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Join Us for an Inspiring Journey in Veteran Leadership and Personal Growth! 🎙️

In this powerful episode of the Security Halt! Podcast, host Deny Caballero sits down with Brandon "Jackal" Hayes to uncover his remarkable story of resilience, from a turbulent youth to an accomplished military career. Brandon shares invaluable life lessons on mentorship, leadership, and how his time in the military shaped his path. This conversation dives deep into the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, the strength needed to persevere through personal struggles, and how community and veteran support play a critical role in the journey toward success.

Whether you're navigating your own path after the military or looking for insights on entrepreneurship and personal growth, this episode has something for everyone. Brandon’s story is not just about his own transformation—it's about the ongoing mission to help others succeed.

Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation packed with practical advice and motivation. 🚀

🔔 Subscribe, share, and follow us on Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts for more insightful episodes like this one!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:01 Military Journey and Transformation

06:00 Leadership and Mentorship in the Military

09:11 The Importance of Resilience and Hardship

12:00 Experiences in Afghanistan

18:02 Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life

23:55 Building a New Life and Business

30:07 Community Engagement and Mentorship

35:46 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

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Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Brandon today!

LinkedIn: Brandon H.

Instagram: jackal_6_actual

Business Instagram: jackal_group

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In this powerful episode, veteran Deke Letson shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming PTSD and the struggle to find effective mental health support within the VA system. He exposes the challenges many veterans face with overmedication and inadequate therapy options, highlighting the urgent need for trauma-focused, holistic care. Deke discusses his transition from traditional treatment to wilderness therapy, where he found healing through adventure and outdoor experiences. Veterans Exploration Therapy (VETx), the organization he is now a part of, harnesses the power of nature to create transformative experiences for veterans and their families. VETx offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, snorkeling, and even shark diving, promoting mental health recovery through adventure and connection with nature. By addressing the root causes of trauma, VETx provides veterans with critical resources and support outside the conventional VA system. The program emphasizes early intervention, encouraging veterans to seek help at the first signs and symptoms of mental health struggles. With a focus on healing, happiness, and community, this episode sheds light on the importance of adventure therapy and the positive impact it can have on veterans’ mental health.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Experience as a Veteran

03:11 Challenges with the VA System

08:25 The Importance of Effective Therapy

12:03 The Limitations of Medication

16:17 The Impact of Trauma and the Need for Support

23:15 Stupid Shit and Brain Health

25:27 The Signature Injury of the GWOT Era

27:19 Operating in the 0-50% Range

29:38 From Nonprofit to Reality

31:31 The Healing Starts at Home

34:00 The Importance of Outdoor Experiences

36:02 Adventures in Colorado

38:31 Material Possessions vs. Experiences

41:05 Early Intervention and Seeking Help

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Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Deke today!

LinkedIn: Deke Letson

Facebook: Veteran Exploration Therapy

Instagram: vetxtherapy

Website: vetxtherapy.org

Email: info@vetxtherapy.org

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In this compelling episode, Kim Burditt opens up about her deeply personal journey through suicide loss and how it fueled her commitment to suicide prevention, especially among military and veteran communities. She shares the vital role of peer support in healing and finding renewed purpose after devastating loss. The conversation delves into the complex nature of grief, highlighting the importance of allowing individuals the space to navigate their unique grieving process. Emphasizing the healing potential of alternative therapies, such as art and music therapy, the episode sheds light on the evolving understanding of grief as a natural human experience. Kim’s story reinforces that pain and suffering, while profound, will gradually ease with time. A spotlight is placed on the Black Box Project, an innovative initiative by Stop Soldier Suicide, which analyzes digital data from service members lost to suicide to uncover behavioral trends. This project aims to improve interventions and provide targeted support to those at risk. The episode concludes with a powerful message of hope, underscoring the significance of seeking help and standing together to prevent future loss.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Story

02:05 The Impact of Suicide Loss

07:24 Post-Traumatic Growth and Finding Meaning

10:13 Navigating the Complexities of Grief

14:10 Allowing Yourself to Feel and Process Grief

17:46 Grief as a Connection and a Privilege

24:38 Intentional Work and Navigating the Waves of Grief

26:21 Embracing Grief and Understanding its Nature

32:10 The Black Box Project: Analyzing Data for Suicide Prevention

48:23 Seeking Help and Supporting One Another in the Fight Against Suicide

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Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Kim today!

LinkedIn:

X: @SoldierSuicide

Instagram: stopsoldiersuicide

Website: stopsoldiersuicide.org/blackboxproject

Email: kim.burditt@stopsoldiersuicide.org

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Josh Skovlund, opens up about his journey through military service, the challenges of transitioning to civilian life, and his personal battle with health issues. Originally aiming to become a PJ in the Air Force, Josh's path led him to the Ranger Regiment as a forward observer. His story takes a dramatic turn as he faces severe health problems, including a TBI and a brain cyst, which eventually resulted in his military discharge.

In this conversation, Josh shares how alternative approaches like meditation, yoga, and self-care have helped him manage his mental and physical health. He discusses how therapy played a vital role in coping with grief, and emphasizes the importance of finding healthy coping mechanisms and avoiding unhealthy habits. Josh also highlights the need for veterans to focus on mental health and seek out effective ways to heal.

Additionally, Josh delves into his commitment to unbiased journalism, discussing his work with Security Halt Media, alongside Deny Caballero, and his collaboration with Task and Purpose. Through his experiences, he stresses the need for honest, thoughtful media coverage of veterans and their struggles, ensuring that their stories are told with truth and integrity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

07:48 Challenges and Discharge

13:12 Health Issues and Alternative Therapies

23:08 Addressing Mental and Physical Health

35:56 Therapy and Flashbacks

38:19 Finding Peace and Overcoming Grief

41:41 Prioritizing Self-Care and Healthy Habits

45:44 Alcohol vs. Marijuana

49:03 Being Fun Sober and Breaking Out of Your Shell

53:21 The Power of Unbiased Journalism

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Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Josh Skovlund today!

LinkedIn: Joshua Skovlund

X: @malarkeyaside

Instagram: Joshua_skovlund

Website: taskandpurpose.com

Support the show

Produced by Security Halt Media

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In this powerful episode, Dr. Rebecca Ivory, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, shares her journey of supporting the mental health of special operators and veterans. Dr. Ivory discusses the critical need for innovation in addressing mental health challenges, focusing on the unique impact of cumulative low-level blast exposure on the brain and body. She also delves into the widespread issue of sleep apnea within the military community and stresses the importance of seeking treatment.

This episode explores the connection between traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and the endocrine system, highlighting how untreated TBIs can lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, diabetes, and other endocrine problems. Dr. Ivory also emphasizes the importance of peer support, therapy, and raising awareness about the normalization of these symptoms among veterans and special operators.

Together, Deny and Dr. Ivory unpack the critical role of therapy and peer support in managing these challenges within the military community.

Tune in to learn how mental health professionals like Dr. Ivory are creating innovative solutions to support our veterans and special operators.

Chapters

00:00 Dr. Rebecca Ivory's Journey

08:09 The Need for Innovation in Mental Health Support

15:17 The Impact of Cumulative Low-Level Blast Exposure

23:13 Addressing Sleep Apnea in the Military Community

25:04 The Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

29:25 Normalizing Symptoms within the Military Community

33:48 The Importance of Peer Support and Sharing Experiences

36:54 The Role of Therapy in Managing Emotional Burden

46:55 The Need for Increased Awareness and Resources

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Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Rebecca today!

LinkedIn: Rebecca Ann Ivory DNP, MS, PMHNP-BC

Instagram: tacticalpsychiatry

Website: tacticalpsychiatry.com

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Produced by Security Halt Media

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In this episode of the Security Halt! podcast, host Deny Caballero speaks with Keith Cassant, co-host of the VET S.O.S podcast, about his journey from the military to civilian life. Keith shares his personal story, from his upbringing to his passion for music, which led him to join the Army band. He opens up about the challenges he faced during his transition, including struggles with low self-esteem and substance abuse.

Keith emphasizes the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources during the transition. He shares his experience navigating various jobs before finding his dream job—one that allows him to give back to the veteran community. Together, Deny and Keith discuss the significance of finding the right job fit and the power of networking in the job search process.

They also explore why veterans should be open to new career paths and opportunities. Keith offers valuable insights on the federal job application process and highlights the benefits of working for the federal government. In addition, they discuss the Vet S.O.S podcast, which helps connect veterans with vital resources and organizations to support their transition into civilian life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

06:16 Passion for Music in the Military

13:15 Challenges with Low Self-Esteem and Substance Abuse

19:15 Finding Fulfillment in a Job that Gives Back

25:12 Giving Back to the Veteran Community

27:26 Exploring Different Career Paths and Being Open to New Opportunities

38:14 Connecting Veterans with Resources through the Vet SOS Podcast

Your support means the world to us, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest episodes and join our growing community!

Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Keith and check out VET S.O.S podcast today!

VET S.O.S. Podcast

LinkedIn: Keith Cassant, MAOL, SPHR, CEH

Instagram: vetsospodcast

Website: vetsospodcast.com

Support the show

Produced by Security Halt Media

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In this episode, we explore the profound impact of moral injury and its effects on individuals who have faced trauma, particularly in the military. We discuss the importance of understanding moral injury and the need for healing through storytelling and embracing the hero’s journey. Our guest, Marcus Farris, shares his path to recovery, highlighting how coaching and post-traumatic growth helped him challenge the victim narrative and embrace personal growth and resilience.

The conversation touches on the benefits of engaging in physical activities and the role of the mind-body connection in promoting healing. Marcus recounts his journey to finding his passion for veteran wellness and sports after joining Mission 22 and taking part in recovery and resiliency programs. He discusses his experiences with triathlons, HYROX, and how pushing beyond one’s comfort zone fosters personal growth. Marcus encourages veterans to reconnect with activities they once loved and to seek help when needed. Through his new book “ Return: Life after Moral Injury"#1, Marcus explores the steps we can all take to find ourselves and learn to thrive once again.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Marcus’s skin care routine

02:50 Understanding and Addressing Moral Injury

06:02 The Power of Storytelling and the Hero's Journey

10:30 Challenging the Victim Narrative

15:04 Coaching and Post-Traumatic Growth in Healing

21:26 Embracing Personal Growth and Resilience

24:58 The Benefits of Engaging in Challenging Physical Activities

28:36 Finding passion in veteran wellness and sports

33:03 Engaging in triathlons and high rocks

37:28 Rekindling old activities and trying new things

40:32 The power of physical activities in healing and resilience

46:37 Seeking help and support for personal growth

Your support means the world to us, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest episodes and join our growing community!

Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Marcus and Mission 22!

LinkedIn: Marcus Farris

Instagram: ultrarunfarris

Mission 22 Instagram: mission_22

Website: mission22.com

Support the show

Produced by Security Halt Media

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This episode explores the importance of mental health and seeking help, particularly within the military community. Green Beret Bryan Ray returns to discuss his personal struggles and the challenges they faced in seeking support. Bryan emphasize the need to normalize mental health and break down the stigma surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the impact of trauma and the difficulty of comparing one's experiences to others. Overall, the Bryan and Deny highlight the importance of addressing mental health and seeking help to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life. The conversation explores the importance of addressing mental health and finding alternative treatments for veterans and individuals dealing with trauma. It emphasizes the negative impact of relying solely on pharmaceuticals and the need for natural medicines like cannabis and psilocybin. The conversation also highlights the importance of finding purpose and passion in life after military service, and not settling for a mundane existence. It encourages veterans to embrace discomfort and use their unique skills and mindset to excel in the civilian world. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the need for better transition support and representation of veterans in various fields.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Struggles

05:12 The Importance of Mental Health and Seeking Help

10:53 Challenges in Seeking Help within the Military Community

15:47 The Process of Seeking Help and Addressing Mental Health

19:27 The Impact of Trauma and Breaking Down the Stigma

27:22 Exploring Alternative Treatments for Mental Health

31:56 Finding Purpose and Passion After Military Service

35:03 Embracing Discomfort and Using Unique Skills

38:12 The Need for Better Transition Support

45:12 Representation of Veterans in Various Fields

Your support means the world to us, so please remember to LIKE, FOLLOW, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE to stay updated with our latest episodes and join our growing community!

Instagram: @securityhalt

X: @SecurityHalt

Tik Tok: @security.halt.pod

LinkedIn: Deny Caballero

Connect with Bryan!

LinkedIn: Bryan Ray

Instagram: b.ray_dol

Business Instagram: rayality_media

Support the show

Produced by Security Halt Media