect from the emotions of his trauma so he could process it and find peace. He is now compelled to help others find the same relief from traumatic memories and founded 22 Zero.
Listening to Dan discuss his experience with the VA is a too familiar story. It’s one that I have a lot of relatability with myself. When he mentioned the effort it took just for the first event and then looking at the list of events and breaking down how long traditional prolonged exposure (PE) therapy would take, it was an overwhelming thought. I remember thinking that I would likely be in therapy for the rest of my life if I processed one at a time. I anticipate meeting with my therapist often to check up but that is different from spoon feeding yourself trauma for the rest of your life. I’m sure it would become easier and easier with each event but I really struggled with PE. I hated it more than anything to go to those sessions. It wasn’t so much for addressing those dark moments in my life, it was more out of fear that I would become numb again. I spent the majority of my 20s emotionless. I would only feel extreme happiness and anger but the rest of the time I was blah. Nothing in the world mattered. I went to funerals of loved ones and didn’t shed tears, I would end relationships and it meant nothing, I would shit all over family and friends because nothing had weight or value. I notice when I have tried PE recently all those emotions that I have worked to get back started fading again. In my mind it’s like all my stuff is behind a closed door. I do not seem to be able to open the door and grab just one event to process it. I open the door and everything in that room comes out. Then I’m overloaded and just shut down emotionally. I believe it has a lot to do with how we were forced to hide our issues, it wasn’t acceptable to discuss an event or even a deployment. So now I have several deployments with hundreds of events all connected to one another. The last time I tried to grab just one event, I was completely numb and emotionless in 8 days. It took me about 2 weeks of a positive routine to get back to my normal. This doesn’t mean I’m against PE. While in this program I learned a ton of things that helped me disconnect and recenter. I could see how eventually you would be able to recenter quicker and quicker until there is an emotional callus for that event. I honestly would rather have this pain I carry around and be able to see the beauty in the world, than for everything to be gray and numb. I’m confident there is a path to a better quality of life and anything we set our minds to, we can and will achieve.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
https://22zero.org/about/
https://22zero
Tia grew up in a traumatic and toxic childhood. Both of her parents were alcoholics and this environment taught her bad coping mechanisms when dealing with negative situations. She joined the military and then later was medically discharged. She wondered why she had symptoms similar to ADD, had depression, anxiety but later discovered that the root cause of all the issues was PTSD. I am appreciative of Tia joining and sharing her story and how she’s raised the quality of her life and learning/applying positive coping mechanisms.
As I mentioned in the last episode, Tia and I met because she reached out to me on FB to talk about 22zero. I spoke with her and enjoyed the chat and thought others would appreciate her journey. Tia’s story resonated with me. From the explosive anger by making a simple mistake, using drugs and alcohol to detach from the reality of life. I was doing all the same things to avoid addressing the unprocessed trauma. I was just speaking with a police officer who dealt with drug addiction and came to a realization. I never had issues with addiction or feeling I needed a substance. I was addicted to not feeling the pain anymore.
I am not a believer in a magic pill or program to fix PTSD or systematically suppressed trauma but if I was to pick one of the most important things that improved the quality of my life it was learning to disconnect and be more introspective. I believe 22 zero is a source that can help with that. I hope there is something discussed that you find valuable and helps in some way.
Resources Mentioned:Veteran Retreats https://www.campsouthernground.org
Https://www.22Zero.org
Free Counseling for Veterans https://www.vetcenter.va.gov
No alcohol or drugs
Personal care
Enjoy nature, get outside
We would really appreciate a share and like. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr. Arnell has been the Youth Service Officer (YSO) for Giles County. Before being the YSO, she owned Arnell’s Counseling Service, Inc., as a contract provider for the State of Tennessee for 14 years. Dr. Arnell has been an adjunct faculty at Columbia State Community College since 2004, teaching in the Psychology program and some education classes. Dr. Arnell has been a member of the Giles County Fire and Rescue Squad since 2008 and is also a member of the Pulaski Lions Club. She served on the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network as the regional committee chair from 2004- 2011. Dr. Arnell also served on the State Advisory Council for the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network from 2004-2014.
Dr. Arnell became involved with 22Zero in March 2021, when the Giles County Fire and Rescue Squad assistant fire chief asked if she would be willing to go through the training. Now Dr. Arnell is the Executive Director for 22 Zero.
I was put into contact with 22 Zero in an interesting time. I do not really believe in coincidences so I found the timing very ironic ha. I had been chatting with a few veterans and the challenges of getting an appointment for mental health came up. All three were trying to get help, one requesting to be hospitalized and the VA was not able to help. The one was on Hawai’i and did not have the facility for his need and could not fly him to Oahu. The other two did not feel they needed to be hospitalized but came to the point in their lives where they were so desperate they swallowed every bit of their pride to seek help. They were both offered appointments 6-10 weeks out. Then insert a firecracker of a lady who hit me up on Facebook. She will be joining the podcast soon but first I wanted to introduce you to Dr Arnell with 22 Zero. This group responds within the same day and within days is able to pair you up with a coach. I really love their passion and goals. I hope you find something meaningful in this short series with 22 Zero.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
https://22zero.org/about/
https://22zero.org/get-help/resources/
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Sarah is a bilingual trauma therapist in private practice who integrates a number of approaches in her work, including Somatic Experiencing®, parts work, EMDR, Brainspotting, Deep Brain Reorienting, various forms of somatic touch work to support nervous system regulation and relational repair, and equine-facilitated wellness, among others. She is also the founder of EQUUSOMA® Horse-Human Trauma Recovery, a paradigm shift looking at how human and equine trauma intersect and how to support healing for both species on a bodily and relational level in a variety of equine-related professions.
SE isn’t something I have ever heard of until exploring the topic of PTSD. The moment that it really sparked my interest was in episode 3 with Josh. He mentioned how it is common with some combat veterans to develop kyphosis. This is something I do and I can see how years of combat and subconsciously compacting one’s body to protect their vitals could lead to a systemic issue with their posture. That sparked my interest in this topic and I believe Sarah did an amazing job breaking down this topic into a digestible episode that has only encouraged me to look further into SE.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.somaticexperiencing.com/about-peter
Rolfing: https://www.rolf.org/rolfing.php
SEI directory: https://directory.traumahealing.org/
https://youtu.be/nmJDkzDMllc
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Cary grew up giving back to his community and has continuously found new ways to do that. He was looking for emergency beacons to downed aircrafts as a kid, retired from the United States Air Force’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and is now a volunteer fire fighter.
I had the opportunity to be stationed with Cary at my first duty station, Luke Air Force Base. I have nothing but fond memories of him and always valued his insight. Cary’s story is so relatable to me. Both the PTSD issues and TBI. I am looking for professionals and subject matter experts for TBI to speak on the topic a bit more. I will hopefully be releasing an episode on that soon. That embarrassment that Cary talks about from his memory issues is something that I struggle with still. I hate feeling like I’m broken and can’t remember things. I have like 2 million notes in my phone, I have three note books, my house has so many sticky notes it looks like that dude’s car that parked in the handicap parking spot on YouTube. Getting my PTSD symptoms under control has really helped me give more energy and time to the memory issues. Cary talked about cognitive rehabilitation and I had no idea that was a thing. I will be looking into that more too. I started reading more and that has helped so it makes sense how training our minds or “working them out” helps them stay sharp.
Resources Mentioned:Exercise
Strong support structure
Stop drinking
Find a purpose that makes sense to you
Therapy
Amazing significant other
We would really appreciate a share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD to share how you have raised the quality of your life to shorten that journey for others. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Mike comes from a family of veterans and is a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel now serving as a leadership coach and healing expert assisting Veterans, military and spouses through the transition to being civilians again. I really enjoyed chatting with him and exploring the concept of Leadership Embodiment.
I was exploring new topics and had someone suggest that Leadership Embodiment was helpful to raising their quality of life with PTSD. After exploring this topic with Mike I can see how it could be very beneficial for someone. At a very basic level this could be a technique to help someone to become more introspective and help show us how our patterns of learned behavior are impacting us. Additionally it hits on how you project yourself.
Resources Mentioned:For more information about Leadership Embodiment, www.leadershipembodiment.com
Meditation
https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org/
Have fun, be silly and play
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube, LinkedIn and Twitter. If you or someone you know has found a healthy way to deal with PTSD, I would really enjoy knowing how you went about doing that. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please shoot me an email or DM. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Trauma-related guilt is common, associated with posttraumatic mental health problems, and can persist after posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment. Dr Norman is a psychologist with experience treating, researching and training others on PTSD. We discuss moral injuries, survivors guilt and how so often shame and guilt play a big role in PTSD. Trauma-informed guilt reduction therapy focuses on this guilt and shame. Dr Norman goes in detail how targeting guilt appears to be an effective means for reducing posttraumatic symptoms and distress.
This topic in particular was one that caught my eye. I have tried different therapies and one session my therapist asked me to look for hotspots. This really worked for me. So I just thought of all the chaotic moments that I experienced while deployed. Through meditation I have been able to identify when I first feel my triggered trauma in my stomach. It feels like I just ate a jar of ghost peppers. My stomach feels on fire from the inside. I processed all the situations I could think of and noticed I did not have any “hotspot” related to combat. All of my triggers were attached to the innocent people I saw murdered. The ones without weapons. Dr Norman mentioned something that is so very true for me. She mentioned some veterans hold on to that guilt or shame. I didn’t want to let go of some of that shame because I felt I deserved that pain. I hate that this episode's description went a bit dark. My take away from this is that there are wonderful people, like Dr Norman who are always looking for new and better ways to reach us who are struggling and help us find a path to raising our quality of life. Don’t give up, and don’t wait to make positive changes.
Resources Mentioned:Therapy
Support structure
Honest communication and feedback
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
There has been a bit of discussion with secondary PTSD. I was put in contact with Dr Steffany Fredman by a former guest, Dr Carmen. Dr Fredman’s interest is in the intersection between individual mental health and couple functioning. Her focus is on those with PTSD. Dr Fredman is really interested in how PTSD affects couples’ relationships. Dr Fredman is passionate about developing, testing, and (most importantly) disseminating couple base therapy.
This was such an insightful conversation. The concept of approaching PTSD as a team just makes sense to me. Historically for me, if I wanted to improve myself then I would always tell my close friends and family so they can hold me accountable. Whether it was making a bet I wasn’t going to drink for a year or else my buddy Chris gets to tase me at any moment he wanted. Even something as simple as wanting to go to the gym more and getting a workout buddy so it wasn’t just me letting myself down but also that person. Eventually I would get that discipline back and could return the favor when that workout partner started to struggle with consistency. Back to the couple therapy; in addition to being held accountable you both are becoming more informed about PTSD. I find that having a better understanding of what PTSD is beneficial for both individuals in a relationship. That person that cares about you will likely do anything in the world to help. Knowing what will help is important so we don’t find ourselves facilitating bad habits or making the situation worse.
Resources Mentioned:Book: Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD by Dance M. Monson and Steffany J. Fredman https://www.guilford.com/books/Cognitive-Behavioral-Conjoint-Therapy-for-PTSD/Monson-Fredman/9781462505531 https://patriot.uthscsa.edu/strongstar/pinfo/051/
https://cdmrp.army.mil/dmrdp/research_highlights/20fredman_highlight
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
https://cdmrp.army.mil/dmrdp/research_highlights/20fredman_highlight https://patriot.uthscsa.edu/strongstar/pinfo/051/
https://news.psu.edu/story/629394/2020/08/24/research/study-shows-promise-two-day-therapy-treat-ptsd-improve
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/trouble-shooters/new-form-of-ptsd-therapy-could-be-game-changer-for-military-coupleshttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/in-focus/2020/09/27/two-day-therapy-retreat-helps-treat-ptsd-and-improve-relationships
Matt and I served at the same time but only crossed paths briefly. It was awesome reconnecting with him and I was so honored he wanted to share his story. Matt started his life down in Texas. Grew up playing football, as he put it, trading his body for an education. He eventually changed course in life and that led him to joining EOD in the United States Air Force.
Listening to Matt’s story; I’m hearing the story of someone who wasn’t afraid of adversity or a challenge. After getting to know him better he’s a typical person you would look up to. Seeing confident leaders like Matt stepping out to acknowledge even he has struggled with mental health issues has me hopeful that the culture in our community is trending in a positive direction. This episode was so enjoyable for me. It reminds me of a phrase, “similar but different”. I can relate so much to Matt’s struggles and process but his perspective was a new one for me. It left me reevaluating myself in that new lens.
Resources Mentioned:Exercise
Strong support structure
Occam’s Razor
Stop drinking
Find a purpose that makes sense to you
Therapy
Be honest with a therapist (be vulnerable, open; a good patient)
Having someone in your life who holds you accountable
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Mission Statement:
Voi’s mission is to deliver the most comprehensive, innovative solutions to help hospitals and health systems, government agencies, educational institutions, families, and communities detect, intervene, support, and care for people at risk for suicide and living with behavioral health issues.
Rick identifies and connects with organizations working to provide mental health care services to patients, employees, veterans, and service members. As a U.S. Marine Corps leader for 30 years, Rick has seen first-hand the devastating impact untreated mental health issues has on individuals and their loved ones. He is confident that, with sufficient focus, detection and effective treatment of mental health issues can be dramatically improved.
Previously, Rick served as a Vermont Assistant Attorney General, taught strategy and planning at the U.S. Naval War College, worked as the Associate Director of The Dartmouth Institute (a health policy think-tank), and created and helped lead Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system’s innovation center.
It is never easy to talk about suicide or death. It is what inspired me to try and do something that may positively impact our community to bring attention to the importance of mental health. Rick’s history of performing root cause analyses of the suicides of his marines and sailors is a perspective that is very unique and is one heck of a burden to bare. That perspective has to be so insightful for Voi and other companies that he is working with. I really appreciated the opportunity to have him join and share that insight with us.
Resources Mentioned:Voi detect
Voi Reach
Informed support structure
Being knowledgable about what to look for and be aware of for high risk of suicide
Suicide hotline (988, then press 1)
https://afsp.org (American foundation for suicide prevention)
https://www.nami.org (National alliance for mental illness)
https://www.crisistextline.org
https://jedfoundation.org
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
https://www.va.gov
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Mission Statement:
Check A Vet is preventing Veteran suicide by raising public awareness and calling upon American citizens to meaningfully and routinely engage with Veterans
Steph Page “Chief” shares his perspective. His perspective is that of a leader. Steph became a Chief Master Sergeant in 2003 because he wanted to positively impact the life of his airmen. He was the senior enlisted leader of Air Force Personnel Center (AFPC), then the 12th Flying Training Wing Command Chief until his retirement in 2009. Shortly thereafter he was selected to start up a new program called Air Force Recovery Care for Wounded, Ill, and Injured during the height of the war. He has more than 20 years post military service of helping veterans in one fashion or another. He is currently working with Check a Vet and looking to help curve the high suicide rates in our community.
Chief talks about being inspired by great men. I hope he knows that for many of us who have met him, and worked with him, we see him as one of those great men. You will hear him mention how he noticed some of the historic nonprofits only supported the physically injured veterans. He is one of many that have fought to get support for those with PTSD. Founder Michael Carmichael, of Check a Vet, and his team are working together to help with the high suicide rates in our veteran community. I hope their passion inspires you to aid them in their mission to lower the suicide rate in our community. These guys are amazing.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.checkavet.orghttps://saluteheroes.orghttps://www.ptsd.va.govhttps://orwfoundation.org
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Allison Feduccia, PhD is a neuropharmacologist, psychedelic researcher and educator. She is the co-founder of Psychedelic Support, a platform for education and to connect with psychedelic practitioners, and Project New Day, a 501(c)3 nonprofit on a mission to help people overcome addiction and actualize mental health through the responsible use of psychedelics. She began researching MDMA in 2004, accumulating 17 years of experience in mental health research at UT Austin, UCSF, NIH, and MAPS. Dr. Feduccia gives us a brief summary of the history of psychedelics and why we are now talking about them with regards to PTSD and other mental health disorders.
This was such a fun chat. I really enjoyed how Dr. Feduccia hit on the history of psychedelics, the stigma around them, and then dove into the research on them currently. There seemed to be a bit more information on MDMA than the others but that is because it’s the furthest along in the researching process. The others are coming along and we will try to do another episode as there are more breakthroughs on this topic. This may not be something for everyone but it’s another tool to be used to help. With 67% of people showing improvement a year after treatment, I’m hoping this treatment is approved soon. It looks to be early 2024 but there are several trails available, check the links below.
Resources Mentioned:https://psychedelic.support/education/free-courses/
https://psychedelic.support/resources/how-to-join-psychedelic-clinical-trial/
https://psychedelic.support/resources/training-psychedelic-therapist/
maps.org
https://psychedelic.support/resources/mdma-assisted-therapy-guide/
https://psychedelic.support/resources/ketamine-treatment-guide-for-mental-health/
https://psychedelic.support/resources/psilocybin-assisted-therapy-guide/
‘How to Change Your Mind’ Limited series on Netflix
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Peter was in the Navy on an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. The intense deployment cycle and stresses of that led him to self medicating, like most of us have found ourselves doing. Eventually he found himself in San Fransisco’s Art Institute studying film. This is where he accidentally stumbled across Transcendental Meditation (TM). The group of individuals he became friends with all had a mellowness in their demeanor, a sense of calm, and the commonality was TM. He dedicated his life to it and I really enjoyed having him on to share his insight on TM and the benefits he’s seen it give those who are dealing with PTSD symptoms.
My favorite part of this chat is when Peter talks about getting better, whether it be meditation or with therapy. A person has to want to get better or see a need to improve the quality of their life. This isn't to say those who want to get better always do. There are some occasions when physical limitations, lack of support or resources prevent quality of life improving. I saw in myself and heard others share on the podcast, they didn't see the results they wanted until they took it seriously and really applied themselves. It seems to have taken an “ah ha” moment to start the desire within someone’s self to seek out ways to improve the current situation. There are endless ways to improve your life because improvement is objective to what we want individually. This is an easy, simple way to help relieve stress and I hope you explore it a bit more if you find it interesting. I will be.
Resources Mentioned:Transcendence by Norman Rosenthal https://amzn.to/3cPeQZR
Strength in Stillness: The Power of Transcendental Meditation by Bob Roth https://amzn.to/3qizXXu
Therapy
Meditation
https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org
https://www.tm.org
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Dr Mclean is a clinical psychologist that specializes in exposure therapy for PTSD. PE a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that works to shift behavior or styles of thinking in a short amount of time. This type of therapy that’s focused on trauma and learning to address the trauma. With PE you do the opposite of avoid and face the things you want to avoid.
Dr Mclean talking about avoidance and how if you avoid things you eventually start living a really small life really hit home with me. I was living a very small and closed off life when things were at their worst. I still naturally gravitate to my own personal bubble even now. If I do that for too long I start noticing simple things like the grocery store or the post office start getting uncomfortable again. I’m not sure if it was because of PE or coincidence that I was trying a VA PE course when I ultimately decided to do this podcast. I have thought about PTSD and how to share what I have learned/plan to learn while exploring all things PTSD related. I just leaned into that uncomfortableness because the only negative will be some short lived embarrassment.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.ptsd.va.gov
PE Coach https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp
National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division | NCPTSD
Support structure
Honest feed back
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Mission Statement:
The Outward Bound Veterans Program helps thousands of returning service members and recent veterans readjust to life at home through powerful wilderness courses that draw on the healing benefit of teamwork and challenge through the use of the natural world.
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, these courses are available tuition and travel expense-free.
Learn more: https://www.outwardbound.org/expeditions/-outward-bound-for-veterans/
Donate: https://www.outwardbound.org/donate/Anthony got out of the military (US Marine Corp) and had his first encounter with Outward Bound on one of their veteran courses. He found himself out of the military and now an 8th grade teacher struggling with his transition into civilian life. He reached out to Outward Bound to see what it would take for him to get involved and become an instructor. He has been there for six years now. He has found his purpose and fulfillment giving back to others. Outward Bound isn’t just an organization that takes you outdoors to see pretty things. They also have a curriculum and goals while being out in nature. They help other learn how to disconnect and to disconnect with a purpose, work on their communication, leadership, helping yourself, and goal setting to mention a few.
Anthony talking about the beauty and magnitude of nature really hit home with me. Reminds me off when I was trying to find beauty in the world again. I found myself in a position in life where I didn’t know what “I” liked or enjoyed doing. I had no real hobbies or passions. I sat down and tried to make a list of things I thought I enjoyed. I slowly marked them all off the list because they were flops until I got to a quick trip to Alaska I did. I saw a moose, 3 glaciers and the northern lights in a span of 4 days. I was blow away at the shocking beauty of nature and the powerful sensations of joy it sparked in me.
Resources Mentioned:Therapeutic impacts of nature
Helping Others
Disconnection with purpose
https://23rdveteran.org
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Mission Statement:
Semper Fi and American’s Fund cares for our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans and the military families. Supporting all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces, we provide one-on-one case management, connection, and lifetime support. Today, Tomorrow and Together.
Jasper is a Former Marine and Veteran that shares his experience in the military, how he found his way to Semper Fi and America’s Fund (The Fund). This is a great example of how first impressions can change your life. Jasper was so inspired by The Fund that he got out of the military and joined their cause.
When I asked him why, he said “I didn’t want to spend a day doing something I didn’t love.”
I hope you enjoy Jasper’s journey from Marine to the Veteran 2 Veteran program as much as I did. Seeing someone take action once they were able to see a purposeful direction forward for their life really hit home with me. Jasper speaking from his personal experiences with PTSD helped me see new aspects to my process. He spoke about not being honest with himself and not doing the things he was telling others to do. This is something I saw in myself too. Once I was real with myself and consistently did the things I knew would help, my life changed for the better.
Referenced Resources:Semper Fi and America’s Fund (https://thefund.org)
Stories and testimonials on The Funds Website
Veteran to Veteran support program
5 Well beings (Physical, Mental, Social, Occupational and Financial)
Mindfulness and Meditation
PTSD focused Therapy
Be a good patient (be honest with the doctor/Therapist)
Gratitude practices
Having a routine and schedule
Daily Gratitude Journal
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
If you are looking for an awesome social media management team I’d highly recommend: https://adoredigitalmarketing.com
Danny and I met during a virtual VA program called iVET. It was a new but short prolonged exposure (PE) therapy course. Very Interesting class that was recommended by my therapist to explore for new programs provided by the VA in Hawai’i. This course was a combination of therapy, group chat and physical health all rolled in one. Danny and I really connected in the group chat. I saw a lot of similarities between her and myself. So I asked her to join me on the podcast. She shares how she identified there were some issues and ways she coped with her trauma.
Talking with Danny reminded me how my journey started. Her talking about the positive impact of the routine of the iVet program. Healthy routines have had a huge positive impact in my life. We all know deep down the impacts of our day to day choices. We can pick the healthy choices and routine or the unhealthy ones. Then Danny spoke to the awesomeness of seeing completely different veterans with completely different stories of what caused the trauma dealing with the impacts of that trauma in very similar ways. This helped her not feel so alone, or isolated and helped her open up a bit about herself and situation more.
Resources Mentioned:https://www.ptsd.va.gov
PE Coach https://www.ptsd.va.gov/appvid/mobile/index.asp
Good support structure
Therapy
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
I was reading ‘Struggle Well’ when there was a connection made between PTSD and ACEs. It was mentioned that this connection was made by Suzi Landolphi so I reached out to discuss. In this episode Suzi explains ACEs. She broke down how PTSD can give you superpowers & she also talks a lot about “training.”
Suzi is such a fun person to talk with. She talks a lot about “training” and this is something that I noticed in myself a few years back. I can retrain my mind to be more positive, to be calmer, to be less negative. It did not happen overnight or quickly but the person writing this description of the episode is a version of me that 5 years ago I didn't think could exist. That darkness is still there at times but instead of succumbing to it and thinking my life is trash or I am trash, I realized that it’s just my mind illuminating something I’m ignoring.
Resources Mentioned:Merging Vets and Players https://vetsandplayers.org
Strength Training (quickest way to heal the brain)
‘Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma’ By Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg https://amzn.to/3Bff0n4
Boulder Crest Foundation https://bouldercrest.org/warriorpathh/
‘What happened to you?’ By Bruce Perry https://amzn.to/3SjGiib
Thunderbird Performance (Meditation, yoga) https://www.thunderbirdperformance.com ‘Hidden Pearls Podcast’ Thunderbird Performance Podcast
David Lynch Foundation (Transcendental Meditation) https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Bessel A. van der Kolk https://amzn.to/3JrRp4H
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr. Tedeschi, with Dr Calhoun, researched how people deal with negative situations in a positive way. This is were the concept of posttraumatic growth started. On this episode, Dr. Tedeschi and I discuss where the concept came from, how the idea evolved, and how it was used to help those struggling with symptoms of PTSD.
I really enjoyed Dr. Tedeschi. He has been researching and writing on this topic forever and the way he is able to articulate and highlight the stages of growth was so helpful for me to understand the process of this journey. I hope that you all found it as beneficial as I did.
Resources Mentioned:Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma’ By Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg https://amzn.to/3Bff0n4
Transformed by Trauma: Stories of Posttraumatic Growth (2020)
https://amzn.to/3ooLhR1
Posttraumatic Growth: Theory, Research, and Applications (2018) at https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9781315527444
The Posttraumatic Growth Workbook (2016) at https://amzn.to/3RXzgiV
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Mission Statement: Boulder Crest understands trauma and stress. We know that traumatic stress is debilitating. Our mission is to help struggling veterans, first responders, and their families rediscover hope, purpose, and a belief in a future that is truly worth living. Our team at Boulder Crest uses the science of Posttraumatic Growth to train participants through a proven process of transformation.
Ken should be and is the example for most former EOD technicians on what to strive to be like once leaving the military. He has created successful businesses, helped his community and now is helping other outside his community with Boulder Crest Foundation and EOD Warrior Foundation. Ken shares his story from playing professional hockey, to EOD in the Navy and how all that lead to where he is now. It’s an amazing story and inspirational to say the least. If you haven’t read the book ‘Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma’ and you have lived through some intensely challenging situations in live, I recommend it. It breaks down the conceptual evolution of the Boulder Crest and shows the correlation of ACEs (adverse childhood experiences) and how changing one’s perspective on a situation can help take someone with PTSD and lead them to a path of PTG (Posttraumatic Growth).
Referenced Resources:The Boot Campaign (https://bootcampaign.org)
EOD Warrior Foundation (http://eodwarriorfoundation.org)
Boulder Crest Foundation (https://bouldercrest.org)
Struggle Well: Thriving in the Aftermath of Trauma by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg (book) https://amzn.to/3cE7hog
Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian Junger (book)
https://amzn.to/3Ow0oTc
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (book)
https://amzn.to/3JhtIMp
Meditation
Getting good sleep
Reading
Not spending so much time on social media
Stop being so negative
Take care of your body (exercise, nutrition, being mindful of what you put in your body)
Having financial stability
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Dr Norman is a psychologist with experience treating, researching and training others on PTSD. I am so grateful for her joining to share her expertise on the topic of PTSD. We dive into what are some contributing factors, some data behind statistical probability of PTSD. She describes how one develops PTSD and some of the symptoms and signs of PTSD. There are links below for more information if you are curious if you may be suffering from PTSD. Dr Norman then dives into possible treatments and what to expect with those.
There are so many things I was able to identify in my personal life, as well as, some of the stories shared previously. I am hopeful this episode helped inform other a bit more about what PTSD is and ideas to get help.
Resources Mentioned:PTSD Coach (app)
PTSD Coach online (https://www.edc.org/ptsd-coach-online)
A quick survey on (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/screen)
About face (AboutFace - National Center for PTSD - Veterans Affairshttps://www.ptsd.va.gov
› appvid › aboutface)
PTSD Treatment Decision Add (PTSD Treatment Decision Aidhttps://www.ptsd.va.gov › apps › decisionaid)
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Chad is from a small town and was raised in a family of police officers. He shares his story of how he found peace of mind with his PTSD after chatting with his pastor. Unlike his experience in the military, he wasn’t able to find an opportunity to detach or disconnect from the role of a police officer. While out with family or friends he would see criminals he had dealt with everywhere.
Resources mentioned:Your local pastor
Mental health counselor
Where to go in the Bible and When by David Jeremiah (book)
Church
Local VFW
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Scott, former police officer and veteran, discusses his journey with PTSD. He shares how he was able to identify there were so problems and what it took him to change the direction of his life. Scott’s story really resonated with me and I hope him sharing how he improved his life helps you. I really enjoyed the bit of tough love he got from his veteran friends. I know if I didn’t have some badass friends in my life, I would have justified being lazy, not working out, never training Jiu Jitsu and just leaning into being depressed, aggressive and a less version of myself.
Their mission Statement:
"Hidden Battles is a non-profit organization that strives to help preserve the healthy minds of Military / Veterans, Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Dispatch, and Nursing through treatment and counseling for depression, suicidal tendencies, and PTSD."
Our defenders are absorbing the horrors of their occupations. They struggle with the hidden battles fought in their minds on a daily basis. Whether it is the horrors of war, personal injury or a fatal car crash, the effects are everlasting. Over the course of their careers, the stress piles up to sometimes a fatal level.
Our returning soldiers, fire fighters, police officers and other first responders need an outlet.
Whether it is a peer group, a service dog or team building therapy we need to provide them with the programs and services to protect them from internal harm.
Resources to help:Educate yourself on signs and symptoms of mental health issues
Helping Others
Peer Support Unit
Exercise (Rucking, running, just get outside)
Accountability in support groups
Couples cooking class
Therapy (EFT and EMDR)
Meditation
iRest Yoga
Service dogs (https://operationdeltadog.org)
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Episode: 9 iRest with Chelsea Morriss from Waimea Yoga
Chelsea joined us today and gave us a taste of what iRest (https://www.irest.org) yoga’s meditation piece is like. She shares her unique journey to get certified and what doors that opened. She dives deep into why it works and hopefully you enjoy the 15 mins of meditation.
I have never really explored yoga or this type of meditation ever in my life. I went into her studio like a coke bottle someone just dropped a mentos in and put the lid back on. I was an emotional mess. I put all the stigmas and stereotypes I had about yoga and just went all in 100% that day. For the first time in months I smiled. This was the start of my aggressive journey toward a better life and I still try to look at things objective and commit to them 100% to see if they will benefit me or not with my mental health.
Resources:iRest Yoga
Meditation
Comfortable being introspective
Nidra Yoga
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Micheal has been working with wounded (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) EOD technicians for the last 12 years with EOD Warrior Foundation (https://eodwarriorfoundation.org) until he retired last year. He began working with wounded military personnel as a recovery care coordinator. He spent years learning from disabled veterans how they dealt with their trauma and now is sharing those powerful teaching moments with us and I am so grateful for that.
Favorite quotes:
“Wellness; A conscious deliberate process that requires a person to become aware of and make choices for a satisfying lifestyle.” - Dr Tonice Krueger
“You are deserving of help.” - Micheal Mack
You may feel like you are less deserving than another, but we all are deserving.
“When serving others, you are serving yourself”
Resources:
- https://eodwarriorfoundation.org
- Hope and wellness program and eod warrior foundation
- Educated family and friends
- Experiment on different things, don’t give up just because therapist, book, podcast, retreat, or program didn’t work for you.
- http://lonesurvivorfoundation.org
- http://bouldercrest.org
- VA.gov
- https://invictusgamesfoundation.org
- https://www.shepherdsmen.com/sharemilitaryinitiative
- https://www.warriorsheart.com
- https://k9sforwarriors.org
- Resource library on Eod Warrior Foundation
- Exercise
- Sleep
- Self-care
- Meditation (https://www.davidlynchfoundation.org)
- Breathing techniques
- Try new things
- VA Federal Benefits (https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp
- National resource directory (https://nrd.gov)
- https://www.benefits.va.gov/transition/tap.asp
- Know who your county veterans service officers are (yeah Jonathan, slacker)
- Struggle Well by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg
- War and the Soul by Edward Tick
- Why We Sleep by Mathew Walker
- Read a book about a Vietnam POW, will put your struggles into perspective. If you need motivation to see what we are capable of pick up on of these books; When Hell was in Session by Jeremiah A Denton, The Passing of the Night by Robinson Risner, Five Years to Freedom by James N Rowe
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Abby describes how having like minded individuals who are going through similar situations helped by sharing resources, ideas on ways to overcome obstacles and help to be able to share things with people who understand. Her group is specific to Bank of America but the benefits are universal to support groups and there was several insightful things shared in this conversation. Things from tax implications, relocating for work and all the unique situations that military families go through are things they were able to help each other with.
Resources:
Bettermoneyhabits.com
lonesurvivorfoundation.org
https://bouldercrest.org
‘Loving someone with PTSD’ by Aphrodite Matsakis
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
One of the most important things to have in your life when getting after some PTSD, is an awesome support network. Sarah freakin crushed it and shares some of the how’s and what she did. She talks about how she got better about being a support person by asking at therapy and a support group. I am so grateful for this awesome woman to come on and share her perspective and hope it is beneficial for others. Spouses like this are why we have men and women who are able to go out there and do these incredible jobs.
Resources:
Therapy for herself
Maybe poked Mike to go get therapy 😏
Support network (like minded friends who don’t judge)
Became an informed family support network
Military support group (Veterans and Spouses)
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Service member and his family share their story.
From the age of 3 Mike knew he was going to join the United States Air Force. He tells us his story from the farm fields, to the military, to childhood passion as a job. Mike is a great story teller and I have always enjoyed listening to his stories. This was a really enjoyable chat with a good friend. I hope you all enjoy.
Resources mentioned:
Therapy
An informed support group
Good friends who don't judge
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Joined by Cory Kapes with The Warrior Sailing Program. We dive deep into the organizations mission: Getting military service members on the water can provide physical, mental and emotional therapy for a variety of injuries and illness. Sailing is an outlet to cope with the long term effects of PTSD, brain injury, amputation, paralysis and nerve damage…plus it’s really fun way for our warrior sailors to express their most natural abilities: teamwork and competitive drive. I hope you all enjoy the chat as much as I did.
Where to find Warrior Sailing:https://warriorsailing.org
They can also be found on IG, Facebook and YouTube. Links for these can be found at the bottom of their website or just search for warrior sailing on the associated platform.
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Joined by Josh, a veteran who has been exploring for years on ways to improve the quality of his life while dealing with PTSD. This was a great conversation and I felt like when when it was over, I walked away with new ideas of things to look deeper into and try that I haven’t thought of until this chat. I look forward to circling back with him down the road to see what new things he has tried and the benefits of those.
Ideas discussed:
Craniosacral Therapy (CST)
Myofascial Release Therapy
Ayahuasca Retreat
Vipassana (silent) Retreat
Meditative Breathing
Functional Patterns (IG or functionalpatterns.com)
Breathe by Rickson Gracie
The Angel and The Assassin by Donna Jackson Nakazawa
The Razor’s Edge (1984) movie and book by W. Somerset Maugham
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for veterans or first responders who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for these groups, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat and share that knowledge with the community.
Combat Veteran and good friend that shares some old stories from back when we were both young and bright eyed, to the days that followed war. He shares hurdles from poor therapists to therapeutic practices that worked and didn’t work for him. He dives deep into indicators of deeper issues and what he did to become a better version of himself.
Resources Referenced:
Therapy (EMDR specifically)
Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine (Book)
Heroes and Horses (organization)
K9sforwarriors.org (service dogs)
*This was my real first interview, sorry for the audio and the clunkiness of it. I was not used to the delay in the call and stepped on him a bit. So glad he was awesome at keeping his direction and I have improved ha*
Please share and like on IG, FB, Youtube and Twitter. I am always looking for any veterans or first responders (doctors, nurses, fire, police…) who have battled PTSD. Additionally if you support, provide services for this group, or have extensive knowledge of benefits available for these groups please reach out. I would love to have a chat.
It would be rude to ask others to come on to a podcast and share their journey with PTSD if I did not share mine. I hope there is something about my journey that is beneficial to someone else. Please help support the growth of this podcast by sharing and following on IG, Twitter, Facebook or Youtube. Thank you for your support.
I am looking to reach out to those suffering in silence with PTSD by chatting with as many veterans and first responders as will talk with me. The goal and purpose is to show as many different perspectives as possible. I also plan to reach out to the support community to find resources and what is out there for us to help raise the quality of our lives.